The Story Of Hazrat Yousuf (AS)
The Story of Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)
Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) was the beloved son of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) who also had 11 other sons. Binyamin, who was the youngest, was from the same mother as Yusuf, while the rest were older half-brothers.
Yusuf, still a young boy, awoke one glorious morning delighted by a pleasant dream he just had.
Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was overjoyed at the realization that his dear son was indeed chosen by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) to be bestowed with Prophethood. However, Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was concerned about his older sons’ possible reaction to this narration, for even though he treated them equally, they harbored jealousy towards Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He, therefore, warned Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) against relating his dream to his brothers lest they plot for his downfall.
With time, the malice in the hearts of Yusuf’s brothers kept growing. They envied Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) because they felt he was special, and they were not. Unable to handle their emotions, they devised a plan to get rid of Yusuf by throwing him into a well. So, one day, they approached their father and asked whether Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) could come out with them to play.
But the older brothers insisted that they would take extreme care of him and that Yusuf would enjoy himself.
The next day, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) set off with his brothers. They traveled far in pursuit of a well deep enough to throw their brother in. When they finally reached the well, on the pretext of drinking water, they led him to it, grabbed him, and removed his shirt. Yusuf began struggling and pleaded with them to let go. The brothers eventually outpowered Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), threw him down the well, and rushed back home.
The brothers ran to their father, carrying Yusuf's shirt that was smeared with sheep's blood.
Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was suspicious of their story. He, in his heart, believed his son was still alive and that the brothers were likely enticed by Shaitan to do evil.
He remarked that the wolf was indeed merciful to have eaten his son up without tearing his shirt! He bore the bereavement with patience and prayed for his son's safe return.
Meanwhile, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) managed to cling to a stone ledge, and he prayed fervently to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) to grant him salvation. Soon, a caravan bound for Egypt stopped at this well to fetch water.The water drawer hauled up his bucket, and he was shocked to see the boy clinging to the rope.
The caravan people immediately shackled Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and took him along to Egypt.The word quickly spread throughout Egypt that a strikingly handsome and athletic boy was to be auctioned. This news piqued the interest of the wealthy and elite bidders, eager to see if the rumors were true.
The auction went wild, with bids escalating rapidly. Ultimately, he was sold to the highest bidder, who was none other than Al-Azeez, the chief minister of Egypt. Yusuf's new master, who had no children, was completely taken with Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He told his wife to take good care of Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and they could either use him as a slave or, perhaps, even adopt him as their son.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) not only grew up to be a handsome young man but was also blessed with exceptional knowledge and wisdom by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).
It is narrated in the famous hadith when the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) ascended to heaven during the night journey, he went through the gate and entered the third heaven where he saw Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who was said to have been given, "half of (world) beauty." (Sahih Muslim 162a)
His integrity and honesty captivated the heart of Al-Azeez, who entrusted Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to be in charge of his household. It was during this period Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was confronted with his second trial. Zulaika, Al-Azeez's wife, watched Yusuf day after day, her feelings intensifying to the point of obsession. Overwhelmed by her desires, she became desperate to fulfill them.
One day, when her husband was away from home, she closed the doors and invited Yusuf to her.
Thus, Yusuf's innocence was proven. Al-Azeez apologized for his wife's indecency and swore Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to secrecy.
Nevertheless, the story of Zulaika's pursuit spread. Other women began ridiculing her character. Distressed, Zulaika planned to prove to them her helpless reaction to Yusuf's extraordinary handsomeness. Hence, she invited these women to a banquet at her residence one day. There, she served them fruit along with knives.
When the women were happily chatting away while slicing fruits, Zulaika summoned Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The women looked up at him. Astonished at such angelic beauty, they cut their hands without realizing they had. Zulaika seized the moment to announce that this was the man for whom she was blamed.
She then warned Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) that if he denied her again, he would be imprisoned,
That night, Zulaika convinced her husband that the only way to safeguard her honor and his prestige was to imprison Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). This was a tough decision for Al-Azeez. He knew of Yusuf's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) innocence and believed him to be trustworthy, but nevertheless, he agreed with his wife. Thus, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was unjustly imprisoned.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Years in Prison:
During Yusuf's time in prison, he was bestowed with the ability to interpret dreams. Around the same time, two other men were sentenced to prison. The first was a cupbearer to the King, and the other was the King's chef.
Yusuf's cellmates, mesmerized by his piety, sought him to have their dreams explained. One dreamt that he was serving the king wine, and the other was carrying bread on his head, which two birds were eating up.
The King Has a Dream:
One day the king of Egypt had an odd dream. Не summoned his men and said,
"Indeed, I have seen seven fat cows being eaten by seven [that were] lean, and seven green spikes [of grain] and others [that were] dry. O eminent ones, explain to me my vision, if you should interpret visions."
The cupbearer, who immediately remembered his companion in prison, informed the King of Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his impeccable dream interpretations. The King sent his cupbearer to prison to meet with Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and inquire about this peculiar dream.
Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), based on the dream, understood that there was going to be a famine in seven years that would last seven years. He advised the King to take immediate action to start harvesting and storing ample food supplies. Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) counseled that this preparation would be crucial to make sure there's enough food available for everyone. Furthermore, he gave the good news that the following year would be a year of abundance. Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) would bring rainfall allowing the crops to flourish.
Convinced by Yusuf's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) interpretation of dreams, the King ordered to meet him in person. However, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) declined to leave prison before his innocence was established. He insisted on a fair trial to defend his honor.
Thus, Yusuf's innocence was proven. Released from prison, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) stood before the King to thank him for his generosity. Yusuf greatly impressed the King; after losing his freedom and being falsely imprisoned for many years, he wasn't angry, seeking revenge. He was composed and showed the noblest of qualities. Because of this, the King felt comfortable appointing Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to a high position.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asked if he could be made the storekeeper over the storehouses across his land. He wanted to be a controller over the granaries to ensure they were well-equipped to endure the long famine. It was not out of self-interest but a personal responsibility he felt to make sure people would not die due to shortages.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) harvested and stored crops during the seven years of fertility. Then, as predicted, came the years of famine that also reached the household of his father Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in Canaan. Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sent all his sons except Binyamin to Egypt to purchase provisions.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) immediately recognized his brothers and provided for them, but they did not recognize him. And why would they? To them, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) had passed away years ago.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) informed them that if they brought their brother back with them the next time, he would reward them with double the rations. But if they failed to do so, he would limit their measure.
He wanted to make sure they would fulfill his command. As an additional precaution, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) ordered one of his servants to put their money back in their bags so that when they returned home, they'd have enough money to return and purchase more.
Yaqub was enraged. How could he trust them when they had failed him terribly with Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)? After some time, however, their needs pressed Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to send Binyamin with them for more provisions. He took their solemn oath to safeguard him.
Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then prayed to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) to safeguard their departure,
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reunited with his Brother:
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) welcomed the privileged guests and invited them to a feast. With great difficulty, he withheld from immediately embracing his brother. Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) showered his guests with his gifts and hospitality. Afterward, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) arranged for Binaymin to be lodged in a room with him alone where he disclosed, "Indeed, I am your brother." (12:69)
Binaymin was overjoyed and swung his arms around his older brother.
The soldiers pursuing the matters further inquired about the consequences if the thief was among them. With confidence, the brothers responded that if one of them was found guilty, they should offer themselves a slave to the owner of the stolen cup. The brother believed that this would be just, to lend oneself over as property to the owner just as the thief had taken their property.
During the search, the cup was found in Binyamin's bag.
Shock and disbelief struck the brothers; thoughts of their sick father at home and their promise to protect Binyamin at all costs circled their minds. The brothers knew that their father loved Binyamin very dearly, and he was a means of relief since losing Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). They worried the loss of Binyamin would completely devastate their father.
They begged the soldiers to release their younger brother and take one of them instead, but the soldiers refused.
So, the rest of the brothers left Egypt, leaving the eldest behind.
Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) suffers patiently:
When they returned home, they broke the news to Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), "O our father, indeed your son has stolen, and we did not testify except to what we knew. And we were not witnesses of the unseen, And ask the city in which we were and the caravan in which we came – and indeed, we are truthful" (12:81-82)
Prophet Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) faced the grave situation with the grace of a true believer. Seeking any kind of peace, he turned to prayer, placing his trust in Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) plan: "Perhaps Allah will bring them to me all together. Indeed it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise." (12:83) He hoped for the safe return of his youngest and eldest sons, who remained stuck in Egypt. Yet, this new loss rekindled his enduring grief for Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Turning away in sorrow, he cried, "Oh, my sorrow over Joseph." (12:84)
It is said that in his sadness, he cried so much his eyes became white from grief, which led to his blindness.
His condition became so bad the brothers began to worry about his health; they warned Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),
In his steadfastness, Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) responded to his sons saying, "I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know." (12:86). Commentators believe that in saying this line, "I know from Allah that which you do not know," was expressing his belief in the goodness from Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). He anticipates that Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is still alive and that the vision he conveyed to him when he was young would still hold true.
Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then responded, "O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people." (12:87)
The Return To Egypt.
The sons returned to Egypt once again. They met with Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and pleaded that tragedy had befallen them.
As instructed, the brothers cast Yusuf's shirt over their father's face, and Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) miraculously restored his eyesight!They beseeched their father to seek Allah's forgiveness for them. Together, they all set off to Egypt, where Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warmly welcomed them.
Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), in His infinite wisdom and mercy, brought about the reunion of father and son after many years of separation.
In a beautiful fulfillment of Allah's (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) decree, the surah, which began with Yusuf's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) prophetic dream, concludes with reaching the point where that becomes a reality.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) makes a du'a to his creator, thanking him for all his blessings.
Brief Summary:
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) could have chosen to be bitter and question Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) by saying,
“I thought you had ordained for me greatness”.He could have easily complained and asked,
“Why do these things keep happening to me.”
But he knew better; he knew Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) had a plan for him, and he had to just keep faith.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) focused on being the best he could, treating people right, with respect and dignity, and doing more than what was requested of him. If he did his part, he knew Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) would take care of him. He was taken away as a child and grew up not knowing his family. And despite these odds, he grew to be a man of noble status, respected by all those who met him, from Al-Azeez to the women who cut their hands and to the King - they all admired Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) for his excellent qualities. It's a lesson that circumstances don't make the man. They only reveal him to himself.
It's also noteworthy to mention that the story of Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds a unique place in the Qur'an. He is the only Prophet to have his story told chronologically within a single surah, titled "Surah Yusuf." Contrast this with the stories of the other prophets, which are mentioned in different surahs and require piecing together. We strongly recommend readers to listen and follow along with the translation of Surah Yusuf, as it beautifully recounts the entirety of the Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) journey.
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