"The Story of Prophet Yusuf عليه السلا"

"The Story of Prophet Yusuf عليه السلام: A Journey of Patience and Trust in Allah"

Long ago in the land of Canaan, there lived a noble prophet named Yaqub (Jacob) عليه السلام. He had twelve sons, but among them, his heart was especially attached to the young Yusuf. Yusuf was a boy of extraordinary beauty, good character, and pure heart. Even as a child, it was evident he was destined for something great.

One night, young Yusuf had a strange and powerful dream. He ran to his father and said, *"O my father! I saw in my dream eleven stars, the sun, and the moon—I saw them prostrating to me!"* Yaqub, being a prophet himself, understood that this dream had a deeper meaning. He knew Yusuf was chosen by Allah for a special mission, but he warned his son not to tell his brothers. "Do not tell your dream to your brothers," he said, "lest they plot against you. Shaytan is a clear enemy to man."

But jealousy had already crept into the hearts of Yusuf’s brothers. They could not understand why their father loved Yusuf so deeply. Their envy grew, and they began to plot. One of them suggested, *"Let us kill Yusuf or throw him away in some distant land, so our father’s attention will be only on us."* However, one of the elder brothers disagreed and said, *"Do not kill him. Throw him into a well. A passing caravan might pick him up."*

They went to their father and asked to take Yusuf with them, pretending it was for play. Reluctantly, Yaqub agreed, and they took Yusuf into the wilderness. With heavy hearts and evil intention, they cast him into the depths of a dark well and returned home, bringing a shirt stained with false blood. They told their father a wolf had devoured Yusuf.

Yaqub was devastated but knew better than to believe them. Still, he showed incredible patience, saying, *"So patience is most fitting. And Allah is the one sought for help against what you describe."*

Meanwhile, a caravan traveling through the desert stopped by the well. A man sent down a bucket and pulled up the beautiful young Yusuf. Amazed by his appearance, they took him to Egypt and sold him as a slave. He was bought by a nobleman, Al-Aziz, who brought him home and told his wife, *"Take good care of him. He may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son."*

Yusuf grew up with wisdom and beauty. But his trials were far from over. The wife of Al-Aziz, dazzled by Yusuf’s handsomeness, tried to seduce him. When he refused, choosing the fear of Allah over temptation, she falsely accused him. As a result, Yusuf was thrown into prison, though he had done nothing wrong.

Even in prison, Yusuf remained patient and hopeful. He preached to the prisoners about the oneness of Allah and interpreted dreams by Allah’s will. Two men in the prison came to him, seeking the meaning of their dreams. Yusuf interpreted them accurately, and one of the men was eventually freed and became a servant in the palace of the king.

Years later, the king himself had a troubling dream that none of his advisors could explain. The former prisoner remembered Yusuf and told the king about him. Yusuf was called from prison and, by the will of Allah, interpreted the king’s dream: seven years of good harvest followed by seven years of famine.

Impressed, the king freed Yusuf and appointed him as the minister of Egypt, in charge of the grain storehouses. Yusuf now held power and honor in a land far from his home.

Then came the day of reunion.

The famine spread to Canaan, and Yusuf’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food. They did not recognize Yusuf, but he recognized them. Instead of taking revenge, Yusuf tested them to see if they had changed. When they returned a second time, bringing their younger brother Benjamin, Yusuf finally revealed himself. *"I am Yusuf,"* he said. *"And this is my brother. Allah has been gracious to us. Whoever fears Allah and is patient—indeed, Allah does not allow the reward of the good to be lost."*

The brothers were shocked and ashamed. But Yusuf forgave them. *"No blame will there be upon you today,"* he said. *"May Allah forgive you. He is the Most Merciful of the merciful."*

Later, Yusuf sent for his parents and reunited with his family. As he welcomed them, his dream from childhood came true: eleven stars (his brothers), the sun (his father), and the moon (his mother) bowed to him in respect. It was a divine moment of triumph, fulfilled by the will of Allah.

• Lessons from the Story of Yusuf (A.S.):

1. "Patience in hardship": Yusuf faced betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment but never lost faith.

2. "Trust in Allah’s plan": Every part of his journey, no matter how difficult, was part of a bigger plan.

3. "Forgiveness over revenge": When he had power, Yusuf chose mercy.

4." Chastity and self-control": Yusuf resisted temptation, showing moral strength.

5. "Dreams as guidance": With Allah’s help, dreams can be a form of inspiration and prophecy.