Welcome to a journey through one of the most profound and inspiring narratives in the tradition: the Story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph). This tale, rich in emotion, intrigue, and divine intervention, is beautifully recounted in Surah Yusuf of the Holy Quran, standing as a testament to faith, perseverance, and the ultimate triumph of truth. Prepare to be moved by a narrative that transcends time, offering invaluable lessons for every soul seeking guidance and understanding.
Story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) , known in biblical traditions as Joseph, was one of the beloved sons of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob). From a young age, Yusuf was blessed with extraordinary beauty and a pure heart. He was also granted the unique gift of interpreting dreams, a talent that would play a pivotal role in his remarkable destiny. His story begins with a vivid dream: he saw eleven stars, the sun, and the moon prostrating before him.
إِذْ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِأَبِيهِ يَا أَبَتِ إِنِّي رَأَيْتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوْكَبًا وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ رَأَيْتُهُمْ لِي سَاجِدِينَ (4)
When he recounted this dream to his father, Prophet Yaqub, a man of wisdom and foresight, immediately understood its profound implications. He warned Yusuf not to share this dream with his jealous half-brothers, sensing the potential for discord and envy.
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The Seeds of Envy: A Brother’s Betrayal
The beginning of Story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) Unfortunately, the love Prophet Yaqub bestowed upon Yusuf and his younger full brother, Benjamin, stirred deep-seated resentment among his other ten sons. They felt overlooked and unjustly treated, unable to comprehend the spiritual stature and innocence of their younger sibling. Their envy festered, leading them to hatch a cruel plot. They conspired to take Yusuf away from their father, believing that once he was out of the picture, their father’s affection would shift entirely to them.
One day, they sought permission from their father to take Yusuf with them to play, promising to protect him. Despite his deep apprehension and love for Yusuf, Prophet Yaqub reluctantly agreed. As soon as they were out of their father’s sight, their malicious intentions surfaced. Instead of playing, they stripped Yusuf of his shirt and cast him into a deep, desolate well.
They then smeared his shirt with false blood and returned to their father, weeping crocodile tears, claiming that a wolf had devoured Yusuf. Prophet Yaqub, though deeply distressed, instinctively knew their story was a fabrication. With a heavy heart, he turned to Allah, exhibiting remarkable patience (sabr) and faith, declaring, “Patience is most fitting. And Allah is the one from whom we seek help against that which you describe.”
From Well to Palace: A New Beginning of Story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in Egypt
Another chapter of Story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) While languishing in the darkness of the well, Yusuf was not abandoned by divine providence. A caravan traveling to Egypt soon stopped by the well to draw water. To their astonishment, they found a beautiful young boy. They decided to take him to Egypt and sell him as a slave, seeing an opportunity for profit. Thus, Yusuf, a freeborn prophet’s son, was unjustly sold into slavery in the bustling markets of Egypt.
He was purchased by Al-Aziz, a high-ranking official in Pharaoh’s court, who was impressed by Yusuf’s striking appearance and calm demeanor. Al-Aziz took Yusuf into his home, instructing his wife, Zulaikha, to treat him with kindness and respect. In this new household, Yusuf grew into a remarkably handsome and virtuous young man, blessed with wisdom and impeccable character.
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The Trial of Temptation: Upholding Chastity
The Story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) continued As Yusuf matured, his beauty and noble character became undeniable. Zulaikha, the wife of Al-Aziz, became infatuated with him. She tried repeatedly to seduce him, but Yusuf, ever mindful of Allah and his duty, steadfastly resisted her advances. He understood the gravity of sin and the betrayal it would represent to his master, who had given him shelter and trust.
One day, Zulaikha, consumed by her desires, locked the doors and attempted to force herself upon him. Yusuf, seeking refuge in Allah, tried to escape. As he rushed towards the door, Zulaikha tore his shirt from behind. At that very moment, Al-Aziz entered, witnessing the scene. Zulaikha, to deflect blame, immediately accused Yusuf of attempting to assault her.
Yusuf, in his defense, truthfully explained the situation. A wise witness, a relative of Zulaikha, pointed out a crucial detail: if Yusuf’s shirt torn from the front, he was the aggressor, but if it torn from the back, Zulaikha was lying. Upon inspecting the shirt, they found it was indeed torn from the back, unequivocally proving Yusuf’s innocence and Zulaikha’s deceit. Despite his innocence, Yusuf unjustly imprisoned to quell the scandal and protect the reputation of Al-Aziz’s household.
وَرَاوَدَتْهُ الَّتِي هُوَ فِي بَيْتِهَا عَنْ نَفْسِهِ وَغَلَّقَتْ الأَبْوَابَ وَقَالَتْ هَيْتَ لَكَ قَالَ مَعَاذَ اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ رَبِّي أَحْسَنَ مَثْوَايَ إِنَّهُ لا يُفْلِحُ الظَّالِمُونَ [سورة يوسف:23
In the Dungeons: The Gift of Interpretation
Even in the confines of the prison, Yusuf’s virtuous character shone brightly. He continued to worship Allah and advise his fellow prisoners with wisdom and kindness. It was here that he met two men, a cupbearer and a baker, who had perplexing dreams. They recognized Yusuf’s unique ability and sought his interpretation.
Yusuf, before interpreting their dreams, called them to the oneness of Allah, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his prophetic mission. He then revealed that one of them, the cupbearer, would released and return to his former position, while the other, the baker, would crucified.
Both interpretations came to pass exactly as Yusuf had predicted. He asked the cupbearer to mention him to the king, hoping for his release, but the cupbearer forgot. Thus, Yusuf remained in prison for several more years, a testament to the trials and tribulations that even prophets endure.
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The King’s Dream: Yusuf’s Path to Power
Years later, the king of Egypt had a disturbing dream: seven fat cows devoured by seven lean ones, and seven green ears of corn followed by seven dry ones. None of the court interpreters could provide a satisfactory explanation. It was then that the cupbearer, remembering Yusuf after so long, spoke of his extraordinary gift.
The king immediately sent for Yusuf. From prison, Yusuf interpreted the dream with profound insight: the seven fat cows and green ears represented seven years of abundant harvest, to followed by seven years of severe famine. He advised the king to store grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the lean years. Impressed by Yusuf’s wisdom, integrity, and foresight, the king not only released him but appointed him as the chief minister in charge of the granaries and the land’s provisions.
The Years of Famine and the Return of the Brothers
Yusuf’s wisdom and administrative genius allowed Egypt to successfully navigate the seven years of abundant harvest, meticulously storing vast quantities of grain. When the predicted seven years of devastating famine finally arrived, it swept across the entire region, affecting not only Egypt but the surrounding lands, including the area where Prophet Yaqub and his family resided in Canaan.
As they were hungry, Yusuf’s half-brothers went to Egypt to purchase provisions, unaware that the powerful minister in charge was the brother they betrayed years ago. When they stood before the noble-looking minister, they did not recognize the handsome, regal figure as the young boy they had tossed into the well. Yusuf, however, immediately recognized them.
He provided them with the provisions they requested and then, employing a strategic, divinely inspired plan, he questioned them about their family, learning they had a younger full brother (Benjamin) who had remained behind. Yusuf insisted they bring their younger brother with them on their next visit to prove their honesty, and he secretly ordered his servants to place the payment they had made for the grain back into their sacks.
The Reunion with Benjamin
When the brothers returned to their father and told him about the minister’s demand to bring Benjamin, Prophet Yaqub was deeply hesitant, recalling the loss of Yusuf. He eventually consented, placing his trust solely in Allah.
Upon their return to Egypt with Benjamin, Yusuf embraced his full brother in private, revealing his true identity to him and comforting him, instructing him not to reveal their secret to the others yet.
As the time came for the brothers to depart, Yusuf orchestrated the final part of his plan. He had a valuable drinking cup, the king’s measure, secretly placed in Benjamin’s sack. Once they left the city, an official sent after them, accusing them of theft. When the sack searched, the cup discovered in Benjamin’s possession. Under the law they had agreed upon, the one who stole the cup to become a servant. The brothers pleaded for Benjamin’s release, but Yusuf, bound by the law and his plan, insisted on retaining him.
The Shirt of Truth and the Restoration of Sight
Devastated, the brothers returned to Prophet Yaqub, reporting the loss of Benjamin. Prophet Yaqub, whose sorrow over Yusuf had never subsided, overwhelmed. He wept bitterly until he lost his sight.
However, one of the older brothers, expressing deep remorse and despair, suggested that they had faced divine consequences for their actions.
Yusuf, seeing their true remorse and suffering, knew the time for the final revelation had come. The brothers returned to Egypt one last time to plead for Benjamin, speaking of their aged and grieving father. It was then that Yusuf, deeply moved, revealed the stunning truth:
“Do you know what you did to Yusuf and his brother in your ignorance?”
Astonished, they asked, “Are you indeed Yusuf?” He replied, “I am Yusuf, and this is my brother. Allah has indeed favored us. Indeed, he who fears Allah and is patient—then indeed, Allah does not allow to lost the reward of the doers of good.”
The brothers, humbled and overcome with guilt, confessed their sin. Yusuf’s response was the pinnacle of virtue and forgiveness:
“No blame will there be upon you this day. May Allah forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful.”
قال لا تثريب عليكم اليوم يغفر الله لكم وهو أرحم الراحمين ( 92 )
Yusuf then gave them his shirt, instructing them to place it over their father’s face. When the shirt, which carried the scent of Yusuf, placed on Prophet Yaqub’s face, his sight immediately restored.
The Prophetic Fulfillment and Lessons of the Story
Prophet Yaqub and his entire family—his eleven sons, along with their wives and children—then journeyed to Egypt. They received with immense honor and ceremony.
As they entered the court, Yusuf, now a ruler, seated his parents on the throne. And then, the ultimate fulfillment of the childhood dream occurred: his parents and his eleven brothers all bowed down to him in respect and reverence.
Prophet Yusuf raised his voice in gratitude to Allah, acknowledging the divine plan:
“My Lord, You have given me [a share] of sovereignty and taught me the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and the earth, You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die as a Muslim [one who submits to Your will] and join me with the righteous.”
The Story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) is not merely a historical account. It is a profound lesson in patience (sabr), perseverance, and, most significantly, forgiveness. It teaches us that:
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Divine planning is always at work, and even what seems like the worst calamity (thrown into a well, slavery, imprisonment) be a stepping stone toward a greater, preordained destiny.
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Integrity and chastity tested under pressure, and holding firm to faith grants victory and honor.
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Forgiveness is the noblest act, transforming bitter enemies into humbled family, and is the key to true peace and reconciliation.
The narrative assures believers that no matter the hardship or betrayal faced. Those who remain steadfast in faith and practice kindness will ultimately rewarded and granted a beautiful end.
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