The story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) peace be upon him is one of the most captivating narratives in the Quran, offering profound lessons in patience, faith, and forgiveness. It is a tale of trials and triumphs, where the unwavering belief in Allah’s plan leads to eventual success and reconciliation. Found in Surah Yusuf (Chapter Surat Yusuf verse), this narrative is a complete recounting of Yusuf’s life, from his early years to his rise to power in Egypt. This blog explores the story in detail, weaving together a brief overview and the Quranic verses that recount this remarkable journey.
Yusuf’s Dream and His Brothers’ Jealousy
The story of Yusuf peace be upon him begins with a vivid and symbolic dream. Yusuf, one of the twelve sons of Prophet Ya’qub (Jacob) peace be upon , was dearly loved by his father. One night, Yusuf dreamt that eleven stars, along with the sun and the moon, were bowing down to him. Ya’qub, understanding that the dream was a sign of Yusuf’s future greatness, advised him to keep the dream a secret from his brothers, who were already envious of him.
However, despite Yusuf’s efforts, his brothers’ jealousy intensified. Feeling that their father favoured Yusuf over them, they plotted to rid themselves of their younger brother. They decided to throw him into a well and then lied to their father, claiming that a wolf had devoured him. A passing caravan eventually found Yusuf and sold him as a slave in Egypt.
Quranic Verses: Yusuf’s Dream and His Brothers’ Plot
Quran Surat Yusuf verse 4 to 5:
“When Joseph said to his father, ‘O my father, indeed I have seen [in a dream] eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me.’ He said, ‘O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers or they will contrive against you a plan. Indeed Satan, to man, is a manifest enemy.'”
Quran Surat Yusuf verse 8 to 10:
“They said, ‘Joseph and his brother are more beloved to our father than we, while we are a clan. Indeed, our father is in clear error.’ They said, ‘Kill Joseph or cast him out to [another] land; the countenance of your father will [then] be only for you, and you will be after that a righteous people.’ Said a speaker among them, ‘Do not kill Joseph but throw him into the bottom of the well; some travellers will pick him up if you would do [something].'”
Quran Surat Yusuf verse 18:
“And they brought upon his shirt false blood. [Jacob] said, ‘Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. And Allah is the one sought for help against that which you describe.'”
Yusuf in Egypt: A Test of Faith
Yusuf’s life took a dramatic turn when he was sold into slavery in Egypt. He was purchased by a nobleman known as Al to Aziz, who recognized Yusuf’s potential and treated him well. Over time, Yusuf grew into a man of remarkable character and beauty, qualities that caught the eye of Al to Aziz’s wife, Zulaikha. She tried to seduce Yusuf, but he resisted, fearing Allah and remaining steadfast in his faith.
Frustrated by his rejection, Zulaikha falsely accused Yusuf of attempting to seduce her, leading to his unjust imprisonment. Despite being wronged, Yusuf continued to place his trust in Allah, demonstrating immense patience.
Quranic Verses: Yusuf in Egypt and the Test of Zulaikha
Quran Surat Yusuf verse 19 to 21:
“And there came a company of travelers; then they sent their water drawer, and he let down his bucket. He said, ‘Good news! Here is a boy.’ And they concealed him, [taking him] as merchandise; and Allah was Knowing of what they did. And the one from Egypt who bought him said to his wife, ‘Make his residence comfortable. Perhaps he will benefit us, or we will adopt him as a son.’ And thus, We established Joseph in the land that We might teach him the interpretation of events. And Allah is predominant over His affair, but most of the people do not know.”
Quran Surat Yusuf verse 23 to 25:
“And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, ‘Come, you.’ He said, ‘[I seek] the refuge of Allah. Indeed, he is my master, who has made good my residence. Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed.’ And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. And thus [it was] that We should avert from him evil and immorality. Indeed, he was of Our chosen servants. And they both raced to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back, and they found her husband at the door. She said, ‘What is the recompense of one who intended evil for your wife but that he be imprisoned or a painful punishment?'”
Quran Surat Yusuf verse 35:
“Then it appeared to them after they had seen the signs that he [i.e., Al to Aziz] should surely imprison him for a time.”
Yusuf in Prison: Wisdom and Interpretation of Dreams
Even in the confines of prison, Yusuf’s wisdom and righteousness shone through. He became known for his ability to interpret dreams, a skill that would eventually lead to his freedom. Two of Yusuf’s fellow prisoners had dreams that troubled them. Yusuf accurately interpreted their dreams, predicting that one would be released and the other executed. The prophecy came true, and the released prisoner eventually mentioned Yusuf’s abilities to the king when he had a perplexing dream.
The king’s dream, which Yusuf interpreted, foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Yusuf not only interpreted the dream but also advised the king on how to prepare for the upcoming challenges. Impressed by Yusuf’s insight, the king appointed him to a high position, giving him authority over the land.
Quranic Verses: Yusuf in Prison and His Rise to Power
Quran Surat Yusuf verse 41:
“O two companions of prison, as for one of you, he will give drink to his master of wine; but as for the other, he will be crucified, and the birds will eat from his head. The matter has been decreed about which you both inquire.”
Quran Surat Yusuf verse 43 to 44, 47:
“And the king said, ‘Indeed, I have seen [in a dream] 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.’ They said, ‘[It is but] a mixture of false dreams, and we are not learned in the interpretation of dreams.’… He said, ‘You will plant for seven years consecutively; and what you harvest leave in its spikes, except a little from which you will eat.'”
Quran Surat Yusuf verse 56:
“And thus We established Joseph in the land to settle therein wherever he willed. We touch with Our mercy whom We will, and We do not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.”
Reunion with His Family: Forgiveness and Fulfilment of the Dream
During the years of famine, Yusuf’s brothers travelled to Egypt to buy food, not recognizing their brother who now held a position of great power. After testing their sincerity and eventually revealing his true identity, Yusuf forgave his brothers for their past wrongdoings. He invited his entire family, including his father Ya’qub, to come and live in Egypt, where they were reunited.
The dream that Yusuf had as a child, where the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed to him, was finally fulfilled. His family, in a gesture of respect, prostrated before him, acknowledging his authority and the wisdom of Allah’s plan.
Quranic Verses: Reunion and Fulfilment of Yusuf’s Dream
Quran Surat Yusuf verse 89 to 90:
“He said, ‘Do you know what you did with Joseph and his brother when you were ignorant?’ They said, ‘Are you indeed Joseph?’ He said, ‘I am Joseph, and this is my brother. Allah has certainly favoured us. Indeed, he who fears Allah and is patient, then indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.'”
Surat Yusuf verse
“And he raised his parents upon the throne, and they bowed to him in prostration. And he said, ‘O my father, this is the explanation of my vision of before. My Lord has made it reality. And He was certainly good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you here from bedouin life after Satan had induced [estrangement] between me and my brothers. Indeed, my Lord is subtle in what He wills. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise.'”
Conclusion: The Timeless Lessons from Yusuf’s Story
The story of Prophet Yusuf in the Quran is not just a historical account; it is a timeless lesson on the virtues of patience, the power of faith, and the importance of forgiveness. Despite the numerous trials he faced, Yusuf remained steadfast in his belief in Allah’s wisdom and justice. His story is a testament to the idea that, no matter how dire the circumstances may seem, faith in Allah can guide one through the darkest of times.
Yusuf’s journey from the depths of a well to the heights of power in Egypt exemplifies how divine wisdom can turn hardship into triumph. It teaches us that jealousy, deceit, and betrayal are ultimately powerless against the strength of a pure heart and unwavering faith. In the end, it is Yusuf’s ability to forgive his brothers that brings the story full circle, showing that true greatness lies not in holding power over others, but in the capacity to show mercy.
The lessons from Yusuf’s life continue to resonate with us today, reminding us that patience, faith, and forgiveness are not just noble virtues but are essential to overcoming life’s challenges and achieving true peace and success.
