The story of Yusuf (Joseph)

Allah (عز وجل) called the story of Yusuf (عليه السلام) "the best of stories".

We remember that when we spoke of the story of Ya'qub (عليه السلام), we said that Allah (عز وجل) gave him 12 boys among his children. Among these boys, there was a beautiful boy called Yusuf; and he had a brother younger than him, called Binyamin (Benjamin).

Yusuf (عليه السلام) is the son of Ya'qub (عليه السلام) who is the son of Ishaq (عليه السلام) and who is the son of Ibrahim (عليه السلام). He is the noble son of the noble son of the noble son, what a lineage!

Yusuf (عليه السلام) had half of human beauty, his father loved him with a boundless love. Ya'qub (عليه السلام) was very attached to his son for he was the best of his children morally and physically.

One day, Yusuf (عليه السلام), who was still only a child, saw a vision during his sleep, and he came to his father to tell him: - O my dear father! - Yes O my son! - I saw something during my sleep, said Yusuf (عليه السلام). - What did you see? asked Ya'qub (عليه السلام).

إِذْ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِأَبِيهِ يَا أَبَتِ إِنِّي رَأَيْتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوْكَبًا وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ رَأَيْتُهُمْ لِي سَاجِدِينَ

[Of these stories mention] 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."

Surah Yusuf, verse 4

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:4-5 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

Ya'qub (عليه السلام) had noticed signs upon his son and sensed the envy of his brothers. He therefore told him not to tell his vision to his brothers for they would mount a plot against him.

Allah (عز وجل) elected and designated this child, Yusuf (عليه السلام). The child would grow up little by little and his brothers envied him, the ten except Binyamin. They were jealous of Yusuf (عليه السلام) and Binyamin and there were the ten, plotting against Yusuf (عليه السلام).

They set about plotting against Yusuf (عليه السلام). They said: "Yusuf and his brother are more beloved to our father than we, while we are a strong group."

Since when is love tied to strength?! The love of a father for his sons comes because of virtues, of goodness but alas, they had no good virtues with their parents and despite that, they are surprised.

- Why does our father Ya'qub love Yusuf and Binyamin more than us?

We are stronger! And despite that he loves Yusuf more than us.

Their envy and their hatred increased to the point that they said:

"Kill Joseph or cast him out to some land, so that your father's face will turn exclusively toward you, and that you may be afterward people of good".

That is to say, we kill him and we commit the sin, and then we repent to Allah, afterward we will be good people. They think that after that, the repentance will be accepted. What a crime they want to commit! They want to kill their brother, it is envy, jealousy that blind the heart, blind the eyes. How can a human dare that!

One of the brothers intervened, he was the most reasonable of them, he said:

"Do not kill Joseph, but throw him, if you are disposed to act, into the bottom of the well so that some caravan may pick him up."

If you want to get rid of him, do not kill him, throw him into a well so that a caravan may pick him up and take him far from you and you will remain alone with your father. You will be well with your father and you will get rid of Yusuf (عليه السلام), if you are disposed to act.

إِذْ قَالُواْ لَيُوسُفُ وَأَخُوهُ أَحَبُّ إِلَى أَبِينَا مِنَّا وَنَحْنُ عُصْبَةٌ إِنَّ أَبَانَا لَفِي ضَلاَلٍ مُّبِينٍ

When 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.

Surah Yusuf, verse 8

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:8 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

The brothers of Yusuf (عليه السلام) agreed on this opinion, that they throw him into the bottom of a well. What is the wrong of their little brother who is not even an adolescent yet? It is envy!

They wanted to put their little brother in a well where he could die, something could happen to him but they do not care about that, the most important thing is to get rid of this child, their brother!

They agreed to put him in the well, to throw him inside so they went to their father. After having plotted, they began to treat their brother well; they passed their hands over his head, they smiled at him, all that in front of their father. What is happening? The brothers changed all of a sudden!

They said: O father! We want to go out with our brother, to have fun and play with him! He is all the time with you at home, let him go out with us!

"They said: O father, why do you not trust us with Yusuf? We are however well intentioned toward him"

Their hearts had filled with hatred and animosity toward this child to the point that they wanted to kill him but they agreed to throw him into the well.

"Send him with us tomorrow to take a walk and play. And we will watch over him."

The child (Yusuf (عليه السلام)) liked going out with his big brothers to play and have fun with them but Yusuf (عليه السلام) did not know what they had plotted against him.

Ya'qub (عليه السلام) said: I cannot bear to be separated from him for an hour, how could I let him leave with you?

"He said: Indeed, it saddens me that you should take him away; and I fear that the wolf would devour him at a moment when you are not paying attention to him."

They answered: O father! We are strong men, how could a wolf come near him?

"They said: If the wolf devours him while we are numerous, we will then really be the losers."

How happy the little child Yusuf (عليه السلام) was that night! For his father had agreed, he was very happy, for at last he would be able to go out with his brothers, at last he would be able to have fun and play with them, his brothers who had always hated him now they love him! Now they want his good! Now they want him to come with them!

How Yusuf (عليه السلام) spent that night thinking about the next day, glad and happy waiting for the morning. He did not know, he was unaware of what his brothers were scheming against him…

فَلَمَّا ذَهَبُوا۟ بِهِۦ وَأَجْمَعُوٓا۟ أَن يَجْعَلُوهُ فِى غَيَٰبَتِ ٱلْجُبِّ ۚ وَأَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْهِ لَتُنَبِّئَنَّهُم بِأَمْرِهِمْ هَٰذَا وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

So when they took him [out] and agreed to put him into the bottom of the well... But We inspired to him, "You will surely inform them [someday] about this affair of theirs while they do not perceive [your identity]."

Surah Yusuf, verse 15

Yusuf (عليه السلام) went out with his brothers, glad and happy to play and have fun with them. It is a pleasant journey for him, for it is the first time he goes out with them.

They arrived at a well and they carried the child, to throw him into this well, he believed they were playing with him. He clung to the well for fear of falling, he is afraid of falling to the bottom of the well; he asked his brothers what they were doing.

O Fulan! O Fulan! he called them while they mocked him; they said to him: you know well your good place in the heart of your father! May the exceptional love of your father come to your aid now!

Then they threw him into the dark well, a dark and frightening well, the water is under his feet, Yusuf (عليه السلام) clung to a rock, he sat down and began to call his brothers while they laughed around the well.

O Fulan! O Fulan! I am going to die in this dark well, this tomb! What are you doing?! But they laughed and Yusuf (عليه السلام) heard only their laughter.

They said: May your life be happy O Yusuf! Rejoice in what is happening to you now! Do you remember the good place with your father, now rejoice in your situation! and they left laughing.

Yusuf (عليه السلام) sat in this dark place, at the bottom of this well, the darkness around him, he sees only the top of the well from where the light comes, beneath him the water flows, and he is sitting on a rock.

He does not know whether he will die drowning in this water or whether a beast will come to kill him or whether he will die of hunger with time. The child sat alone crying.

Just yesterday, he was sleeping in a warm bed at his father Ya'qub's (عليه السلام), he lived fully honored with him and now, he is in a black and dark well.

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:15 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

During this moment, while he is only a little child, Yusuf (عليه السلام) who cries from fear and regret, he thinks of his father of his mother, he thinks of his bed and of his home; what am I going to do now? He is only a little child.

At that instant, Allah (عز وجل) sent assurance into his heart. O Yusuf! Do not be afraid, fear nothing! Do not worry! A day will come and you will remind your brothers of what they did against you, you will inform them of what they did with you.

The days and the nights followed one another, perhaps a minute was for Yusuf (عليه السلام) like a year. Allah (عز وجل) wanted to educate this child. O Yusuf, Learn! O Yusuf, educate yourself! For you will be a prophet. You will not reach the high prophetic degree, unless you pass through these stages. Such is the education of the prophets by Allah (عز وجل) - Who are the most tested people? - They are the prophets. He is in the dark, he is afraid, he is hungry... The nights passed.

Suddenly! Yusuf (عليه السلام) heard the noise of individuals at the top of the well. So he began to shout, to call, it is the voice of humans. Yusuf (عليه السلام) began to be reassured at hearing voices of humans, the noise of a caravan that was passing by this place. It is the mercy of Allah (عز وجل) that begins.

وَقَالَ الَّذِي اشْتَرَاهُ مِن مِّصْرَ لِامْرَأَتِهِ أَكْرِمِي مَثْوَاهُ عَسَىٰ أَن يَنفَعَنَا أَوْ نَتَّخِذَهُ وَلَدًا ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلِنُعَلِّمَهُ مِن تَأْوِيلِ الْأَحَادِيثِ ۚ وَاللَّهُ غَالِبٌ عَلَىٰ أَمْرِهِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

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.

Surah Yusuf, verse 21

The brothers of Yusuf (عليه السلام), after having committed their act, after having schemed, they had removed the shirt of Yusuf (عليه السلام) before they threw him into the well, they slaughtered an animal from the livestock and they put the blood of the animal on the shirt of Yusuf (عليه السلام) and they went to their father Ya'qub (عليه السلام).

Ya'qub (عليه السلام) who was waiting impatiently to see his son again; it is the first time that Yusuf (عليه السلام) is away. He was sad at his separation from his son that day; he worried for Yusuf (عليه السلام) because of his other children.

- Where is your brother? Where is Yusuf?

They were all crying, they went to their father crying, they were pretending to cry. O Fulan! Where is Yusuf? O Fulan! Where is Yusuf? He sensed that there is something; so they brought out to him the shirt of Yusuf (عليه السلام), the shirt was stained with blood.

- O Fulan? What happened? Tell me!

They had tears, but deceitful tears.

What wolf? - Did I not warn you about the wolf?! It is what I feared and here is his shirt O our father! It was stained with blood.

Ya'qub (عليه السلام) sensed that there is a scheme in the story, he knew that his children were not going to take Yusuf (عليه السلام) with them for nothing, his heart feared something. He said: "Indeed, it saddens me that you should take him away; and I fear that the wolf would devour him"

They used the same argument "the wolf". So shameless are they, they did not look for another excuse than the story of the wolf; they claimed the same thing that Ya'qub (عليه السلام) feared.

He said: "Where is his shirt?" and they gave him the shirt stained with blood but they forgot to tear this shirt. A shirt of a child whom the wolf devoured, but the shirt was not torn! What blood! And what a shirt! Ya'qub (عليه السلام) understood that there is a scheme in the story.

"He said: Rather, your souls have suggested something to you. So there remains for me nothing but a beautiful patience!"

Ya'qub (عليه السلام) wept for his son, they were separated from each other, the father from the son. Every night, Yusuf (عليه السلام) slept at his father's, Ya'qub (عليه السلام) loved his son with a boundless love.

It is the first night that he spends far from his father, at the bottom of this well, but Allah (عز وجل) made it so that a caravan passed while Yusuf (عليه السلام) is in the well.

A caravan of camels and shepherds and a few people. This caravan passed near the well. It passed where Yusuf (عليه السلام) was. Allah (عز وجل) began to answer the invocations of Ya'qub (عليه السلام) that Allah (عز وجل) protect his son. Allah (عز وجل) made a caravan pass near the well.

"Then came a caravan."

They sent their water drawer, who let down his bucket. So Yusuf (عليه السلام), who was afraid of dying in this place, clung to this bucket, the shepherd, who had let down his bucket, felt that the bucket is heavy, he pulled it.

What is happening? What is going on? It is not water! This caravan that came to fetch water and it is a child who clings to the bucket, then they lifted him up and there the water drawer said: "Good news!" He called the people of the caravan.

"Good news! Here is a boy! And they concealed him [to sell him] like merchandise. Allah however knew full well what they were doing."

They used Yusuf (عليه السلام) like merchandise. Ya'qub (عليه السلام) wept for his son at home and Yusuf (عليه السلام) is used like an object for sale by a caravan.

This caravan headed toward Egypt, from Palestine toward Egypt; the child is farther and farther from his father. What a distance separates them. How will Yusuf (عليه السلام) manage to sleep far from his father? How will Ya'qub (عليه السلام) manage to sleep far from his son?

The father was separated from his son. Yusuf (عليه السلام), the little child, is far from his father and is going to be sold on the markets of Egypt. Yusuf (عليه السلام) is going to be sold like all the other slaves. What trials this child has known!

Who bought him? The officer of the king of Egypt bought him; the deliverance begins. The officer of the king of Egypt buys Yusuf (عليه السلام) for a few counted dirhams. The people of the caravan considered him undesirable.

The officer of the king of Egypt took him to his palace and said to his wife: "Grant him a generous hospitality. Perhaps he will be useful to us or we will adopt him as our child."

Yusuf (عليه السلام) lived in the palace of the officer of the king; Yusuf (عليه السلام) was considered as a servant and a son in this palace and his father Ya'qub (عليه السلام) was patient, and took refuge in Allah (عز وجل).

وَجَاءُو أَبَاهُمْ عِشَاءً يَبْكُونَ ۖ قَالُوا يَا أَبَانَا إِنَّا ذَهَبْنَا نَسْتَبِقُ وَتَرَكْنَا يُوسُفَ عِندَ مَتَاعِنَا فَأَكَلَهُ الذِّئْبُ ۖ وَمَا أَنتَ بِمُؤْمِنٍ لَّنَا وَلَوْ كُنَّا صَادِقِينَ

And they came to their father at night, weeping. They said, "O our father, indeed we went racing each other and left Joseph with our possessions, and a wolf ate him. But you would not believe us, even if we were truthful."

Surah Yusuf, verses 16-17

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:16-17, 21 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

Yusuf (عليه السلام) remained working in the palace as a servant for several years, he was like a son and like a servant at the same time. For several years, until he had hardened and become a man.

Allah (عز وجل) gave Yusuf (عليه السلام) half of the beauty of humanity, he is handsome and well brought up. When he grew mentally and physically, the wife of the officer of the king began to desire Yusuf (عليه السلام) who was very handsome so she began to follow him from one place to another, from one room to another, she watched him, and her heart became attached to Yusuf (عليه السلام).

He truly drove her mad with love until the day when she closed the doors and sent out all those who are in the palace and there remained only Yusuf (عليه السلام) with her. As soon as a man and a woman find themselves both alone, with Satan they become three.

He is handsome, a stranger, single who has not yet married. The wife of Al-Aziz (the officer of the king) made herself beautiful that day and she tried to seduce him.

وَرَاوَدَتْهُ الَّتِي هُوَ فِي بَيْتِهَا عَن نَّفْسِهِ وَغَلَّقَتِ الْأَبْوَابَ وَقَالَتْ هَيْتَ لَكَ ۚ قَالَ مَعَاذَ اللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ رَبِّي أَحْسَنَ مَثْوَايَ ۖ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الظَّالِمُونَ

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."

Surah Yusuf, verse 23

Yusuf (عليه السلام) while he is young handsome and strong; this woman who made herself beautiful and perfumed herself, says to him: "Come, do what you want with me O Yusuf!" Who will prevent Yusuf (عليه السلام) from committing this immorality?

She said: "Come, (I am ready for you!)" Yusuf (عليه السلام) with boldness said: May Allah (عز وجل) protect me! That I not commit such a sin.

What a trial Yusuf (عليه السلام) has known! What is worse than this trial that a young stranger and single man can know, a woman who calls him to commit an immorality but he answered with boldness:

"[I seek] the refuge of Allah. Indeed, he is my master, who has made good my residence. Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed."

The wife of Al-Aziz dared to approach Yusuf (عليه السلام) to assault him but he fled from her, he did not wait, he looked for a door to go out.

"And she desired him. And he would have desired her had it not been for the evident proof of his Lord that he saw. Thus [We acted] to avert from him evil and immorality. He was indeed one of Our chosen servants."

Yusuf (عليه السلام) ran to look for an open door, she tried to catch him by his tunic, but she tore it and Yusuf (عليه السلام) rushed toward a door to open it and when he opened it, he found the husband about to enter.

"And they both ran toward the door, and she tore his tunic from behind. They found the husband [of this woman] at the door. She said: What would be the punishment of whoever wanted to harm your family except prison, or a painful chastisement?"

It is she who tried to seduce him, and there she is accusing him. What a trial Yusuf (عليه السلام) is going through!

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:23-28 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

What a misfortune befalls Yusuf (عليه السلام), he is in the palace of the officer of the king (Al-Aziz). This man entered, and he surprised his wife with Yusuf (عليه السلام) and the catastrophe is that Yusuf (عليه السلام) is stripped of his tunic. Moreover, in the room of this woman.

This woman who cried and shouted and said to her husband: - Put him in prison or punish him painfully, for he wanted to assault me.

What is Yusuf (عليه السلام) going to say? Yusuf (عليه السلام) looked at them and said: "It is she who wanted to seduce me" and the wife of Al-Aziz was crying, and of course the husband will believe his wife rather than Yusuf (عليه السلام).

Al-Aziz did not know whom to believe, will he believe Yusuf (عليه السلام) the truthful who has never lied? or will he believe his wife who cries before him? And especially since Yusuf (عليه السلام) was stripped of his tunic and there, one of the relatives of the family of the woman intervened.

He said that he can settle this problem. - Look at the torn tunic, if it is torn from the front it means Yusuf (عليه السلام) is lying and if the tunic is torn from behind, then it is your wife who is lying.

They brought the tunic to the man, and he examined it and he found that it had been torn from behind and when he saw that, he looked at his relative who is the wife of Al-Aziz and he said:

إِنَّهُ مِن كَيْدِكُنَّ ۖ إِنَّ كَيْدَكُنَّ عَظِيمٌ

Indeed, it is of the women's plan. Indeed, your plan is great.

Surah Yusuf, verse 28

There, the husband understood that his wife was the guilty one and it is she who wanted harm to Yusuf (عليه السلام) but she lied and Allah (عز وجل) exposed her. Al-Aziz understood, but he did not want him to be humiliated in front of the people, he looked at Yusuf (عليه السلام); Yusuf (عليه السلام) who is unjustly accused, who tried to flee from the sin, Al-Aziz looked at Yusuf (عليه السلام) and said to him:

"Yusuf, think no more of this!"

Yusuf (عليه السلام) did nothing but despite that Al-Aziz says to him: "Yusuf, think no more of this! And you, (woman), implore forgiveness for your sin for you are at fault".

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:28-29 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

Yusuf (عليه السلام) learned that women had begun to scheme against him, he had the choice between prison or committing what would put Allah (عز وجل) in anger against him. At those moments, Yusuf (عليه السلام) raised his hands to the sky and said:

"He said: O my Lord, prison is preferable to me"

He prefers prison to committing the sin.

قَالَ رَبِّ السِّجْنُ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا يَدْعُونَنِي إِلَيْهِ ۖ وَإِلَّا تَصْرِفْ عَنِّي كَيْدَهُنَّ أَصْبُ إِلَيْهِنَّ وَأَكُن مِّنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ

He said, "My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. And if You do not avert from me their plan, I might incline toward them and [thus] be of the ignorant."

Surah Yusuf, verse 33

It spread among the people that Yusuf (عليه السلام) wanted to assault the wife of Al-Aziz. What injustice and what a lie! When the news spread, it was decided to put Yusuf (عليه السلام) in prison and indeed Yusuf (عليه السلام) was imprisoned unjustly and illegitimately.

Yusuf (عليه السلام) was put in a horrible and dark prison. There were a few prisoners with him, so he began to bring them comfort and remind them of Allah (عز وجل). Yusuf (عليه السلام) is in prison because he preserved his chastity, because he obeyed his Lord but they spread among the people that it was him, what an injustice befell Yusuf (عليه السلام).

In prison, there were two young men who observed Yusuf (عليه السلام) and they often saw Yusuf (عليه السلام) praying or remembering Allah (عز وجل). What a pious man! They saw that he was a doer of good and one day, a person came to speak to Yusuf (عليه السلام):

- O Yusuf! We saw two dreams, can you explain them?

وَدَخَلَ مَعَهُ السِّجْنَ فَتَيَانِ ۖ قَالَ أَحَدُهُمَا إِنِّي أَرَانِي أَعْصِرُ خَمْرًا ۖ وَقَالَ الْآخَرُ إِنِّي أَرَانِي أَحْمِلُ فَوْقَ رَأْسِي خُبْزًا تَأْكُلُ الطَّيْرُ مِنْهُ ۖ نَبِّئْنَا بِتَأْوِيلِهِ ۖ إِنَّا نَرَاكَ مِنَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

And there entered the prison with him two young men. One of them said, "Indeed, I have seen myself [in a dream] pressing wine." The other said, "Indeed, I have seen myself carrying upon my head [some] bread, from which the birds were eating. Inform us of its interpretation; indeed, we see you to be of those who do good."

Surah Yusuf, verse 36

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:33-36 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

We see on your face that you are a doer of good, you are a man whose heart is pure, you do nothing but remember Allah (عز وجل), interpret these dreams for us!

Before interpreting their dreams for them, Yusuf (عليه السلام) began by reminding them of Allah (عز وجل). He said: "I will inform you thanks to Allah of the arrival of the food that is allotted to you before it comes to you. Indeed, I have abandoned the religion of a people who do not believe in Allah and who deny the life to come; my ancestors are Ibrahim, Ishaq and Ya'qub. Prophets, and I too am a prophet like them.

O my two companions of prison! Look how Yusuf (عليه السلام) calls people to Allah (عز وجل) even though he is in prison. What a man and what patience! He remained in prison unjustly for years but he called to Allah (عز وجل).

يَا صَاحِبَيِ السِّجْنِ أَأَرْبَابٌ مُتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيْرٌ أَمِ اللَّهُ الْوَاحِدُ الْقَهَّارُ

O [my] two companions of prison, are separate lords better or Allah, the One, the Prevailing?

Surah Yusuf, verse 39

People worship idols, statues, stars, idols on earth. Is that preferable rather than worshipping The Lord The Most High!

After having reminded them of Allah (عز وجل) and having taught them monotheism and faith in Allah (عز وجل), now he will interpret their dreams for them.

"One of you will serve wine to his master, he will get out of the prison. He said that one of the two will get out of the prison and will start working again at his master's and will serve him wine again and the second, he will be killed and crucified then the birds will come to eat from his head and that is the interpretation of what you asked.

أَمَّا أَحَدُكُمَا فَيَسْقِي رَبَّهُ خَمْرًا ۖ وَأَمَّا الْآخَرُ فَيُصْلَبُ فَتَأْكُلُ الطَّيْرُ مِن رَّأْسِهِ ۖ قُضِيَ الْأَمْرُ الَّذِي فِيهِ تَسْتَفْتِيَانِ

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.

Surah Yusuf, verse 41

Then Yusuf (عليه السلام) went to see the one he believed would survive, he did not affirm, for Only Allah (عز وجل) is the most Knowing, it is of the unseen. And he said to the one of the two he thought would be delivered: "O fulan! When you get out of the prison, mention me to your master, perhaps he will do something about my case and I will get out of the prison."

Yusuf (عليه السلام) did not think only of his situation, but he wanted to transmit the message of Allah (عز وجل). "And he said to the one of the two he thought would be delivered: Mention me to your master."

But when the man got out of the prison, he forgot Yusuf (عليه السلام) so Yusuf (عليه السلام) remained in prison a few years; it is said that he remained seven years or more. Yusuf (عليه السلام) is in prison for something he did not do…

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:39-42 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

One day, the king of Egypt of the time had a dream that worried him, he gathered his ministers and his entourage and he told them his dream, it is a worrying and frightening dream. He gathered his entourage in his palace and he said to them:

وَقَالَ الْمَلِكُ إِنِّي أَرَىٰ سَبْعَ بَقَرَاتٍ سِمَانٍ يَأْكُلُهُنَّ سَبْعٌ عِجَافٌ وَسَبْعَ سُنبُلَاتٍ خُضْرٍ وَأُخَرَ يَابِسَاتٍ ۖ يَا أَيُّهَا الْمَلَأُ أَفْتُونِي فِي رُؤْيَايَ إِن كُنتُمْ لِلرُّؤْيَا تَعْبُرُونَ

And [subsequently] 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."

Surah Yusuf, verse 43

The lean cows eat the fat cows, a vision that frightened him. The people around the king began to wonder about the vision but no one could interpret it.

No one could interpret it, and there was the one who served wine to the king. That former prisoner, to whom Yusuf (عليه السلام) had interpreted the dream. That former prisoner served wine to the king, the people around did not know how to interpret this vision.

قَالُوا أَضْغَاثُ أَحْلَامٍ ۖ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِتَأْوِيلِ الْأَحْلَامِ بِعَالِمِينَ

They said, "[It is but] a mixture of false dreams, and we are not learned in the interpretation of dreams."

Surah Yusuf, verse 44

If you do not know then, why do you claim that it is a jumble of dreams? It is better to keep silent when one does not know and there, the wine server spoke: "I know a man who can explain this vision".

The king asked: "Who is this man?". The server said: "He is a man in prison, his name is Yusuf, he is a pious and trustworthy man, he perfectly interpreted visions for us."

The king said to the server: "Go see him, and ask him for the interpretation of this vision!"

The server went to see Yusuf (عليه السلام) in prison after years and years, at last he remembered Yusuf (عليه السلام). He entered the prison, and they called Yusuf (عليه السلام).

"O you, Yusuf, the truthful! Enlighten us about the seven fat cows that seven very lean ones eat, and seven green ears of grain and as many others, dry. So [Yusuf] said: You will sow for seven consecutive years. Then will come seven years of drought that will consume all that you will have amassed for them except the little that you will have reserved [as seed]. Then will come after that a year when the people will be helped [by the rain] and will go to the press."

The king when he heard this interpretation, he understood that this man [Yusuf (عليه السلام)] is a knowledgeable one, he speaks of the economy of the country, it is an important subject.

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:43-47 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

The king asked: "Go see this prisoner, and get him out of prison! I want to see him in the palace right away."

When the messenger of the king arrived at Yusuf's (عليه السلام), Yusuf (عليه السلام) the truthful did not want to leave the prison just like that: "As I entered prison unjustly, I will only leave when I am declared innocent. You accused me wrongly, and I will only leave if my innocence is declared. Go see the king and tell him that I will not leave this prison unless you question the women who cut their hands, why did they do it! Why did they accuse me wrongly, while I am innocent."

The king of Egypt then summoned all the women who had accused Yusuf (عليه السلام). The women were brought to the palace and among them, there was the wife of Al-Aziz.

The king asked: "What then drove you to try to seduce Yusuf? You claimed that it is Yusuf who assaulted you, was that true?"

The women answered, they all spoke.

قُلْنَ حَاشَ لِلَّهِ مَا عَلِمْنَا عَلَيْهِ مِن سُوءٍ

They said, "Perfect is Allah! We know about him no evil."

Surah Yusuf, verse 51

and there, the wife of Al-Aziz spoke, when the king asked her: "O Fulan! The accusation came from you, you accused Yusuf (عليه السلام) of assault, was that true? Did he want to assault you?"

The wife of Al-Aziz spoke, after long years of silence.

قَالَتِ امْرَأَةُ الْعَزِيزِ الْآنَ حَصْحَصَ الْحَقُّ أَنَا رَاوَدتُّهُ عَن نَّفْسِهِ وَإِنَّهُ لَمِنَ الصَّادِقِينَ

The wife of al-'Azeez said, "Now the truth has become evident. It was I who sought to seduce him, and indeed, he is of the truthful.

Surah Yusuf, verse 51

Yes he was truthful, he did not lie, he did not try to assault me! It was I who was at fault. That so that he may know that I did not betray him in his absence, and that in truth Allah (عز وجل) does not guide the scheme of the traitors.

And there, the king brought Yusuf (عليه السلام) into his palace and said to him: "You are from today with us, in a position of authority and trust."

The innocence of Yusuf (عليه السلام) was declared, and the news spread among the people. He was imprisoned unjustly, but the deliverance came from Allah (عز وجل). Yusuf (عليه السلام) is innocent, the deliverance has begun.

He said: "You are from today with us, in a position of authority and trust, so choose what you want O Yusuf."

And [Yusuf] said: "Assign to me the depots of the territory: I am a good guardian and knowledgeable."

Let me become minister of the economy, I will guard the goods of the country, I am a good guardian and knowledgeable. He will teach people how to govern by following the commandments of Allah (عز وجل).

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:50-55 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

Yusuf (عليه السلام) became an officer of the king (Aziz) in Egypt, a ruler. He becomes responsible for the economy of the country, for the management of goods, of food and of harvests.

The first 7 years, Yusuf (عليه السلام) was responsible for the goods and the wealth of the people then the 7 years of drought followed. These second "7 years" were years of drought and famine, the famine spread in Egypt and its surroundings and the famine reached as far as Palestine. That is where Ya'qub (عليه السلام) and his children live.

The people of Palestine heard that in Egypt, food is still available and that there is an official who distributes foodstuffs in exchange for other merchandise. So Ya'qub (عليه السلام) decided to send his ten sons to Egypt.

Ya'qub (عليه السلام) did not know who the official over the economic sector of Egypt was. Yusuf (عليه السلام) welcomed the people, he attended the exchange of foodstuff for merchandise. He was informed that a group had come from Palestine.

The ten brothers entered before Yusuf (عليه السلام), after tens of years of separation, they believed that Yusuf (عليه السلام) was dead and gone for good.

Yusuf (عليه السلام) heard that a group from Palestine had arrived. It is the country of his father. When the ten entered, Yusuf (عليه السلام) recognized them but they did not recognize him.

Do you remember O Yusuf (عليه السلام), when you were at the bottom of the well, when Allah (عز وجل) informed you that one day you would meet them and you would tell them what they committed without them recognizing you, here is that day O Yusuf (عليه السلام)!

وَجَاءَ إِخْوَةُ يُوسُفَ فَدَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ فَعَرَفَهُمْ وَهُمْ لَهُ مُنكِرُونَ

And the brothers of Joseph came [seeking food], and they entered upon him; and he recognized them, but he was to them unknown.

Surah Yusuf, verse 58

Yusuf (عليه السلام) recognized them, but they did not recognize him. He asked them who is still alive in their family: "Who is still alive?". They answered: "There remain to us our father and a brother named Binyamin".

Binyamin is the full brother of Yusuf (عليه السلام). Yusuf (عليه السلام) said: "Why did you not bring your brother [Binyamin]?". They answered: "Our father does not let us bring him".

Yusuf (عليه السلام) said: "If you come back another time, I will give you nothing unless you bring your brother". "I will give you nothing if you do not bring your young brother [Binyamin]".

After Yusuf (عليه السلام) exchanged the food for the merchandise and informed them of his condition, he asked his servants to put back the merchandise with the food without the brothers noticing. So the brothers took the food with the merchandise, and they returned to their father Ya'qub (عليه السلام).

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:58-62 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

When they entered before their father Ya'qub (عليه السلام), they said: "The man gave us food this time, but we will only be able to return on one condition".

"What condition?" asked Ya'qub (عليه السلام).

They said: "Only if we bring our brother Binyamin with us".

فَلَمَّا رَجَعُوا إِلَىٰ أَبِيهِمْ قَالُوا يَا أَبَانَا مُنِعَ مِنَّا الْكَيْلُ فَأَرْسِلْ مَعَنَا أَخَانَا نَكْتَلْ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ

So when they returned to their father, they said, "O our father, [further] measure has been denied to us, so send with us our brother [that] we will be given measure. And indeed, we will be his guardians."

Surah Yusuf, verse 63

The word that Ya'qub (عليه السلام) has just heard, he already heard it tens of years ago. Ya'qub (عليه السلام) heard it when his sons wanted to take Yusuf (عليه السلام) with them. They repeated the same word, they said: "We will watch over him well".

Ya'qub (عليه السلام) remembered, for he had not forgotten Yusuf (عليه السلام).

قَالَ هَلْ آمَنُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ إِلَّا كَمَا أَمِنتُكُمْ عَلَىٰ أَخِيهِ مِن قَبْلُ ۖ فَاللَّهُ خَيْرٌ حَافِظًا ۖ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

He said, "Should I entrust you with him except [under coercion] as I entrusted you with his brother before? But Allah is the best guardian, and He is the most merciful of the merciful."

Surah Yusuf, verse 64

They saw that their father did not want to, so they left to open their bags. When they took out the food, they found their merchandise hidden with the food and they came back to speak to their father.

"O our father! He is a generous man, he is a man who does good, he gave us the food and returned our merchandise to us".

"It is an easy food, O our father, let us go one more time so he will give us food again and reward us, let us go see him again, he is a generous man, O our father".

They insisted and insisted with their father; Ya'qub (عليه السلام) did not want to, for he remembered when they took Yusuf (عليه السلام) from him. Ya'qub (عليه السلام) had been weeping for his son for long years. Now you want to take my second son! No, I will not send him with you.

But when the sons insisted a lot, Ya'qub (عليه السلام) had to accept but he set a condition.

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:63-65 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

"Never will I send him with you, until you bring me the formal commitment in the name of Allah that you will bring him back to me unless you are surrounded"

I want a commitment in the name of Allah (عز وجل) to bring me back my son, unless you are surrounded and you die. So they committed themselves and gave the promise that they would bring Binyamin back or they would all die.

The sons left with their brother Binyamin. Before, Ya'qub (عليه السلام) made a request of them: "When you enter Egypt, do not enter through one single gate, but enter through separate gates so that no enemy traps you, or no harm comes to you".

So the brothers took their brother Binyamin and left, they took with them their belongings and the merchandise, toward Egypt. They left for Yusuf's (عليه السلام) once again but they did not know that it was their brother Yusuf (عليه السلام).

The brothers with Binyamin arrived in Egypt at the palace of Yusuf (عليه السلام) without knowing that it is Yusuf (عليه السلام). When they came in to him, Yusuf (عليه السلام) recognized his brother Binyamin.

He kissed him and held him in his arms, and he said to him, without the other brothers hearing; Yusuf (عليه السلام) said: "Do you know who I am O brother!"

Binyamin asked: "Who are you?"

"I am Yusuf."

"Yusuf? My brother?"

"Yes" said Yusuf (عليه السلام).

"What happened?" asked Binyamin.

Yusuf (عليه السلام) said: "Allah (عز وجل) delivered me and covered me with His blessings".

Imagine how Yusuf (عليه السلام) held and kissed his brother and how he spoke to him of his long years of absence. Imagine how Binyamin complained about his brothers to Yusuf (عليه السلام). Yusuf (عليه السلام) said to him: "So do not grieve for what they used to do".

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:66-69 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

Yusuf (عليه السلام) wanted to keep his brother Binyamin with him, for Binyamin was all that remained to him of his mother, and Yusuf (عليه السلام) loved him very much. Yusuf (عليه السلام) made a plan to keep his brother.

He said to his servants: "Put the cup (of the king) in the bags of Binyamin".

The brothers, after having finished their trade with Yusuf (عليه السلام), took their belongings and left. They went out of Egypt, and hardly had they gone out when a crier of the palace called them:

فَلَمَّا جَهَّزَهُم بِجَهَازِهِمْ جَعَلَ السِّقَايَةَ فِي رَحْلِ أَخِيهِ ثُمَّ أَذَّنَ مُؤَذِّنٌ أَيَّتُهَا الْعِيرُ إِنَّكُمْ لَسَارِقُونَ

So when he had furnished them with their supplies, he put the [gold measuring] bowl into the bag of his brother. Then an announcer called out, "O caravan, indeed you are thieves."

Surah Yusuf, verse 70

"Caravaners! You are thieves."

The brothers turned around and said: "What have we stolen?"

The crier said: "You have stolen the cup of the king".

The brothers said: "We swear by Allah that we did not come to sow corruption in the land and we are not thieves."

The guards said: "What then will be the penalty if you are lying?"

The brothers answered according to their law: "The one in whose bags [the stolen object] is found, will himself be [taken as a slave] in punishment. Thus do we punish the wrongdoers."

The guards began to search the bags starting with those of the older brothers, then the bags of Binyamin, and they found the cup in the bags of Binyamin.

فَبَدَأَ بِأَوْعِيَتِهِمْ قَبْلَ وِعَاءِ أَخِيهِ ثُمَّ اسْتَخْرَجَهَا مِن وِعَاءِ أَخِيهِ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ كِدْنَا لِيُوسُفَ ۖ مَا كَانَ لِيَأْخُذَ أَخَاهُ فِي دِينِ الْمَلِكِ إِلَّا أَن يَشَاءَ اللَّهُ ۚ نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَاتٍ مَن نَّشَاءُ ۗ وَفَوْقَ كُلِّ ذِي عِلْمٍ عَلِيمٌ

So he began [the search] with their bags before the bag of his brother; then he extracted it from the bag of his brother. Thus did We plan for Joseph. He could not have taken his brother within the religion of the king except that Allah willed. We raise in degrees whom We will, but over every possessor of knowledge is one [more] knowing.

Surah Yusuf, verse 76

The brothers were shocked and surprised. How can Binyamin steal? They said: "If he has stolen, a brother of his stole before too".

They were speaking of Yusuf (عليه السلام), claiming that he had stolen before, but it was false. Yusuf (عليه السلام) heard what they said about him and his brother, but he said nothing. He kept it within himself and did not disclose it to them.

The brothers implored Yusuf (عليه السلام): "O Al-Aziz! He has a very old father; so take one of us in his place. We see that you are one of the doers of good."

But Yusuf (عليه السلام) refused and said: "May Allah keep us from taking another than the one with whom we found our property! We would then truly be unjust."

Thus Binyamin remained with Yusuf (عليه السلام) according to the plan of Allah (عز وجل).

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:70-79 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

The brothers returned to their father Ya'qub (عليه السلام) without Binyamin. Ya'qub (عليه السلام) had lost Yusuf (عليه السلام) years before, and now he was losing Binyamin too.

They said: "O our father! Your son has stolen. And we testify only to what we know. We were in no way aware of the unseen."

Ya'qub (عليه السلام) knew that his sons were lying again, as they had lied about Yusuf (عليه السلام). He said to them:

قَالَ بَلْ سَوَّلَتْ لَكُمْ أَنفُسُكُمْ أَمْرًا ۖ فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ ۖ عَسَى اللَّهُ أَن يَأْتِيَنِي بِهِمْ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْعَلِيمُ الْحَكِيمُ

[Jacob] said, "Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. Perhaps Allah will bring them to me all together. Indeed it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise."

Surah Yusuf, verse 83

Ya'qub (عليه السلام) hoped that Allah (عز وجل) would bring back to him his two sons: Yusuf and Binyamin.

The grief of Ya'qub (عليه السلام) was so intense that he turned away from them and said: "Alas, my grief for Yusuf!" And his eyes turned white from affliction. And he was overwhelmed.

Ya'qub (عليه السلام) lost his sight from weeping for his sons. He did not cease weeping and invoking Allah (عز وجل) to give him back his children.

His sons said to him: "By Allah! you will not cease to remember Yusuf, until you are ill or you are among the dead."

وَتَوَلَّىٰ عَنْهُمْ وَقَالَ يَا أَسَفَىٰ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ وَابْيَضَّتْ عَيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْحُزْنِ فَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ

And he turned away from them and said, "Oh, my sorrow over Joseph," and his eyes became white from grief, for he was [of that] a suppressor.

Surah Yusuf, verse 84

Ya'qub (عليه السلام) answered them: "I only complain of my anguish and my grief to Allah. And I know from Allah what you do not know."

Ya'qub (عليه السلام) had a certainty that Allah (عز وجل) would bring his sons back to him. He never despaired of the mercy of Allah (عز وجل).

He said to his sons: "O my sons, go and inquire about Yusuf and his brother and do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Only the disbelieving people despair of the mercy of Allah."

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:83-87 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

The brothers returned to Egypt a third time on the order of their father Ya'qub (عليه السلام). This time, they came to implore Yusuf (عليه السلام) with humility.

They said: "O Al-Aziz, the famine has touched us, us and our family; and we come with merchandise of little value. Give us a full measure, and be charitable to us. Indeed, Allah rewards the charitable."

Yusuf (عليه السلام) saw their humility and their distress. It was the moment that Allah (عز وجل) had chosen to reveal the truth, as He had promised Yusuf (عليه السلام) when he was a child in the well.

قَالَ هَلْ عَلِمْتُم مَّا فَعَلْتُم بِيُوسُفَ وَأَخِيهِ إِذْ أَنتُمْ جَاهِلُونَ

He said, "Do you know what you did with Joseph and his brother when you were ignorant?"

Surah Yusuf, verse 89

The brothers were stunned. How does this man know the story of Yusuf? They looked at Yusuf (عليه السلام) more attentively.

They said with astonishment: "Are you... are you really Yusuf?"

Yusuf (عليه السلام) could no longer hide the truth. Tears flowed from his eyes. After all these years of separation, of pain, of trials... The moment of the revelation had come.

قَالُوا أَإِنَّكَ لَأَنتَ يُوسُفُ ۖ قَالَ أَنَا يُوسُفُ وَهَٰذَا أَخِي ۚ قَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا ۖ إِنَّهُ مَن يَتَّقِ وَيَصْبِرْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

They said, "Are you indeed Joseph?" He said "I am Joseph, and this is my brother. Allah has certainly favored 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."

Surah Yusuf, verse 90

The brothers fell into a state of total shock. Their little brother whom they had thrown into the well had become the ruler of Egypt! The one they had wanted to humiliate was now in the most honorable position!

They said: "By Allah! Indeed, Allah has preferred you over us and we have been at fault."

Yusuf (عليه السلام), with the nobility of a prophet, answered them: "No blame upon you today! May Allah forgive you. He is the most Merciful of the merciful!"

The forgiveness of Yusuf (عليه السلام) shows the greatness of his character and his resemblance to his ancestor Ibrahim (عليه السلام) in nobility and forgiveness.

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:89-92 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

Yusuf (عليه السلام) gave his brothers his shirt and said: "Take this shirt of mine, and apply it to the face of my father: he will recover his sight [at once]. And bring me all your family."

The shirt of Yusuf (عليه السلام) had a special baraka. It was the shirt of a prophet, and Allah (عز وجل) had placed in it the healing for Ya'qub (عليه السلام).

The brothers left quickly toward Palestine, bearers of this wonderful news and of the blessed shirt.

When the caravan left Egypt, Ya'qub (عليه السلام), who was in Palestine, said to those who were around him:

وَلَمَّا فَصَلَتِ الْعِيرُ قَالَ أَبُوهُمْ إِنِّي لَأَجِدُ رِيحَ يُوسُفَ ۖ لَوْلَا أَن تُفَنِّدُونِ

And when the caravan departed [from Egypt], their father said, "Indeed, I find the smell of Joseph [and would say that he was alive] if you did not think me weakened in mind."

Surah Yusuf, verse 94

The people around Ya'qub (عليه السلام) said to him: "By Allah! you are indeed in your old error", thinking that he was raving because of his great age.

But Ya'qub (عليه السلام) really smelled the scent of his son. It was a miracle of Allah (عز وجل) and a sign of the closeness of the reunion.

When the brothers arrived at their father's, they applied the shirt to his face, and he immediately recovered his sight by the permission of Allah (عز وجل).

فَلَمَّا أَن جَاءَ الْبَشِيرُ أَلْقَاهُ عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهِ فَارْتَدَّ بَصِيرًا ۖ قَالَ أَلَمْ أَقُل لَّكُمْ إِنِّي أَعْلَمُ مِنَ اللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

And when the bearer of good tidings arrived, he cast it over his face, and he returned [once again] seeing. He said, "Did I not tell you that I know from Allah that which you do not know?"

Surah Yusuf, verse 96

Ya'qub (عليه السلام) had always had trust in Allah (عز وجل). His certainty was rewarded. He said to his sons: "Did I not tell you that I know from Allah what you do not know?"

The sons asked their father for forgiveness: "O our father, implore for us the forgiveness of our sins. We were truly at fault."

Ya'qub (عليه السلام) promised them: "I will implore for you the forgiveness of my Lord. For it is He, indeed, the Forgiving, the Most Merciful."

Then the whole family prepared for the journey to Egypt to be reunited with Yusuf (عليه السلام) and settle near him.

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:94-98 - Text based on the teachings of Sheikh Nabil Al-Awadi

When Ya'qub (عليه السلام) and all his family arrived in Egypt, Yusuf (عليه السلام) welcomed them with immense joy. He took his parents in his arms and said: "Enter Egypt, in safety, if Allah wills!"

Then came the most moving moment. Yusuf (عليه السلام) had his parents go up onto the throne, and all prostrated themselves before him out of respect and honor, not in worship.

At that instant, Yusuf (عليه السلام) remembered his childhood dream. It was the fulfillment of the vision he had seen when he was small: the eleven stars (his brothers), the sun and the moon (his parents) prostrating themselves before him.

وَرَفَعَ أَبَوَيْهِ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ وَخَرُّوا۟ لَهُۥ سُجَّدًۭا ۖ وَقَالَ يَٰٓأَبَتِ هَٰذَا تَأْوِيلُ رُءْيَٰىَ مِن قَبْلُ قَدْ جَعَلَهَا رَبِّى حَقًّۭا ۖ وَقَدْ أَحْسَنَ بِىٓ إِذْ أَخْرَجَنِى مِنَ ٱلسِّجْنِ وَجَآءَ بِكُم مِّنَ ٱلْبَدْوِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَن نَّزَغَ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَ إِخْوَتِىٓ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى لَطِيفٌۭ لِّمَا يَشَآءُ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ

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.

Surah Yusuf, verse 100

This verse marks the fulfillment of the vision that Yusuf (عليه السلام) had had in his youth, where he saw the eleven stars representing his brothers, while the sun and the moon symbolize his mother and his father, all prostrating themselves before him.

Yusuf (عليه السلام) turned to Allah (عز وجل) with gratitude and said a magnificent invocation:

رَبِّ قَدْ ءَاتَيْتَنِى مِنَ ٱلْمُلْكِ وَعَلَّمْتَنِى مِن تَأْوِيلِ ٱلْأَحَادِيثِ ۚ فَاطِرَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ أَنتَ وَلِىِّۦ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْءَاخِرَةِ ۖ تَوَفَّنِى مُسْلِمًۭا وَأَلْحِقْنِى بِٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ

My Lord, You have given me [something] of sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and earth, You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous."

Surah Yusuf, verse 101

Thus ended the magnificent story of Yusuf (عليه السلام). A story that began with a child's dream and ended with the reunion of the whole family in safety and honor.

Allah (عز وجل) had transformed all the trials of Yusuf (عليه السلام) into blessings: the jealousy of his brothers led him to Egypt, the prison brought him to power, and his wisdom finally reunited his whole family.

This story teaches us that patience, piety, and trust in Allah (عز وجل) transform trials into victories. Yusuf (عليه السلام) remained faithful to Allah (عز وجل) in all situations, and Allah (عز وجل) rewarded him beyond all imagination.

May Allah (عز وجل) grant us the patience of Yusuf (عليه السلام), the certainty of Ya'qub (عليه السلام), and the wisdom to follow their example in our trials.

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Yusuf 12:100-101 - Text verified according to the authentic Quranic sources