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Who was Prophet Yaʿqūb (عليه السلام)?
Prophet Yaʿqūb (Jacob) عليه السلام — known in the Bible as Jacob — was the son of Prophet Ishāq (Isaac) عليه السلام and the grandson of Prophet Ibrāhīm (Abraham) عليه السلام. He was a noble Prophet of Allāh, honored in the Qur’ān as one of the chosen and righteous messengers. He was the father of twelve sons, from whose descendants came the Twelve Tribes of Banī Isrā’īl (Children of Israel).
He is also the father of Prophet Yūsuf (Joseph) عليه السلام and plays a central role in Yūsuf’s story, which is among the most beautiful narratives in the Qur’ān.
His Name in the Qur’ān
Yaʿqūb (عليه السلام) is mentioned 16 times in the Qur’ān, and he is repeatedly praised for his:
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Sabr (Patience)
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Tawakkul (Trust in Allāh)
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Wisdom and Prophethood
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Sincere worship and guidance
"And We bestowed upon him Ishāq and Yaʿqūb, each of them We guided..."
— Surah Al-Anʿām (6:84)
"Indeed, We chose him (Ibrāhīm) in this world, and indeed he, in the Hereafter, will be among the righteous. When his Lord said to him, 'Submit!' He said, 'I have submitted [in Islām] to the Lord of the worlds.' And Ibrāhīm instructed his sons [to do the same]—and [so did] Yaʿqūb..."
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:130–132)
👨👦 Lineage of Prophets
Prophet Yaʿqūb (عليه السلام) was part of the blessed lineage of prophets:
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Grandfather: Ibrāhīm (Abraham) عليه السلام
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Father: Ishāq (Isaac) عليه السلام
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Son: Yūsuf (Joseph) عليه السلام
This was a family of deep faith, revelation, and sincere worship of Allāh.
"And We gave to Ibrāhīm Ishāq and Yaʿqūb—all [of them] We guided."
— Surah Al-Anʿām (6:84)
🧒🏽 Yaʿqūb and His Children – The Father of Twelve Sons
Prophet Yaʿqūb (عليه السلام) had twelve sons, known as Al-Asbāṭ (the Tribes). These sons became the founding tribes of Banī Isrā’īl.
His most beloved son was Yūsuf (Joseph) عليه السلام, whom he loved dearly due to his pure character and signs of future prophecy.
"When they said, 'Yūsuf and his brother are more beloved to our father than we...'"
— Surah Yūsuf (12:8)
This favoritism led to jealousy among the brothers, culminating in them throwing Yūsuf into a well — falsely claiming to their father that a wolf had devoured him.
💔 The Trial of Loss – A Test of Patience
When his sons returned without Yūsuf, Yaʿqūb (عليه السلام) refused to believe their false story. Despite his deep grief, he placed his full trust in Allāh.
"So [Jacob’s soul] was consumed with grief, and he became blind because of sorrow, and he was suppressing his grief."
— Surah Yūsuf (12:84)
Even in the depths of pain, he didn’t lose hope:
"I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allāh, and I know from Allāh that which you do not know."
— Surah Yūsuf (12:86)
This patience in silence (ṣabr jamīl) became legendary.
"So patience is most fitting. And it is Allāh whose help is sought..."
— Surah Yūsuf (12:18)
🌈 Reunion and Restoration of Vision
After many years, Yūsuf (عليه السلام) became a powerful man in Egypt. When he finally revealed himself and sent his shirt to Yaʿqūb, a miracle occurred:
"Go with this shirt of mine and cast it over the face of my father; he will become seeing."
— Surah Yūsuf (12:93)
And indeed, his eyesight returned, and the family was reunited — a reward from Allāh for his unwavering sabr and trust.
🕋 His Advice at the Time of Death
Even as he neared death, Yaʿqūb (عليه السلام) focused on faith and guidance, not worldly matters.
"Or were you witnesses when death approached Yaʿqūb, when he said to his sons, 'What will you worship after me?' They said, 'We will worship your God and the God of your fathers – Ibrāhīm and Ishāq and Ismāʿīl – one God. And we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'"
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:133)
This powerful scene reflects his role as a righteous leader who ensured that faith continued through generations.
🕊️ Qualities and Character of Prophet Yaʿqūb (عليه السلام)
💠 1. Patience (Ṣabr Jamīl)
He endured extreme emotional pain without complaint to others — only to Allāh.
💠 2. Tawakkul (Complete Trust in Allāh)
Even when he couldn’t see a way out, he believed Allāh would bring his son back.
💠 3. Wisdom and Leadership
He advised his sons with deep wisdom, and maintained harmony despite their rivalries.
💠 4. Compassionate Fatherhood
He showed love, care, and constant guidance to his children.
💠 5. Sincere Worship
His legacy was built on devout submission to Allāh.
💎 Lessons from the Life of Prophet Yaʿqūb (عليه السلام)
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Never Lose Hope in Allāh’s Mercy
Even when all seems lost, Allāh’s plan is working behind the scenes. -
True Patience is Silent
Complaining to people doesn’t solve problems — turn to Allāh instead. -
Righteous Parenting is a Legacy
Yaʿqūb’s duʿā and guidance shaped the future of Banī Isrā’īl. -
Tears, Grief, and Trust Can Coexist
He cried, grieved, and still fully trusted Allāh. -
Guidance is the Greatest Inheritance
Before his death, he ensured his children remained upon Tawḥīd.
🪦 Death and Legacy
Though the exact location is not confirmed, many scholars believe Prophet Yaʿqūb (عليه السلام) died in Egypt, and his body was taken to Palestine (Hebron) to be buried alongside his father Ishāq (عليه السلام) and grandfather Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام).
His legacy lives on through:
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His son Yūsuf (عليه السلام)
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The tribes of Banī Isrā’īl
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The stories of patience and unwavering faith
📚 Conclusion
Prophet Yaʿqūb (عليه السلام) was a man of grief yet gratitude, loss yet loyalty to Allāh, and suffering yet submission. His life teaches us how to carry pain with dignity, and how to trust in Allāh through the darkest tunnels of life.
He reminds every believer:
“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
— Surah Ash-Sharḥ (94:6)
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