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Who was Prophet Yūsuf (عليه السلام)?
Prophet Yūsuf (Joseph) عليه السلام was the son of Prophet Yaʿqūb (Jacob) عليه السلام and the great-grandson of Prophet Ibrāhīm (Abraham) عليه السلام. His story is one of the most complete, emotionally powerful, and beautifully told narratives in the Qur’ān — so much so that Allāh revealed it as “Aḥsan al-Qaṣaṣ” (the Best of Stories).
His story is narrated in Surah Yūsuf (Chapter 12) — a unique Surah that tells his life from childhood to the end, all in one place.
🌿 Key Themes from His Life
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Dreams and Prophethood
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Jealousy and Betrayal
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Patience and Integrity
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Forgiveness and Reunion
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Power, Wisdom, and Mercy
📖 1. The Prophetic Dream
As a young boy, Yūsuf (عليه السلام) had a dream:
“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 Yūsuf (12:4)
His father, Prophet Yaʿqūb (عليه السلام), recognized this dream as a sign of future greatness and warned him:
“O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers or they will plot against you. Indeed, Satan is to man a clear enemy.”
— Surah Yūsuf (12:5)
This dream would later come true in the most miraculous of ways.
🧥 2. Betrayal by His Brothers
His brothers, out of jealousy, plotted against him and threw him into a deep well, lying to their father that he was devoured by a wolf.
“So when they took him away and agreed to put him into the bottom of the well...”
— Surah Yūsuf (12:15)
A caravan later discovered him and sold him into slavery in Egypt.
“And they sold him for a low price – a few silver coins...”
— Surah Yūsuf (12:20)
🏛️ 3. Life in the Palace & The Test of Beauty
He was purchased by the Azīz (chief minister) of Egypt and grew up in his household. Allāh blessed Yūsuf with knowledge, wisdom, and physical beauty.
The wife of the minister tried to seduce him, but Yūsuf (عليه السلام) resisted — choosing prison over sin.
“He said, 'My Lord, prison is more beloved to me than what they invite me to.'"
— Surah Yūsuf (12:33)
This marked a key lesson:
🌟 It’s better to suffer in this world than disobey Allāh.
🔐 4. Time in Prison – A Light in Darkness
In prison, Yūsuf (عليه السلام) remained kind and wise. He interpreted dreams for fellow inmates and gave them daʿwah:
“O my two companions of prison, are separate lords better or Allāh, the One, the Prevailing?”
— Surah Yūsuf (12:39)
His interpretation of dreams became widely known. Years later, when the king had a confusing dream, Yūsuf was called upon.
👑 5. Rise to Power – From Prison to Palace
Yūsuf interpreted the king’s dream about seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, and offered a practical economic plan.
The king was impressed and appointed him as minister of finance:
“Indeed, you are today established [in position] and trusted.”
— Surah Yūsuf (12:54)
This shows that sincerity and wisdom eventually rise, even from prison walls.
🌾 6. The Reunion – Forgiveness of His Brothers
During the famine, his brothers came to Egypt seeking food — not recognizing him. Yūsuf (عليه السلام) tested them with wisdom and eventually revealed his identity:
“I am Yūsuf, and this is my brother. Allāh has certainly favored us…”
— Surah Yūsuf (12:90)
His response to their betrayal?
“No blame will there be upon you today. Allāh will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful.”
— Surah Yūsuf (12:92)
🌟 True forgiveness — even when one holds power.
👨👩👦 7. Fulfillment of the Dream
Yūsuf (عليه السلام) invited his parents and family to live with him in Egypt. Upon their arrival, they all bowed down in respect, fulfilling the dream he saw as a child.
“This is the explanation of my vision before. My Lord has made it come true...”
— Surah Yūsuf (12:100)
Even after becoming a powerful ruler, Yūsuf (عليه السلام) remained humble and grateful:
“My Lord, You have given me of sovereignty and taught me the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and the earth — You are my Protector in this world and the Hereafter. Let me die as a Muslim and join me with the righteous.”
— Surah Yūsuf (12:101)
🕋 Qualities of Prophet Yūsuf (عليه السلام)
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🌟 Beautiful character and physical beauty
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💔 Patient in the face of betrayal, slavery, and prison
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🤲🏼 Thankful in times of power and prosperity
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🧠 Wise and intelligent – strategic planner
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🤍 Forgiving even toward his oppressors
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🕊️ Pure heart, even after years of hardship
❤️ Lessons from the Life of Yūsuf (عليه السلام)
1. Patience in Hardship
From a beloved child to a slave and prisoner — Yūsuf never lost faith.
2. Trust in Allāh’s Plan
Even betrayal and prison were stepping stones to success.
3. Chastity is Power
Yūsuf chose prison over sin, teaching us that real strength is in self-control.
4. Forgiveness Over Revenge
Despite being wronged, Yūsuf forgave and brought unity to his family.
5. Gratitude Even at the Top
When power came, he remained humble and remembered Allāh.
6. Dreams Can Be Divine
Righteous dreams are part of prophecy and guidance.
📚 Conclusion
The story of Prophet Yūsuf (عليه السلام) is a shining example of how faith, patience, and integrity can lead to honor and reward, even when the world seems to turn against you.
He reminds us:
💡 “Indeed, whoever fears Allāh and is patient — then indeed, Allāh does not allow the reward of those who do good to be lost.”
— Surah Yūsuf (12:90)
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