🧬 Background
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Yūsuf (Joseph) – عليه السلام |
| Father | Ya‘qūb (Jacob) – عليه السلام |
| Grandfather | Isḥāq (Isaac) – عليه السلام |
| Great-Grandfather | Ibrāhīm (Abraham) – عليه السلام |
| Mentioned In | Surah Yūsuf (12) – entire story in one Surah |
| Title | As-Siddiq (The Truthful), Noble Prophet |
🌈 A Dream Foretells Destiny
As a young boy, Yūsuf (AS) had a special dream:
“(Remember) when Yūsuf 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 Yūsuf 12:4]
His father, Prophet Ya‘qūb (AS), understood this dream to be significant and symbolic of a great future for Yūsuf. He advised him not to share it with his brothers, as they were already jealous of the love their father had for him.
🧥 The Jealous Brothers and the Betrayal
Yūsuf’s older brothers were envious of the affection their father had for him. So they plotted to get rid of him:
“Kill Yūsuf or cast him out to some land so that the favor of your father may be only for you.”
[Surah Yūsuf 12:9]
Instead of killing him, they threw him into a deep well, after convincing their father to let him come along on a trip. They returned home falsely claiming that a wolf had eaten him, showing his blood-stained shirt.
🐫 Found and Sold as a Slave
A caravan traveling through the area found Yūsuf in the well and took him to Egypt, where he was sold as a slave in the marketplace.
“And they sold him for a low price—a few dirhams—and they were of those disinterested in him.”
[Surah Yūsuf 12:20]
He was bought by a noble Egyptian official, referred to as Al-‘Azīz, who told his wife to honor the boy, as he may benefit them or be taken as a son.
🏠 The Trial of Temptation
As he grew into adulthood, Yūsuf (AS) became known for his beauty, wisdom, and piety. The wife of Al-‘Azīz tried to seduce him, but he resisted her.
“And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, ‘Come to me.’ He said, ‘I seek refuge in Allah!’”
[Surah Yūsuf 12:23]
When he rejected her, she falsely accused him. A testimony from a witness saved him from immediate punishment, but to protect reputations, Yūsuf was imprisoned unjustly.
🕋 Life in Prison
Even in prison, Yūsuf (AS) was known for his noble character. Two fellow inmates had dreams and asked him for interpretation. With Allah’s help, he interpreted them accurately:
- One would return to serve the king.
- The other would be executed.
Yūsuf asked the one who would return to mention him to the king, but the man forgot, and Yūsuf stayed in prison for several more years.
👑 The King’s Dream and Yūsuf’s Release
The king of Egypt had a puzzling dream involving seven fat cows eaten by seven thin ones, and seven green ears of corn and seven dry. None could interpret it—until the former inmate remembered Yūsuf.
Yūsuf explained that the dream meant:
- 7 years of abundance, followed by
- 7 years of famine, then
- A year of relief and rain.
The king was amazed and wanted to appoint Yūsuf, but Yūsuf first demanded his innocence be proven. When it was, the king appointed him treasurer over the land.
🌾 The Reunion with His Brothers
During the famine, people came to Egypt to seek food. Yūsuf’s brothers came—not recognizing him—and he treated them kindly but tested them.
He eventually revealed his identity and forgave them:
“No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
[Surah Yūsuf 12:92]
He invited his entire family, including his father Ya‘qūb (AS), to live with him in Egypt.
🌞 The Dream Fulfilled
In a deeply moving moment, Yūsuf’s dream from childhood was fulfilled:
“And he raised his parents upon the throne, and they fell down 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…’”
[Surah Yūsuf 12:100]
🕊️ End of His Life
Yūsuf (AS) lived the rest of his life in Egypt as a leader, prophet, and a man of integrity. His story ends with a beautiful dua:
“My Lord, You have given me of sovereignty and taught me the interpretation of dreams—Creator of the heavens and earth—You are my protector in this world and the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous.”
[Surah Yūsuf 12:101]
🌟 Lessons from the Life of Yusuf (AS)
| Lesson | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Patience in Hardship | Betrayed, enslaved, and imprisoned — yet he never lost faith. |
| Chastity and Integrity | He resisted temptation for the sake of Allah. |
| Forgiveness | He forgave his brothers at the height of his power. |
| Reliance on Allah | He trusted Allah’s plan, even when things looked hopeless. |
| Gratitude in Prosperity | Even at the peak of power, he remained humble and thankful. |
🏛️ Summary of Prophet Yusuf (AS)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Lineage | Son of Ya‘qūb, grandson of Isḥāq, great-grandson of Ibrāhīm |
| Trial | Betrayal by family, slavery, false accusations, imprisonment |
| Gift | Interpretation of dreams, leadership, wisdom |
| Character | Truthful, chaste, forgiving, reliant on Allah |
| Legacy | Model of patience, dignity, and perseverance |
