🧬 Lineage and Background
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Father | Ishaq (AS) |
| Grandfather | Ibrahim (AS) |
| Son | Yūsuf (AS) and 11 other sons |
| Other Title | Isrā’īl (the name from which “Banī Isrā’īl” – Children of Israel – comes) |
| Mentioned In | 16 times in the Qur’an |
He was part of the great family of Prophets, a direct link in the blessed chain of prophethood beginning with Ibrahim (AS).
👶 Birth and Early Life
Yaʿqūb (AS) was born in Canaan (modern-day Palestine), likely in the region of Hebron.
He was raised by Ishāq (AS) and taught the way of monotheism, patience, and wisdom. From an early age, he showed signs of sincerity, knowledge, and prophetic qualities.
He later married and had twelve sons, who would go on to form the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
🕊️ His Prophethood and Role
- Yaʿqūb (AS) was chosen as a Prophet and Messenger of Allah.
- He continued the mission of his father and grandfather: guiding his people to worship one God, uphold justice, and live morally.
- He lived in Canaan, preaching righteousness and maintaining strong spiritual leadership.
“And We gave him Ishāq and Yaʿqūb in addition, and all [of them] We made righteous.”
[Surah Al-Anbiyā’ 21:72]
“And remember Our servants, Ibrāhīm, Ishāq, and Yaʿqūb – those of strength and vision.”
[Surah Ṣād 38:45]
🧒 The Story of His Son Yusuf (AS)
One of the most moving parts of Yaʿqūb’s life is found in Surah Yūsuf, where his son Yūsuf (AS) is separated from him due to the jealousy of his other sons.
- The brothers threw Yūsuf (AS) into a well.
- They returned to Yaʿqūb (AS) with a false story and blood-stained shirt, claiming he was eaten by a wolf.
- Despite the grief, Yaʿqūb (AS) said:
“So patience is most fitting. And Allah is the One sought for help against that which you describe.”
[Surah Yūsuf 12:18]
😢 His Long Years of Grief
Yaʿqūb (AS) grieved deeply but never lost faith in Allah.
“And his eyes turned white from sorrow, for he was suppressing [his grief].”
[Surah Yūsuf 12:84]
Despite his pain, he always said:
“I only complain of my suffering and grief to Allah.”
[Surah Yūsuf 12:86]
His example teaches patience (ṣabr) and trust (tawakkul) in Allah during trials.
🕊️ Reunion with Yusuf (AS)
Eventually, when Yūsuf (AS) became a powerful leader in Egypt, the family was reunited.
- Yūsuf (AS) sent for his family.
- When Yaʿqūb (AS) received the shirt of Yūsuf, his eyesight was miraculously restored.
“Indeed, I find the smell of Yūsuf…”
[Surah Yūsuf 12:94]
“When the bearer of good tidings arrived, he cast it over his face, and he regained sight.”
[Surah Yūsuf 12:96]
Yaʿqūb (AS), his sons, and their families moved to Egypt and settled there — fulfilling Yūsuf’s dream from childhood.
🛏️ Final Advice Before Death
As he approached death, Yaʿqūb (AS) gave profound advice 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 – One God. And we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.’”
[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:133]
This shows that Islam (submission to Allah) was the universal message of all the Prophets.
🪦 Death and Burial
- Yaʿqūb (AS) passed away in Egypt, but asked to be buried beside his fathers in Hebron, Palestine.
- His body was transported back to Canaan and buried in the Cave of the Patriarchs beside:
- Ibrāhīm (AS)
- Sārah
- Ishāq (AS)
- Rivqah (Rebecca)
- Lāyah (Leah), his wife
This cave still exists in Hebron and is revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
🌟 Lessons from the Life of Yaʿqub (AS)
| Lesson | Description |
|---|---|
| Patience in hardship | He waited decades for his son without losing faith. |
| Faith in Allah’s plan | Believed Yūsuf was alive despite all evidence. |
| Strong parenting | Taught faith to his children, even on his deathbed. |
| Spiritual leadership | Continued the prophetic mission in Canaan. |
| Forgiveness and compassion | Forgave his sons when they repented. |
🏛️ Summary of Prophet Yaʿqub (AS)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Ishāq (AS) |
| Son | Yūsuf (AS) and 11 others |
| Title | Isrā’īl |
| Mission | Prophet to the people of Canaan |
| Known for | Patience, faith, wisdom, legacy |
| Mention in Qur’an | 16 times |
| Location | Lived in Palestine and later moved to Egypt |
| Burial | Hebron (Cave of the Patriarchs) |
