From Adversity to Authority – Traversing the Life of Prophet Yusuf (AS) | Part 1

The Quran is the supreme word of Allah brought down to us by Angel Jibreel (AS) and conveyed to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The same message of tawhid has been sent down by Allah since the creation of Prophet Adam (AS) and bestowed on multitudes of civilizations since time immemorial. Many societies paid no heed to this message and were punished or destroyed accordingly. As believers, Muslims have been instructed to follow the tenets laid down in the Surahs of the Quran, and for further clarification of many matters Muslims also refer to the hadith or Sunnah which elucidates issues so the devout can purify and refine their practice of the religion. The Quran is a sacred scripture, and though it may seem complex, constant reading and understanding can decode its message for humanity. The Surahs of the Quran abound with lessons of unwavering faith, implicit belief, the fundamental importance of community life and the infinite value of worship. The titles of the Surahs mostly provide a clear indication about the central theme and key messages, signifying the Holy Quran’s divine origin and making it easier to reference and understand the content. These indications reflect an aspect of the Quranic inimitability, its linguistic secrets, and further leads to a translation of the essence and purpose of each surah. However, certain Surahs are especially unique because they are named after the noble Prophets sent by Allah, the Almighty, with His message of peace, faith and tawhid. Some specific surahs with the names of some Prophets are: Surah Yunus (Surah 10), Surah Hud (Surah 11), Surah Yusuf (Surah 12), Surah Ibrahim (Surah 14), Surah Muhammad (47), and Surah Nuh (Surah 71). The surahs in the Quran named after Prophets generally focus on the narrative of the lives of those Prophets, the trials encountered with their people, and the messages they delivered. We can also derive valuable lessons from these communities of yore, where often, along with the teaching of monotheism, the following themes are also emphasized: steadfastness of the Messengers in the face of adversity, and the consequences their communities faced when they rejected divine guidance. Surah Yusuf details these themes and is perhaps unique because it deals conclusively, from start to finish with the life of Prophet Yusuf and his amazing perseverance in the face of a multitude of tribulations he encountered in his eventful life. As a complete narrative, it highlights some significant trials, like being sold by his brothers, being falsely accused by a wealthy woman, being imprisoned and ultimately reaching his pinnacle of power as a minister in Egypt. It is considered one of the most beautifully crafted narratives in the Quran, often cited as a source of comfort and resilience due to the trials Prophet Yusuf (AS) faced and ultimately overcame. As the 12^th chapter of the Quran, Surah Yusuf has 111 Ayahs, and it is significant as it is the only Quranic story told in almost chronological continuity. It is a Makkan Surah (revealed in Makkah) and is divided into 12 sections, or rukus, and is spread across two juz/paaras. Relevance to Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life The words of Allah in the Holy Quran, were sent down to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at times in his life where he needed guidance not only on particular situations and circumstances, but also as a means of reassurance, hope and healing. Thus, this Surah was a deep source of comfort and solace for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as it was revealed to him in its entirety at a challenging time, in a period known as the ‘Year of Grief’. During this time of immense personal and community hardship, the Prophet (PBUH) was confronted by a Jewish tribe who not only questioned his authenticity and prophecy, but who also contemplated killing, exiling or imprisoning our beloved Prophet (PBUH). The revelation of the Surah turned the tables on them, when, through the Surah, Allah revealed the story of Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) life and proved that Prophet Muhammad’s knowledge was not based on heresy, but was gained through divine revelation. It was also sent to reassure Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a form of validation that he will not be left alone with the disbelievers of Makkah, just as Prophet Yusuf (AS) was not left alone to face the tribulations of his life. This Surah is a lesson in perseverance and a means for us to decipher and reflect upon its words in order for us to find our own hope, healing, joy and comfort in the words of Allah. Allah also warned the Quraish through the theme of the Surah that ultimately the conflict between them and the Prophet would end in his victory over them, “Indeed there are signs in this story of Yusuf and his brothers for the inquirers…. (from among the Quraish).” (Yusuf, 12:7) About two years after this Surah’s revelation, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was forced to migrate to Madinah due to the relentless persecution of the Quraish. Just as Prophet Yusuf (AS) showed compassion and mercy to his brothers when they finally recognized him in Egypt, so did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) show clemency to the Quraish when he had full power to inflict vengeance on them after the conquest of Makkah. He said,

“Today no penalty shall be inflicted upon you; you are forgiven.” [Yusuf, 12:92]

For ease of understanding and referencing this comprehensive Surah, we can divide it into the four sections of Prophet Yusuf’s (PBUH) life, namely: his childhood, his youth, his period of isolation, and his era of victory and achievements. Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) Childhood: Ayat 1-20 From the beginning of the Surah, Allah sets the stage by showing us the seeds of belief that are inherent in the heart of Prophet Yusuf (AS), while in stark contrast, the seeds of distrust, jealousy, and hatred had begun to take root in his brothers’ minds and hearts. At the onset of the Surah, Prophet Yusuf (AS) narrates to his father a wonderful dream which proves to be a forerunner of what was to occur in his life later. He tells his father,

“O my father! In a dream I saw eleven stars, the sun and the moon – I saw them prostrate themselves before me!” [Yusuf, 12:4]

Prophet Yaqub (AS) in his wisdom understood that his son had been specially chosen by Allah for His divine work, but he also realized that Satan was an avowed enemy and would work on the intellect of his brothers who already harbored feelings of resentment towards the young Yusuf (AS). So, he prudently advised his son not to reveal the contents of the dream to his brothers. On the other hand, his brothers plotted to kill him in order to rid themselves of his presence, hoping that with Yusuf (AS) gone, their father would then pay more attention to them and thus, love them more. Soon, they changed this plan to one of abandonment—of casting him in a well, hoping that he could be left to be discovered by strangers and then, perhaps he would be carried away to a far-off land. They devised an elaborate scheme to carry their plan to fruition. Begging their father to entrust Yusuf (AS) into their care for a day, they convinced their father that they were taking Yusuf (AS) with them for play and enjoyment. Upon returning without him, they wept telling their father that indeed a wolf had killed him and presented Yusuf’s (AS) shirt stained with fake blood to show their father further proof of the veracity of their story. It is at this moment, that Prophet Yacub (AS) said the beautiful words that exposed the sublime patience (sabrun jameel) he had in the will of Allah.

“I need good patience! Allah alone can help me against that which you assert.” [Yusuf, 12:18]

In the meantime, Prophet Yusuf (AS) was picked up by a passing caravan of people, (who were grateful for their good fortune upon discovering the young boy) who they could sell for a few dirhams. Thus, as Allah had willed, Prophet Yusuf was bought by a rich businessman from Egypt, and the stage was set for the next eventful phase of his life. His Youth: Ayat 21-35 At this crucial stage in Prophet Yusuf (AS) life, we find that Allah turned the misfortune he suffered (i.e. estrangement from his family and enslavement to people who bought him) into an opportunity to establish himself in an environment safe from his brothers. Allah also gave him the freedom to develop his spiritual abilities and exhibit his mettle in upholding his pious behavior and ideals. Not free of the transgressions of disbelievers. Prophet Yusuf (AS) at this point was tested by the lust of the mistress of the house he resided in, as she attempted to seduce him, presenting him with an opportunity to betray his master and to disobey Allah. When her allurements failed, she tried to tarnish Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) name and reputation by blaming him and falsely accusing him of trying to molest her. However, her husband was convinced by reasonable logic that he could not have been responsible for this act. In fact, since Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) shirt was torn from the back, he was assured it was his wife who was responsible for this heinous act and the subsequent false accusation. Being rational enough to see through the schemes of his wife, he rightfully took the side of Prophet Yusuf (AS). However, the businessman’s wife wanted to punish him further for the humiliation she had suffered, so she invited the women of the town (who were defaming her due to this incident) so that they could witness his beauty for themselves. Upon seeing him, they ended up injuring themselves. His mistress, not deterred, once again asked him to submit to her attentions, or to submit to the fate of leading a life in prison. To this Prophet Yusuf (AS) said,

“O my Rabb! Prison is more to my liking than to which they invite me….” [Yusuf, 12:33]

Therefore, due to his piety, Allah saved him from these dishonorable schemes, by sending him to prison. With this chain of events, his morality was preserved. His Isolation in Prison: Ayat 36-57 During this stage of isolation, life in the prison allowed Prophet Yusuf (AS) to refine himself and deepen in spiritual growth, proving once again that forbearance and implicit trust in Allah, can change what appears to be a seemingly unfortunate situation, into a hidden blessing. Through his humility, patience, and dedication to the truth, Prophet Yusuf (AS) not only interpreted accurately the dreams of his fellow inmates, but he used this as an opportunity to practice dawah (calling to Allah) and enlighten his companions about tawhid (monotheism) and the supreme importance of worshipping Allah alone. In return he only asked that his soon to be released companions, mention him to the king for his subsequent release. When even this did not bear fruition, he trusted in Allah’s plan and bore his prolonged imprisonment with forbearance. Eventually, the king needed an interpretation of his dream, and his companions, now released remembered Prophet Yusuf (AS) who was still imprisoned. They mentioned to the king Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) unique ability to comprehend dreams, (a gift endowed upon him by the power of Allah)  and they consulted Prophet Yusuf (AS) who explained the significance of the king’s dream. The king wished for Prophet Yusuf (AS) to be presented before him. Prophet Yusuf (AS) requested that his name be cleared by his previous mistress before he was released from prison. Not only did his mistress now confess to her plot of seduction, but also established that Prophet Yusuf (AS) was indeed blameless and completely innocent of all her false accusations. Thus, not only was his reputation reinstated, but with the supreme will of Allah, he was able to liberate himself from jail, but also from slavery altogether. The king consequently, chose him to be a minister in his court. Thus, by Allah’s permission, divine justice and plan, he became one of the most powerful men in one of the most powerful nations at the time. Allah says,

“We bestow Our mercy on whom we please and We do not let the reward of good people be lost.” [Yusuf, 12:57]

Prophet Yusuf’s Exoneration and Victory: Ayat 58-111 Once Prophet Yusuf (AS) was vindicated he took his prestigious role as the treasurer of Egypt. We witness the wisdom of Allah once again, when with the arrival of a drought in the land, Allah created a tangible need for Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) wisdom and expertise in managing agricultural affairs. This need brought the original opponents of Prophet Yusuf (AS), his very own brothers, to his doorstep. With Allah’s will and the status of his position, Prophet Yusuf (AS) was able to create an opportunity to expose the truth through the very same people who wronged him. Soon after Prophet Yusuf became a minister, there was a famine, and his brothers came to Egypt requesting food for their family. He instantly recognized them though they failed to recognize him. Thus, Allah placed him in an indispensable role where his position to manage the state of affairs not only of the land but also of his family, became imperative and unquestionable. Wanting to take his blood brother from his stepbrothers, he requested them to return with his brother, Benjamin, if they wished to sample more of his hospitality. The brothers returned to give glad tidings to their father of the food they had received and requested him to send Benjamin with them, so that the minister in Egypt would endow them with more food. At this point, Prophet Yaqub (AS) recalled how they had not stayed true to their word years ago and had abused the trust which he had conferred on them with regard to the safety of Prophet Yusuf (AS). He was wary of sending Benjamin with them and only did so after exacting a pledge from them,

“Allah is the witness over the pledge you make.” [Yusuf, 12:66]

With a stroke of genius inspired by Allah, Prophet Yusuf (AS) devised an elaborate plan to take his younger brother, while at the same time creating the opportunity to reunite with his father. When they did return with Benjamin, he had the guards place the King’s drinking cup in his younger brother’s bag. This set the stage for Prophet Yusuf (AS) to be able to keep his brother with him, (for the supposed theft) whilst sending his other brothers back. When their pleas (to return their brother to them) failed to move Prophet Yusuf (AS), they returned in dismay to tell their father with dread about the fate of Benjamin. Grief stricken and shattered a second time, Prophet Yaqub (AS) turned to Allah Almighty and said,

“I complain of my distress and grief to Allah alone and I know from Allah what you do not know.” [Yusuf, 12:86]

This time when they returned to Egypt, Prophet Yusuf revealed his true identity to his brothers. In an act of supreme magnanimity, he forgave his brothers on the spot. He entreated them to return with their father and whole family. Ultimately, these actions placed his older brothers in a humbling position that left them no choice but to admit to what they had done to him in the past and to seek his forgiveness. He allowed them to live in peace and spoke to his father about the interpretation of his dream (which he had confessed to his father in childhood) and its foretelling of future events which had now come to pass. By following Prophet Yusuf (AS), his brothers were not only ennobled spiritually, but also materially. Now that Allah had demonstrated the manifestation of His decree, He addresses Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) directly in the Surah explaining the morals of the story. People of faith should simply be patient with the decree of Allah, continue to follow His guidance and look forward to attaining their reward because His promise will never fail. The Surah ends with the profound words of Allah,

“This narrative of Yusuf revealed in the Quran is not an invented tale, but a confirmation of previous scriptures – a detailed exposition of all things, and is a guidance and blessing for the people who believe.” [Yusuf, 12: 111]

To be continued in PART 2