One of the greatest prophets of Allah was Prophet Yusuf (AS), or Joseph as he is popularly known in the English tradition. His life story is told in Surah Yusuf (Chapter 12 of the Quran), which is widely accepted as one of the most interesting and detailed stories of a prophet. His journey is a story of patience, trials, wisdom, and eventual success through Allah’s divine plan.
From being a beloved child, to being betrayed by his brothers, to suffering false accusations, to being put in prison, and then eventually rising to become powerful in Egypt, the story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) is one of how having faith in Allah can bring each of us to great heights. The Quran narrates his story as follows:
“Indeed, in the story of Yusuf and his brothers, there are signs for those who ask.”
(Surah Yusuf 12:7)
Birth and Early Life: A Child of Prophecy
He was born in Canaan (Palestine) as the son of Prophet Jacob (AS) and the grandson of Prophet Isaac (AS). He was from the noble family of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and had eleven brothers, of whom his younger brother Binyamin (Benjamin) was the most beloved.
Yusuf (AS) also demonstrated wisdom and piety from an early age. His father, Yaqub (AS), realised that Yusuf was going to be the bearer of great things and that he would be favoured by Allah in a special way.
The Dream That Foretold His Future
As a young boy, one of the most noteworthy events in the life of Yusuf (AS) was the moment he witnessed a prophetic dream. He told his father:
“O my father, indeed I have seen eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me.”
(Surah Yusuf 12:4)
The Prophet Yaqub (AS) instantly knew this was a signal from Allah and admonished his son, saying:
“O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers, or they will plot against you. Indeed, Satan is to man a manifest enemy.”
(Surah Yusuf 12:5)
This was a prophecy that Yusuf (AS) would be in a high station of honour. But it also hinted at the jealousy his brothers would harbour, the trials he would have to endure before realising his destiny.
The Betrayal of Yusuf (AS) by His Brothers
Yusuf (AS) had a father, Yaqub (AS), who was fond of him, and therefore his brothers were jealous of him. They schemed to dispose of him, adding:
“Kill Yusuf or cast him out to another land so that your father’s attention will be yours alone. Then you can be righteous after that.”
(Surah Yusuf 12:9)
Instead of murdering him, they chose to throw him into a well and to lie to the father by telling him that a wolf ate him. They went to Yaqub (AS) with fake tears and brought Yusuf’s shirt smeared with false blood:
“And they brought upon his shirt false blood. [Yaqub] said, ‘Rather, your souls have enticed you to something. So patience is most fitting. And Allah is the One sought for help against that which you describe.’”
(Surah Yusuf 12:18)
In the meantime, a passing caravan found Yusuf (AS) in the well and sold him into slavery in Egypt.
Life in Egypt: From Servant to Prisoner
Yusuf (AS) was taken to Egypt, where he was sold to Al-Aziz, a high-ranking official who treated him kindly. However, His wife became enamoured of Yusuf’s (AS) beauty and attempted to seduce him. Yusuf (AS) rejected the proposition, saying:
“He said, ‘I seek refuge in Allah! Indeed, He is my master, who has made my stay good. Indeed, the wrongdoers will never succeed.”
(Surah Yusuf 12:23)
After the woman accused Yusuf (AS) of this act, in fact, this act did not take place, but she accused him ,so he was put in jail although he was in no fault.
The Prison Years: Yusuf’s (AS) Gift of Dream Interpretation
In prison, Yusuf (AS) exhibited both patience and wisdom. Two other prisoners had dreams, and he interpreted them. With the help of Allah, he interpreted their dreams correctly by telling them that one of them would be set free, while the other would be executed.
Later, when the King of Egypt had a dream where he was eating seven fat cows and the other seven lean cows, Yusuf (AS )’s provisions were remembered. He told the King that Egypt would have seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine and advised the King on how to prepare.
This wisdom pleases the King, so he commanded that Yusuf(AS) be released from prison.
The Rise of Prophet Yusuf (AS) as a Leader
Yusuf, on the other hand, was innocent and was vindicated and thereby given an Islamically legitimate position of high authority in Egypt. He was appointed by the King as Minister of Finance, overseeing his country’s food supply during this famine:
“And thus We established Yusuf in the land, to settle therein wherever he willed. We bestow Our mercy upon whom We will, and We do not allow the reward of those who do good to be lost.”
(Surah Yusuf 12:56)
By frugally storing grain in the years of plenty according to his plan, Egypt was able to withstand the famine.
The Reunion with His Family
Yusuf’s (AS) brothers arrived in Egypt in search of food due to the famine. Not recognising him, they begged for help. Yusuf (AS) once again put their sincerity to the test by asking them to bring along their younger brother, Binyamin, on their next visit.
When they came back with Binyamin, Yusuf AS revealed himself:
“I am Yusuf, and this is my brother. Allah has certainly favored us. Indeed, whoever fears Allah and is patient—then indeed, Allah does not allow the reward of those who do good to be lost.”
(Surah Yusuf 12:90)
Eventually, the brothers asked for forgiveness, and Yusuf (AS) forgave them completely.
Final Years and Death of Prophet Yusuf (AS)
Yusuf (AS) is reunited with his family and invites (assures) his father, Yaqub (AS), and the family to settle in Egypt. The patriarch of his family and the beacon of his brothers, bowing to him in deference, that vision he had as a child had come to pass.
His entire clan remained dedicated servants of Allah till their deaths. He prayed one last time before he died:
“My Lord, You have given me authority and taught me the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and the earth, You are my protector in this world and the Hereafter. Cause me to die as a Muslim and join me with the righteous.”
(Surah Yusuf 12:101)
He passed away in Egypt and was subsequently buried there, according to tradition, and later also in Hebron, Palestine, near his forefathers.
Lessons from the Life of Prophet Yusuf (AS)
- Patience and Tawakkul: He was betrayed, enslaved, and imprisoned, and yet he remained true to his faith.
- Forgiveness and Mercy: He forgave his brothers when the opportunity arose, even though they had betrayed him.
- Wisdom to Lead: His brilliance and strategy spared Egypt from famine.
- Chastity and Morality: He avoided temptation and stayed faithful to his principles.
Conclusion
The life of Prophet Yusuf (AS) represents the divine wisdom and mercy of Allah (SWT). It shows that a pit to palace journey is only possible with faith, patience, and righteousness. A true symbol of divine justice and human perseverance, his story is still one of the most inspiring. May peace and blessings be upon Prophet Yusuf (AS) and all the prophets of Allah. Ameen.
