The revered prophet known as Yaqub (AS) in Arabic, or Jacob is one of the most famous prophets in Islam. He is referred to as a man of great faith, wisdom, and patience, and appears multiple times in the Quran. Yaqub (AS) was the grandson of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and the son of Prophet Ishaq (AS) and is the inheritor of the blessed lineage of prophethood. His other name is Israel, and his sons became the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel. This short story of Yaqub (AS) is connected with Allah’s guidance, family difficulties, and trust in Allah.
Birth and Early Life
Prophet Yaqub (AS) was the son of Prophet Ishaq (AS) and a virtuous woman from a line of believers. He had a twin brother, Esau (or ‘Esau’ in some traditions) yet Yaqub (AS) was selected as one of Allah’s Prophets. Yaqub (AS) is a veritable icon of wisdom, moral straightness, and worship of Allah, even from his youth.
With the knowledge of his forefather, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) being passed down, Yaqub (AS) grew up well-versed already in the ways of Allah. And then getting to know the son of a monotheistic and righteous household who learned to obey Allah and guide others to the truth.
Prophethood and Family
Yaqub (AS) is known for being very family-oriented, and he had a close connection with his children and their upbringing. He fathered twelve sons who would later become the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel. His two favorite children, both born to his wife Rahil were Yusuf (AS) and Benjamin. The love and care that Yaqub (AS) had for Yusuf (AS) is abundantly covered in the Quran, especially the Surah which discusses the story of Yusuf (AS) in depth.
Yaqub’s (AS) affection for his son Yusuf (AS) led Yaqub’s (AS) other children to conspire against Yusuf (AS) in jealousy. They lied to their father that he was killed by a wolf and brought his shirt stained with false blood as proof. The Quran says:
“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)
Yaqub (AS) exhibited incredible patience and faith in Allah’s plan despite his great sorrow that resonated throughout his life.
Trials and Patience
We can further understand the magnitude of this loss through the subsequent events in Yaqub (AS) life. He stood for his faith while being apart from his beloved son for years. The Quran describes that Yaqub (AS) cried so much due to sorrow that he lost his eyesight:
“And he turned away from them and said, ‘Oh, my sorrow over Yusuf,’ and his eyes became white from grief, for he was [of that] a suppressor [of anger].”
(Surah Yusuf, 12:84)
The severity of the trial brings forth his absolute tawakkul (reliance) on Allah, which is the epitome of sabr (patience). Yaqub (AS) never lost hope in Allah’s mercy, nor did he stop believing that Yusuf (AS) would someday return to him:
“He said, ‘O my sons, go and find out about Yusuf and his brother and despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.’”
(Surah Yusuf, 12:87)
Reunion with Yusuf (AS)
After many years, Yaqub’s (AS) patience was rewarded when Yusuf (AS) sent for his family after becoming a minister in Egypt. Thereafter, Yusuf (AS) made himself known to his brothers, who showed remorse for their wrongful actions. He then had them return to Canaan with his shirt and told them to put it over Yaqub’s (AS) eyes so he could see again. The Quran recounts the miraculous reunion:
“And when the caravan departed, their father said, ‘Indeed, I find the smell of Yusuf [and would say that he was alive] if you did not think me weakened in mind.’”
(Surah Yusuf, 12:94)
Due to the shirt that was placed on Yaqub’s (AS) eyes, he was able to see again and he thanked Allah (SWT) for his mercy and bounty. The family then journeyed to Egypt and then reunited joyfully with Yaqub (AS) and Yusuf (AS). This moment represented the peak of Yaqub’s (AS) unshaken faith in Allah.
Later Life and Death
Prophet Yaqui lived his remaining days in Egypt, amongst his sons and grandchildren. Before his death, he gathered his sons and reminded them to remain steadfast in their worship of Allah, emphasizing the importance of monotheism:
“Or were you witnesses when death approached Yaqub, when he said to his sons, ‘What will you worship after me?’ They said, ‘We will worship your God and the God of your fathers, Ibrahim, Ishaq, and Ismail, one God. And we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.’”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:133)
Yaqub (AS) passed away in the land of Egypt and was interred in the family graveyard in Hebron in the land of Palestine, next to his father Ishaq (AS) and his grandfather Ibrahim (AS). He remains a prophet, a patriarch, a man of patience; his legacy inspires all believers.
Legacy in the Light of the Quran
Prophet Yaqub (AS) is remembered as a figure of unwavering faith, perseverance in the face of adversity, and commitment to family. His story teaches us the value of patience and of trusting Allah’s plan for our lives above all else In the Quran, Yaqub (AS) is honored as a pious servant of Allah:
“And We gave him Ishaq and Yaqub and placed in his descendants’ prophethood and scripture. And We gave him his reward in this world, and indeed, he is in the Hereafter among the righteous.”
(Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:27)
His unwavering commitment to monotheism and his role as the father of the tribes of Israel makes him a central figure in Islamic teachings.
