Joseph
Yûsuf
یُوسُف
LEARNING POINTS
This is the single longest story in the Quran and is not repeated anywhere else in the Book.
The story began when Yusuf saw a dream about himself and his family, which came true at the end of the surah.
Yusuf's half-brothers became very jealous of him so they decided to get rid of him by faking his death.
Because of what the brothers did, Yusuf was sold as a slave and ended up in jail even though he was innocent.
Allah blessed Yusuf with the ability to understand dreams. This helped him get out of jail, after he explained the meaning of the King's dream.
As the new Chief Minister, Yusuf was able to save Egypt from years of food shortage.
Even though Yusuf came to power, he did not take revenge against his brothers. Instead, he helped and forgave them.
Yusuf's whole family was reunited in Egypt.
The Prophet (ﷺ) is advised to keep inviting others to Islam, knowing that Allah will always support him.
Even though prophets go through tests and challenges, they always succeed with Allah's help.
BACKGROUND STORY
When Yusuf (A.S.) was young, he had a dream of the sun, the moon, and 11 stars bowing down to him. This meant that one day his father, step-mother, and 11 brothers would bow to him in respect. His father, Prophet Yaqub (A.S.), told him not to share this dream with his older brothers. It's important to know that Yusuf's and his younger brother, Benjamin, were full brothers—the youngest of Yaqub's 12 sons. Their 10 older brothers were from a different mother. Since Yusuf and Benjamin lost their mother at a young age, they needed more care from their father. The older brothers thought that their father loved Yusuf and Benjamin more than them so they became very jealous.
Eventually, Yusuf's older brothers were so blinded by jealousy that they decided to get rid of him. At first, they made a plan to kill him before changing their mind to just throwing him into a faraway well. He was later picked up by a group of travelers, who sold him as a slave to the Chief Minister of Egypt. Yusuf had been blessed with beauty and the ability to explain dreams. When he matured, the Chief Minister's wife tried to attract him to her, but he refused. She made up a story and complained to her husband to get Yusuf in trouble. Even though he was innocent, he ended up in jail for many years.
In jail, Yusuf got to know 2 other prisoners. Each of them had a dream and Yusuf was able to explain their dreams. One of the prisoners eventually went back to serve the King. One day, the King had a nightmare that no one was able to explain. The former prisoner got Yusuf to explain that bad dream. Yusuf told them that Egypt would go through difficult years caused by the lack of rain and food shortage. Yusuf was then released and declared innocent. The King was impressed by Yusuf's character and hired him as the new Chief Minister to manage the food supplies during those difficult years.
Later, Yusuf's older brothers came to buy supplies for their struggling family. He recognized them but they couldn't recognize him because of his age and royal status. He asked them for details about their family and told them to bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, if they wanted to take supplies for him in the future. Yusuf also slipped their money into their packs so they could come back and afford to buy future supplies. At first, their father refused to send Benjamin along because he did not trust them. But he later agreed after they promised to bring him back safe.
Yusuf secretly revealed his true identity to Benjamin and made a plan to keep him back in Egypt. When his brothers returned to their father and told him the sad news that they couldn't bring Benjamin back, Yaqub (A.S.) cried so much that it affected his ability to see. He told his sons to go back and look carefully for Yusuf and Benjamin. The brothers came back to Yusuf and begged him for kindness. They were shocked when Yusuf told them who he really was. As soon as they offered their sincere apologies, he forgave them. Yusuf then told them to take his shirt and put it on his father's face so he could see again and asked them to bring their whole family to Egypt. They all arrived, then his father, step-mother, and 11 brothers bowed down to him as a sign of respect, so his old dream came true. Then everyone lived happily in Egypt in the care of Yusuf (A.S.).
WORDS OF WISDOM
This surah was revealed at a very difficult time in the life of the Prophet (ﷺ) following the death of his wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib, only 3 days apart. Once the Prophet (ﷺ) lost his two main supporters, the idol-worshippers increased their abuse against the small Muslim community in Makkah. So this surah was revealed to comfort the Prophet (ﷺ) because he could relate to the life of Yusuf (A.S.). Both stories are similar in many ways:
1. Like Yusuf (A.S.), the Prophet (ﷺ) was forced to leave his hometown for many years.
2. People were jealous of him because Allah blessed him with a special mercy and made him a prophet.
3. He was falsely accused of being a poet, liar, and crazy man.
4. Yusuf (A.S.) always prayed to Allah in good and bad times, and the Prophet (ﷺ) did the same.
5. Like Yusuf (A.S.), the Prophet (ﷺ) had to go through many difficulties, only to gain full authority at the end.
6. After many years of abuse, the Prophet (ﷺ) won over Makkah and treated his enemies with kindness. He even quoted the same words that Yusuf (A.S.) said to his brothers when he forgave them in verse 92: "There is no blame on you today. May Allah forgive you! He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!"
7. The Makkans accepted Islam and, like Yusuf's (A.S.) family, they lived in peace afterwards.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Some of the scholars who reflect on the Quran have discovered a new dimension of the beauty of this Book. They call it the 'Ring Structure,' which is found in many surahs and even verses in the Quran. The 'Ring Structure' basically means if you fold any of those surahs or verses right in the middle, the first half and the second half would match perfectly.
So, for example, if you take a close look at verse 2:185, you will see that sentences 1 & 6 match, 2 & 5 match, and 3 & 4 match. The verse is summarized below: • Allah has blessed us with Ramadan so we should be grateful to Him. • Those who are present this month should complete the period of fasting. • But for those who are sick or travelling, Allah makes things easy by allowing them to make up the days after Ramadan.
This is very interesting because the Prophet (ﷺ) couldn't read or write. This proves that he is not the author of the Quran. Rather, he just memorized the surahs the way they were revealed to him. So it was simply impossible for him to structure the surahs in this amazing order.
WORDS OF WISDOM
It is reported that some companions said to the Prophet (ﷺ), "We wish you would tell us stories." So the story of Yusuf (A.S.) was revealed. {Imam Ibn Kathir & Imam Al-Qurtubi}
Everyone loves stories. Stories capture lessons and touch hearts. People can relate to stories. They are easy to remember and are often shared with other people. When we listen to a speech, we usually remember the stories and forget most of the speech. This is why the Quran and Hadith are filled with stories. The next time you give a talk or make a presentation, make sure to tell a story.
WORDS OF WISDOM
According to Imam Al-Qurtubi, the story of Yusuf (A.S.) is very special for the following reasons:
• This story has a happy ending for everyone. Yusuf (A.S.) becomes the Chief Minister of Egypt, he forgives his brothers, the whole family is reunited in Egypt, and they all live happily ever after.
• Unlike the stories of Musa, Salih, Hud, and Lut (A.S.), no one is destroyed in the story of Yusuf (A.S.).
• Many people can relate to the lessons and the ups and downs in this story.
• This story is very comforting, especially to those who have been treated unfairly.
WORDS OF WISDOM
One of the main lessons we learn from this surah is that sometimes life will throw dirt at you, no matter how good you are. Many people get angry when they lose a game or fail a test because they think they have to win or succeed all the time. But life doesn't work that way. Life has ups and downs, successes and failures. So keep in mind that when life throws dirt at you, don't let that dirt bury you. Instead, put it under your feet and rise. Turn every challenge into an opportunity.
• Yusuf (A.S.) had to deal with many challenges but he became successful.
• The Prophet (ﷺ) went through many difficulties but things turned out in his favor in the end.
• The Muslims lost at Uhud but they had the upper hand in the end.
• Some people are born blind, yet they are able to memorize the Quran and serve Islam.
• Some people fail a test or lose a business but are able to build themselves back up.
• Some people work hard and do good things but they are not appreciated by others. Allah appreciates them, and that's all that matters.
Yes, we may fall sometimes. It's not the end of the world. We have to stand up and keep moving. It's okay to lose or fail sometimes, because this will give meaning and value to winning and succeeding. The most important thing is to believe in yourself, put your trust in Allah, do your best, and never lose hope.
WORDS OF WISDOM
This Surah talks about dreams and how Allah blessed Yusuf (A.S.) with the ability to explain those dreams. As we mentioned in Surah 63, the Prophet (ﷺ) said that there are 3 types of dreams:
• A dream from Allah—for example, when you see yourself happy, enjoying life, or in Jannah. You may tell family members or close friends about your dream, but don't share it with everyone because some people might become jealous.
• A nightmare from Shaytan—for example, when you see yourself suffering, choking, or dying. It's better not to share this with anyone, because those who love you will be worried about you, and those who don't like you will be happy that you had a bad dream.
• A vision from yourself—for example, if you are having a final exam next week and you keep thinking about the exam, you might have dreams of yourself going to school and taking the test. If you have dreams of your grandmother who passed away 2 years ago, this may be because you miss her so much. {Imam Muslim}
Anyway, don't be distracted by dreams. Always keep in mind that Allah does what is best for you, and you are always under His care.
SIDE STORY
We can easily understand why Yaqub (A.S.) asked Yusuf (A.S.) not to share his dream with others. Privacy is one of the most important things that many people don't take seriously these days. With social media taking over people's lives, it's becoming more and more difficult to keep any secrets. People share information about their location, personal life, kids, pets, friends, food, clothes—basically, everything. They don't always know who is following their posts and don't realize that someone may misuse this information.
You may have noticed that when you search online for an item (let's say a phone), suddenly your social media is flooded with ads about phones! And since you are so innocent, you start thinking, "Whoa, subhan-Allah, magic!" Not really. The truth is that big companies take advantage of the data they collect about you and make billions of dollars.
Also, as we mentioned in Surah 113, we should try to protect ourselves from evil eyes by protecting our privacy, especially online. We don't have to tell people about everything that Allah has blessed us with. We don't have to take a selfie and post it on social media every time we go to an expensive restaurant, buy a fancy pair of shoes, or as soon as a mother finds out that she's 2 months pregnant.
I've read many stories about people whose houses got robbed after making posts on social media showing off their fancy lifestyle or sharing details about their vacation away from home. By the time they came back, their expensive jewellery, furniture, and electronics were gone. They learned this lesson the hard way.
WORDS OF WISDOM
As we can see throughout this surah, Allah would send His support to Yusuf (A.S.) when he needed it the most.
• When Yusuf's brothers wanted to kill him, suddenly one of them said no.
• When the travelers sold him as a slave, the Chief Minister treated him like a son.
• When he was falsely accused, a witness came forward to prove his innocence.
• When he went to jail, the King had a dream which led to Yusuf (A.S.) being released.
• When the women made plans against him, the King honored him.
SIDE STORY
There was an old farmer who had a fine horse. When his neighbours told him that he was very lucky to have that horse, he replied, "Maybe, maybe not." One day the horse escaped into the mountains. His neighbours told him that this was very bad. He replied, "Maybe, maybe not." Two days later, the horse returned with 6 wild horses from the mountains. The neighbours told him that this was very good. He replied, "Maybe, maybe not." Later, the farmer's son tried to tame one of the wild horses, but he fell off and broke his leg. The neighbours said that this was very bad. He replied, "Maybe, maybe not." A few days later, soldiers from the national army came to the town to take away all the youth who could fight. But they left the farmer's son because he had a broken leg. The neighbours said that this was very good. The farmer replied, "Maybe, maybe not."
WORDS OF WISDOM
The lesson here is that we don't see the full picture. Maybe good things lead to bad things, and maybe bad things lead to good things. We never know. You can find several examples in the story of Yusuf (A.S.). Verse 57:23 teaches us that we shouldn't be too happy when good things happen, and we shouldn't be too sad when bad things happen. Verse 2:216 tells us that maybe we love something but it turns out to be bad for us, and maybe we hate something but it turns out to be good for us. Allah sees the whole picture; we just see a small pixel. At the end of the day, we should trust that Allah does what is best for us.
THE BEST OF STORIES
1Alif-Lam-Ra. These are the verses of the clear Book. 2Surely, We have sentit down as an Arabic Quran' so that you all will understand. 3We tell you 'O Prophet' the best of stories by revealing this Quran to you, even though before this you were one of those who knew nothing 'about them'.
الٓرۚ تِلۡكَ ءَايَٰتُ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ ٱلۡمُبِينِ 1إِنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَٰهُ قُرۡءَٰنًا عَرَبِيّٗا لَّعَلَّكُمۡ تَعۡقِلُونَ 2نَحۡنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَيۡكَ أَحۡسَنَ ٱلۡقَصَصِ بِمَآ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ هَٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ وَإِن كُنتَ مِن قَبۡلِهِۦ لَمِنَ ٱلۡغَٰفِلِينَ3
Verse 2: Quran literally means recitation.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Someone may ask, "Why did Yusuf (A.S.) see a dream of something good, but not the horrible things that were going to happen to him?" We need to understand that Allah blessed Yusuf (A.S.) with this dream so he could see the great end result and not become distracted by the challenging events that would happen along the way. Maybe if he saw those horrible things, he might have lost hope in success. In the same way, seeing a dream about how you will be honored at a graduation ceremony is a better motivation than seeing a dream about how tired you will be while studying.
The dreams of prophets always come true. For example, the dream of the Prophet (ﷺ) entering Makkah came true (48:27). Prophet Ibrahim's (A.S.) dream about the sacrifice came true (37:102). Prophet Yusuf's (A.S.) dream also came true at the end of this surah. As for regular people, their dreams may or may not come true. The dreams of the 2 prisoners and the King also came true in this surah.
Not everyone is able to explain dreams. Prophets like Yusuf and Muhammad (ﷺ) were blessed with this knowledge. Some scholars like Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam Ibn Sirin also had this gift. Scholars look for clues when trying to explain the meaning of dreams. Sometimes 2 scholars will give 2 different explanations for the same dream. Maybe one scholar will explain the same dream in 2 different ways.
SIDE STORY
One day, two men came to Imam Ibn Sirin and both of them said they dreamt of someone making an announcement. He told the first man that he was going for hajj and told the second one that he was a thief! After the 2 men left, the people asked Ibn Sirin, "Why did you explain their dream differently?" He said, "When I looked at the first one, I saw the light of faith on his face, which reminded me of Ibrahim (A.S.) announcing hajj. But when I looked at the second one, I saw the darkness of sin on his face, which reminded me of the guards of Yusuf (A.S.) announcing the theft of the royal cup." {Imam Ibn Sirin in Tafsir Al-Ahlam 'Explaining Dreams'}
YUSUF'S DREAM
4Remember' when Yusuf said to his father, 'O my dear father! I dreamt of eleven stars, the sun, and the moon-I saw them all bowing down to me!'² 5He replied, 'O my dear son! Do not tell your brothers about your dream, or they will make a plan against you. Satan is truly a clear enemy to humankind. 6And so your Lord will choose you 'O Yusuf', and teach you how to explain dreams, and perfect His favour upon you and the children of Ya'qub, just as He once perfected it upon your grandfathers Ibrahim and Ishaq. Surely your Lord has perfect knowledge and wisdom.
إِذۡ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِأَبِيهِ يَٰٓأَبَتِ إِنِّي رَأَيۡتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوۡكَبٗا وَٱلشَّمۡسَ وَٱلۡقَمَرَ رَأَيۡتُهُمۡ لِي سَٰجِدِينَ 4قَالَ يَٰبُنَيَّ لَا تَقۡصُصۡ رُءۡيَاكَ عَلَىٰٓ إِخۡوَتِكَ فَيَكِيدُواْ لَكَ كَيۡدًاۖ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنَ لِلۡإِنسَٰنِ عَدُوّٞ مُّبِينٞ 5وَكَذَٰلِكَ يَجۡتَبِيكَ رَبُّكَ وَيُعَلِّمُكَ مِن تَأۡوِيلِ ٱلۡأَحَادِيثِ وَيُتِمُّ نِعۡمَتَهُۥ عَلَيۡكَ وَعَلَىٰٓ ءَالِ يَعۡقُوبَ كَمَآ أَتَمَّهَا عَلَىٰٓ أَبَوَيۡكَ مِن قَبۡلُ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسۡحَٰقَۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيم6
Verse 4: This dream came true at the end of the story (12:100).
EVIL PLAN AGAINST YUSUF
7Surely in the story of Yusuf and his brothers there are lessons for all who ask. 8'Remember' when they complained 'to each other', 'Our father certainly loves Yusuf and his brother 'Benjamin' more than us, even though we are a group of so many. No doubt, our father is clearly mistaken. 9Let us kill Yusuf or throw him away in some 'distant' land so that our father's attention will be only for us, then after that you can 'repent and become good people!' 10One of them said, 'Do not kill Yusuf, but throw him into the bottom of a well so he may be picked up by some travellers, if you are going to take action!'
لَّقَدۡ كَانَ فِي يُوسُفَ وَإِخۡوَتِهِۦٓ ءَايَٰتٞ لِّلسَّآئِلِينَ 7إِذۡ قَالُواْ لَيُوسُفُ وَأَخُوهُ أَحَبُّ إِلَىٰٓ أَبِينَا مِنَّا وَنَحۡنُ عُصۡبَةٌ إِنَّ أَبَانَا لَفِي ضَلَٰلٖ مُّبِينٍ 8ٱقۡتُلُواْ يُوسُفَ أَوِ ٱطۡرَحُوهُ أَرۡضٗا يَخۡلُ لَكُمۡ وَجۡهُ أَبِيكُمۡ وَتَكُونُواْ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِۦ قَوۡمٗا صَٰلِحِينَ 9قَالَ قَآئِلٞ مِّنۡهُمۡ لَا تَقۡتُلُواْ يُوسُفَ وَأَلۡقُوهُ فِي غَيَٰبَتِ ٱلۡجُبِّ يَلۡتَقِطۡهُ بَعۡضُ ٱلسَّيَّارَةِ إِن كُنتُمۡ فَٰعِلِينَ10
CONVINCING YA'QUB
11They said, 'O our father! Why do you not trust us with Yusuf, although we truly wish him well? 12Send him out with us tomorrow so he may enjoy himself and play. And we will definitely watch over him.' 13He replied, 'I would really be sad to see you take him away, and I am afraid that a wolf may eat him when you are not paying attention.' 14They argued, 'If a wolf ate him, when there are so many of us, then we would certainly be losers!' 15Finally, when they took him away and decided to throw him into the bottom of the well, We inspired him: 'One day' you are going to remind them of all this when they do not know who you are.'
قَالُواْ يَٰٓأَبَانَا مَالَكَ لَا تَأۡمَ۬نَّا عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَنَٰصِحُونَ 11أَرۡسِلۡهُ مَعَنَا غَدٗا يَرۡتَعۡ وَيَلۡعَبۡ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَٰفِظُونَ 12قَالَ إِنِّي لَيَحۡزُنُنِيٓ أَن تَذۡهَبُواْ بِهِۦ وَأَخَافُ أَن يَأۡكُلَهُ ٱلذِّئۡبُ وَأَنتُمۡ عَنۡهُ غَٰفِلُونَ 13قَالُواْ لَئِنۡ أَكَلَهُ ٱلذِّئۡبُ وَنَحۡنُ عُصۡبَةٌ إِنَّآ إِذٗا لَّخَٰسِرُونَ 14فَلَمَّا ذَهَبُواْ بِهِۦ وَأَجۡمَعُوٓاْ أَن يَجۡعَلُوهُ فِي غَيَٰبَتِ ٱلۡجُبِّۚ وَأَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡهِ لَتُنَبِّئَنَّهُم بِأَمۡرِهِمۡ هَٰذَا وَهُمۡ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ15
FAKING YUSUF'S DEATH
16Later, they returned to their father in the evening, crying. 17They said, 'O our father! We went racing and left Yusuf alone with our things, and a wolf ate him up! But you will not believe us, even if we are telling the truth.' 18And they brought his shirt, stained with false blood.³ He responded, 'No! You must have made up something evil. I am left with nothing but' beautiful patience!⁴ I seek Allah's help to deal with your claims.'
وَجَآءُوٓ أَبَاهُمۡ عِشَآءٗ يَبۡكُونَ 16قَالُواْ يَٰٓأَبَانَآ إِنَّا ذَهَبۡنَا نَسۡتَبِقُ وَتَرَكۡنَا يُوسُفَ عِندَ مَتَٰعِنَا فَأَكَلَهُ ٱلذِّئۡبُۖ وَمَآ أَنتَ بِمُؤۡمِنٖ لَّنَا وَلَوۡ كُنَّا صَٰدِقِينَ 17وَجَآءُو عَلَىٰ قَمِيصِهِۦ بِدَمٖ كَذِبٖۚ قَالَ بَلۡ سَوَّلَتۡ لَكُمۡ أَنفُسُكُمۡ أَمۡرٗاۖ فَصَبۡرٞ جَمِيلٞۖ وَٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُسۡتَعَانُ عَلَىٰ مَا تَصِفُونَ18
Verse 18: They stained Yusuf's shirt with blood from a sheep, but for-got to tear his shirt. So Ya'qub became suspicious when he saw the shirt without even a scratch.
YUSUF SOLD AS A SLAVE
19And there came some travellers. They sent their water-boy, who let down his bucket into the well. He shouted, 'Oh, what a great find! Here is a boy!' And they took him secretly to be sold, but Allah fully knew what they did. 20They 'later' sold him for a cheap price, just a few silver coins. They just wanted to get rid of him,⁵
وَجَآءَتۡ سَيَّارَةٞ فَأَرۡسَلُواْ وَارِدَهُمۡ فَأَدۡلَىٰ دَلۡوَهُۥۖ قَالَ يَٰبُشۡرَىٰ هَٰذَا غُلَٰمٞۚ وَأَسَرُّوهُ بِضَٰعَةٗۚ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمُۢ بِمَا يَعۡمَلُونَ 19وَشَرَوۡهُ بِثَمَنِۢ بَخۡسٖ دَرَٰهِمَ مَعۡدُودَةٖ وَكَانُواْ فِيهِ مِنَ ٱلزَّٰهِدِينَ20
Verse 20: They just wanted to sell Yusuf quickly before someone could come to save him.
YUSUF IN EGYPT
21The man from Egypt who bought him said to his wife, 'Take good care of him; perhaps he will be useful to us or we may adopt him as a son.' This is how We established Yusuf in the land, so that We might teach him how to explain dreams. Allah always achieves His plan, but most people do not know. 22Later, when he became mature, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. This is how We reward those who do good.
وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِي ٱشۡتَرَىٰهُ مِن مِّصۡرَ لِٱمۡرَأَتِهِۦٓ أَكۡرِمِي مَثۡوَىٰهُ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَنفَعَنَآ أَوۡ نَتَّخِذَهُۥ وَلَدٗاۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلِنُعَلِّمَهُۥ مِن تَأۡوِيلِ ٱلۡأَحَادِيثِۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَالِبٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَمۡرِهِۦ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ 21وَلَمَّا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُۥٓ ءَاتَيۡنَٰهُ حُكۡمٗا وَعِلۡمٗاۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجۡزِي ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ22
Verse 21: Potiphar, the Chief Minister of Egypt (Al-Aziz).
THE TEST
23And the lady, in whose house he lived, tried to attract him to her. She locked the doors 'tightly' and said, 'Come to me!' He replied, 'God forbid! My master has been good to me. Indeed, those who do wrong never succeed.' 24She tried to make a move on him, but he did not do the same because of a sign he saw from his Lord.? This is how We kept evil and shameful things away from him. He was truly one of Our chosen servants. 25They raced for the door and she tore his shirt from the back, only to find her husband at the door She cried, 'What is the penalty for someone who tried to harass your wife except prison or a painful punishment?'
وَرَٰوَدَتۡهُ ٱلَّتِي هُوَ فِي بَيۡتِهَا عَن نَّفۡسِهِۦ وَغَلَّقَتِ ٱلۡأَبۡوَٰبَ وَقَالَتۡ هَيۡتَ لَكَۚ قَالَ مَعَاذَ ٱللَّهِۖ إِنَّهُۥ رَبِّيٓ أَحۡسَنَ مَثۡوَايَۖ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُفۡلِحُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ 23وَلَقَدۡ هَمَّتۡ بِهِۦۖ وَهَمَّ بِهَا لَوۡلَآ أَن رَّءَا بُرۡهَٰنَ رَبِّهِۦۚ كَذَٰلِكَ لِنَصۡرِفَ عَنۡهُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَٱلۡفَحۡشَآءَۚ إِنَّهُۥ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ 24وَٱسۡتَبَقَا ٱلۡبَابَ وَقَدَّتۡ قَمِيصَهُۥ مِن دُبُرٖ وَأَلۡفَيَا سَيِّدَهَا لَدَا ٱلۡبَابِۚ قَالَتۡ مَا جَزَآءُ مَنۡ أَرَادَ بِأَهۡلِكَ سُوٓءًا إِلَّآ أَن يُسۡجَنَ أَوۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيم25
Verse 24: Yusuf received a warning either through revelation or a dream of his father.
THE WITNESS
26Yusuf responded, 'It was she who tried to attract me to her.' And a witness from her own family declared: 'If Yusuf's shirt is torn from the front, then she is telling the truth and he is lying. 27But if it is torn from the back, then she is lying and he is telling the truth.' 28So when her husband saw his shirt torn from the back, he said 'to her', 'This must be one of your tricks, women! Surely, your tricks are very clever!' 29'O Yusuf! Forget about this.' And 'he said to his wife,' 'Apologize for your sin. It is definitely your fault.'
قَالَ هِيَ رَٰوَدَتۡنِي عَن نَّفۡسِيۚ وَشَهِدَ شَاهِدٞ مِّنۡ أَهۡلِهَآ إِن كَانَ قَمِيصُهُۥ قُدَّ مِن قُبُلٖ فَصَدَقَتۡ وَهُوَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَٰذِبِينَ 26وَإِن كَانَ قَمِيصُهُۥ قُدَّ مِن دُبُرٖ فَكَذَبَتۡ وَهُوَ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ 27فَلَمَّا رَءَا قَمِيصَهُۥ قُدَّ مِن دُبُرٖ قَالَ إِنَّهُۥ مِن كَيۡدِكُنَّۖ إِنَّ كَيۡدَكُنَّ عَظِيم 28يُوسُفُ أَعۡرِضۡ عَنۡ هَٰذَاۚ وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرِي لِذَنۢبِكِۖ إِنَّكِ كُنتِ مِنَ ٱلۡخَاطِِٔينَ29
Verse 29: She was asked to repent to Allah or to apologize to her hus-band.
THE WOMEN & YUSUF'S BEAUTY
30Some women of the city started to gossip, saying: 'The Chief Minister's wife is trying to attract her slave-boy. Love for him has taken over her heart. It is clear to us that she is totally wrong.' 31When she heard about their gossip, she invited them and set a banquet for them. She gave each one a knife, then said 'to Yusuf, 'Come out in front of them.' When they saw him, they were so stunned 'by his beauty' that they cut their hands,¹⁰ and wondered, 'Good God! This cannot be human; this must be a noble angel!' 32She said, 'This is the one you criticized me about! I actually tried to attract him to me, but he strongly refused. And if he does not do what I order him to, he will certainly be thrown in jail and put to shame.'¹¹
وَقَالَ نِسۡوَةٞ فِي ٱلۡمَدِينَةِ ٱمۡرَأَتُ ٱلۡعَزِيزِ تُرَٰوِدُ فَتَىٰهَا عَن نَّفۡسِهِۦۖ قَدۡ شَغَفَهَا حُبًّاۖ إِنَّا لَنَرَىٰهَا فِي ضَلَٰلٖ مُّبِينٖ 30فَلَمَّا سَمِعَتۡ بِمَكۡرِهِنَّ أَرۡسَلَتۡ إِلَيۡهِنَّ وَأَعۡتَدَتۡ لَهُنَّ مُتَّكَٔٗا وَءَاتَتۡ كُلَّ وَٰحِدَةٖ مِّنۡهُنَّ سِكِّينٗا وَقَالَتِ ٱخۡرُجۡ عَلَيۡهِنَّۖ فَلَمَّا رَأَيۡنَهُۥٓ أَكۡبَرۡنَهُۥ وَقَطَّعۡنَ أَيۡدِيَهُنَّ وَقُلۡنَ حَٰشَ لِلَّهِ مَا هَٰذَا بَشَرًا إِنۡ هَٰذَآ إِلَّا مَلَكٞ كَرِيمٞ 31قَالَتۡ فَذَٰلِكُنَّ ٱلَّذِي لُمۡتُنَّنِي فِيهِۖ وَلَقَدۡ رَٰوَدتُّهُۥ عَن نَّفۡسِهِۦ فَٱسۡتَعۡصَمَۖ وَلَئِن لَّمۡ يَفۡعَلۡ مَآ ءَامُرُهُۥ لَيُسۡجَنَنَّ وَلَيَكُونٗا مِّنَ ٱلصَّٰغِرِينَ32
Verse 30: The women's only objection was because the wife of the Chief Minister was in love with someone raised in her house like a son.
Verse 31: The women were cutting fruit, and when Yusuf came out they were so impressed by his beauty that they sliced through the fruit and into their hands without knowing.
Verse 32: The women tried to convince him to obey the Chief Minister's wife, so Yusuf prayed to Allah to keep him away from them.
YUSUF GOES TO PRISON
33Yusuf prayed, 'My Lord! I would rather be in jail than do what they are inviting me to. And if You do not turn their tricks away from me, I might give in to them and fall into ignorance!' 34So his Lord responded to him, turning their tricks away from him. Surely He hears and knows 'everything'. 35And so, even after seeing all the proofs of his innocence, those in charge decided to put him in jail for a while,¹²
قَالَ رَبِّ ٱلسِّجۡنُ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا يَدۡعُونَنِيٓ إِلَيۡهِۖ وَإِلَّا تَصۡرِفۡ عَنِّي كَيۡدَهُنَّ أَصۡبُ إِلَيۡهِنَّ وَأَكُن مِّنَ ٱلۡجَٰهِلِينَ 33فَٱسۡتَجَابَ لَهُۥ رَبُّهُۥ فَصَرَفَ عَنۡهُ كَيۡدَهُنَّۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ 34ثُمَّ بَدَا لَهُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا رَأَوُاْ ٱلۡأٓيَٰتِ لَيَسۡجُنُنَّهُۥ حَتَّىٰ حِينٖ35
Verse 35: To stop women from being charmed by Yusuf's beauty, or to put an end to the rumours, or to keep him away from the Minister's wife.
DREAMS OF THE TWO PRISONERS
36And two other servants went to jail with Yusuf. One of them said, 'I dreamt I was squeezing wine.' The other said, 'I dreamt I was carrying some bread on my head, from which birds were eating.' Then both said, 'Tell us their meaning; we can see that you are such a good man.'
وَدَخَلَ مَعَهُ ٱلسِّجۡنَ فَتَيَانِۖ قَالَ أَحَدُهُمَآ إِنِّيٓ أَرَىٰنِيٓ أَعۡصِرُ خَمۡرٗاۖ وَقَالَ ٱلۡأٓخَرُ إِنِّيٓ أَرَىٰنِيٓ أَحۡمِلُ فَوۡقَ رَأۡسِي خُبۡزٗا تَأۡكُلُ ٱلطَّيۡرُ مِنۡهُۖ نَبِّئۡنَا بِتَأۡوِيلِهِۦٓۖ إِنَّا نَرَىٰكَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ36
INVITATION TO THE TRUTH
37Yusuf replied, 'I can even tell you what kind of meal you will be served before you receive it. This 'knowledge' is from what my Lord has taught me. I have avoided the faith of people who disbelieve in Allah and deny the Next Life. 38Instead, I follow the faith of my fathers: Ibrahim, Ishaq, and Ya'qub. It is not 'right' for us to make anything equal to Allah. This is part of Allah's favours to us and human-ity, but most people are not grateful. 39O my fellow prisoners! Which is far better: many different lords or Allah the One and Supreme? 40Whatever 'idols' you worship instead of Him are just names which you and your fathers have made up¹³ -a practice Allah has never approved. It is only Allah Who de-cides. He has commanded that you wor-ship none except Him. That is the upright faith, but most people do not know.
قَالَ لَا يَأۡتِيكُمَا طَعَامٞ تُرۡزَقَانِهِۦٓ إِلَّا نَبَّأۡتُكُمَا بِتَأۡوِيلِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن يَأۡتِيَكُمَاۚ ذَٰلِكُمَا مِمَّا عَلَّمَنِي رَبِّيٓۚ إِنِّي تَرَكۡتُ مِلَّةَ قَوۡمٖ لَّا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَهُم بِٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ هُمۡ كَٰفِرُونَ 37وَٱتَّبَعۡتُ مِلَّةَ ءَابَآءِيٓ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسۡحَٰقَ وَيَعۡقُوبَۚ مَا كَانَ لَنَآ أَن نُّشۡرِكَ بِٱللَّهِ مِن شَيۡءٖۚ ذَٰلِكَ مِن فَضۡلِ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡنَا وَعَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَشۡكُرُونَ 38يَٰصَٰحِبَيِ ٱلسِّجۡنِ ءَأَرۡبَابٞ مُّتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيۡرٌ أَمِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡوَٰحِدُ ٱلۡقَهَّارُ 39مَا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ أَسۡمَآءٗ سَمَّيۡتُمُوهَآ أَنتُمۡ وَءَابَآؤُكُم مَّآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلۡطَٰنٍۚ إِنِ ٱلۡحُكۡمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُۚ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلۡقَيِّمُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ40
Verse 40: Meaning 'You call them gods while in fact they are not gods.'
THE TWO DREAMS EXPLAINED
41O my fellow prisoners! The 'first' one of you will serve wine to his master, and the other will be hung on a stake and the birds will eat from his head. What you asked me about has been decided. 42Then he said to the one he knew would survive, 'Mention me in front of your master:'¹⁴ But Satan made him forget to mention Yusuf to his master, so he stayed in jail for several years.
يَٰصَٰحِبَيِ ٱلسِّجۡنِ أَمَّآ أَحَدُكُمَا فَيَسۡقِي رَبَّهُۥ خَمۡرٗاۖ وَأَمَّا ٱلۡأٓخَرُ فَيُصۡلَبُ فَتَأۡكُلُ ٱلطَّيۡرُ مِن رَّأۡسِهِۦۚ قُضِيَ ٱلۡأَمۡرُ ٱلَّذِي فِيهِ تَسۡتَفۡتِيَانِ 41وَقَالَ لِلَّذِي ظَنَّ أَنَّهُۥ نَاجٖ مِّنۡهُمَا ٱذۡكُرۡنِي عِندَ رَبِّكَ فَأَنسَىٰهُ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ ذِكۡرَ رَبِّهِۦ فَلَبِثَ فِي ٱلسِّجۡنِ بِضۡعَ سِنِينَ42
WORDS OF WISDOM
The Bible calls the ruler of Egypt during the time of Yusuf (A.S.) a 'pharaoh,' whereas the Quran accurately calls him a 'king.' Typically, Egypt was ruled by pharaohs, but there existed a brief period in Egyptian history in which Egypt was ruled by the Hyksos invaders (1700-1550 years before the birth of 'Isa (A.S.)). Those Hyksos rulers were called kings, not pharaohs. This is definitely a miracle of the Quran, proving that the Prophet (ﷺ) didn't copy previous scriptures. He would not have known this historical fact himself, so it must have been revealed to him by Allah.
THE KING'S DREAM
43And 'one day' the King said, 'I dreamt of seven fat cows eaten up by seven skinny ones, and seven green ears of grain and 'seven' others dry. O chiefs! Tell me the meaning of my vision if you can explain dreams.' 44They replied, 'These are just confused dreams and we do not know how to explain such dreams.' 45Finally, the surviving prisoner remembered 'Yusuf after a long time and said, 'I will tell you the true meaning of this dream; just send me off 'to Yusuf.''
وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَلِكُ إِنِّيٓ أَرَىٰ سَبۡعَ بَقَرَٰتٖ سِمَانٖ يَأۡكُلُهُنَّ سَبۡعٌ عِجَافٞ وَسَبۡعَ سُنۢبُلَٰتٍ خُضۡرٖ وَأُخَرَ يَابِسَٰتٖۖ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلۡمَلَأُ أَفۡتُونِي فِي رُءۡيَٰيَ إِن كُنتُمۡ لِلرُّءۡيَا تَعۡبُرُونَ 43قَالُوٓاْ أَضۡغَٰثُ أَحۡلَٰمٖۖ وَمَا نَحۡنُ بِتَأۡوِيلِ ٱلۡأَحۡلَٰمِ بِعَٰلِمِينَ 44وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِي نَجَا مِنۡهُمَا وَٱدَّكَرَ بَعۡدَ أُمَّةٍ أَنَا۠ أُنَبِّئُكُم بِتَأۡوِيلِهِۦ فَأَرۡسِلُونِ45
THE KING'S DREAM EXPLAINED
46He said, 'Yusuf, O man of truth! Explain for us the dream of seven fat cows eaten up by seven skinny ones, and seven green ears of grain and 'seven' others dry, so I can go back to the people and let them know.' 47Yusuf replied, 'You will plant 'grain' for seven straight years, then store all harvest in the stallks, except for the little you will eat.' 48Then after that will come seven years of great difficulty, forcing you to live on whatever 'grain' you have saved, except the little you will store for seed. 49Then after that will come a year in which people will receive lots of rain and they will squeeze 'oil and wine.'
يُوسُفُ أَيُّهَا ٱلصِّدِّيقُ أَفۡتِنَا فِي سَبۡعِ بَقَرَٰتٖ سِمَانٖ يَأۡكُلُهُنَّ سَبۡعٌ عِجَافٞ وَسَبۡعِ سُنۢبُلَٰتٍ خُضۡرٖ وَأُخَرَ يَابِسَٰتٖ لَّعَلِّيٓ أَرۡجِعُ إِلَى ٱلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُونَ 46قَالَ تَزۡرَعُونَ سَبۡعَ سِنِينَ دَأَبٗا فَمَا حَصَدتُّمۡ فَذَرُوهُ فِي سُنۢبُلِهِۦٓ إِلَّا قَلِيلٗا مِّمَّا تَأۡكُلُونَ 47ثُمَّ يَأۡتِي مِنۢ بَعۡدِ ذَٰلِكَ سَبۡعٞ شِدَادٞ يَأۡكُلۡنَ مَا قَدَّمۡتُمۡ لَهُنَّ إِلَّا قَلِيلٗا مِّمَّا تُحۡصِنُونَ 48ثُمَّ يَأۡتِي مِنۢ بَعۡدِ ذَٰلِكَ عَامٞ فِيهِ يُغَاثُ ٱلنَّاسُ وَفِيهِ يَعۡصِرُونَ49
YUSUF DECLARED INNOCENT
50The King 'then' said, 'Bring him to me.' When the messenger came to him, Yusuf said, 'Go back to your master and ask himn about the case of the women who cut their hands. Surely my Lord is fully aware of their tricks.' 51The King asked 'the women', 'What did you get when you tried to attract Yusuf?' They replied, 'God forbid! We know nothing bad about him.' Then the Chief Minis-ter's wife confessed, 'Now the truth is out. It was I who tried to attract him, and he was actually telling the truth.' 52From this, Yusuf should know that I did not lie about him in his absence, because Allah does not guide the plans of the dishonest. 53I do not claim to be perfect either The soul always invites the person to sin, except those shown mercy by my Lord. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.
وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَلِكُ ٱئۡتُونِي بِهِۦۖ فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُ ٱلرَّسُولُ قَالَ ٱرۡجِعۡ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَسَۡٔلۡهُ مَا بَالُ ٱلنِّسۡوَةِ ٱلَّٰتِي قَطَّعۡنَ أَيۡدِيَهُنَّۚ إِنَّ رَبِّي بِكَيۡدِهِنَّ عَلِيم 50قَالَ مَا خَطۡبُكُنَّ إِذۡ رَٰوَدتُّنَّ يُوسُفَ عَن نَّفۡسِهِۦۚ قُلۡنَ حَٰشَ لِلَّهِ مَا عَلِمۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ مِن سُوٓءٖۚ قَالَتِ ٱمۡرَأَتُ ٱلۡعَزِيزِ ٱلۡـَٰٔنَ حَصۡحَصَ ٱلۡحَقُّ أَنَا۠ رَٰوَدتُّهُۥ عَن نَّفۡسِهِۦ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَمِنَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ 51ذَٰلِكَ لِيَعۡلَمَ أَنِّي لَمۡ أَخُنۡهُ بِٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهۡدِي كَيۡدَ ٱلۡخَآئِنِينَ 52وَمَآ أُبَرِّئُ نَفۡسِيٓۚ إِنَّ ٱلنَّفۡسَ لَأَمَّارَةُۢ بِٱلسُّوٓءِ إِلَّا مَا رَحِمَ رَبِّيٓۚ إِنَّ رَبِّي غَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٞ53
YUSUF, THE CHIEF MINISTER
54The King 'then' ordered, 'Bring him to me. I will hire him in my service.' And when Yusuf spoke to him, the King said, 'Today you are highly respected and fully trusted by us.' 55Yusuf suggested, 'Put me in charge of the store-houses of the land; I am very reliable and skilled!' 56This is how We established Yusuf in the land to settle wherever he chose. We shower Our mercy on whoever We want, and We never waste the reward of those who do good. 57And the reward of the Next Life is far better for those who have faith and keep Allah in mind.
وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَلِكُ ٱئۡتُونِي بِهِۦٓ أَسۡتَخۡلِصۡهُ لِنَفۡسِيۖ فَلَمَّا كَلَّمَهُۥ قَالَ إِنَّكَ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ لَدَيۡنَا مَكِينٌ أَمِين 54قَالَ ٱجۡعَلۡنِي عَلَىٰ خَزَآئِنِ ٱلۡأَرۡضِۖ إِنِّي حَفِيظٌ عَلِيمٞ 55وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ يَتَبَوَّأُ مِنۡهَا حَيۡثُ يَشَآءُۚ نُصِيبُ بِرَحۡمَتِنَا مَن نَّشَآءُۖ وَلَا نُضِيعُ أَجۡرَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ 56وَلَأَجۡرُ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ خَيۡرٞ لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَكَانُواْ يَتَّقُونَ57
YUSUF'S BROTHERS VISIT EGYPT
58Later, Yusuf's brothers arrived and came to him.¹⁵ He recognized them but they did not know who he actually was. 59After he had provided them with their supplies, he demanded, 'Bring me your brother on your father's side. Do you not see that I give full measure and I am the best host?' 60But if you do not bring him to me 'next time', I will have no grain for you, and you will never come close to me again. 61They promised, 'We will try to convince his father to let him come. We will do our best.' 62Yusuf ordered his servants to slip his brothers' money into their packs so they would find it after re-turning to their family and perhaps come back.
وَجَآءَ إِخۡوَةُ يُوسُفَ فَدَخَلُواْ عَلَيۡهِ فَعَرَفَهُمۡ وَهُمۡ لَهُۥ مُنكِرُونَ 58وَلَمَّا جَهَّزَهُم بِجَهَازِهِمۡ قَالَ ٱئۡتُونِي بِأَخٖ لَّكُم مِّنۡ أَبِيكُمۡۚ أَلَا تَرَوۡنَ أَنِّيٓ أُوفِي ٱلۡكَيۡلَ وَأَنَا۠ خَيۡرُ ٱلۡمُنزِلِينَ 59فَإِن لَّمۡ تَأۡتُونِي بِهِۦ فَلَا كَيۡلَ لَكُمۡ عِندِي وَلَا تَقۡرَبُونِ 60قَالُواْ سَنُرَٰوِدُ عَنۡهُ أَبَاهُ وَإِنَّا لَفَٰعِلُونَ 61وَقَالَ لِفِتۡيَٰنِهِ ٱجۡعَلُواْ بِضَٰعَتَهُمۡ فِي رِحَالِهِمۡ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَعۡرِفُونَهَآ إِذَا ٱنقَلَبُوٓاْ إِلَىٰٓ أَهۡلِهِمۡ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡجِعُونَ62
Verse 58: Yusuf's family was affected by food shortage, so they had to travel to Egypt to buy supplies.
THE BROTHERS RETURN HOME
63When Yusuf's brothers returned to their father, they argued, 'O our father! We have been denied 'future' supplies. So send our brother with us so we can receive our full supplies, and we will definitely watch over him.' 64He replied, 'Should I trust you with him as I once trusted you with his brother Yusuf'? But Allah is the best Protector, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.' 65When they opened their packs, they found that their money had been returned to them. They argued, 'O our fa-ther! What more can we ask for? Here is our money, fully returned to us. Now we can buy more food for our family, watch over our brother, and receive an extra camel-load of grain. That load would be easy to get.'
فَلَمَّا رَجَعُوٓاْ إِلَىٰٓ أَبِيهِمۡ قَالُواْ يَٰٓأَبَانَا مُنِعَ مِنَّا ٱلۡكَيۡلُ فَأَرۡسِلۡ مَعَنَآ أَخَانَا نَكۡتَلۡ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَٰفِظُونَ 63قَالَ هَلۡ ءَامَنُكُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ إِلَّا كَمَآ أَمِنتُكُمۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَخِيهِ مِن قَبۡلُ فَٱللَّهُ خَيۡرٌ حَٰفِظٗاۖ وَهُوَ أَرۡحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ 64وَلَمَّا فَتَحُواْ مَتَٰعَهُمۡ وَجَدُواْ بِضَٰعَتَهُمۡ رُدَّتۡ إِلَيۡهِمۡۖ قَالُواْ يَٰٓأَبَانَا مَا نَبۡغِيۖ هَٰذِهِۦ بِضَٰعَتُنَا رُدَّتۡ إِلَيۡنَاۖ وَنَمِيرُ أَهۡلَنَا وَنَحۡفَظُ أَخَانَا وَنَزۡدَادُ كَيۡلَ بَعِيرٖۖ ذَٰلِكَ كَيۡلٞ يَسِيرٞ65
YA'QUB'S WISDOM
66Ya'qub insisted, 'I will not send him with you until you swear to me by Allah that you are going to bring him back to me, unless it is absolutely impos-sible for you.' Then after they had given him their oaths, he said, 'Allah is a Wit-ness to what we have said.' 67He then instructed them, 'O my sons! Do not enter 'the city' from the same gate, but from separate gates.' I cannot help you against 'the plan of Allah in any way. It is only Allah Who decides. In Him I put my trust. And in Him let the faithful put their trust.' 68Then when they entered as their father had instructed them, this did not help them against Allah's plan in any way. It was just a concern that Ya'qub said he had. He was truly blessed with 'great' knowledge because of what We had taught him, but most people do not have such knowledge.
قَالَ لَنۡ أُرۡسِلَهُۥ مَعَكُمۡ حَتَّىٰ تُؤۡتُونِ مَوۡثِقٗا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لَتَأۡتُنَّنِي بِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ أَن يُحَاطَ بِكُمۡۖ فَلَمَّآ ءَاتَوۡهُ مَوۡثِقَهُمۡ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ مَا نَقُولُ وَكِيلٞ 66وَقَالَ يَٰبَنِيَّ لَا تَدۡخُلُواْ مِنۢ بَابٖ وَٰحِدٖ وَٱدۡخُلُواْ مِنۡ أَبۡوَٰبٖ مُّتَفَرِّقَةٖۖ وَمَآ أُغۡنِي عَنكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ مِن شَيۡءٍۖ إِنِ ٱلۡحُكۡمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِۖ عَلَيۡهِ تَوَكَّلۡتُۖ وَعَلَيۡهِ فَلۡيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلۡمُتَوَكِّلُونَ 67وَلَمَّا دَخَلُواْ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ أَمَرَهُمۡ أَبُوهُم مَّا كَانَ يُغۡنِي عَنۡهُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ مِن شَيۡءٍ إِلَّا حَاجَةٗ فِي نَفۡسِ يَعۡقُوبَ قَضَىٰهَاۚ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَذُو عِلۡمٖ لِّمَا عَلَّمۡنَٰهُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ68
Verse 67: He told them that every three or four of them should enter through a different gate. His desire was to protect them from envy and harm.
THE ROYAL CUP
69When they came to Yusuf, he took his brother Benjamin' aside and said to him, 'I am actually your brother 'Yusuf!' So do not be stressed by what they did in the past.' 70When Yusuf had provided them with supplies, he slipped the royal cup into his brother's pack. Then an an-nouncer shouted, 'O people of the cara-van! You must be thieves!' 71They asked, turning back, 'What have you lost?' 72The announcer 'along with the guards' replied, 'We have lost the King's measur-ing cup. ¹⁸ And whoever brings it will be awarded a camel-load 'of grain'. I guar-antee it.' 73Yusuf's brothers replied, 'By Allah! You know very well that we did not come to cause trouble in the land and that we are not thieves.' 74Yusuf's men asked, 'What should be the penalty for stealing, if you are lying?' 75Yusuf's brothers replied, 'Whoever is found with the cup in his pack will pay with his free-dom. This is how thieves are punished in our law.'
وَلَمَّا دَخَلُواْ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ ءَاوَىٰٓ إِلَيۡهِ أَخَاهُۖ قَالَ إِنِّيٓ أَنَا۠ أَخُوكَ فَلَا تَبۡتَئِسۡ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ 69فَلَمَّا جَهَّزَهُم بِجَهَازِهِمۡ جَعَلَ ٱلسِّقَايَةَ فِي رَحۡلِ أَخِيهِ ثُمَّ أَذَّنَ مُؤَذِّنٌ أَيَّتُهَا ٱلۡعِيرُ إِنَّكُمۡ لَسَٰرِقُونَ 70قَالُواْ وَأَقۡبَلُواْ عَلَيۡهِم مَّاذَا تَفۡقِدُونَ 71قَالُواْ نَفۡقِدُ صُوَاعَ ٱلۡمَلِكِ وَلِمَن جَآءَ بِهِۦ حِمۡلُ بَعِيرٖ وَأَنَا۠ بِهِۦ زَعِيمٞ 72قَالُواْ تَٱللَّهِ لَقَدۡ عَلِمۡتُم مَّا جِئۡنَا لِنُفۡسِدَ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا كُنَّا سَٰرِقِينَ 73قَالُواْ فَمَا جَزَٰٓؤُهُۥٓ إِن كُنتُمۡ كَٰذِبِينَ 74قَالُواْ جَزَٰٓؤُهُۥ مَن وُجِدَ فِي رَحۡلِهِۦ فَهُوَ جَزَٰٓؤُهُۥۚ كَذَٰلِكَ نَجۡزِي ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ75
Verse 72: The King's cup was also used as the standard measure for grain.
SIDE STORY
Al-Hajjaj was the governor of Iraq many centuries ago. Even though he was very harsh and abusive, he had great respect for the Quran. One day, a man was arrested and brought to him. The man begged, "O governor! My brother did something wrong, but your officers couldn't find him. So they arrested me instead, and destroyed my house." Al-Hajjaj said that it was okay with him because a famous poet once said, "Perhaps an innocent person is punished for the crime of a relative, who vanished."
The man looked at Al-Hajjaj and said, "But Allah said something else in the Quran." Al-Hajjaj asked, "And what did Allah say?" The man replied, "According to Surah Yusuf (verses 78-79), it's unfair to punish an innocent person for the crime done by a relative."
Al-Hajjaj was touched by this powerful argument, so he ordered his guards, "Release this man, build his house back, and send someone to announce: 'Allah said the truth, and the poet lied!'" {Imam Ibn Kathir in Al-Bidayah wa An-Nihayah 'The Beginning & The End'}
YUSUF TAKES BENJAMIN
76Yusuf began searching their packs be-fore that of his brother 'Benjamin', then brought it out of his brother's pack. This is how We inspired Yusuf to plan. He could not have taken his brother under the King's law, but Allah made it hap-pen. We raise the rank of whoever We want. But above all those blessed with knowledge there is only One Who knows everything. 77To distance themselves,' Yusuf's brothers argued, 'If he has sto-len, so did his 'full' brother before.'¹⁹ But Yusuf swallowed his rage, revealing nothing to them, and said 'to himself, 'You are in such an evil position,' and Allah knows best 'the truth of what you claim.' 78They begged, 'O Chief Minister! He has a very old father, so take one of us instead. We can see that you are such a good man.' 79Yusuf replied, 'God forbid that we take anyone except the person We found our property with. Otherwise, we would really be unfair.'
فَبَدَأَ بِأَوۡعِيَتِهِمۡ قَبۡلَ وِعَآءِ أَخِيهِ ثُمَّ ٱسۡتَخۡرَجَهَا مِن وِعَآءِ أَخِيهِۚ كَذَٰلِكَ كِدۡنَا لِيُوسُفَۖ مَا كَانَ لِيَأۡخُذَ أَخَاهُ فِي دِينِ ٱلۡمَلِكِ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ ٱللَّهُۚ نَرۡفَعُ دَرَجَٰتٖ مَّن نَّشَآءُۗ وَفَوۡقَ كُلِّ ذِي عِلۡمٍ عَلِيمٞ 76قَالُوٓاْ إِن يَسۡرِقۡ فَقَدۡ سَرَقَ أَخٞ لَّهُۥ مِن قَبۡلُۚ فَأَسَرَّهَا يُوسُفُ فِي نَفۡسِهِۦ وَلَمۡ يُبۡدِهَا لَهُمۡۚ قَالَ أَنتُمۡ شَرّٞ مَّكَانٗاۖ وَٱللَّهُ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَا تَصِفُونَ 77قَالُواْ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلۡعَزِيزُ إِنَّ لَهُۥٓ أَبٗا شَيۡخٗا كَبِيرٗا فَخُذۡ أَحَدَنَا مَكَانَهُۥٓۖ إِنَّا نَرَىٰكَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ 78قَالَ مَعَاذَ ٱللَّهِ أَن نَّأۡخُذَ إِلَّا مَن وَجَدۡنَا مَتَٰعَنَا عِندَهُۥٓ إِنَّآ إِذٗا لَّظَٰلِمُونَ79
Verse 77: Yusuf was falsely accused of theft when he was young.
BAD NEWS FOR YA'QUB, AGAIN
80When they lost all hope in him, they spoke privately. The oldest of them said, 'Do you not realize that your father had taken a strong oath by Allah from you, or how you failed him about Yusuf before? So I am not leaving this land until my fa-ther allows me to, or Allah decides for me; He is the best to decide.' 81Go back to your father and say, 'O our father! Your son is guilty of stealing. We can only tell what we saw with our own eyes. We nev-er knew that this was going to happen.'²¹ 82'Ask 'the people of the land where we were and the caravan we travelled with. We are definitely telling the truth.'
فَلَمَّا ٱسۡتَيَۡٔسُواْ مِنۡهُ خَلَصُواْ نَجِيّٗاۖ قَالَ كَبِيرُهُمۡ أَلَمۡ تَعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ أَبَاكُمۡ قَدۡ أَخَذَ عَلَيۡكُم مَّوۡثِقٗا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمِن قَبۡلُ مَا فَرَّطتُمۡ فِي يُوسُفَۖ فَلَنۡ أَبۡرَحَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ حَتَّىٰ يَأۡذَنَ لِيٓ أَبِيٓ أَوۡ يَحۡكُمَ ٱللَّهُ لِيۖ وَهُوَ خَيۡرُ ٱلۡحَٰكِمِينَ 80ٱرۡجِعُوٓاْ إِلَىٰٓ أَبِيكُمۡ فَقُولُواْ يَٰٓأَبَانَآ إِنَّ ٱبۡنَكَ سَرَقَ وَمَا شَهِدۡنَآ إِلَّا بِمَا عَلِمۡنَا وَمَا كُنَّا لِلۡغَيۡبِ حَٰفِظِينَ 81وَسَۡٔلِ ٱلۡقَرۡيَةَ ٱلَّتِي كُنَّا فِيهَا وَٱلۡعِيرَ ٱلَّتِيٓ أَقۡبَلۡنَا فِيهَاۖ وَإِنَّا لَصَٰدِقُونَ82
Verse 81: We did not know when we gave you our oath that our brother was going to steal.
YA'QUB'S PAIN
83He cried, 'No! You must have made up something evil. So 'I am left with nothing but' beautiful patience!²² I trust Allah will return them all to me. Surely He 'alone' has perfect knowledge and wisdom.' 84He turned away from them, saying, 'Oh no, poor Yusuf!' And his eyes turned white as he choked with stress.²³ 85They said, 'By Allah! You will not stop thinking of Yusuf until you lose your health or even your life.' 86He replied, 'I complain about my suffering and sadness only to Allah, and I know from Allah what you do not know.' 87O my sons! Go and search for Yusuf and his brother. And do not lose hope in the mercy of Allah; no one loses hope in Allah's mercy except those with no faith.'
قَالَ بَلۡ سَوَّلَتۡ لَكُمۡ أَنفُسُكُمۡ أَمۡرٗاۖ فَصَبۡرٞ جَمِيلٌۖ عَسَى ٱللَّهُ أَن يَأۡتِيَنِي بِهِمۡ جَمِيعًاۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ 83٨٣ وَتَوَلَّىٰ عَنۡهُمۡ وَقَالَ يَٰٓأَسَفَىٰ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ وَٱبۡيَضَّتۡ عَيۡنَاهُ مِنَ ٱلۡحُزۡنِ فَهُوَ كَظِيم 84قَالُواْ تَٱللَّهِ تَفۡتَؤُاْ تَذۡكُرُ يُوسُفَ حَتَّىٰ تَكُونَ حَرَضًا أَوۡ تَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡهَٰلِكِينَ 85قَالَ إِنَّمَآ أَشۡكُواْ بَثِّي وَحُزۡنِيٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَأَعۡلَمُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ 86يَٰبَنِيَّ ٱذۡهَبُواْ فَتَحَسَّسُواْ مِن يُوسُفَ وَأَخِيهِ وَلَا تَاْيَۡٔسُواْ مِن رَّوۡحِ ٱللَّهِۖ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يَاْيَۡٔسُ مِن رَّوۡحِ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلۡقَوۡمُ ٱلۡكَٰفِرُونَ87
Verse 83: i.e., patience without complaining to people.
Verse 84: Ya'qub cried for so long that he either became weak-sighted or totally blind. He cried to Allah, but did not complain to people.
YUSUF REVEALS HIS IDENTITY
88When they came to Yusuf, they begged, 'O Chief Minister! We and our family have been through a lot of pain, and we have come with only a few worthless coins, but please' give us our full supplies as an act of kindness to us. Surely Allah rewards those who are kind.' 89He asked, 'Do you remember what you did to Yusuf and his brother in your ignorance?' 90They replied 'in shock,' 'Are you really Yusuf?' He said, 'I am Yusuf, and here is my brother 'Benjamin'! Allah has truly been kind to us. Surely whoever keeps Him in mind and is patient, then Allah definitely never wastes the reward of those who do good.'
فَلَمَّا دَخَلُواْ عَلَيۡهِ قَالُواْ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلۡعَزِيزُ مَسَّنَا وَأَهۡلَنَا ٱلضُّرُّ وَجِئۡنَا بِبِضَٰعَةٖ مُّزۡجَىٰةٖ فَأَوۡفِ لَنَا ٱلۡكَيۡلَ وَتَصَدَّقۡ عَلَيۡنَآۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡزِي ٱلۡمُتَصَدِّقِينَ 88قَالَ هَلۡ عَلِمۡتُم مَّا فَعَلۡتُم بِيُوسُفَ وَأَخِيهِ إِذۡ أَنتُمۡ جَٰهِلُونَ 89قَالُوٓاْ أَءِنَّكَ لَأَنتَ يُوسُفُۖ قَالَ أَنَا۠ يُوسُفُ وَهَٰذَآ أَخِيۖ قَدۡ مَنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡنَآۖ إِنَّهُۥ مَن يَتَّقِ وَيَصۡبِرۡ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجۡرَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ90
BROTHERS' APOLOGY ACCEPTED
91They confessed, 'By Allah! Allah has truly favoured you over us, and we have certainly done wrong.' 92Yusuf said, 'There is no blame on you today. May Al-lah forgive you! He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!' 93Go with this shirt of mine and put it over my father's face, and he will be able to see again. Then come back to me with your whole family.'
قَالُواْ تَٱللَّهِ لَقَدۡ ءَاثَرَكَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡنَا وَإِن كُنَّا لَخَٰطِِٔينَ 91قَالَ لَا تَثۡرِيبَ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡيَوۡمَۖ يَغۡفِرُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡۖ وَهُوَ أَرۡحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ 92ٱذۡهَبُواْ بِقَمِيصِي هَٰذَا فَأَلۡقُوهُ عَلَىٰ وَجۡهِ أَبِي يَأۡتِ بَصِيرٗا وَأۡتُونِي بِأَهۡلِكُمۡ أَجۡمَعِينَ93
GOOD NEWS
94When the caravan left 'from Egypt', their father said 'to those around him, 'You probably will think I have lost my mind, but I definitely sense the smell of Yusuf.' 95They replied, 'By Allah! You are still in your old illusion.' 96But when the one carrying the good news arrived, he put the shirt over Ya'qub's face, so he was suddenly able to see. Ya'qub then said 'to his children', 'Did I not tell you that I know from Allah what you do not know?' 97They begged, 'O our father! Pray for our sins to be forgiven. We have certainly done wrong.' 98He said, 'I will soon pray to my Lord to forgive you.²⁴ He is truly the Forgiving and Merciful.'
وَلَمَّا فَصَلَتِ ٱلۡعِيرُ قَالَ أَبُوهُمۡ إِنِّي لَأَجِدُ رِيحَ يُوسُفَۖ لَوۡلَآ أَن تُفَنِّدُونِ 94قَالُواْ تَٱللَّهِ إِنَّكَ لَفِي ضَلَٰلِكَ ٱلۡقَدِيمِ 95فَلَمَّآ أَن جَآءَ ٱلۡبَشِيرُ أَلۡقَىٰهُ عَلَىٰ وَجۡهِهِۦ فَٱرۡتَدَّ بَصِيرٗاۖ قَالَ أَلَمۡ أَقُل لَّكُمۡ إِنِّيٓ أَعۡلَمُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ 96قَالُواْ يَٰٓأَبَانَا ٱسۡتَغۡفِرۡ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَآ إِنَّا كُنَّا خَٰطِِٔينَ 97قَالَ سَوۡفَ أَسۡتَغۡفِرُ لَكُمۡ رَبِّيٓۖ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلۡغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ98
Verse 98: According to some scholars, Ya'qub delayed the prayer for his children to be forgiven until the last part of the night, which is a blessed time for praying.
WORDS OF WISDOM
As we mentioned in Surah 38, Yaqub (A.S.), his wife, and 11 sons bowed to Yusuf (A.S.). This was allowed back then as a sign of respect, not as an act of worship. In the same way, the angels were ordered to bow down to Adam (A.S.), according to Surah 2. This rule was changed with Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and so now, as Muslims, we bow only to Allah.
YUSUF'S DREAM COMES TRUE
99When they came to Yusuf, he received his parents kindly' and said, 'Enter Egypt, in-sha-Allah, in peace.' 100Then he raised his parents to the throne, and they all bowed down to Yusuf, who then said, 'O my dear father! This is the meaning of my old dream; my Lord has made it come true. He was truly kind to me when He got me out of jail and brought you all from the desert after Satan had set me and my brothers against each other.²⁵ My Lord is truly gentle in achieving His plan. Surely He 'alone' has perfect knowledge and wisdom.'
فَلَمَّا دَخَلُواْ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ ءَاوَىٰٓ إِلَيۡهِ أَبَوَيۡهِ وَقَالَ ٱدۡخُلُواْ مِصۡرَ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ ءَامِنِينَ 99وَرَفَعَ أَبَوَيۡهِ عَلَى ٱلۡعَرۡشِ وَخَرُّواْ لَهُۥ سُجَّدٗاۖ وَقَالَ يَٰٓأَبَتِ هَٰذَا تَأۡوِيلُ رُءۡيَٰيَ مِن قَبۡلُ قَدۡ جَعَلَهَا رَبِّي حَقّٗاۖ وَقَدۡ أَحۡسَنَ بِيٓ إِذۡ أَخۡرَجَنِي مِنَ ٱلسِّجۡنِ وَجَآءَ بِكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡبَدۡوِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ أَن نَّزَغَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ بَيۡنِي وَبَيۡنَ إِخۡوَتِيٓۚ إِنَّ رَبِّي لَطِيفٞ لِّمَا يَشَآءُۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ100
Verse 100: Yusuf did not mention how Allah saved him from the well because he did not want to embarrass his brothers after forgiving them.
WORDS OF WISDOM
There are many lessons that we can learn from the story of Yusuf (A.S.). Here are a few of them:
• Yusuf (A.S.) had the best character when he was in jail and while sitting on the throne. Good and bad times should not change who we are.
• He invited people to Islam in jail based on the knowledge he had received from his father at a young age. That knowledge stayed with him for the rest of his life.
• He was always forgiving. He forgave the former prisoner who forgot to mention him to the King, even though this caused him to stay in jail for many years. When that person came to Yusuf (A.S.) in jail to get his help with the King's dream, Yusuf was willing to help. He was also quick to forgive his brothers after all they had done to him.
• He was able to save Egypt from a food crisis, even though its people didn't follow his faith and after he was thrown in jail unjustly.
• He was always honest and faithful. This is why Allah supported him.
• He always prayed to Allah in good times and difficult times. As you can see in verse 101, his story ends with thanks and prayers.
YUSUF'S PRAYER
101My Lord! You have surely given me authority and taught me the meaning of dreams. O' Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Guardian in this world and the Next Life. Allow me to die as a Muslim,²⁶ and join me with the faith-ful.'
رَبِّ قَدۡ ءَاتَيۡتَنِي مِنَ ٱلۡمُلۡكِ وَعَلَّمۡتَنِي مِن تَأۡوِيلِ ٱلۡأَحَادِيثِۚ فَاطِرَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَنتَ وَلِيِّۦ فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡأٓخِرَةِۖ تَوَفَّنِي مُسۡلِمٗا وَأَلۡحِقۡنِي بِٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ101
Verse 101: Lit., someone who fully submits to Allah.
REMINDERS TO PROPHET MUHAMMAD
102This is one of the stories of the un-seen which We reveal to you 'O Prophet'. You were not there when they all²⁷ made up plans 'against Yusuf'. 103And most people will not believe, no matter how hard you try. 104even though you are not asking them for a fee for this Quran', It is only a reminder to the whole world. 105Imagine' how many signs in the heavens and the earth they pass by, but they choose to ignore them! 106And most of them do not believe in Allah without making others equal to Him. 107Do they feel safe that a punishment from Allah will not cover them, or that the Hour 'of Judgment' will not take them by sur-prise when they do not expect it 'at all'? 108Say, 'This is my way. I invite 'all' to Allah with sure knowledge-I and those who follow me. Glory be to Allah, and I am not one of the idol-worshippers.'
ذَٰلِكَ مِنۡ أَنۢبَآءِ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ نُوحِيهِ إِلَيۡكَۖ وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيۡهِمۡ إِذۡ أَجۡمَعُوٓاْ أَمۡرَهُمۡ وَهُمۡ يَمۡكُرُونَ 102وَمَآ أَكۡثَرُ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَوۡ حَرَصۡتَ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ 103وَمَا تَسَۡٔلُهُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ مِنۡ أَجۡرٍۚ إِنۡ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكۡرٞ لِّلۡعَٰلَمِينَ 104وَكَأَيِّن مِّنۡ ءَايَةٖ فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ يَمُرُّونَ عَلَيۡهَا وَهُمۡ عَنۡهَا مُعۡرِضُونَ 105وَمَا يُؤۡمِنُ أَكۡثَرُهُم بِٱللَّهِ إِلَّا وَهُم مُّشۡرِكُونَ 106أَفَأَمِنُوٓاْ أَن تَأۡتِيَهُمۡ غَٰشِيَةٞ مِّنۡ عَذَابِ ٱللَّهِ أَوۡ تَأۡتِيَهُمُ ٱلسَّاعَةُ بَغۡتَةٗ وَهُمۡ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ 107قُلۡ هَٰذِهِۦ سَبِيلِيٓ أَدۡعُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِۚ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا۠ وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَنِيۖ وَسُبۡحَٰنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلۡمُشۡرِكِينَ108
Verse 102: This includes Yusuf's brothers, the travellers who picked him up from the well and sold him into slavery, and the Chief Minister's wife and other women in the city.
WORDS OF WISDOM
We learn from the following passage that Allah's help comes when things get the most difficult and when all doors seem to be closed. This is made very clear in many surahs, including 7, 10, 11, and 26. The wicked always made fun of their prophets and abused their followers. They even challenged their prophets to speed up their punishment, thinking that those prophets were bluffing and Allah had let them down. At last, the punishment always came at the time set by Allah and the wicked paid the price. These stories were revealed to assure the Prophet (ﷺ) that he would win in the end. Unlike many messengers, the Prophet (ﷺ) didn't pray against his own people, hoping that they would one day become Muslim.
ALLAH'S MESSENGERS
109Even before you 'O Prophet', We sent only men inspired by Us from among the people of different societies. Have those Makkans' not travelled throughout the land to see what was the end of those 'destroyed' before? The 'eternal' Home of the Next Life is certainly far better for those who keep Allah in mind. Will you not then understand? 110As usual, when the messengers almost lost hope and their people thought the messengers were left with no help, Our help came to them 'at last'. We then saved whoever We wanted. But Our punishment cannot be turned away from the wicked people. 111In these stories there is really a les-son for those who truly understand. This message could not have been made up. Rather, it is a confirmation of previous revelations, a detailed explanation of all things, a guide, and a mercy for people of faith.
وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن قَبۡلِكَ إِلَّا رِجَالٗا نُّوحِيٓ إِلَيۡهِم مِّنۡ أَهۡلِ ٱلۡقُرَىٰٓۗ أَفَلَمۡ يَسِيرُواْ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَيَنظُرُواْ كَيۡفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡۗ وَلَدَارُ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ خَيۡرٞ لِّلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوۡاْۚ أَفَلَا تَعۡقِلُونَ 109حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا ٱسۡتَيَۡٔسَ ٱلرُّسُلُ وَظَنُّوٓاْ أَنَّهُمۡ قَدۡ كُذِبُواْ جَآءَهُمۡ نَصۡرُنَا فَنُجِّيَ مَن نَّشَآءُۖ وَلَا يُرَدُّ بَأۡسُنَا عَنِ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ 110لَقَدۡ كَانَ فِي قَصَصِهِمۡ عِبۡرَةٞ لِّأُوْلِي ٱلۡأَلۡبَٰبِۗ مَا كَانَ حَدِيثٗا يُفۡتَرَىٰ وَلَٰكِن تَصۡدِيقَ ٱلَّذِي بَيۡنَ يَدَيۡهِ وَتَفۡصِيلَ كُلِّ شَيۡءٖ وَهُدٗى وَرَحۡمَةٗ لِّقَوۡمٖ يُؤۡمِنُونَ111