Yûsuf (Surah 12)

Introduction

Rightfully called ‘the best of stories,’ this uplifting Meccan sûrah was revealed along with the two previous sûrahs at a critical time in the life of the Prophet (ﷺ) following the death of his wife Khadîjah and his uncle Abu Ṭâlib, his two main supporters, shortly after a 3-year boycott by the Meccan pagans to suppress the believers. This is the story of Joseph (ﷺ) whose half-brothers were driven by jealousy, conspiring to distance him from his father Jacob (ﷺ). Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt, falsely accused, and imprisoned for several years, only to become Egypt’s Chief Minister. Just like Joseph (ﷺ), the Prophet (ﷺ) had to live away from his hometown, was faced with false allegations and abused by his own people, but ultimately became Arabia’s undisputed leader. When the Prophet (ﷺ) triumphed over Mecca after many years of persecution, he treated the very people who abused him with grace, recalling the words of Joseph when his brothers begged for mercy in verse 92, “There is no blame on you today. May Allah forgive you! He is the Most Merciful of the merciful!” In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful