The Story of Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is one of the most captivating and emotional narratives found in the Qur’an. It is a story that teaches patience, trust in Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), forgiveness, and the ultimate triumph of truth over falsehood.
From his childhood, Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) showed signs of greatness. However, his journey to leadership was full of trials that tested his faith at every turn.
The Beloved Son
Prophet Yaqub (Jacob, عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) dearly loved his son, Prophet Yusuf (Joseph, عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Yaqub had twelve sons in total. Among them, Binyamin was Yusuf’s full brother — born to the same mother — while the others were his half-brothers, older and different in spirit.
One radiant morning, young Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) woke up, his heart brimming with joy after experiencing a wondrous dream. Bursting with excitement, he ran to his father and said:
“O my father, indeed I have seen eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me.”
“إِذْ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِأَبِيهِ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ إِنِّى رَأَيْتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوْكَبًۭا وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ رَأَيْتُهُمْ لِى سَـٰجِدِينَ “
— (Surah Yusuf, 12:4)
Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) instantly understood the deep meaning behind the dream. His beloved son was destined for greatness — chosen by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) for Prophethood. Yet, his heart filled with concern. Although he loved all his sons dearly, he knew that the older brothers held jealousy toward Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). To protect him, Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) gently advised Yusuf not to share his vision with his brothers, fearing that they might scheme against him.
A Plot Born of Jealousy
As the days passed, the jealousy in the brothers’ hearts festered. They could not bear seeing Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) favored and admired. Consumed by envy, they plotted to remove him from their lives.
One day, they approached their father, suggesting that Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) join them outdoors for some fun and games. Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), sensing danger, replied with a heavy heart:
“Indeed, it saddens me that you should take him, and I fear that a wolf would eat him while you are unaware.”
قَالَ إِنِّى لَيَحْزُنُنِىٓ أَن تَذْهَبُوا۟ بِهِۦ وَأَخَافُ أَن يَأْكُلَهُ ٱلذِّئْبُ وَأَنتُمْ عَنْهُ غَـٰفِلُونَ
— (Surah Yusuf, 12:13)
But the brothers reassured him, insisting that they would protect Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and ensure he would enjoy himself.
Betrayal at the Well
The next morning, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) set out with his brothers. They traveled far from home, searching for a secluded spot. Eventually, they found a deep, dark well — perfect for their sinister plan.
Under the guise of fetching water, they lured Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to the edge. Suddenly, they seized him, tore off his shirt, and ignored his cries and struggles. Overpowered and helpless, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was cast into the depths of the well.
The brothers hurried back to their father, carrying Yusuf’s shirt stained with sheep’s blood.
They cried out,
“O our father, indeed we went racing each other and left Yusuf with our belongings, and a wolf devoured him.”
قَالُوا۟ يَـٰٓأَبَانَآ إِنَّا ذَهَبْنَا نَسْتَبِقُ وَتَرَكْنَا يُوسُفَ عِندَ مَتَـٰعِنَا فَأَكَلَهُ ٱلذِّئْبُ ۖ وَمَآ أَنتَ بِمُؤْمِنٍۢ لَّنَا وَلَوْ كُنَّا صَـٰدِقِينَ
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 17)
But Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was not convinced. Deep down, he believed Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was still alive and suspected that his sons, misled by Shaytan, had committed wrongdoing.
He observed how strange it was that the wolf could have eaten Yusuf without tearing his shirt. Despite his sorrow, Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) chose patience and placed his trust in Allah, praying for the safe return of his beloved son.
Meanwhile, at the bottom of the well, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) clung tightly to a stone ledge. He supplicated earnestly to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) for protection and deliverance. Soon after, a caravan heading towards Egypt arrived at the well to draw water.
As the water drawer lowered his bucket, he was shocked to find a young boy clinging to the rope!
The caravan members, seeing Yusuf’s beauty and potential value, shackled him and took him with them to Egypt. Word spread quickly: an extraordinarily handsome young boy was up for auction. The city’s wealthy and elite flocked to the marketplace, eager to see if the rumors were true.
The bidding escalated fiercely until Al-Azeez, Egypt’s chief minister, secured Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) for himself. Al-Azeez, captivated by Yusuf’s character and appearance, instructed his wife to care for him well and suggested adopting him as a son in the future.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) grew into a strikingly handsome young man, blessed by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) with immense knowledge and wisdom.
During the Night Journey, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) described Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as having received ‘half of all beauty. (Sahih Muslim 162a)
The Qur’an also praises his virtues:
“And when Yusuf reached maturity, We gave him judgment and knowledge. And thus We reward the doers of good.”
وَلَمَّا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُۥٓ ءَاتَيْنَـٰهُ حُكْمًۭا وَعِلْمًۭا ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 22)
Because of his integrity and honesty, Al-Azeez entrusted him with the management of his household.
However, Yusuf’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) next great trial was soon to come. Zulaika, Al-Azeez’s wife, became infatuated with Yusuf. Day after day, her admiration grew into an overwhelming obsession.
One day, when the house was empty, she locked the doors and approached Yusuf, attempting to seduce him.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), fearing Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), responded:
“[I seek] refuge in Allah. Indeed, he is my master, who has made good my residence. Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed.”
وَرَٰوَدَتْهُ ٱلَّتِى هُوَ فِى بَيْتِهَا عَن نَّفْسِهِۦ وَغَلَّقَتِ ٱلْأَبْوَٰبَ وَقَالَتْ هَيْتَ لَكَ ۚ قَالَ مَعَاذَ ٱللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ رَبِّىٓ أَحْسَنَ مَثْوَاىَ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُفْلِحُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 23)
He immediately fled towards the door, but Zulaika chased after him and grabbed his shirt, tearing it from behind.
At that very moment, Al-Azeez walked in. Embarrassed and desperate, Zulaika quickly accused Yusuf:
“What is the punishment for one who intended evil for your wife except that he be imprisoned or a painful punishment?”
قَالَتْ مَا جَزَآءُ مَنْ أَرَادَ بِأَهْلِكَ سُوٓءًا إِلَّآ أَن يُسْجَنَ أَوْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۭ
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 25)
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) firmly defended himself, saying:
“It was she who tried to seduce me.”
قَالَ هِىَ رَٰوَدَتْنِى عَن نَّفْسِى ۚ
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 26)
Unsure whom to believe, Al-Azeez sought counsel. It was suggested:
“If his shirt is torn from the front, then she has told the truth, and he is of the liars.”
أَهْلِهَآ إِن كَانَ قَمِيصُهُۥ قُدَّ مِن قُبُلٍۢ فَصَدَقَتْ وَهُوَ مِنَ ٱلْكَـٰذِبِينَ نَّفْسِى ۚ وَشَهِدَ شَاهِدٌۭ
(Surah Yusuf, Ayah 26)
When it was found that Yusuf’s shirt was torn from the back, his innocence was confirmed. Al-Azeez apologized to Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and urged him to keep the matter quiet.
Despite efforts to hush the scandal, whispers spread throughout the city. The women of Egypt mocked Zulaika’s behavior, which humiliated her further. Determined to prove that her feelings were beyond control, she invited them to a feast.
During the gathering, she handed the women fruits and knives. While they were distracted cutting, Zulaika summoned Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).
The women were so mesmerized by his beauty that they cut their hands without realizing it!
Seizing the moment, Zulaika declared that this was the man for whom she had been ridiculed.
She warned Yusuf that if he continued to resist her, he would face imprisonment.
In response, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) turned to his Lord and said:
“My Lord, prison is more beloved to me than what they invite me to.”
قَالَ رَبِّ ٱلسِّجْنُ أَحَبُّ إِلَىَّ مِمَّا يَدْعُونَنِىٓ إِلَيْهِ ۖ
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 33)
That night, Zulaika convinced her husband that the only way to protect her reputation and their household’s dignity was to imprison Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).
Although Al-Azeez knew Yusuf was innocent, he eventually agreed. Thus, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was unjustly thrown into prison — yet he remained steadfast in his trust in Allah.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and His Years in Prison
While imprisoned, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was granted the special gift of interpreting dreams. Around the same time, two other men were thrown into prison alongside him — one was the King’s cupbearer, and the other was the King’s chef.
Impressed by Yusuf’s piety and character, the two prisoners turned to him for help interpreting their dreams. One of them dreamt that he was serving wine to his master, while the other dreamt that he was carrying bread on his head, and birds were eating from it.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) first used the opportunity to call them to the worship of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). Then he interpreted their dreams, saying:
“O two companions of prison, as for one of you, he will give drink to his master of wine; but as for the other, he will be crucified, and the birds will eat from his head. The matter has been decreed about which you both inquire.” — (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 41)
Realizing that one of them would soon be released, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) requested:
“Mention me before the king.” ٱذْكُرْنِى عِندَ رَبِّكَ— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 42)
However, Shaitan caused the freed man to forget Yusuf’s request, and thus, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) remained in prison for several more years. Despite the injustice, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) showed steadfast patience and continued to devote himself to the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).
The King Has a Dream
One night, the King of Egypt had a puzzling dream. In it, he saw seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, and seven green ears of grain alongside seven dry ones. Deeply disturbed, the King sought someone who could interpret its meaning.
At that moment, the cupbearer — who had been freed from prison — remembered his companion, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his remarkable ability to interpret dreams. He rushed to inform the King about Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and was sent back to the prison to inquire about the dream.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), delighted at the sight of his old companion, recognized that this moment was part of Allah’s divine plan. He explained:
“You will plant for seven consecutive years, and what you harvest leave in its spikes, except for a little from which you will eat. Then will come after that seven difficult [years] which will consume what you saved for them, except for a little which you will store. Then will come after that a year in which people will be given rain, and in which they will press [olives and grapes].” — (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 47-49)
Through this dream, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) understood that a great famine would strike after seven years of prosperity. He advised the King to act swiftly: during the years of abundance, food should be harvested and carefully stored to sustain the people during the hardship to come. He also brought the good news that after the famine, a year of relief and abundant rain would arrive, allowing the crops to flourish once again.
Impressed by Yusuf’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wisdom, the King ordered him to be brought before him. However, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) refused to leave prison until his innocence was fully established. He demanded a proper investigation to clear his name.
The King called for the women who had been involved in the earlier scandal. They admitted before the King:
“Allah forbid! We know about him no evil.” ” ۚ قُلْنَ حَـٰشَ لِلَّهِ مَا عَلِمْنَا عَلَيْهِ مِن سُوٓءٍۢ”— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 51)
Finally, the wife of Al-Azeez herself confessed:
“Now the truth has become evident. It was I who sought to seduce him, and indeed, he is truthful.”
“قَالَتِ ٱمْرَأَتُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْـَٔـٰنَ حَصْحَصَ ٱلْحَقُّ أَنَا۠ رَٰوَدتُّهُۥ عَن نَّفْسِهِۦ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَمِنَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ”— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 51)
Thus, Yusuf’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) innocence was declared openly. Released from prison, he stood before the King — not with anger or resentment, but with grace and composure. His noble character left a strong impression on the King, who entrusted him with a great responsibility.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Oversees Egypt’s Storehouses
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) requested:
“Appoint me over the storehouses of the land. Indeed, I am a knowledgeable guardian.”
He asked for the role not out of ambition but from a deep sense of duty, knowing that the people’s survival during the famine would depend on careful management.
During the seven years of prosperity, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) worked tirelessly, harvesting and storing crops. When the famine finally struck, its effects reached far and wide — even to Canaan, where his father Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and family lived.
Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), hearing about Egypt’s abundant supplies, sent his sons — all except Binyamin — to buy food.
Upon their arrival, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) immediately recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. To them, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was long gone.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asked casually about their family. They replied:
“We are eleven brothers, the children of a noble prophet. The youngest is with our father, tending to his needs.”
Hearing this, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)’s heart overflowed with emotion. Tears welled up in his eyes as he longed to see his father and younger brother once again.
Struggling to maintain his composure, he asked:
“Are you truthful people?”
Surprised, they answered:
“What reason should we have to lie?”
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then proposed that they bring their younger brother with them next time. He promised to reward them with double rations but warned that without Binyamin, they would not receive their full share. As a safeguard, he secretly ordered their money to be placed back in their saddlebags, ensuring they had the means to return.
Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)’s Reluctance and Trust in Allah
When the brothers returned home, they told their father:
“O our father! We have been denied ˹further˺ supplies. So send our brother with us so that we may receive our measure, and we will definitely watch over him.”
“فَلَمَّا رَجَعُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰٓ أَبِيهِمْ قَالُوا۟ يَـٰٓأَبَانَا مُنِعَ مِنَّا ٱلْكَيْلُ فَأَرْسِلْ مَعَنَآ أَخَانَا نَكْتَلْ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ”— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 63)
Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was furious. How could he trust them when they had already failed him with Yusuf? His heart was heavy with grief and distrust. However, as the famine worsened, necessity pushed him to reconsider.
After securing solemn oaths from his sons for Binyamin’s safety, Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) entrusted their journey to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), praying:
فَٱللَّهُ خَيۡرٌ حَٰفِظٗاۖ وَهُوَ أَرۡحَمُ ٱلرَّـٰحِمِينَ
“Allah is the Best Protector and the Most Merciful of the merciful.” — (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 64)
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Reunites with His Brother
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) graciously welcomed his distinguished guests and hosted them with great hospitality. Although it was difficult for him, he restrained himself from immediately embracing his beloved brother. He honored all the brothers with generous gifts. Later, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) arranged for Binyamin to stay in a private room with him, where he finally revealed,
“Indeed, I am your brother.” (Surah Yusuf, 12:69)
Binyamin, overwhelmed with joy, threw his arms around his elder brother in an emotional embrace.
The King’s Golden Bowl
As the brothers prepared to depart, the King’s soldiers suddenly closed the gates and halted them. They announced that the King’s prized cup had gone missing. The brothers protested,
“By Allah, you have certainly known that we did not come to cause corruption in the land, and we have not been thieves.” (Surah Yusuf, 12:73)
The soldiers pursued the matter further, asking what punishment should befall the thief if found among them. Confidently, the brothers replied that the guilty party should become a slave to the owner of the stolen cup — a punishment they considered just, as the thief had taken property unlawfully.
When the soldiers searched the brothers’ belongings, they found the King’s golden cup in Binyamin’s bag.
The soldiers cried out,
“O caravan, indeed you are thieves.”
Shock and disbelief consumed the brothers. Fear for their sick father, and the promise they had made to protect Binyamin, weighed heavily on their hearts. They knew Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) dearly loved Binyamin, especially after the devastating loss of Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).
In desperation, they pleaded with the soldiers to take one of them in Binyamin’s place, but their requests were refused.
The eldest among them declared:
فَلَنْ أَبْرَحَ ٱلْأَرْضَ حَتَّىٰ يَأْذَنَ لِىٓ أَبِىٓ أَوْ يَحْكُمَ ٱللَّهُ لِى ۖ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ ٱلْحَـٰكِمِينَ
“I will never leave [this] land until my father permits me or Allah decides for me, and He is the best of judges.”
(Surah Yusuf, 12:80)
Thus, the rest of the brothers returned home to Canaan, leaving their eldest brother behind in Egypt.
Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Endures with Patience
Upon their return, the brothers sorrowfully reported to Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ):
“O our father, indeed your son has stolen. We only testify to what we know, and we were not witnesses of the unseen. Ask the city in which we were, and the caravan in which we came — indeed, we are truthful.”
ٱرْجِعُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰٓ أَبِيكُمْ فَقُولُوا۟ يَـٰٓأَبَانَآ إِنَّ ٱبْنَكَ سَرَقَ وَمَا شَهِدْنَآ إِلَّا بِمَا عَلِمْنَا وَمَا كُنَّا لِلْغَيْبِ حَـٰفِظِينَ
وَسْـَٔلِ ٱلْقَرْيَةَ ٱلَّتِى كُنَّا فِيهَا وَٱلْعِيرَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَقْبَلْنَا فِيهَا ۖ وَإِنَّا لَصَـٰدِقُونَ
(Surah Yusuf, 12:81-82)
Prophet Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) faced the situation with the patience and grace of a true believer. Clinging to hope, he turned to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) in prayer, saying:
“Perhaps Allah will bring them to me all together. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise.”
عَسَى ٱللَّهُ أَن يَأْتِيَنِى بِهِمْ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ
(Surah Yusuf, 12:83)
Despite the renewed anguish, Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) did not lose faith. However, the sorrow of losing another son reopened his old wounds over Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). In his grief, he cried out:
“Oh, my sorrow over Joseph.”
وَتَوَلَّىٰ عَنْهُمْ وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَسَفَىٰ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ وَٱبْيَضَّتْ عَيْنَاهُ مِنَ ٱلْحُزْنِ فَهُوَ كَظِيمٌۭ (Surah Yusuf, 12:84)
It is narrated that his grief was so intense he wept until his eyes turned white, leading to blindness.
His state became so severe that his sons feared for his life and warned him:
“By Allah, you will not cease remembering Joseph until you become fatally ill or perish.”
قَالُوا۟ تَٱللَّهِ تَفْتَؤُا۟ تَذْكُرُ يُوسُفَ حَتَّىٰ تَكُونَ حَرَضًا أَوْ تَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْهَـٰلِكِينَ
(Surah Yusuf, 12:85)
But Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), steadfast and filled with trust in Allah, responded:
“I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know.”
قَالَ إِنَّمَآ أَشْكُوا۟ بَثِّى وَحُزْنِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَأَعْلَمُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ (Surah Yusuf, 12:86)
Commentators explain that in this statement, Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was expressing his firm belief that Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) would yet bring good from the situation. He still held on to the hope that Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was alive and that the dream Yusuf shared with him as a child would one day come true.
He then instructed his sons:
“O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother, and despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.”
يَـٰبَنِىَّ ٱذْهَبُوا۟ فَتَحَسَّسُوا۟ مِن يُوسُفَ وَأَخِيهِ وَلَا تَا۟يْـَٔسُوا۟ مِن رَّوْحِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يَا۟يْـَٔسُ مِن رَّوْحِ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْقَوْمُ ٱلْكَـٰفِرُونَ (Surah Yusuf, 12:87)
The Return to Egypt
The sons of Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) returned to Egypt once again. They met with Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and pleaded that tragedy had befallen them.
Yusuf gives his shirt:
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then spoke to them in their native language:
“Do you know what you did with Yusuf and his brother when you were ignorant?”
قَالَ هَلْ عَلِمْتُم مَّا فَعَلْتُم بِيُوسُفَ وَأَخِيهِ إِذْ أَنتُمْ جَـٰهِلُونَ
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 89)
It didn’t take long for the brothers to realize that this was indeed their long-lost brother. They began to tremble in fear. But Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) comforted them, saying:
“No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful.”
قَالَ لَا تَثْرِيبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْيَوْمَ ۖ يَغْفِرُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 92)
He then instructed:
“Take this, my shirt, and cast it over the face of my father; he will become seeing. And bring me your family, all together.”
ٱذْهَبُوا۟ بِقَمِيصِى هَـٰذَا فَأَلْقُوهُ عَلَىٰ وَجْهِ أَبِى يَأْتِ بَصِيرًۭا وَأْتُونِى بِأَهْلِكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 93)
As instructed, the brothers cast Yusuf’s shirt over their father’s face, and Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) miraculously restored Yaqub’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) eyesight!
They beseeched their father to seek Allah’s forgiveness for them. Together, they all set off to Egypt, where Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warmly welcomed them.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) raised his elderly father upon the throne and said:
“O my father, this is the explanation of my vision of before. My Lord has made it reality. And He was certainly good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you [here] from bedouin life after Satan had induced [estrangement] between me and my brothers. Indeed, my Lord is Subtle in what He wills. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise.”
سُجَّدًۭا ۖ وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ هَـٰذَا تَأْوِيلُ رُءْيَـٰىَ مِن قَبْلُ قَدْ جَعَلَهَا رَبِّى حَقًّۭا ۖ وَقَدْ أَحْسَنَ بِىٓ إِذْ أَخْرَجَنِى مِنَ ٱلسِّجْنِ وَجَآءَ بِكُم مِّنَ ٱلْبَدْوِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَن نَّزَغَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَ إِخْوَتِىٓ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى لَطِيفٌۭ لِّمَا يَشَآءُ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 100)
Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), in His infinite wisdom and mercy, brought about the reunion of father and son after many years of separation.
In a beautiful fulfillment of Allah’s (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) decree, the surah, which began with Yusuf’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) prophetic dream, concludes with reaching the point where that dream becomes a reality.
Yusuf’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Du’a
At this emotional point, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) turned to his Creator and made a heartfelt du’a:
رَبِّ قَدْ آتَيْتَنِي مِنَ الْمُلْكِ وَعَلَّمْتَنِي مِن تَأْوِيلِ الْأَحَادِيثِ ۚ فَاطِرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ أَنتَ وَلِيِّي فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ۖ تَوَفَّنِي مُسْلِمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 101)
Transliteration:
Rabbi qad aataytanee minal mulki wa ‘allamtanee min ta’weelil ahaadeeth; faatiras samaawaati wal-ard; Anta waliyyi fid-dunyaa wal-aakhirah; tawaffanee muslimanw wa alhiqnee bissaaliheen.
English Translation:
“My Lord, You have given me [something] of sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and earth, You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous.”
۞ رَبِّ قَدْ ءَاتَيْتَنِى مِنَ ٱلْمُلْكِ وَعَلَّمْتَنِى مِن تَأْوِيلِ ٱلْأَحَادِيثِ ۚ فَاطِرَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ أَنتَ وَلِىِّۦ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ ۖ تَوَفَّنِى مُسْلِمًۭا وَأَلْحِقْنِى بِٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ
— (Surah Yusuf 12:101)
Brief Summary
Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) knew from his dream that he was destined for greatness. However, at every turn of his life, he was met with difficulties and adversity.
He was betrayed by his own brothers, sold as a slave, and unjustly imprisoned.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) could have chosen to be bitter and question Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), saying, “I thought You had ordained greatness for me,” or “Why do these things keep happening to me?”
But he knew better. He had faith that Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) had a plan for him.
Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) focused on being the best he could — treating people with respect and dignity, exceeding what was requested of him. He trusted that if he did his part, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) would take care of the rest.
Despite being taken away as a child and growing up without his family, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) grew to be a man of noble status, admired by all — from Al-Azeez, to the women who cut their hands, to the King himself.
The lesson:
Circumstances don’t make the man. They only reveal him to himself.
A Unique Story in the Qur’an
The story of Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds a special place in the Qur’an. It is the only prophetic story told completely and chronologically in a single surah — Surah Yusuf.
In contrast, the stories of other prophets are scattered throughout various surahs, requiring the reader to piece them together.
We strongly encourage readers to listen to and follow the translation of Surah Yusuf, as it beautifully recounts the Prophet’s journey — from childhood dreams to his reunion with his family and fulfillment of Allah’s promise.
Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) concludes Surah Yusuf with a powerful reminder:
“There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was the Qur’an a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe.”
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 111)