The Sürah tells the true and complete story of Prophet Yūsuf (Joseph), son of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob - عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in one continuous narrative, which is unique in the Qur’an, beside being one of the most powerful and emotionally rich chapters in the Qur'an. It not only tells the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph, peace be upon him) but also conveys universal lessons about patience, trust, morality, forgiveness, and divine wisdom. This surah, which also tells of the truth, according to Muslims, contained in dreams, presents many principles of how to serve Islam by relating the life-history of a prophet, who became the most renowned and respected figure in the country to which he had been sold as a slave. In fact, Surah Yusuf is not just a beautiful story — it’s a life map.
It is a Meccan Sürah revealed during a time of great hardship in the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (during the Year of Sorrow, when he lost both Khadijah and Abu Talib), as a source of consolation, hope, and guidance. Thus Sürah was aimed at telling Prophet Muhammad ﷺ how the earlier prophets had endured hardships, yet they remained steadfast and finally prevailed.
Here are some of the most important verses from Sürah Yusuf along with the lessons they teach for mankind:
- Patience in the Face of Trials
- "So patience is most fitting. And Allah is the one sought for help against that which you describe." (Surah Yusuf 12:18)
- Lesson: When Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) lost his son Yusuf, he responded with sabr (patience), trusting Allah instead of breaking down in despair.
- A lesson in handling personal loss or injustice with faith and dignity.
- Temptation and Moral Integrity
- "He said, 'My Lord, prison is more beloved to me than that to which they invite me. And if You do not avert their plan from me, I might incline toward them and be of the ignorant.'" (Surah Yusuf 12:33)
- Lesson: Yusuf chose prison over sin, showing his deep commitment to purity and integrity, even when faced with seduction and false accusations.
- Teaches self-control, resisting temptation, and choosing long-term righteousness over short-term pleasure.
- Allah's Plan is Always Perfect
- "Indeed, my Lord is Subtle in what He wills. Truly, it is He who is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise." (Surah Yusuf 12:100)
- Lesson: After years of pain, Yusuf is reunited with his family and elevated in status — a reminder that Allah’s plan may take time but is always just and wise.
- Teaches trust in divine timing, even when we don't understand the reason for our trials.
- Forgiveness Over Revenge
- "He said, 'No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful.'" (Surah Yusuf 12:92)
- Lesson: Yusuf forgave his brothers, even though they tried to destroy him out of jealousy.
- A powerful lesson in forgiveness, mercy, and letting go of grudges, even when you're in a position of power.
- Speaking the Truth, Even in Difficulty
- "And the one from Egypt who bought him said to his wife, 'Make his stay comfortable. Perhaps he may benefit us or we may adopt him as a son.'" (Surah Yusuf 12:21)
- Lesson: Even when Yusuf was sold into slavery, the people around him recognized his potential.
- Teaches that value and character are not tied to status or background, and that truth and excellence shine through, even in hardship.
- Trusting Allah in Isolation
- "And he (Yusuf) said: O my Lord, prison is more beloved to me than what they are calling me to..." (Surah Yusuf 12:33)
- (also related to previous point)
- In prison, Yusuf still maintained his faith, dignity, and continued to call others to Allah, showing that faith isn't dependent on circumstance.
- Knowledge is a Trust from Allah
- "And He (Allah) taught you of the interpretation of dreams and perfected His favor upon you..." (Surah Yusuf 12:6)
- Lesson: Knowledge is not self-earned; it’s a divine gift. Yusuf's ability to interpret dreams and govern wisely was a trust, not a personal achievement.
- Teaches humility and gratitude for divine blessings.
- Beauty of Good Character
- "Indeed, he was of Our chosen, sincere servants." (Surah Yusuf 12:24)
- Lesson: Yusuf is honored for his ikhlās (sincerity), not just for his beauty or intelligence.
- Good character and sincerity are more lasting than worldly attributes.
- Responding to Jealousy with Grace
- "Kill Yusuf or cast him out to another land so the attention of your father will be only for you..." (Surah Yusuf 12:9)
- Lesson: Jealousy can lead to horrible actions, but Yusuf never retaliated. He responded with grace, patience, and trust in Allah.
- Teaches how to rise above envy and betrayal.
- Real Success is with Allah
- "My Lord, You have given me [something] of sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and the earth, You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous." (Surah Yusuf 12:101)
- Lesson: At the height of his power, Yusuf remained humble, attributing everything to Allah and asking to die as a Muslim.
- True success is not worldly status, but dying with faith and being counted among the righteous.
Conclusion:
Surah Yusuf is a masterclass in character, patience, forgiveness, and faith. It teaches that no matter how difficult your situation, if you remain truthful, pure, and patient, Allah will eventually honor you.
“Indeed, in their stories there is a lesson for those of understanding...” (Surah Yusuf 12:111)
We have already published detailed exegesis of the Surah which can be accessed from links given below:
We now share some of the verses from Surah Al-A'raf which have already been published covering some important messages:
- Believers! Do not relate your vision or intentions to others - verse 5
- What is patience in Good Grace (صَبۡرٌ جَمِيۡلٌ) - verse 18
- Prayer of Prophet Yaqoob (Jacob, AS) - verse 86
- My Lord! Cause me to die in submission to You, and join me, in the end, with the righteous - verse 101
- O Creator of heavens and earth! Cause me to die in submission to You - verse 101
- Why stories of the past are retold in Al-Qurʾān? -verse 111
In time we will continue to add more selected verses from Surah .7 Al-A'raf for information of our readers.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
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