Everyone of us dream of big things or has innovative plans to modify existing schemes or renewing these to give these a different look. Studies (like Gollwitzer’s research) suggest that announcing your goals might satisfy your brain’s reward system, making you feel accomplished before taking action.
Yet in the competitive fields, sharing early ideas can lead to someone else acting on them before you do. Or else people may be skeptical, dismissive, or unsupportive—especially if your dream challenges norms. Their doubt can undermine your confidence. More so, you may be hit by the evil eyes of many who envy your success and want to overtake you to lead the in the competitive world. Therefore, one must weigh the prospects of success of your plan or someone borrowing your ideas and get smarter to do something you have been dreaming or planning since long.
Remember, sharing goals is OK (in brooder term) but never share your fantasies.
This is exactly what Prophet Ya’qub ( Jacob, peace be upon him) advised to his son Yusuf (later Prophet Joseph) when the latter shared a dream with his father. This advise is referred to in the 5th verse of Surah 12. Yusuf which is part of the story of the Prophet Yusuf (Joseph, peace be upon him). Here's a relevant translation of that verse for context:
"He said, 'O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers, or they will contrive against you a plan. Indeed Satan is to man a manifest enemy.'" — Surah Yusuf (12:5)
As the verse reads, even sharing ideas and dreams with one's brothers or even the closest relatives and friends can be devastating in realizing one's plans and aspirations.
Context and Explanation:
This verse comes after Yusuf (Joseph) tells his father Ya’qub (Jacob) about a remarkable dream he had:
“I saw [in a dream] eleven stars, and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me.” (12:4)
His father, Prophet Ya‘qub, immediately understands the significance of the dream — that Yusuf is destined for greatness, likely to be a prophet, and will have a position of high status. But instead of encouraging Yusuf to share it, Ya‘qub warns him: "Do not relate your vision to your brothers..."
Why the Warning?
Ya‘qub (Jacob) knew his other sons harbored jealousy toward Yusuf, and he foresaw that sharing such a dream might provoke envy, resentment, or worse — plotting against Yusuf.
Key Lessons:
- Not all truths should be shared openly. Even good things, like a positive vision or goal, can provoke envy in others — especially if those others already harbor jealousy or ill will.
- Understand your audience: Yusuf’s brothers were not spiritually mature or emotionally safe people to hear about a dream that placed Yusuf above them.
- Satan exploits jealousy: The verse ends by saying that “Satan is to man a clear enemy” — indicating that Satan can amplify jealousy into destructive actions, especially in vulnerable hearts.
Modern-Day Relevance:
In the extremely competitive world, one has to be very careful and cautions what he says and to whom. Any loose words or expression of one's plan can cost him very dearly, for these days everyone out there is on the look out for such slips of tongue or divulgences in exuberance. Following tips may be given due consideration in the this regard:
- This verse teaches emotional intelligence, discretion, and awareness of human nature, which are timeless principles.
- Be cautious about who you share your goals, dreams, or blessings with.
- Some people might not have your best interests at heart, even if they are close to you.
- Oversharing can sometimes invite unnecessary conflict, envy, or sabotage.
We have already published detailed exegesis of the 5th verse quoted above which can be accessed from link : Surah Yusuf (Joseph): Exegesis of the 12th Chapter of the Holy Quran - Part I (Verses 1-22)
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.
Please refer to our exclusive reference page: A good Muslim should NEVER boast of his wealth nor expose his secrets for more posts on the subject.
You may also refer to our refer tour page: Al Qur'an - selected verses from Surah 12. Yusuf (Prophet Joseph) for more verses from this surah.
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. .
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.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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