- 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.
- 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
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.