Yusuf (AS) – 8B

As we have previously mentioned in the last part, ayah  77 of Surat Yusuf, “They said if he steals, then there’s a brother of his who did steal before him. But Yusuf Kept these things locked in his heart and did not reveal to them. He said to himself you are the worst situated, and Allah knows of truth of what you assert.” (TMQ, 12:77)[1].  It is as if they are accusing their own family of stealing! Look at the clemency of Prophet Yusuf (AS), and how he kept it to himself and did not answer to their false accusation and did not even let his displeasure show on his face.

Then his remark to them that they are much worse, is as if he’s telling them that gossiping is a bigger crime than stealing, and that they are worse than that who they are accusing of stealing.

Please, try to protect your family ties and do not break them at all costs, because regardless of what they did, Prophet Yusuf (AS) could have lost his brothers, but he chose not to.  Unfortunately, there are many of us who cut the ties with their siblings and families over materialistic matters; so let us learn from our Prophet Yusuf (AS)

I am asking you in front of Allah (SWT), if any of you has cut his connections with his family, parents, or siblings, please start by resolving the conflicts and work toward reconciliation. Yusuf’s brothers said what can be translated as, “O ruler of the land, our father is an elder so please take one of us instead; we behold you as one of kindness.” (TMQ, 12:78). They are now in a hard situation.  How are they going to return to their father? Here comes the second lesson.

Yusuf (AS) said what can be translated as, “Allah forbid that we take other than him with whom we found our property with, indeed if we did so we will be wrong doers.  So when they despaired of moving him, they conferred together apart. The eldest of them said: Didn’t you know that your father took an undertaking from you in Allah’s name and before when you have failed Yusuf? Therefore, I shall not go forth from the land until my father gives me the permission, or Allah judges it for me, and he’s the best of judges.” (TMQ, 12:79-80).

In this ayah, the word ‘despaired’ entails that they have tried with him many times, but without succeeding.  They sat together to discuss the matter, and their eldest started reminding them how they took upon themselves that they will protect their brother, and that the same thing that happened in the past with Yusuf (AS) will not happen again.  Moreover, he will not leave the land until his father gives him permission, or Allah (SWT) judges in the matter.

Note: who is their eldest? Is he the one that has advised them before not to kill Yusuf (AS) and throw him in the well instead? It is not our intention to discuss these issues. That is why you see me pass by many things without making a comment because our goal is to learn something beneficial. We have a rule in Islam: discussing topics or questions that do not lead to a practical benefit is not worth our while.

Then he told them what can be translated as, “Return to your father, and tell him: Oh father, your son has committed robbery, and we have only testified what we saw, and we are no guardians of the unseen” (TMQ, 12:80).  As we see, their feeling of pain right now is real.  Now look at the pain they are suffering, and compare this situation to the situation with Yusuf (AS) before when they said what can be translated as, “And we are his protectors” (when they threw Yusuf (AS) in the well).  It is obvious that they had come to understand the real meaning of protection; that it is from Allah (SWT), and not from them.

Later, they said what can be translated as, “Ask the village that we have passed on, and the caravan which we have traveled with, and we declare that we are saying the truth” (TMQ, 12:82).  They were trying to prove to their father their truthfulness by stating that he could ask the people of Egypt, and the group that traveled with them if he wanted to make sure that they were being honest.  Compare this with what they said after what they had done with Yusuf (AS)! “And you will not believe us even if we are saying the truth.” (TMQ, 12:17).  They are trying at all costs to prove to their father their truthfulness, but this time, they changed their words, “We are saying the truth.” Prophet Yaqub (AS) however, will not believe them immediately, so they can feel the pain even further.  He said what can be translated as, “No, your minds have beguiled you into something, I’ll be patient, and Allah is the helper.” (TMQ, 12:83).

Look at how smart Prophet Yaqub (AS) is, and examine the immense trial that he was going through! He’s now loosing another of his sons after he lost his son Yusuf (AS) (the first was lost 40 years go, the second swore he won’t return until everything becomes clear, and the third is being kept as a slave).  This is a message for every person with a dead child, please be patient and read Surat Yusuf.  Scholars say that any sad person who reads Surat Yusuf must feel relief and comfort.

What kind of patience did Yaqub (AS) possess! Look at his courageous heart! Look at his strong belief in Allah (SWT), and his refusal to give up when he said what can be translated as, “I believe Allah will get them all back to me, he’s the highest and wisest.” (TMQ, 12:83).   Then, “And he turned away and said: how great is my grief for Yusuf, and his eyes became white and full of sorrow that he was suppressing.” (TMQ, 12:84). Therefore, his eyes turned white from his excessive crying.  Why did he say Yusuf (AS) and not Benjamin? Because when catastrophes start to gather, people will always remember the first one.

When the events of Kosovo occurred, one of the most respected scientists of al-Azhar started to cry and said, “Oh Palestine.”  I asked him, “Why Palestine and not Kosovo?” He said, “It was the first catastrophe.”  Is there any of us whose eyes became white because he was sad for what happened in Palestine? At least we should pray for them and feel their pain.

Yaqub’s sons asked him later, “They said, by Allah, you will never cease remembering Yusuf until your health is ruined or you are of those who perish.” (TMQ, 12:85).  Meaning you will not forget about Yusuf (AS) even if you were near to death!

Look at his answer to them, “He said I expose my distress and anguish only to Allah, and I know from Allah what you do not know.” (TMQ, 12:86).  Note: Omar Ibnul-Khattab (RA) was praying with the Muslims, he kept reading until he reached this ayah and started crying.  The group asked him, “Why do you cry whenever you read this ayah?” He said, “I like to express my anguish and distress to Allah.”

Brothers and sisters, please report your sadness and your nation’s sadness to Allah (SWT).  Look at the Prophet (SAWS[2]) when he was reporting his sadness to Allah (SWT) in the days of al-Taef.  The entire town had thrown him with stones, then Zayd Ibn-Haretha came and hugged the Prophet (SAWS) trying to shield him from the stones, his head got soaked with blood! The Prophet (SAWS) at that time was 50 years old and was running so quickly that his feet got wounded and started to bleed heavily.  I want you to imagine this happening to your father! He was trying to seek shelter in any place to avoid the stones, so he entered a garden and raised his hands to Allah (SWT) praying and said, “O Allah, to Thee I declare my weakness and lack of strength.  To Thee I would show the grief I have been going through due to the contempt I have received from others.  O Allah, You are the Most Merciful of all.  You are the Lord of the oppressed.  And you are my Lord.  To whom are You entrusting me, to a stranger who would maltreat me, or to a foe who would take hold of me! O Lord, if You are not angry with me, then I do not mind being hurt.  What I am looking forward to is Your Providence.  I seek refuge in the light of Your Blessed Face Which has lighted all darkness, and rendered worldly life and the hereafter virtuous, from Your anger or discontent.  You can keep admonishing me until You are pleased with me, there is no might save in You.”  Let us make it a habit that we always report our sadness to Allah (SWT)!

Furthermore, Prophet Yaqub (AS) said what can be translated as, “O my sons, go and inquire about Yu‍suf and his brother, and do not despair of relief from Allah; surely none despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.” (TMQ, 12:87).

Brothers and sisters, please do not give up hope on Allah (SWT).  The future will be for this religion for sure.  The whole world is suffering, and people are trying to become religious, because people are hungry for religion just like they are hungry for food.  They need to satisfy their souls.  Your trust in Allah (SWT) should always be high, so please do any act that helps the others.  Help your siblings, succeed in your academic or scientific life, teach people Qur’an, and do anything beneficial for your country.

I know about someone who used to hear about the news in Palestine and what’s happening over there.  Coincidentally, he met a Palestinian and asked him, “Didn’t you give up yet? Don’t you see that deaths are increasing day after day?”  The Palestinian answered, “Never. Every house that has not given a martyr for the sake of Palestine feels ashamed.”

What we need to do is much less than what they have to.  We are not asked to give our souls, but we need to try and correct ourselves, and those around us, and to succeed in our lives.  We need to rebuild our countries, to improve our economy, to increase our productivity and to encourage people to become closer to Allah (SWT).

What happened later was that Yusuf brothers went back to Egypt, just as mentioned in this ayah that can be translated as, “And when they went back to him (Yusuf) they said, O exalted one, distress has seized us and our family, and we have brought you a scanty merchandise, so pay us full measure and treat it as charity to us, for Allah rewards the charitable.” (TMQ, 12:88).

Arabic usage of ‘and when’ again denotes speed.  They didn’t have good merchandise so they brought bad merchandise.  They needed food first, and then their father asked them to search for their brothers, and that was also one of lessons that Prophet Yusuf (AS) wanted to teach them.  They were going back and forth to Egypt, and they were in psychological pain; they were weak, desperate, and needy.  This idea is obvious because they called Yusuf (AS), “O exalted one,” and they had to explain to him what they have been through, and finally ask him for charity.

One of the Muslim scholars said, “Humble yourself between the hands of Allah (SWT) like Yusuf’s brothers humbled themselves in the presence of Yusuf.”  One has to beg Allah (SWT) the same way they begged Yusuf (AS).  Hold your hands up to the sky and say: Allah (SWT), I have suffered so much, I’ve brought you scanty merchandise (our defected worship), so pay us full measure and accept it as a charity for us.

Another scientist said, “Do not get tired from standing on Allah’s door, even if you felt unwelcome (for example, you are praying but you do not feel the closeness, don’t worry, it’ll come.) Do not stop apologizing even if you were turned down.  When the door opens for those who are accepted, then enter with them as and intruder, and raise your hands up and say, 'Please Allah, I’m poor so help me, charity is for the poor and needy.’” Allah (SWT) loves the slave who humbles himself between His hands.  This ayah is reminding us of all that.  Whenever I hear this ayah and see the extent of humility and need it is displaying, I remember how we stand with Allah (SWT), and how much we need to stand in humility and submissiveness just like they did.  Prophet Yusuf (AS) could not bear to see his brothers humiliated and weak.  Where is mercy these days?  Unfortunately, there are people who enjoy seeing others humiliated.  Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said, “The believer is easy, soft and facile.”  Thus, try to be merciful and sincere toward one another, also try to forgive and facilitate.

At this point he said what can be translated as, "(Yusuf said,) do you know what you did with Yusuf and his brother, when you were ignorant?" (TMQ 12:89).  Notice the use of ‘ignorant’ instead of ‘unjust!’  Indeed, this tells us a great deal about Yusuf’s good traits.  Notice how he breaks the news to them: does he make a loud fuss or takes the chance to blame and shame them?  Certainly not; it is a soft and gentle questioning to his brothers, filled with compassion.  Indeed, an amazing display of modesty and good ethics.  What was their reaction?  They were shocked of course!  They said what can be translated as, "They said, 'Are you indeed Yusuf?' He said, 'I am Yusuf and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been gracious to us. Verily, he who fears Allah with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of al-Muhsinun (good-doers).’" (TMQ 12:90).

Prophet Yusuf (AS) does not blame his brothers as they were taught a good lesson after all what had happened.   Look at the word ‘al-muhsinun’ which also indicates the law that states dependence upon Allah (SWT), "But Allah is the Best to guard" (TMQ 12:64).  People who are patient through hardships suffer from injustice and still are patient; a wife may suffer from an unjust husband and still endure patiently, or a brother may suffer from his brother's injustice.  Whoever fears Allah (SWT) and is patient, will be loved by Allah (SWT); Allah (SWT) loves ‘al-muhsinun.’

Finally, Prophet Yusuf's brothers realize their mistake and say, what can be translated as, "They said, “By Allah! Indeed Allah has preferred you above us, and we certainly have been sinners." (TMQ 12:91).  This indicates that Prophet Yusuf's plan had worked as well as many other plans such as the economic reform plan, selves-reform plan and also the story of his steadfastness. 

Yusuf (AS) is happy now that his brothers have found the right path; he succeeded with them just as he succeeded with everything so far.  This is one of the best stories ever, because it has so many happy endings.  Here are Yusuf’s success stories:

·        The wife of al-Aziz repented.

·        The women who cut their hands also repented.

·        The king's butler was saved.

·        Yusuf (AS) became influential in the country.

·        The whole region survived the famine.

·        His brothers repented.

·        Prophet Yaqub's children all came back to him.

Yusuf (AS) passed all the tests.  Please remember that this is not just a story to be told; Yusuf (AS) was for real.  He is a human example for us; a true Prophet!  Let us get along with the ayahs now.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "(Yusuf says,) No reproach on you today; may Allah forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!" (TMQ 12:92).

Truly, he has great manners and was most forgiving and kind towards his brothers, he forgave his brothers without any grudges for what they had done to him in the past.  If only we follow the example of Prophet Yusuf (AS) and hold no personal grudges! What a marvelous religion and what a great book to follow!

This ayah reminds me of Abu-Sufyan, one of the greatest enemies of Islam.  He fought against Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) for eight consecutive years, leading the Battles of Uhud and al-Khandaq.  When Makkah was freed, al-Abbas told Abu-Sufyan to go to Prophet (SAWS) and ask for forgiveness and pardon, but Abu-Sufyan feared that the Prophet (SAWS) would kill him.  Al-Abbas told him to say that same ayah to Muhammad (SAWS), "They said, ‘By Allah! Indeed Allah has preferred you above us, and we certainly have been sinners.’" (TMQ 12:91).  The Prophet (SAWS) forgot any anger and quoted back what can be translated as, "No reproach on you today; may Allah forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!" (TMQ 12:92)

Now let us go back to the ayahs and the story of Yusuf (AS).  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "(Yusuf said,) go with this shirt of mine, and cast it over the face of my father, he will become clear-sighted, and bring me all your family. And when the caravan departed, their father said: I do indeed feel the smell of Yusuf, if only you think me not a dotard (a person who has weakness of mind because of old age)." (TMQ, 12:93-94).  What is the story of this shirt that is mentioned frequently in the Surah and is it the same shirt mentioned at the beginning of the story?  It is a symbol but we are not sure if it is the same one or not.

"And when the caravan departed, their father said: I do indeed feel the smell of Yusuf (Joseph), if only you think me not a dotard (a person who has weakness of mind because of old age)." (TMQ 12:94).   How did Yaqub (AS) know that it was Yusuf's shirt?  A father’s instinct?  Isn’t it the mother’s instinct that wakes her up in the middle of the night to go and cover her child?  Yaqub's feelings are common to all of us.  This is a message for both the parents and the children out there.  Love each other, and do not lose the family bonds that you have.  Parents should show their love to their children, or they will regret it later on.  Some parents do not even hug their children any more or use any sweet talk.  Why is this happening in our society?  Why are the kids growing up and forgetting their parents?  Why do we forget our parents after we have children of our own?  Shouldn’t we try to give our kids the best childhood ever, and treat our parents the way we would like our children to treat us in the future?  Don’t stay away from them lest they start feeling sad like Yaqub (AS).  Call them, visit them, and take some small gifts along with you.

The next ayah can be translated as, "They said, 'By Allah! Certainly, you are in your old error.'" (TMQ 12:95). The following ayah, "Then, when the bearer of the glad tidings arrived, he cast it (the shirt) over his face, and he became clear-sighted. He said, ‘Did I not say to you, ‘I know from Allâh that which you know not.’" (TMQ 12:96).  Then, his brothers admit their mistake in what can be translated as, "They said, 'O our father! Ask Forgiveness (from Allah) for our sins, indeed we have been sinners.'" (TMQ 12:97).

Scholars say that in the following ayah, translated as, " He said, 'I will ask my Lord for forgiveness for you, verily He! Only He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.’" (TMQ 12:98), Yaqub (AS) was either still sad for what they had done or was waiting for the time before daybreak; Qiyam (vigil night prayer) to ask Allah (SWT) to forgive his sons (since what they had done needs a great deal of asking forgiveness).

In the next ayah, we are moved again quickly in time to the scene where Yusuf (AS) finally meets his father.  The beautiful Arabic language of the Qur’an moves the reader ever so swiftly between the scenes.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "Then, when they came in before Yusuf (Joseph), he took his parents to himself and said, ‘Enter Egypt, if Allah wills, in security.’" (TMQ 12:99).  The Arabic word translated as ‘took his parents to himself’ or ‘embraced them’ describes beautifully the affections and love in that rejoicing hug and reunion, which followed 40 years of separation and grief.  It is a feeling of relief and victory, filling the reader once more with joy, because Allah (SWT) indeed never forgets the good people.

The following ayah can be translated as, "And he raised his parents to the throne and they fell down before him prostrate. And he said, ‘O my father! This is the interpretation of my dream aforetime! My Lord has made it come true!’" (TMQ 12:100).  As the Surah began with Yusuf’s dream, it ended with it coming true.  Any good act we perform will be rewarded by Allah (SWT), but we just have to be patient enough to wait for it.  As we said earlier, these stories are narrated by Allah (SWT) in the Qur’an for a reason!  Everything that we do is rewarded by Allah (SWT), and those who are patient will be rewarded for their patience.  Allah (SWT) is telling us that no matter how many problems and afflictions we face, we will be rewarded eventually only if we are devout, patient and dependent upon Him alone.  If you guard what Allah (SWT) orders you to guard, He will guard you.

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "And he raised his parents to the throne and they fell down before him prostrate. And he said, ‘O my father! This is the interpretation of my dream aforetime! My Lord has made it come true! He was indeed good to me, when He took me out of the prison, and brought you (all here) out of the Bedouin-life, after Shaitân (Satan) had sown enmity between me and my brothers. Certainly, my Lord is the Most Courteous and Kind unto whom He wills. Truly He! Only He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.’" (TMQ 12:100).   Prophet Yusuf (AS) chose his words wisely when he said that Allah (SWT) was kind unto him when he took him out of the prison instead of mentioning the incident of the well.  He did not want to hurt his brothers' feelings during their nice reunion, although he suffered more in the well than in prison.  In addition, he said that Allah (SWT) had brought them out of their Bedouin-life and did not say out of poverty or famine so as not to remind them of the difficult situation that compelled them to come to Egypt.  If only we choose our words so carefully, especially women who are supposed to be tender and gentle!  Omar Ibnul-Khattab (RA) said, “By Allah, I do not love anything in this world more than sitting with people who pick their words as carefully as they pick good fruits.”

Let us look at the rest of the ayah where Yusuf (AS) was feeling guilty and did not blame his brothers entirely for what had happened saying that the Shaytan (Satan) had sown enmity amidst him and his brothers.  All this shows his good morals and virtue knowing that he really was not responsible for anything.  He is also content with what Allah (SWT) had destined his life to be, as we see at the end of this ayah.  Then, Yusuf (AS) says in absolute submission and humility in front of Allah (SWT), the following ayah which can be translated as, "My Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me of the sovereignty, and taught me something of the interpretation of dreams - the (Only) Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Walî (Protector, Helper, Supporter, Guardian, God, Lord.) in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die as a Muslim (the one submitting to Your Will), and join me with the righteous." (TMQ 12:101).

Notice Yusuf's submissiveness to Allah (SWT).  Notice his devoutness, and dependence on Allah (SWT) the One and Only.  He wishes to follow the example of the other Prophets (his ancestors) and join them in the hereafter.  After you have read this Surah, do you truly believe that your only Protector is Allah (SWT)? Has your love and trust in Allah (SWT) increased? Whoever reads this Surah and still does not gain trust in Allah (SWT) has never truly read it. 

The final ayahs, 102 to 111, all incite patience, and promise final victory to the Muslims, even if it comes after a long wait.  Allah (SWT) sends victory to His messengers when they start to lose hope, and this is exactly what happened to Prophet Yusuf (AS).  Finally, there is a message near the end of the Surah about the importance of passing out the message of Islam to other people, and caring about the benefit of others.  Islam is good news, so be the bearers of it.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "Say (O Muhammad), ‘This is my way; I invite unto Allah (i.e. to the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allah (i.e. to the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism with sure knowledge). And Glorified and Exalted be Allah (above all that they associate as partners with Him).  And I am not of Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah; those who worship others along with Allah or set up rivals or partners to Allah).’" (TMQ 12:108).

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