The story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), peace be upon him, is one of the most detailed and captivating narratives in the Holy Quran. Allah (SWT) refers to it as 'Ahsan al-Qasas' (the most beautiful of stories) in the chapter named after him, Surah Yusuf. This single chapter unfolds his entire life journey, from his childhood dreams to his reunion with his family in Egypt. It is a story rich with profound lessons on envy, betrayal, temptation, patience (sabr), forgiveness, and ultimately, the unwavering and perfect plan of Allah.

The Childhood Dream and the Brothers' Envy

The story begins with a young Yusuf narrating a dream to his father, Prophet Yaqub (Jacob), peace be upon him. He saw eleven stars, the sun, and the moon prostrating before him.

"[Of the time] when Yusuf said to his father, 'O my father, indeed I have seen [in a dream] eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me.'" (Quran 12:4)

Prophet Yaqub, being a prophet himself, understood the dream's great significance—that Yusuf would be raised to a high station and his family would one day bow to him in respect. He also knew that this would incite the jealousy of his other sons, who already felt that their father loved Yusuf and his younger brother, Binyamin (Benjamin), more. He wisely advised Yusuf not to share his dream with his brothers.

However, the brothers' envy grew into a plot. Consumed by jealousy, they decided to get rid of Yusuf. They convinced their father to let Yusuf go out and play with them. Far from their home, they threw him into a well and returned to their father with a blood-stained shirt, claiming a wolf had eaten him. This act of betrayal was the first of many trials for the young Prophet Yusuf.

From the Well to the Palace: Trial and Temptation

Yusuf's ordeal in the well did not last long. A passing caravan found him, took him out, and sold him as a slave in Egypt. He was purchased by a high-ranking official, the 'Aziz' of Egypt, who recognized Yusuf's special qualities and told his wife to treat him with kindness, even considering adopting him.

Yusuf grew into an exceptionally handsome and wise young man in the house of the 'Aziz. Here, he faced his next great trial: the test of seduction. The wife of the 'Aziz, often known by her name Zulaikha in extra-Quranic traditions, became infatuated with him and attempted to seduce him. Yusuf, steadfast in his piety, sought refuge in Allah.

"He said, 'My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. And if You do not avert from me their plan, I might incline toward them and [thus] be of the ignorant.'" (Quran 12:33)

To escape the situation, he ran towards the door, and she tore his shirt from behind. Her husband found them at the door. To protect herself, she falsely accused Yusuf. However, a witness from her own household pointed out the crucial evidence: if his shirt was torn from the front, he was guilty, but if it was torn from the back, she was lying. The shirt was torn from the back. Despite his innocence being proven, to quell the scandal that was spreading among the women of the city, the 'Aziz' decided to imprison Yusuf.

The Years in Prison and Interpreting Dreams

In prison, Yusuf's prophetic gift of interpreting dreams became known. Two other prisoners, a cupbearer and a baker, approached him with their dreams. Yusuf first called them to the worship of the One True God before interpreting their dreams. He correctly predicted that the cupbearer would be freed and would serve the king again, while the baker would be executed. He asked the cupbearer to mention his case to the king upon his release, but Shaytan made the cupbearer forget, and Yusuf remained in prison for several more years.

His chance for freedom finally came when the King of Egypt had a perplexing dream of seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, and seven green spikes of grain and seven others that were dry. None of his advisors could interpret it. It was then that the former cupbearer remembered Yusuf and told the king about him. Yusuf not only interpreted the dream—predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine—but also provided a detailed economic plan to navigate the crisis.

From Prison to Power: A Position of Authority

Impressed by his wisdom and integrity, the King summoned Yusuf from prison. Before leaving, Yusuf insisted on his name being completely cleared of the false accusation made by the 'Aziz's wife. When questioned by the king, she and the other women confessed their fault, and Yusuf's innocence was publicly declared.

The King, recognizing his trustworthiness and knowledge, appointed Yusuf as the treasurer of Egypt, putting him in charge of the storehouses and the nation's economy. Yusuf was given the authority to manage the resources of the land, a responsibility he undertook with justice and foresight.

The Reunion and Forgiveness

During the years of famine, people from surrounding lands, including Yusuf's own brothers from Canaan, came to Egypt to buy grain. They came before Yusuf but did not recognize him. He, however, recognized them immediately.

Yusuf treated them well but devised a plan to bring his younger brother, Binyamin, to Egypt. On their next visit, he used a clever ruse—placing the king's measuring cup in Binyamin's bag—to detain him. This caused immense grief to their father, Prophet Yaqub, who lost his sight from weeping.

Finally, after testing his brothers' hearts and seeing their remorse, Yusuf revealed his identity. In one of the most moving scenes in the Quran, his brothers stood before him, humbled and ashamed of their past deed. But Yusuf, embodying the pinnacle of magnanimity, showed no bitterness.

"He said, 'No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful.'" (Quran 12:92)

He forgave them completely and sent his shirt back to his father, which, when cast over Prophet Yaqub's face, miraculously restored his sight. The entire family then migrated to Egypt, and as they entered, they all bowed down before Yusuf, fulfilling the dream he had seen so many years ago as a child.

Lessons from the Story of Yusuf (A.S.)

• Trust in Allah's Plan (Tawakkul): Yusuf's life was a series of unimaginable trials—betrayal, slavery, false accusation, and imprisonment. Yet, through it all, he never lost his faith. His story is the ultimate example that even in our darkest moments, Allah has a plan that is beyond our comprehension, which ultimately leads to good.
• The Power of Patience (Sabr): Yusuf endured decades of hardship with beautiful patience. His reward was not only exoneration and power in this world but a high station with Allah.
• The Destructiveness of Envy: The story begins with the destructive envy of the brothers, which led them to commit a terrible sin against their own flesh and blood. It serves as a powerful warning against this disease of the heart.
• Purity and Resisting Temptation: Yusuf's encounter with the 'Aziz's wife is a timeless lesson in chastity and piety. His preference for prison over sin shows the strength of his faith.
• The Nobility of Forgiveness: Despite the immense pain his brothers caused him, Yusuf forgave them without hesitation. His forgiveness is a model for all believers on how to deal with those who have wronged them.

Conclusion

The story of Prophet Yusuf is not just a historical account; it is a source of guidance, comfort, and inspiration for all of humanity. It teaches us that with faith, patience, and integrity, one can overcome any adversity. It shows that Allah's plan always prevails and that He is the best of planners. It is a story that brings solace to the grieving, hope to the desperate, and a timeless lesson that after every hardship comes ease.