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Life is full of challenges. Everyone faces ups and downs at some stage of their life. Even the prophets sent by Allah (SWT) to guide humanity faced numerous challenges like loss of wealth, death of loved ones, betrayal of their own people, severe persecution, mockery, and many others challenges.
The stories of these prophets and the difficulties they encountered offer us numerous lessons that can help strengthen our faith and bring us closer to Allah (SWT). As mentioned in the Quran:
“Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, "When is the help of Allah?" Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:214)
The story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) is detailed in Surah Yusuf and offers numerous lessons on how to remain steadfast and resilient in the face of difficulty and tough times. This article provides five lessons we can learn from his story and reflect upon it.
Here are five lessons we can learn from the story of Prophet Yusuf and understand how to navigate different challenges we might face in life while putting our trust in Allah (SWT) and remaining steadfast.
The life of Prophet Yusuf (AS) began with a difficult betrayal by those closest to him—his brothers. They were jealous of the love their father, Prophet Yaqub (AS), had for Yusuf (AS). Out of hatred, they plotted against him by throwing him into a well, leaving him to die. Later on, a group of travellers found Yusuf (AS) and sold him as a slave in Egypt.
Despite these hardships, Yusuf (AS) never lost faith in Allah (SWT). He trusted that Allah (SWT) had a plan for him, even in moments of despair. His patience and reliance on Allah (SWT) eventually led to his elevation from a helpless boy in a well to a respected minister of Egypt.
"So they took him, and when they agreed to put him into the bottom of the well, We inspired to him, 'You will surely inform them someday about this affair of theirs while they do not perceive [your identity].'"
(Surah Yusuf, 12:15)
No matter how tough life gets, trust that Allah (SWT) knows what’s best for you. Yusuf’s (AS) hardships were part of a greater plan that ultimately brought him honour and success.
As a young man, Yusuf (AS) was known for his exceptional beauty and character. After being sold as a slave, he worked in the house of a wealthy Egyptian official (Al-Aziz). The official’s wife, Zulaykha, became obsessed with Yusuf (AS) and attempted to seduce him.
One day she invited Yusuf (AS) to her room, lockedroom locked the doors and tried to lure him into sin, but Yusuf (AS), out of his deep fear of Allah (SWT), refused her advances and attempted to flee from the room.
He sought Allah’s (SWT) protection, saying:
"I seek refuge in Allah! Indeed, my master has been good to me. Surely, the wrongdoers will never succeed."
(Surah Yusuf, 12:23)
When Yusuf (AS) rejected her, Zulaykha became angry and falsely accused him of trying to harm her. Later on, he was imprisoned unjustly for a crime he didn’t commit. Yet, even in prison, Yusuf (AS) remained steadfast in his faith.
"And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. And thus [it was] that We should avert from him evil and immorality. Indeed, he was of Our chosen servants."
(Surah Yusuf, 12:24)
This story teaches us to resist the temptation to sin, no matter how strong it may be, and to seek Allah’s (SWT) guidance during such trials. Staying true to one’s morals and principles will always lead to Allah’s (SWT) protection.
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After many years, Yusuf (AS) became a powerful ruler in Egypt, and his brothers came to him seeking help during a famine. They didn’t recognise Yusuf (AS), but he knew who they were. Instead of taking revenge for their betrayal, Yusuf (AS) chose forgiveness.
When his brothers begged for mercy, Yusuf (AS) 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)
Prophet Yusuf (AS) forgave his brothers for the injustices they did to him and instead showed them immense kindness and even gave them food when there was a famine in their region. This act of forgiveness demonstrates the importance of letting go of anger and resentment.
True strength lies in forgiving those who have wronged us. By doing so, we follow the example of Prophet Yusuf (AS), who displayed compassion and mercy even when he had the power to retaliate.
If you have committed a serious sin or wronged someone, and later feel remorse, take immediate steps to make amends. Begin by seeking forgiveness from the person you have wronged to earn their pardon. Additionally, turn to Allah (SWT) with sincere repentance and seek His forgiveness for your actions. Here are eight powerful duas you can recite when asking Allah (SWT) for forgiveness.
Yusuf (AS) faced one trial after another: being betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of a crime, and imprisoned. Yet, throughout these challenges, he remained patient and continued to rely on Allah (SWT).
His patience paid off when he was appointed as a high-ranking official in Egypt by the Pharoah.
Yusuf (AS) was given the responsibility of managing the country’s resources during a time of famine. His ability to interpret dreams, a gift from Allah (SWT), helped him prepare Egypt for the years of drought that were to come.
"Indeed, the one who fears Allah and is patient, then indeed, Allah does not allow the reward of the doers of good to be lost."
(Surah Yusuf, 12:90)
Life’s trials are temporary. By being patient and keeping faith in Allah (SWT), we can overcome challenges and eventually experience success and ease. These trials and challenges are merely a test from Allah (SWT) and one who overcomes them receives countless rewards not just in this world but the Hereafter too.
Check out our blog on dua’s for patience (sabr) if you are facing hardships and challenges in life and looking to seek guidance from Allah (SWT) during this tough phase. These duas can be recited at any time of the day.
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Prophet Yusuf (AS) was a man who deeply understood his strengths and weaknesses, which allowed him to face the challenges and hardships with confidence.
Recognising His Weakness
When faced with the temptation of his master’s wife, Zulaykha, Yusuf (AS) understood that staying in her environment could lead to greater challenges for his faith and morality. Instead of risking his spiritual integrity, he chose to go to prison rather than succumb to sin. He openly turned to Allah (SWT) for protection:
"My Lord, prison is more beloved to me than that to which they invite me."
(Surah Yusuf, 12:33)
Knowing His Strength
Later in his life, Yusuf (AS) demonstrated his awareness of his own strengths when the King sought someone to manage Egypt’s resources during a time of famine. Confident in his knowledge and ability to handle this responsibility with integrity, Yusuf (AS) requested the position:
"[Yusuf] said, 'Appoint me over the storehouses of the land. Indeed, I will be a knowing guardian.'"
(Surah Yusuf, 12:55)
These acts demonstrate that a person should be aware of his/her weaknesses and strengths at all times and use them to overcome challenges or as an advantage according to the situation. This will allow them not only to serve others with dedication but also to fulfil Allah's (SWT) command.
The story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) is a timeless reminder of the importance of faith, patience, self-awareness, and moral integrity in navigating life’s trials. From the betrayal of his brothers to the temptation of Zulaykha, Yusuf (AS) faced immense challenges but always relied on Allah (SWT) for guidance and strength.
His unwavering trust in Allah (SWT) and his ability to forgive, resist temptation, and use his strengths to benefit others offer powerful lessons for all of us. By reflecting on these lessons and applying them in our daily lives, we can strive to lead a life that pleases Allah (SWT) and brings success in both this world and the Hereafter.
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