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Yusuf and the Brothers

Islamic Tales · Islamic · Quran, Surah 12 (Yusuf)

Brothers throw Yusuf into a well and sell him.

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Yusuf and the Brothers

Prophet Yusuf was the most beloved son of Prophet Yaqub, distinguished by his beauty and character. One night, Yusuf dreamt of eleven stars, the sun, and the moon prostrating to him. Sensing his greatness, his ten older brothers were consumed by jealousy. They plotted to kill him but instead threw him into a deep well, telling their father a wolf had eaten him. Yusuf was rescued by a passing caravan and sold into slavery in Egypt. Through years of trials, including false imprisonment, his unwavering faith and ability to interpret dreams led him to become the King's chief advisor, managing Egypt's grain during a great famine. When his brothers arrived in Egypt seeking food, they did not recognize the powerful man before them. Yusuf tested them to see if they had changed and, seeing their remorse, revealed his identity. Instead of seeking revenge, he forgave them completely, reuniting his family in a display of divine mercy and patience.

The moral
True strength lies in the ability to forgive those who have wronged you, and unwavering trust in God's plan brings success even in the darkest times.

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Questions about this story

What is the moral of Yusuf and the Brothers?

The moral is that patience (Sabr) and faith in God's plan lead to victory. It also teaches the immense value of forgiveness over seeking revenge, even when one has the power to do so.

Why did Yusuf's brothers throw him into the well?

They were deeply jealous of the special love and attention their father, Prophet Yaqub, showed toward Yusuf and his younger brother Benjamin.

How did Yusuf rise to power in Egypt?

After being imprisoned falsely, Yusuf correctly interpreted the King's dream about seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Impressed, the King appointed him as the treasurer and advisor of Egypt.

Did Yusuf's father believe he was dead?

While the brothers presented a blood-stained shirt as proof of Yusuf's death, Yaqub sensed in his heart that Yusuf was still alive, though he wept until he lost his eyesight from grief.

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Good night.