يوسف
Yusuf (Joseph)Al-Siddiq al-Nabi (The Truthful Prophet)
Also known as: Joseph, Al-Siddiq (The Truthful)
Nation / People
The people of Egypt
Period
Approximately 1,900 - 1,800 BCE; the era of the Hyksos or early Pharaonic Egypt
Lifespan
110 years according to some narrations
Burial Place
Nablus (Shechem) in Palestine, or possibly Egypt according to different narrations
Message
Patience, chastity, forgiveness, and gratitude in all circumstances. His life demonstrates that trials are a means of elevation in rank before Allah, and that a believer's integrity and character will ultimately prevail.
Lineage
- 1.Yaqub (Jacob)- Father
- 2.Ishaq- Grandfather
- 3.Ibrahim- Great-grandfather
Key Miracles
- Interpretation of dreams with divine knowledge
- Endured years of imprisonment unjustly yet remained patient and trusting in Allah
- His knowledge and wisdom in managing the economy of Egypt
Key Stories
- The dream of eleven stars, the sun, and the moon prostrating to him
- His brothers' jealousy; their plot to throw him into a well
- Sold as a slave and taken to Egypt
- Trial in the house of al-'Aziz (the powerful man/minister)
- False accusation by the minister's wife (Zulaikha); imprisoned unjustly
- Years of imprisonment and interpretation of the king's dream
- Appointed as the treasurer of Egypt; management of the seven-year drought
- Reunion with his brothers who did not recognise him
- The test of Benjamin and the revelation of his identity
- Reunion with his father Yaqub and the fulfilment of his childhood dream
- His noble forgiveness: "No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you"
Mentioned in the Quran
Special Characteristics
Allah dedicated an entire surah to his story and called it "Ahsan al-Qasas" (the best of all stories). He was blessed with physical beauty described as being half of all human beauty. Despite being a slave and then a prisoner, he reached the highest authority in Egypt through his integrity, patience, and reliance on Allah.