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The story of Yusuf

The story of Yusuf (peace be upon him) is very important in the Quran. In particular, Allah Almighty called it ‘ahsanal qasas’ - the best story.
We relate to you, [O Muhammad], the best of stories in what We have revealed to you of this Qur'an although you were, before it, among the unaware. Yusuf:3
There are many stories in the Quran including Nuh, Ibrahim and Musa (peace be upon them all) but this story is called the best.

What makes it the best?

Scholars offered different explanations for this. One reason is because it has all the elements of a story - the introduction, the core and the conclusion. In addition it covers all sectors of society - the king, the followers, rich and poor, prisoners, men and women, as well as the famine. There are many elements of excitement and entertainment.

What can we learn from the story?

Allah Almighty has narrated these stories to make our imaan firm.
‎Everything We narrate to you of the history of the messengers is to strengthen your heart therewith. The truth has come to you in this, and a lesson, and a reminder for the believers. Hud:20
They show us the pattern which Allah created - the ’Sunan Rabbaniyyah’ (divine rules). Whoever follows these Sunan will achieve success, and whoever does not will experience failure, regardless whether they are a believer or not.

You reap what you sow

If you are a sincere, hard-working, patient person you will reap the fruits of that. However if you are a hasty, lazy or cunning person you will earn the fruits of that. Yusuf’s cunning siblings got what they deserved in the end. Yusuf, meanwhile, accepted his destiny with patience and contentment and relied on Allah Almighty to save him, because of the purity of his heart and his intention. If we lack these qualities, we will get what we deserve. Today, reflect on the core of the story - patience - which we see throughout the story. In the example of his father’s patience and in the story of his own patience and sincerity. May Allah enable us to be from those who have patience and earn His pleasure. Ameen. Shaykh Haytham Tamim