Prophet Yusuf (AS) is one of the prophets of Allah who was the son of Hazrat Yaqoob (AS) and grandson of Hazrat Ishaq (AS). He was also the great grandson of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). The life of Hazrat Yusuf (AS) is full of lessons which Muslims should learn and we should take inspiration and motivation from his life as well. We will also be able to deal with our problems in great manner if we will study the story of Hazrat Yusuf (AS).
“There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was the Qur’an a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe.” (12:111)
We can learn this from the life of Hazrat Yusuf (AS) that we should always trust Allah no matter what. After the incident of well, when Hazrat Yusuf (AS) faced certain hardships, he trusted Allah. When he was imprisoned, he put his trust in Allah and Hazrat Yusuf (AS) was helped by Allah as well. Thus, we should always trust Allah in every situation and we will see that Allah will make things in our favour.
We should learn this from the life of Hazrat Yusuf (AS) that when there are such circumstances in which we have to ask for a post ourselves or present ourselves for it and also, we see ourselves deserving and capable for that post or position, then we should ask for it or present ourselves for that post. Hazrat Yusuf (AS) also presented himself or asked for the position of a ministry which we can call today as ministry of finance as Prophet Yusuf (AS) said to appoint him over the storehouses of the land.
“[Joseph] said, “Appoint me over the storehouses of the land. Indeed, I will be a knowing guardian.”” (12:55)
However, this should be kept in mind that there is hadith in which it is forbidden by the Prophet (SAWW) to ask for any post or position. Moreover, there is also a hadith that: It has been reported on the authority of ‘Abd al-Rahman b. Samura who said: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said to me: “Abd al-Rahman, do not ask for a position of authority, for if you are granted this position as a result of your asking for it, you will be left alone (without God’s help to discharge the responsibilities attendant thereon), and if you are granted it without making any request for it, you will be helped (by God in the discharge of your duties).”
Thus, the Ahl-e-Ilm have said on this hadith and verse that one should not ask for any post or position himself but where there are such circumstances in which one has to ask for a particular post and he sees himself deserving and capable for that particular post then he should present himself or ask for that particular post or position.
We should also learn this from the life story of Hazrat Yusuf (AS) that we should forgive those who have wronged us in this life. Hazrat Yusuf (AS) forgave his step-brothers who had wronged him.
“He said, “No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful.”” (12:92)
Reciting and understanding Surah Yusuf of Quran will increase our knowledge more and we will get to know more about the life story of Prophet Yusuf (AS). There are many other lessons which we should learn from the life of Hazrat Yusuf (AS) certainly. There is also a hadith in which there is a mention of Hazrat Yusuf (AS) which is as follow;
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: It was asked, “O Messenger of Allah! Who is the most honourable amongst mankind?” He said, “The most honourable of them is one who is the most pious of them.” They said, “We are not asking about this”. He said, “Then, the most honourable of men was Yusuf (Joseph), the Prophet of Allah, the son of Allah’s Prophet, who was the son of the Prophet of Allah, who was the son of the Khalil of Allah (i.e., Ibrahim)”…” (Bukhari and Muslim)
