The Quranic narratives are the best of stories. The story of this Surah revolves around the Prophet Yusuf (PBUH) and his father Ya’qub (PBUH), both of whom are Prophets of Allah (swt). Ya’qub (PBUH) lived in the land of Canaan and had twelve sons from four wives, one of whom was the mother of Yusuf (PBUH). Yusuf (PBUH) had a brother called Benjamin from the same mother and father.

Unlike the other Prophet’s stories, the story of Prophet Yusuf (PBUH) is mentioned completely in one Surah; the Surah Yusuf which is under discussion. For example, in Surah Hood, the stories of Hood, Saleh, Shu’ayb, Lot, Ibrahim, and Musa (PBUT) are mentioned briefly and eloquently in a way that they serve a purpose within the context of the Surah in which they appear.

When we gather all these parts from the Surahs of the Quran, the story of each Prophet becomes clear. But the Quran dedicates an entire Surah specifically about the Prophet Yusuf (PBUH). This does not mean that he (PBUH) as an upper rank above the other Prophets, rather undoubtedly, this great story encompasses lessons, morals, and profound teachings benefit the humanity until Allah (swt) will inherit the earth and all that is on it.

In fact, the Quranic narratives are meant to steadfast the heart of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) and to provide lessons and admonishments. In this Surah, we find a diverse of personalities, including Yusuf (PBUH) the righteous person who was raised in the house of Prophecy under Ya’qub (PBUH) care, who was the righteous servant and loving father. In this Surah, we recognize the brothers’ jealousy and plotting, in addition to the woman’s temptation represented by the wife of Al-Aziz, and the model of the powerful ruler, and the king.

Each character provides a profound lesson. Surah Yusuf represents a comprehensive approach, encompassing monotheism, jurisprudence, political, economic, and social aspects—all integrated into one Surah.

In this surah, we find various types of trials. The Prophet (saws) said,

“The people who are most severely tried are the Prophets, then those nearest to them, then those nearest to them.”[1]

Yusuf (PBUH) faced many trials: The plot of his brothers, being thrown into the well, being sold as a slave, the temptation and plotting of the woman of the Aziz, imprisonment, and eventually attaining honor and position in Egypt.

[1] Sunan An-Nasa’i Al-Kobra, Book of Medicine, Chapter: Who are the most severely tried, Hadith No. 7482.