Yusuf (AS)

As a young boy, Yusuf (AS) told his father Yaqub (AS) that he had seen a dream: eleven stars, the sun, and the moon prostrating to him. Yaqub, a prophet himself, recognized this as divine and told Yusuf to share it with no one — lest his brothers' jealousy be provoked. His brothers, already jealous of his father's special love for him, conspired to throw him into a well. 'Kill Yusuf or cast him to some land so that your father's attention will be only for you.' (12:9) — Such is the destructive power of jealousy.

Yusuf (AS) was sold into slavery in Egypt and was bought by the Chief Minister (Aziz). Years later, the Aziz's wife — infatuated with Yusuf's exceptional beauty — attempted to seduce him. Yusuf refused, seeking refuge with Allah: 'He said, I seek the refuge of Allah. Indeed, He is my Lord.' (12:23) Falsely accused, Yusuf was imprisoned. In prison, he interpreted dreams for fellow inmates and continued to call people to the worship of Allah alone.

Years later, Pharaoh had a troubling dream no one could interpret: seven fat cows devoured by seven lean ones, seven green stalks and seven dry ones. Yusuf's fellow inmate, now a court official, remembered Yusuf's gift. Yusuf (AS) interpreted the dream: seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. He then offered a plan to save Egypt. Pharaoh was amazed: 'Bring him to me.' But Yusuf, with dignity, first cleared his name before accepting release from prison.

Yusuf (AS) became the Chief Minister of Egypt, responsible for the entire treasury during the prophesied famine. When his brothers came from Canaan seeking food — not recognizing him — Yusuf recognized them but concealed his identity. Eventually, he revealed himself, and they expected punishment. But Yusuf said: 'No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful.' (12:92) — It is one of the most beautiful moments of forgiveness in all of human literature.