بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Each chapter of the Quran, each letter even, is special and miraculous. Surah Yusuf is unique compared to the other surahs for two reasons.
- The only time the story of Yusuf عليه السلام (Prophet Joseph peace be upon him) is mentioned in the Quran is in this surah. The stories of the other prophets are scattered in various surahs but Prophet Yusuf’s story is only here.
- This is the only surah which discusses one entire story from beginning to end.
When you read Surah Yusuf, you will see that the narrative is very straight forward and simple. Allah ﷻ tells us stories of the past in the Quran to teach us. Surah Yusuf is full of proofs of Allah’s wisdom and ability. Just from the surface you will be able to derive many lessons. Imagine how much benefit can be gained from a deeper reflection!
لَّقَدْ كَانَ فِي يُوسُفَ وَإِخْوَتِهِ آيَاتٌ لِّلسَّائِلِينَ
( Yusuf : 7 )
“Certainly were there in Yusuf (Joseph) and his brothers signs for those who ask.”
So let’s journey through this Surah. Let’s try to understand the story of Yusuf عليه السلام and extract lessons for our own lives.
Let’s learn, implement and share for the pleasure of Allah subahaana wa ta’la, in shaa Allah!
Background of Surah
This surah was revealed before Hijrah after the Year of Grief (Aamul Huzn). In that year, three things happened one after the other which were painful for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and there was no time in his life where the Prophet ﷺ was more demoralized than this period.
( 1 ) The death of his dear wife, Khadeejah رضي الله عنه. Whenever anything happened and even when the wahy came down and he was scared, he went to her to be calmed down. She was his source of comfort and support.
( 2 ) The death of his uncle and guardian, Abu Talib, who supported him outside the house. The Quraysh couldn’t harm the Prophet ﷺ much as long as Abu Talib was alive. After Abu Talib’s death, the opposition and persecution of the pagans reached its peak.
( 3 ) The difficult and painful incident of Taif happened.
Aisha رضي الله عنه said, “Oh Messenger of Allah ﷺ, was there any day that was more difficult for you to bear than the Day of Uhud?” He ﷺ said, “Yes. “The most difficult day for me was the day when I was rejected by the chieftains of Ta’if.” (Bukhari)
So you can see how difficult the time was for our beloved Prophet ﷺ. In this critical time in his life – he needed comfort. Surah Yusuf was meant to uplift his spirits and to console and strengthen him at a time of such trials. We see the importance of Surah Yusuf.
This is hope for us when we are feeling down and suffering from any problems of society. This is the surah that we can turn to for some solace and comfort.
Another direct cause of revelation: it is said that the Quraysh wanted to try to outwit the Prophet ﷺ and show that he was not truly a prophet. They went to the Jews of Medina and asked for something they could ask the Prophetﷺ through which they could “test” his Prophethood. The Jews said, “Ask him about the story of Yusuf and his brothers. Nobody knows this.” There would be no other way for the Prophetﷺ to know this story except through Divine Revelation.
And Allah ﷻ answered their question by revealing Surah Yusuf.
Musings of a Muslimah 