HE WAS CHEAPLY SOLD

 FAJR REMINDER: HE WAS CHEAPLY SOLD

By: Umm ‘Affān

Rajab 11, 1447 (1-January-2026)

In the wake of the false news surrounding Yūsuf’s death, Prophet Ya’qūb (‘Alayhi Salām) rose to the occasion by turning to Allāh, the One from Whom help is sought in times of patience, and placing his trust in Allāh amidst the malicious plots against him and his son.

Inside the dark well, submerged in total darkness and an unsettling silence, Yūsuf (‘Alayhi Salām) managed to find a stone edge to cling to.

What thoughts might have crossed his mind in such a dire situation? What fate awaited him? This moment represented a significant test from Allāh, designed to nurture courage and patience within his servant. While Yūsuf was enduring this ordeal, a caravan was on its way to Egypt. Allāh states:

وَجَاءَتْ سَيَّارَةٌ فَأَرْسَلُوا وَارِدَهُمْ فَأَدْلَىٰ دَلْوَهُ قَالَ يَا بُشْرَىٰ هَٰذَا غُلَامٌ وَأَسَرُّوهُ بِضَاعَةً وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ

“And there came a caravan of travelers; they sent their water-drawer, and he let down his bucket (into the well). He said: ‘What good news! He is a boy.’ So they hid him as merchandise (a slave). And Allāh was the All-Knower of what they did.”

[Sūrah Yūsuf (12) Verse 19]

Undoubtedly, Allāh possesses the capability to execute His Will however He chooses. He could have intervened to prevent Yūsuf’s brothers from carrying out their nefarious actions, yet in His Infinite Wisdom, He allowed events to unfold as they did so that His Plan could come to fruition. It is important to realize that none of us is immune to the Trials of Allāh, nor should we feel abandoned by Him. Allāh knows what is beyond our understanding. As Allāh reveals:

وَشَرَوْهُ بِثَمَنٍ بَخْسٍ دَرَاهِمَ مَعْدُودَةٍ وَكَانُوا فِيهِ مِنَ الزَّاهِدِينَ

“And they sold him for a low price, - for a few Dirhams (i.e., for a few silver coins). And they were of those who regarded him as insignificant.”

[Sūrah Yūsuf (12) Verse 20]

Yūsuf’s brothers traded him for a paltry sum, viewing him as utterly inconsequential. If the caravan had desired him without compensation, they would have willingly given him away. Success in life often requires great effort and sacrifice.

I beseech Allāh to keep us steadfast on the path of goodness. Aameen.