PROPHET YŪSUF MET HIS BROTHERS

 FAJR REMINDER: PROPHET YŪSUF MET HIS BROTHERS 

By: Umm ‘Affān

Rajab 25, 1447 (15-January-2026)

After Prophet Yūsuf (‘Alayhi Salām) attained a prominent position in the king’s palace, he made a request inspired by Allāh.

قَالَ اجْعَلْنِي عَلَىٰ خَزَائِنِ الْأَرْضِ إِنِّي حَفِيظٌ عَلِيمٌ

[Yūsuf (Joseph)] said: “Set me over the storehouses of the land; I will indeed guard them with full knowledge” (as a Minister of Finance in Egypt, succeeding the late Al-‘Azīz).

[Sūrah Yūsuf (12) Verse 55]

He asked the king to appoint him custodian of the treasury, entrusting him with the crucial responsibility of gathering produce for the impending drought he had foreseen. Utilizing his knowledge and wisdom, he aimed to manage the harvest efficiently and beneficially. The king accepted his request, appointing him as Minister of Finance in place of the late Al-‘Azīz.

It is perfectly acceptable to showcase one’s skills and qualifications for a position, especially when one's capabilities are unknown, ensuring that the right individual is selected for the role.

From being a betrayed young boy discarded into a well to becoming a Minister in Egypt, Prophet Yūsuf (‘Alayhi Salām) triumphed over the disgrace of slavery and hardship, ultimately able to move freely across the land.

Surely, Allāh is Wonderful! His patience, perseverance, humility, and submission to Allāh’s Will brought forth significant rewards. There is indeed a reward in patience—from experiencing the aggression of his brothers to being sold into slavery and facing imprisonment due to Al-‘Azīz’s wife. Verily, after every hardship comes ease. Allāh states:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَتَبَوَّأُ مِنْهَا حَيْثُ يَشَاءُ نُصِيبُ بِرَحْمَتِنَا مَن نَّشَاءُ وَلَا نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ | وَلَأَجْرُ الْآخِرَةِ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَكَانُوا يَتَّقُونَ

Thus did We give full authority to Yūsuf (Joseph) in the land, allowing him to take possession thereof as he pleases. We bestow Our Mercy on whom We will, and We do not let the reward of Al-Muḥsinūn (the good-doers) be lost. And verily, the reward of the Hereafter is better for those who believe and are mindful of Allah, keeping their duty to Him by steering clear of sins and engaging in righteous deeds.

[Sūrah Yūsuf (12) Verses 56-57]

During his first seven years in office, he diligently stored ample resources to prepare for the future. When the anticipated drought arrived, he distributed the accumulated grain to the people. Prophet Yūsuf (‘Alayhi Salām) managed the harvest effectively, converting it into considerable benefits for the populace, and thereby enabling him to assist those in need.

Reports indicate that he would limit annual provisions for each family to what a camel could carry. He refrained from excess in his own consumption, and neither did the king and his officials eat more than one meal per day. This cautious approach ensured that the people were able to manage their resources throughout the seven years of drought. Indeed, Prophet Yūsuf (‘Alayhi Salām) was a mercy from Allāh sent to Egypt.

As mentioned before, the food scarcity also affected neighboring regions, including Kana'an (Canaan), where Prophet Ya'qūb and his children lived. Consequently, Prophet Yūsuf’s brothers traveled to Egypt to purchase food upon their father’s instructions, bringing goods from their land. Allāh says:

وَجَاءَ إِخْوَةُ يُوسُفَ فَدَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ فَعَرَفَهُمْ وَهُمْ لَهُ مُنكِرُونَ

“And Yūsuf (Joseph) brethren came and they entered unto him, and he recognized them, but they recognized him not.”

[Sūrah Yūsuf (12) Verse 58]

His brothers could not recognize him, as they had disposed of him when he was young, nor could they have envisioned that he would become a Minister. However, he did recognize them. Prophet Yūsuf (‘Alayhi Salām) eagerly sought news of his beloved father and younger brother. Speaking to them in a manner that concealed his identity, he inquired about their purpose and questioned whether they were spies, to which they vehemently denied. He ordered that his brothers be treated as official guests and provided them with ample grain that they could carry. Let's pause here and continue in the next episode, Allah willing.

I beseech Allāh to keep us safe. Aameen.