The Story Of Prophet Yusuf (Alayhis Salam)

Surah Yusuf in the Holy Quran is entirely taken up with the story of Prophet Yusuf, the youngest (but one) of the twelve sons of the patriarch Jacob. The surah tells about the life of Yusuf from his childhood, youth and adulthood. The story is called the most beautiful of stories for many reasons : (1) It is the most detailed of any in the Quran; (2)It is full with human vicissitudes, and has therefore deservedly appealed to men and women of all classes; (3) it paints in vivid colors, with their spiritual implications, the most varied aspects of life--the patriarch's old age and the confidence between him and his little best beloved-son, the elder brothers' jealousy of this little son, their plot and their father's grief, the sale of the father's darling into slavery for a miserable little price, carnal love contrasted with purity and chastity, false charge, prison, the interpretation of dreams, low life and high life. Innocence raised to honor, the sweet 'revenge' of Forgiveness and Benevolence, and the beauty of Piety and Truth.

Now, with reflect to the Muslim Youth, from 111 ayaah of the surah we should be able to gain fruitful lessons as it is the best story (Qissah) ever. Allah says in Al-Quran 12 : 111 -

"Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding. It (the Qur'an) is not a forged statement but a confirmation of the Allâh's existing Books [the Taurât (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel) and other Scriptures of Allâh] and a detailed explanation of everything and a guide and a Mercy for the people who believe. "

At the very beginning, Prophet Yusuf was a victim of jealousy, sacrificed by the plot of conspiracy of his own brother to assassinate by throwing him into a well. In Al-Quran 12:05, Allah says :

"Said (the father): "My (dear) little son! relate not thy vision to thy brothers, lest they concoct a plot against thee: for Satan is to man an avowed enemy!"
And in Al-Quran 12:10, Allah says :

" One from among them said: "Kill not Yûsuf (Joseph), but if you must do something, throw him down to the bottom of a well, he will be picked up by some caravan of travellers."

At his youth days, he grew physically & mentally strong, best in manners & dispositions together with handsome attractive looks. He worked in many places, until one day he works in the palace where there was lived by beautiful Queen Zulaikha who was so attracted to Prophet Yusuf. The Queen had tried so many times and ways tempting Prophet Yusuf but failed. But one days when Prophet Yusuf was working in one of the room in the palace, Queen Zulaikha locked the door and took this oppurtunity to seduce him to have illegal sexual intercourse. In Al-Quran 12:23, Allah says :

" And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him (to do an evil act), she closed the doors and said: "Come on, O you." He said: "I seek refuge in Allâh (or Allâh forbid)! Truly, he (your husband) is my master! He made my stay agreeable! (So I will never betray him). Verily, the Zâlimûn (wrong and evil-doers) will never be successful."

And in the next ayah 12:24 ;

" And indeed she did desire him and he would have inclined to her desire, had he not seen the evidence of his Lord. Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. "

Prophet Yusuf was certainly possess the righteous conduct by Allah S.W.T's will, thereby, he remain innocence. He had been able to defeat his nafs (sexual desire) just because of the fear of Allah S.W.T. Today in this modern era, muslim youth are exposed with evil culture, particularly the western secularism culture which apparently could challenge our nafs. Muslim Youth in this material world are in the critical stage where they are easily influenced by vices that propagated by the west. Can we steadfastly be able to adhere our Islamic Value by enjoining good and forbiding evil ? Allah says in Al-Quran that we (Muslims) are the best Ummah (Khairul Ummah) and the purpose is to invite toward good and forbid evil as in Surah Ali Imran : 104 ;

" Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity."

The story of Prophet Yusuf is the best example for us to follow, on how the fear of Allah S.W.T has able to overcome carnal desire and destroyed evil. For those who strive for the path of Allah s.w.t, definitely He will shows the right ways, as in Surah Ankabut : 69, Allah s.w.t says ;

"And those who strive in Our (cause),- We will certainly guide them to our Paths: For verily God is with those who do right."

To fight the carnal desire (Nafs) and Satan are Obligatory(Fardu Ain) for all Muslims. It is a must. Insha'Allah, Muslim youth will able to face the challenge of time if only we strive for the cause of Allah s.w.t and it is He who gives the strength to us. Allahu Akbar !!