PROPHET YUSAF ( A.S ) PLAN TO DETAIN BINYAMEEN:

After they had received their requirement of wheat, the brothers of Prophet Yusuf (AS) began to prepare for their journey home. Meanwhile, according to the command of Allah, Prophet Yusuf (AS) put into action a plan to detain his full brother Binyameen. He ordered his men to put a gold cup belonging to the king in Binyameen's baggage. The Holy Qur'an describes the incident in the following words:

When he (Yusuf) had furnished them with provisions, (someone) placed the (king's) drinking cup in his brother's baggage. Then someone shouted, "People of the caravan, you are most surely thieves."

(Surah Yusuf, 12:70)

The brothers of Prophet Yusuf (AS) had not gone very far when they were stopped and accused of stealing. They denied this, and said that if anyone of them was found guilty of theft, he could be held as a slave by Prophet Yusuf (AS). The caravan was searched, and the cup was found in the bag of Binyameen.

When the brothers were brought before Prophet Yusuf (AS), he said, "According to your own words, we will now detain Binyameen with us." They replied, "O Aziz of Egypt! Our father is old and weak. You may detain any of us, but not Binyameen." However, Prophet Yusuf (AS) said that he could not detain anyone who was not guilty. The brothers had no choice but to leave for Kanaan. The eldest brother, Yahuda, refused to return without Binyameen. He remained behind in Egypt, rather than face his father.

2. The Reunion of the family of Prophet Ya'qub (AS):

When the brothers returned to Kanaan and told Prophet Ya'qub (AS) what had happened, he was heartbroken.

He had already lost his eyesight crying for his beloved son Prophet Yusuf (AS), and this second loss was almost too much for him to bear. He now recalled the memory of his lost sons and wept.

He asked his sons to immediately return to Egypt to look for both Prophet Yusuf (AS) and Binyameen. According to their father's instructions, the brothers came to the Aziz of Egypt for the third time, and pleaded for the release of Binyameen as well as some grain for food.

Prophet Yusuf (AS) reminded them of how badly they had treated their brother Yusuf, and caused separation between him and his father. The brothers were amazed to hear their secret from the Aziz, who now spoke in the language of the people of Kanaan. They asked him, "Are you Yusuf?"

He replied, "Yes, I am Yusuf, and this is my brother. Allah has been gracious to me. One who is pious and patient against hardships is always rewarded by Allah for his virtues." On hearing this, the brothers hung their heads in shame and asked him for his forgiveness. He said, "You need not be frightened of me. Allah may forgive you your sins. Now take my shirt and cover my father's face with it, so that he may regain his lost sight. Then return to me with all your family."

The Holy Qur'an say

When the caravan had left the town (from Egypt), their father (in Kanaan) said, "I smell Yusuf's fragrance. I hope you will not think that I am weak in judgement (due to my love for him). They said, "By Allah ! You are still making the same old error. When someone brought him the glad news, Yusuf's shirt was placed on his face and his eyesight was restored. He said, "Did I not tell you that I know about Allah that which you do not know?

(Surah Yusuf, 12:94-9)

After getting his eyesight back and hearing the good news of his son, Prophet Ya'qub (AS) decided to proceed to Egypt immediately. Prophet Yusuf (AS) was delighted to meet them and embraced his father and mothe

As a token of their gratitude to Allah at this reunion, his parents and brothers prostrated themselves on the ground

Thus Allah made true the dream of Prophet Yusuf (AS), when he had seen eleven stars and the sun and the moon in prostration in front of him. After many trials, Allah raised him from the position of a slave to the highest rank in the lan

At the request of his son, Prophet Ya'qub (AS) settled in Egypt with his family, and their clan came to be known as the Bani Israa'il

Prophet Ya'qub (AS) lived in Egypt for 17 years and died at the age of 147. Prophet Yusuf (AS) breathed his last some years later at the age of 110 years, and his kingdom passed into the hands of rulers whose titles were Fir'au

Moral Lessons from the Story of Prophet Yusuf (A.S).

Allah says the following about the story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) in the Holy Qur'a

We narrate unto you (O Muhammad) the most excellent of the stories (by which) We have revealed unto you this Qur'an; though before this you were of the unaware ones (of its details)

(Surah Yusuf, 12:)

Indeed, the adventures and experiences of Prophet Yusuf (AS), and his conduct throughout his life, provide us with a wealth of lessons and morals. Some things we may learn from his life are:

1. )The belief in the presence of Allah makes a man's troubles easier for him to bear, and as long as he keeps himself away from sins despite temptations, he will ultimately be successful. Prophet Yusuf (AS) taught us this by his cheerful conduct throughout his enslavement and imprisonment.

2.) In all difficulties and hardships one should seek only Allah's protection. Prophet Yusuf (AS) showed his faith by seeking refuge from Allah when faced with the evil intentions of Zuleikha. He was thus saved from committing a terrible sin.

3. )One should always remain attached to religion and should take every opportunity to persuade others towards the right path. Prophet Yusuf (AS) did not forsake his duty even when in the prison, where he preached against idol worship before interpreting the dreams of his cell-mates.

4.) Patience in the face of hardship is the best of qualities and results in reward from Allah in this life and the hereafter. Prophet Yusuf (AS) remained calm and resigned to the Will of Allah, despite being abandoned in the well by his brothers.

He also bore the shame of being sold as a slave patiently.

He also accepted his false imprisonment. In return for his forbearance, Allah raised his position till it was the highest in Egypt.

5.) It is important to act in such a manner as to preserve your honour and dignity, and these qualities must always be safeguarded. Prophet Yusuf (AS) taught us this valuable lesson when he refused to accept his freedom from prison until his innocence was proved to the people.

Thus when he was finally released, he knew he could come in front of the people with his head held high and without any blemish on his record.

6.) Above all, this story teaches us that we should forgive and forget the past. When Prophet Yusuf's (AS) brothers came to him in Egypt, they were in a pitiable condition and would have been helpless against his great power. If he had wished, Prophet Yusuf (AS) could have severely punished them for the heartless treatment they had given him. Instead he forgave their errors and treated them well.

We have listed only a few lessons above, and there is a lot more that one can learn and understand from the story of Prophet Yusuf (AS).

(And ALLAH Knows Better)