1 00:00:00,460 --> 00:00:08,580 Stories of the Prophets... Stories of the Prophets, peace be upon them. 2 00:00:08,580 --> 00:00:13,650 May Allah's prayers followed by peace 3 00:00:13,650 --> 00:00:19,129 Be upon the best of all creation, 4 00:00:19,129 --> 00:00:24,379 Possessors of resolve, of exalted station. 5 00:00:24,379 --> 00:00:29,379 The story of Joseph (Yusuf), peace be upon him. 6 00:00:29,379 --> 00:00:34,340 In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. 7 00:00:34,340 --> 00:00:37,399 All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, 8 00:00:37,399 --> 00:00:40,399 And peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, 9 00:00:40,399 --> 00:00:44,399 And upon his family and all his Companions. 10 00:00:44,399 --> 00:00:46,500 To proceed: 11 00:00:46,500 --> 00:00:48,500 Joseph, peace be upon him, entered prison 12 00:00:48,500 --> 00:00:52,500 While being wronged and overpowered, 13 00:00:52,500 --> 00:00:56,500 In a foreign land where he had no one to support him. 14 00:00:56,500 --> 00:01:01,659 Such was the life of Joseph, peace be upon him, before prophethood: 15 00:01:01,659 --> 00:01:05,819 He moved from his father's embrace to the depths of the pit, 16 00:01:05,819 --> 00:01:08,819 Then to the palace of the chief minister (al-Aziz), 17 00:01:08,819 --> 00:01:11,819 And from there into the darkness of the prison. 18 00:01:11,819 --> 00:01:14,909 One trial followed another, 19 00:01:14,909 --> 00:01:19,909 Yet relief inevitably follows hardship, 20 00:01:19,909 --> 00:01:22,980 And perhaps these were the preludes to being established in the land. 21 00:01:22,980 --> 00:01:26,200 Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: 22 00:01:26,200 --> 00:01:29,200 "If you reflect upon His wisdom, Glorified is He, 23 00:01:29,200 --> 00:01:32,200 In how He tests His servants and His chosen ones, 24 00:01:32,200 --> 00:01:35,200 You will find that He drove them thereby 25 00:01:35,200 --> 00:01:38,200 Toward the most sublime objectives and the most perfect outcomes, 26 00:01:38,200 --> 00:01:41,200 Which they could never have reached 27 00:01:41,200 --> 00:01:44,200 Except by crossing the bridge of trials and tribulations. 28 00:01:44,200 --> 00:01:47,200 And that bridge, in its perfection, 29 00:01:47,200 --> 00:01:50,200 Was like the path without crossing which 30 00:01:50,200 --> 00:01:53,200 There is no way for them to enter Paradise. 31 00:01:53,200 --> 00:01:56,200 Those trials and tribulations were 32 00:01:56,200 --> 00:01:59,200 The very essence of divine guidance and honour for them; 33 00:01:59,200 --> 00:02:02,230 Outwardly they appeared as affliction and testing, 34 00:02:02,230 --> 00:02:06,230 While inwardly they bore mercy and blessing." 35 00:02:06,230 --> 00:02:10,159 Imam al-Shafi'i, may Allah have mercy on him, was asked: 36 00:02:10,159 --> 00:02:12,159 "O Abu 'Abdullah, 37 00:02:12,159 --> 00:02:14,159 Which is better for a man: 38 00:02:14,159 --> 00:02:17,159 To be established in authority or to be tested?" 39 00:02:17,159 --> 00:02:21,159 He replied, "He will not be established until he is tested. 40 00:02:21,159 --> 00:02:23,159 For indeed, Allah the Exalted 41 00:02:23,159 --> 00:02:25,159 Tested Noah, Abraham, 42 00:02:25,159 --> 00:02:27,159 Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, 43 00:02:27,159 --> 00:02:31,159 May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all; 44 00:02:31,159 --> 00:02:34,159 And when they bore the trials with patience, 45 00:02:34,159 --> 00:02:36,479 He established them." 46 00:02:36,479 --> 00:02:38,479 The signs of being established in authority became evident 47 00:02:38,479 --> 00:02:40,479 In the life of Joseph, peace be upon him, 48 00:02:40,479 --> 00:02:42,479 When Allah chose him 49 00:02:42,479 --> 00:02:44,479 And revealed revelation to him while he was in prison. 50 00:02:44,479 --> 00:02:47,479 Thus, he became a prophet among the prophets, 51 00:02:47,479 --> 00:02:50,479 Receiving divine revelation while inside the prison. 52 00:02:50,479 --> 00:02:52,610 Despite all the harsh circumstances 53 00:02:52,610 --> 00:02:55,610 In which Joseph, peace be upon him, lived 54 00:02:55,610 --> 00:02:57,610 While incarcerated, 55 00:02:57,610 --> 00:02:59,610 That did not prevent him 56 00:02:59,610 --> 00:03:01,610 From fulfilling the message of his Lord 57 00:03:01,610 --> 00:03:05,610 And calling his fellow inmates around him to Allah. 58 00:03:05,610 --> 00:03:07,699 Furthermore, the noble status 59 00:03:07,699 --> 00:03:09,699 Attained by Joseph, peace be upon him, 60 00:03:09,699 --> 00:03:11,699 Through prophethood, 61 00:03:11,699 --> 00:03:13,699 Did not keep him from fulfilling 62 00:03:13,699 --> 00:03:15,699 His humanitarian role within the prison. 63 00:03:15,699 --> 00:03:17,699 For he, peace be upon him, 64 00:03:17,699 --> 00:03:19,699 Would comfort the sorrowful, 65 00:03:19,699 --> 00:03:21,699 Visit the sick, 66 00:03:21,699 --> 00:03:23,699 And tend to the wounded. 67 00:03:23,699 --> 00:03:25,699 He would spend his nights in worship, 68 00:03:25,699 --> 00:03:28,699 Standing before his Lord and Master, 69 00:03:28,699 --> 00:03:31,860 So the inmates found comfort in him and loved him 70 00:03:31,860 --> 00:03:33,860 For his noble character 71 00:03:33,860 --> 00:03:36,860 And his immense benevolence toward them. 72 00:03:36,860 --> 00:03:39,889 One day, 73 00:03:39,889 --> 00:03:42,889 Two men entered upon Joseph, peace be upon him, 74 00:03:42,889 --> 00:03:44,889 In the prison. 75 00:03:44,889 --> 00:03:46,889 One of these two men was 76 00:03:46,889 --> 00:03:48,889 The king's cupbearer, 77 00:03:48,889 --> 00:03:52,110 And the other was the king's cook (baker). 78 00:03:52,110 --> 00:03:54,110 The reason for their imprisonment was 79 00:03:54,110 --> 00:03:58,110 That certain people wanted to assassinate the king. 80 00:03:58,110 --> 00:04:00,139 They approached the cupbearer 81 00:04:00,139 --> 00:04:02,139 And said to him, 82 00:04:02,139 --> 00:04:04,139 "Put poison in the king's drink, 83 00:04:04,139 --> 00:04:07,139 And we will give you such-and-such an amount of money." 84 00:04:07,139 --> 00:04:09,139 But the cupbearer refused. 85 00:04:09,139 --> 00:04:11,139 So they went to the cook 86 00:04:11,139 --> 00:04:13,139 And said to him, 87 00:04:13,139 --> 00:04:15,139 "We will give you such-and-such 88 00:04:15,139 --> 00:04:18,139 If you put poison in the king's food." 89 00:04:18,139 --> 00:04:20,139 He agreed to that 90 00:04:20,139 --> 00:04:22,139 And placed the poison in his food. 91 00:04:22,139 --> 00:04:25,269 When the meal was served before the king, 92 00:04:25,269 --> 00:04:27,269 The cupbearer said to the king, 93 00:04:27,269 --> 00:04:29,269 "Do not eat of the food, 94 00:04:29,269 --> 00:04:31,269 For it is poisoned." 95 00:04:31,269 --> 00:04:33,300 The cook grew frightened 96 00:04:33,300 --> 00:04:35,300 And said, "No, 97 00:04:35,300 --> 00:04:37,300 Rather, the poison is in the drink!" 98 00:04:37,300 --> 00:04:39,399 Thus, it was established in the king's mind 99 00:04:39,399 --> 00:04:41,399 That poison was indeed present, 100 00:04:41,399 --> 00:04:43,399 But the question remained: 101 00:04:43,399 --> 00:04:45,399 Was it in the food or in the drink? 102 00:04:45,399 --> 00:04:47,399 So he ordered animals to be brought, 103 00:04:47,399 --> 00:04:50,399 And two animals were brought before him. 104 00:04:50,399 --> 00:04:52,399 He separated them from one another, 105 00:04:52,399 --> 00:04:55,399 Offering the food to one of them 106 00:04:55,399 --> 00:04:57,399 And the drink to the other, 107 00:04:57,399 --> 00:04:59,399 And they waited for the outcome: 108 00:04:59,399 --> 00:05:02,399 If this one died from the food, 109 00:05:02,399 --> 00:05:04,399 Then the poison was in the food; 110 00:05:04,399 --> 00:05:07,399 And if that one died from the drink, 111 00:05:07,399 --> 00:05:09,399 Then the poison was in the drink. 112 00:05:09,399 --> 00:05:13,430 And until the time the results would become manifest, 113 00:05:13,430 --> 00:05:15,430 The king issued a command concerning both of them, 114 00:05:15,430 --> 00:05:17,430 And they were cast into prison. 115 00:05:17,430 --> 00:05:20,430 There they met Joseph, peace be upon him, 116 00:05:20,430 --> 00:05:22,430 And found solace in his company. 117 00:05:22,430 --> 00:05:24,750 Then Allah the Exalted decreed 118 00:05:24,750 --> 00:05:27,750 That each of these two men 119 00:05:27,750 --> 00:05:29,750 Saw a dream in his sleep. 120 00:05:29,750 --> 00:05:31,779 When morning came, 121 00:05:31,779 --> 00:05:34,779 They went to Joseph, peace be upon him, 122 00:05:34,779 --> 00:05:37,779 And each of them recounted to him 123 00:05:37,779 --> 00:05:38,779 What he had seen. 124 00:05:38,779 --> 00:05:40,779 The first said, 125 00:05:40,779 --> 00:05:42,779 "I saw in a dream that I 126 00:05:42,779 --> 00:05:44,779 Was pressing wine." 127 00:05:44,779 --> 00:05:46,779 And the other said, 128 00:05:46,779 --> 00:05:48,779 "I saw that I was carrying on my head [bread from which birds were eating]." 129 00:05:48,779 --> 00:05:51,879 “And two young men went to prison with him. One of them said: I dreamed that I was pressing wine. The other said: I dreamed that I was carrying upon my head bread whereof the birds were eating. Announce unto us the interpretation, for we see thee of those good (at interpretation).” (12:36) 130 00:05:51,879 --> 00:05:53,879 And they asked him to interpret 131 00:05:53,879 --> 00:05:55,879 Their dreams for them. 132 00:05:55,879 --> 00:05:58,040 Joseph, peace be upon him, seized 133 00:05:58,040 --> 00:06:01,040 This opportunity to call them to Allah, 134 00:06:01,040 --> 00:06:04,040 Especially since these two prisoners 135 00:06:04,040 --> 00:06:06,040 Were with him in prison 136 00:06:06,040 --> 00:06:09,040 And were in need of the interpretation of their dreams. 137 00:06:09,040 --> 00:06:11,170 So he began by informing them 138 00:06:11,170 --> 00:06:13,170 Of his knowledge of the unseen, 139 00:06:13,170 --> 00:06:16,170 Which was a miracle granted to him by Allah, 140 00:06:16,170 --> 00:06:18,170 So that they would feel reassured and trust 141 00:06:18,170 --> 00:06:20,170 Whatever he would tell them. 142 00:06:20,170 --> 00:06:22,170 Then he said, 143 00:06:22,170 --> 00:06:24,170 "No food will come to you 144 00:06:24,170 --> 00:06:26,170 Except that I will inform you 145 00:06:26,170 --> 00:06:28,170 Of its true nature, 146 00:06:28,170 --> 00:06:30,170 Its essence, and its description 147 00:06:30,170 --> 00:06:32,170 Before it reaches you." 148 00:06:32,170 --> 00:06:34,199 And so that it would not cross 149 00:06:34,199 --> 00:06:35,199 Their minds 150 00:06:35,199 --> 00:06:37,199 That this was the practice of soothsayers 151 00:06:37,199 --> 00:06:39,199 Or astrologers, 152 00:06:39,199 --> 00:06:41,199 He clarified the matter to them, 153 00:06:41,199 --> 00:06:43,199 Saying: 154 00:06:43,199 --> 00:06:45,199 "This is part of what my Lord has taught me; 155 00:06:45,199 --> 00:06:47,199 For I have abandoned the religion of a people [who do not believe in Allah] 156 00:06:47,199 --> 00:06:49,199 “He said: The food which ye are given (daily) shall not come unto you but I shall tell you the interpretation ere it cometh unto you. This is of that which my Lord hath taught me. Lo! I have forsaken the religion of folk who believe not in Allah and are disbelievers in the Hereafter.” (12:37) 157 00:06:49,199 --> 00:06:51,199 And who resorted to the worship of 158 00:06:51,199 --> 00:06:53,199 Other deities that can neither benefit 159 00:06:53,199 --> 00:06:55,300 Nor harm, 160 00:06:55,300 --> 00:06:57,300 And I have followed the faith of my fathers upon pure monotheism (Tawhid), 161 00:06:57,300 --> 00:06:59,300 Which is of the grace 162 00:06:59,300 --> 00:07:01,300 That Allah has bestowed upon us." 163 00:07:01,300 --> 00:07:03,680 Allah the Exalted said: 164 00:07:03,680 --> 00:07:05,680 "And there entered with him 165 00:07:05,680 --> 00:07:07,680 The prison two young men. 166 00:07:07,680 --> 00:07:09,680 One of them said, 167 00:07:09,680 --> 00:07:11,680 'Indeed, I saw 168 00:07:11,680 --> 00:07:13,680 Myself pressing wine.' 169 00:07:13,680 --> 00:07:15,680 And said 170 00:07:15,680 --> 00:07:17,680 The other, 171 00:07:17,680 --> 00:07:19,680 'Indeed, I saw myself carrying 172 00:07:19,680 --> 00:07:21,680 Upon my head bread, 173 00:07:21,680 --> 00:07:23,680 From which the birds were eating. 174 00:07:23,680 --> 00:07:25,680 Inform us 175 00:07:25,680 --> 00:07:27,680 Of its interpretation; 176 00:07:27,680 --> 00:07:29,810 Indeed, we see you 177 00:07:29,810 --> 00:07:31,810 To be of the doers of good.' 178 00:07:31,810 --> 00:07:33,810 He said, 'There will not come 179 00:07:33,810 --> 00:07:35,810 To you any food 180 00:07:35,810 --> 00:07:37,810 With which you are provided 181 00:07:37,810 --> 00:07:39,810 Except that I will inform you 182 00:07:39,810 --> 00:07:41,810 Of its interpretation 183 00:07:41,810 --> 00:07:43,810 Except that I will inform you 184 00:07:43,810 --> 00:07:45,810 Of its interpretation before 185 00:07:45,810 --> 00:07:47,810 It comes to you. 186 00:07:47,810 --> 00:07:49,810 That is 187 00:07:49,810 --> 00:07:51,810 From what has taught me 188 00:07:51,810 --> 00:07:54,959 My Lord. 189 00:07:54,959 --> 00:07:56,959 “He said: The food which ye are given (daily) shall not come unto you but I shall tell you the interpretation ere it cometh unto you. This is of that which my Lord hath taught me. Lo! I have forsaken the religion of folk who believe not in Allah and are disbelievers in the Hereafter.” (12:37) 190 00:07:56,959 --> 00:07:58,959 Who do not believe in Allah, 191 00:07:58,959 --> 00:08:00,959 And they, in the Hereafter, 192 00:08:00,959 --> 00:08:02,959 Are disbelievers. 193 00:08:02,959 --> 00:08:04,959 And I have followed 194 00:08:04,959 --> 00:08:06,959 The religion of my fathers, 195 00:08:06,959 --> 00:08:08,959 Abraham, 196 00:08:08,959 --> 00:08:10,959 Isaac, 197 00:08:10,959 --> 00:08:12,959 And Jacob. 198 00:08:12,959 --> 00:08:14,959 It was not for us 199 00:08:14,959 --> 00:08:16,959 To associate 200 00:08:16,959 --> 00:08:18,959 With Allah 201 00:08:18,959 --> 00:08:20,959 Anything. 202 00:08:20,959 --> 00:08:22,959 "That is part of the grace 203 00:08:22,959 --> 00:08:24,959 of Allah upon us 204 00:08:24,959 --> 00:08:26,959 and upon all people, 205 00:08:26,959 --> 00:08:28,959 but most 206 00:08:28,959 --> 00:08:30,959 people are not grateful." 207 00:08:33,500 --> 00:08:35,500 And from the wisdom of Yusuf (peace be upon him) 208 00:08:35,500 --> 00:08:37,500 in calling others to Allah 209 00:08:37,500 --> 00:08:39,500 was that he deemed it appropriate 210 00:08:39,500 --> 00:08:41,500 to invite them to Allah Almighty 211 00:08:41,500 --> 00:08:43,500 before interpreting 212 00:08:43,500 --> 00:08:45,500 the dream for them. 213 00:08:45,500 --> 00:08:47,500 For had he interpreted it for them first, 214 00:08:47,500 --> 00:08:49,500 each one of them would have been preoccupied 215 00:08:49,500 --> 00:08:51,500 with what was interpreted for him. 216 00:08:51,500 --> 00:08:53,500 So it was as if he told them: 217 00:08:53,500 --> 00:08:55,500 "I have words that I wish 218 00:08:55,500 --> 00:08:57,500 to present before 219 00:08:57,500 --> 00:08:59,570 I interpret the dream for you: 220 00:08:59,570 --> 00:09:01,570 O my fellow prisoners! 221 00:09:01,570 --> 00:09:03,570 Are diverse deities, 222 00:09:03,570 --> 00:09:05,570 are these earthly idols you worship, 223 00:09:05,570 --> 00:09:07,570 better, or the worship of Allah, 224 00:09:07,570 --> 00:09:09,570 the One, the Supreme?" 225 00:09:09,570 --> 00:09:11,570 Then he explained to them 226 00:09:11,570 --> 00:09:13,570 the falsehood of their worship of these gods, 227 00:09:13,570 --> 00:09:15,570 and that they are merely names 228 00:09:15,570 --> 00:09:17,570 which they have invented 229 00:09:17,570 --> 00:09:19,570 of their own accord, for which 230 00:09:19,570 --> 00:09:21,570 Allah has sent down no authority. 231 00:09:21,570 --> 00:09:23,600 Then, after he had called them 232 00:09:23,600 --> 00:09:25,600 to Allah Almighty, 233 00:09:25,600 --> 00:09:27,600 he interpreted their dreams for them, 234 00:09:27,600 --> 00:09:29,629 saying: 235 00:09:29,629 --> 00:09:31,629 "O my fellow prisoners! 236 00:09:31,629 --> 00:09:33,629 As for one of you, 237 00:09:33,629 --> 00:09:35,629 he will serve his master 238 00:09:35,629 --> 00:09:37,629 wine; 239 00:09:37,629 --> 00:09:39,629 and as for the other, 240 00:09:39,629 --> 00:09:41,629 he will be crucified, and 241 00:09:41,629 --> 00:09:43,629 the birds will eat from his head. 242 00:09:43,629 --> 00:09:45,629 The matter has been decreed 243 00:09:45,629 --> 00:09:49,629 concerning which you both inquire." 244 00:09:49,629 --> 00:09:52,179 Then Yusuf (peace be upon him) 245 00:09:52,179 --> 00:09:54,179 turned 246 00:09:54,179 --> 00:09:56,179 to the cupbearer and said to him: 247 00:09:56,179 --> 00:09:58,179 "Mention me to the king, 248 00:09:58,179 --> 00:10:00,179 and tell him 249 00:10:00,179 --> 00:10:02,179 that there is a man who entered prison 250 00:10:02,179 --> 00:10:04,179 unjustly and wrongfully." 251 00:10:04,179 --> 00:10:06,269 And indeed, 252 00:10:06,269 --> 00:10:08,269 after a short period of time, 253 00:10:08,269 --> 00:10:10,269 the cupbearer was released 254 00:10:10,269 --> 00:10:12,269 and returned to his work 255 00:10:12,269 --> 00:10:14,269 in the king's palace. 256 00:10:14,269 --> 00:10:16,269 But Satan made him forget 257 00:10:16,269 --> 00:10:18,269 to mention Yusuf's case to the king, 258 00:10:18,269 --> 00:10:20,269 so Yusuf remained in prison 259 00:10:20,269 --> 00:10:23,620 for seven years. 260 00:10:23,620 --> 00:10:25,620 Then Allah Almighty decreed 261 00:10:25,620 --> 00:10:27,620 that the King of Egypt should see 262 00:10:27,620 --> 00:10:29,620 a vision in his sleep, 263 00:10:29,620 --> 00:10:31,620 from which he awoke in dread. 264 00:10:31,620 --> 00:10:33,620 So he gathered the wise men, the scholars, 265 00:10:33,620 --> 00:10:35,620 the sorcerers, and the priests 266 00:10:35,620 --> 00:10:37,620 of that time. 267 00:10:37,620 --> 00:10:39,620 Then he said to them: 268 00:10:39,620 --> 00:10:41,620 "I saw in my sleep 269 00:10:41,620 --> 00:10:43,620 seven fat cows, 270 00:10:43,620 --> 00:10:47,620 and seven lean, frail cows; 271 00:10:47,620 --> 00:10:49,620 and these emaciated 272 00:10:49,620 --> 00:10:51,620 cows turned upon the fat 273 00:10:51,620 --> 00:10:53,620 cows and began 274 00:10:53,620 --> 00:10:55,649 to devour them. 275 00:10:55,649 --> 00:10:57,649 Then I awoke from my sleep, terrified 276 00:10:57,649 --> 00:10:59,740 by the dream. 277 00:10:59,740 --> 00:11:01,740 Then I went back to sleep once more, 278 00:11:01,740 --> 00:11:03,740 and I saw seven ears of grain, 279 00:11:03,740 --> 00:11:05,740 green, 280 00:11:05,740 --> 00:11:07,740 and another seven dry. 281 00:11:07,740 --> 00:11:09,740 And these dry ears 282 00:11:09,740 --> 00:11:11,740 of grain came 283 00:11:11,740 --> 00:11:13,740 and wrapped themselves around the green ears 284 00:11:13,740 --> 00:11:15,740 until they had consumed them completely. 285 00:11:15,740 --> 00:11:17,740 Then I awoke from my sleep 286 00:11:17,740 --> 00:11:19,740 terrified a second time. 287 00:11:19,740 --> 00:11:21,870 O eminent ones! 288 00:11:21,870 --> 00:11:23,899 Advise me concerning 289 00:11:23,899 --> 00:11:25,899 this dream of mine, 290 00:11:25,899 --> 00:11:27,899 if you are able to interpret it." 291 00:11:27,899 --> 00:11:30,190 But they had no answer 292 00:11:30,190 --> 00:11:32,190 except to say: 293 00:11:32,190 --> 00:11:34,190 "These are muddled dreams— 294 00:11:34,190 --> 00:11:36,190 that is, a mere mixture of confused dreams— 295 00:11:36,190 --> 00:11:38,190 and not a true vision; 296 00:11:38,190 --> 00:11:40,190 so there is no need to waste 297 00:11:40,190 --> 00:11:42,379 time on them." 298 00:11:42,379 --> 00:11:44,379 A man was listening to their conversation 299 00:11:44,379 --> 00:11:46,379 who was present in their gathering 300 00:11:46,379 --> 00:11:48,379 to serve them— 301 00:11:48,379 --> 00:11:50,379 namely, the cupbearer. 302 00:11:50,379 --> 00:11:52,379 And he remembered Yusuf after a long 303 00:11:52,379 --> 00:11:54,379 time, 304 00:11:54,379 --> 00:11:56,379 and said to those with him: 305 00:11:56,379 --> 00:11:58,379 "If you are unable 306 00:11:58,379 --> 00:12:00,379 to interpret this dream, 307 00:12:00,379 --> 00:12:02,379 then I can inform you 308 00:12:02,379 --> 00:12:04,379 of its interpretation. Only 309 00:12:04,379 --> 00:12:06,379 send me to Yusuf 310 00:12:06,379 --> 00:12:08,379 in prison, 311 00:12:08,379 --> 00:12:11,539 for he has the certain knowledge of it." 312 00:12:11,539 --> 00:12:13,539 The king permitted him to go 313 00:12:13,539 --> 00:12:15,539 to Yusuf (peace be upon him) 314 00:12:15,539 --> 00:12:17,539 in prison 315 00:12:17,539 --> 00:12:19,629 to ask him about this dream. 316 00:12:19,629 --> 00:12:21,629 So when he met Yusuf (peace be upon him) 317 00:12:21,629 --> 00:12:23,629 in prison once again, 318 00:12:23,629 --> 00:12:25,629 Yusuf treated him 319 00:12:25,629 --> 00:12:27,629 with the utmost nobility: 320 00:12:27,629 --> 00:12:29,629 he did not reproach him for forgetting 321 00:12:29,629 --> 00:12:31,629 him throughout all those years; 322 00:12:31,629 --> 00:12:33,629 rather, he welcomed him 323 00:12:33,629 --> 00:12:35,629 and listened to the king's dream. 324 00:12:35,629 --> 00:12:37,700 Then he interpreted it 325 00:12:37,700 --> 00:12:39,700 for them, saying: 326 00:12:39,700 --> 00:12:41,700 "You shall cultivate, O people, 327 00:12:41,700 --> 00:12:43,700 for seven years as usual— 328 00:12:43,700 --> 00:12:45,700 that is, continuously and with diligence; 329 00:12:45,700 --> 00:12:47,700 and whatever you harvest, 330 00:12:47,700 --> 00:12:49,700 leave it in its ear, 331 00:12:49,700 --> 00:12:51,700 so that it will not dry out, 332 00:12:51,700 --> 00:12:53,700 nor spoil, 333 00:12:53,700 --> 00:12:55,700 nor be affected by being stockpiled. 334 00:12:55,700 --> 00:12:57,700 “He said: Ye shall sow seven years as usual, but that which ye reap, leave it in the ear, all save a little which ye eat.” (12:47) 335 00:12:57,700 --> 00:12:59,700 For 336 00:12:59,700 --> 00:13:01,700 there will come after that 337 00:13:01,700 --> 00:13:03,700 seven severe years 338 00:13:03,700 --> 00:13:05,700 in which the rain will cease 339 00:13:05,700 --> 00:13:07,700 and the land will become barren, 340 00:13:07,700 --> 00:13:09,700 so that you will not be able 341 00:13:09,700 --> 00:13:11,700 to eat anything 342 00:13:11,700 --> 00:13:13,700 except what you have preserved 343 00:13:13,700 --> 00:13:15,700 from the first seven years 344 00:13:15,700 --> 00:13:17,820 and stored away. 345 00:13:17,820 --> 00:13:19,820 Then will come after those years 346 00:13:19,820 --> 00:13:21,820 a year in which the people 347 00:13:21,820 --> 00:13:23,820 will be given abundant rain, and blessings 348 00:13:23,820 --> 00:13:25,820 will spread throughout the land." 349 00:13:25,820 --> 00:13:28,019 And this year 350 00:13:28,019 --> 00:13:30,019 had not been mentioned at all 351 00:13:30,019 --> 00:13:32,019 in the dream, 352 00:13:32,019 --> 00:13:34,019 but it was among that which 353 00:13:34,019 --> 00:13:36,370 Allah had taught him. 354 00:13:36,370 --> 00:13:38,399 Allah Almighty said: 355 00:13:38,399 --> 00:13:40,399 "And the king said, 356 00:13:40,399 --> 00:13:42,399 “And the king said: Lo! I saw in a dream seven fat kine which seven lean were eating, and seven green ears of corn and other (seven) dry. O notables! Expound for me my vision, if ye can interpret dreams.” (12:43) 357 00:13:42,399 --> 00:13:44,399 '...fat [cows] 358 00:13:44,399 --> 00:13:46,399 being eaten by 359 00:13:46,399 --> 00:13:48,399 seven lean ones, 360 00:13:48,399 --> 00:13:50,399 being eaten by 361 00:13:50,399 --> 00:13:52,399 seven lean ones, 362 00:13:52,399 --> 00:13:54,399 and seven ears of grain 363 00:13:54,399 --> 00:13:56,399 that are green 364 00:13:56,399 --> 00:13:58,399 and others dry. 365 00:13:58,399 --> 00:14:00,399 O eminent 366 00:14:00,399 --> 00:14:02,399 ones, advise me 367 00:14:02,399 --> 00:14:04,399 concerning my dream, 368 00:14:04,399 --> 00:14:06,620 if a dream 369 00:14:06,620 --> 00:14:08,620 you can interpret.' 370 00:14:08,620 --> 00:14:10,620 They said, 'Muddled 371 00:14:10,620 --> 00:14:12,620 dreams, 372 00:14:12,620 --> 00:14:14,620 and we are not, 373 00:14:14,620 --> 00:14:16,620 in the interpretation of dreams, 374 00:14:16,620 --> 00:14:18,620 learned.' 375 00:14:18,620 --> 00:14:20,659 And the one who had been saved 376 00:14:20,659 --> 00:14:22,659 of the two said, remembering 377 00:14:22,659 --> 00:14:24,659 after a time: 378 00:14:24,659 --> 00:14:26,659 'I will inform you 379 00:14:26,659 --> 00:14:28,659 I will inform you 380 00:14:28,659 --> 00:14:30,659 of its interpretation, 381 00:14:30,659 --> 00:14:32,659 so send me forth.' 382 00:14:32,659 --> 00:14:34,659 'Yusuf, 383 00:14:34,659 --> 00:14:36,659 O man of truth, 384 00:14:36,659 --> 00:14:38,659 “(And when he came to Joseph in the prison, he exclaimed): Joseph! O thou truthful one! Expound for us the seven fat kine which seven lean were eating and the seven green ears of corn and other (seven) dry, that I may return unto the people, so that they may know.” (12:46) 385 00:14:38,659 --> 00:14:40,659 ...fat [cows] 386 00:14:40,659 --> 00:14:42,659 being eaten by seven 387 00:14:42,659 --> 00:14:44,659 lean ones, 388 00:14:44,659 --> 00:14:46,659 being eaten by seven lean ones, 389 00:14:46,659 --> 00:14:48,659 and seven ears of grain 390 00:14:48,659 --> 00:14:50,659 that are green 391 00:14:50,659 --> 00:14:52,659 and others dry— 392 00:14:52,659 --> 00:14:54,659 and others dry— 393 00:14:54,659 --> 00:14:56,659 so that 394 00:14:56,659 --> 00:14:58,659 I may return to the people, 395 00:14:58,659 --> 00:15:00,659 so that 396 00:15:00,659 --> 00:15:02,659 they may know.' 397 00:15:02,659 --> 00:15:04,659 He said, 'You will cultivate 398 00:15:04,659 --> 00:15:06,659 for seven years as usual, 399 00:15:06,659 --> 00:15:08,659 and what you harvest, 400 00:15:08,659 --> 00:15:10,659 leave it— 401 00:15:10,659 --> 00:15:12,659 and what you harvest, leave it— 402 00:15:12,659 --> 00:15:14,659 in its ears, 403 00:15:14,659 --> 00:15:16,659 except for a little 404 00:15:16,659 --> 00:15:18,750 from what you eat. 405 00:15:18,750 --> 00:15:21,549 Then there will come 406 00:15:21,549 --> 00:15:23,549 after that 407 00:15:23,549 --> 00:15:25,549 seven severe years 408 00:15:25,549 --> 00:15:27,549 that will consume what 409 00:15:27,549 --> 00:15:29,549 you have stored 410 00:15:29,549 --> 00:15:31,549 for them, 411 00:15:31,549 --> 00:15:33,549 except for a little 412 00:15:33,549 --> 00:15:35,549 of what 413 00:15:35,549 --> 00:15:37,549 you preserve. 414 00:15:37,549 --> 00:15:40,740 Then there will come 415 00:15:40,740 --> 00:15:43,250 after that 416 00:15:43,250 --> 00:15:45,250 a year in which 417 00:15:45,250 --> 00:15:47,250 people will be granted relief, 418 00:15:47,250 --> 00:15:49,379 a year in which 419 00:15:49,379 --> 00:15:51,379 people will be granted relief 420 00:15:51,379 --> 00:15:53,379 and in which 421 00:15:53,379 --> 00:15:55,980 they will press oil and wine. 422 00:15:55,980 --> 00:15:57,980 The king was deeply impressed by the interpretation 423 00:15:57,980 --> 00:15:59,980 of Yusuf (peace be upon him), 424 00:15:59,980 --> 00:16:01,980 so he ordered that he be brought to him from prison. 425 00:16:01,980 --> 00:16:03,980 When the prison warden 426 00:16:03,980 --> 00:16:05,980 came to Yusuf (peace be upon him) 427 00:16:05,980 --> 00:16:07,980 and informed him 428 00:16:07,980 --> 00:16:09,980 of the king's invitation, 429 00:16:09,980 --> 00:16:11,980 Yusuf (peace be upon him) refused 430 00:16:11,980 --> 00:16:13,980 and said to the warden: 431 00:16:13,980 --> 00:16:15,980 "Return to the king 432 00:16:15,980 --> 00:16:17,980 and ask him about the affair of the women 433 00:16:17,980 --> 00:16:19,980 who cut 434 00:16:19,980 --> 00:16:21,980 their hands. 435 00:16:21,980 --> 00:16:23,980 For they are noble women of this 436 00:16:23,980 --> 00:16:25,980 city, 437 00:16:25,980 --> 00:16:27,980 and their story is no secret to anyone." 438 00:16:27,980 --> 00:16:30,139 So the messenger returned 439 00:16:30,139 --> 00:16:32,139 to the king 440 00:16:32,139 --> 00:16:34,139 and informed him of Yusuf's response. 441 00:16:34,139 --> 00:16:37,230 Thereupon, the king summoned 442 00:16:37,230 --> 00:16:39,230 the women 443 00:16:39,230 --> 00:16:41,230 and questioned them about what had happened with 444 00:16:41,230 --> 00:16:43,230 Yusuf. 445 00:16:43,230 --> 00:16:45,230 They all said in one voice: 446 00:16:45,230 --> 00:16:47,230 "Allah forbid! 447 00:16:47,230 --> 00:16:49,230 We know of no evil concerning Yusuf, 448 00:16:49,230 --> 00:16:51,230 and we have seen from him 449 00:16:51,230 --> 00:16:53,230 nothing but virtue and goodness." 450 00:16:53,230 --> 00:16:55,360 At this point, 451 00:16:55,360 --> 00:16:57,360 the wife of al-Aziz said: 452 00:16:57,360 --> 00:16:59,360 "Now the truth has come to light 453 00:16:59,360 --> 00:17:01,389 and become manifest: 454 00:17:01,389 --> 00:17:03,389 it was I who sought to seduce Yusuf, 455 00:17:03,389 --> 00:17:05,390 and he is indeed among the truthful. 456 00:17:05,390 --> 00:17:07,420 I have confessed this 457 00:17:07,420 --> 00:17:09,420 against myself 458 00:17:09,420 --> 00:17:11,420 so that my husband knows that I did not betray him in his absence 459 00:17:11,420 --> 00:17:13,420 and that the ultimate transgression 460 00:17:13,420 --> 00:17:15,420 never occurred; 461 00:17:15,420 --> 00:17:17,420 rather, I merely tried to seduce Yusuf, 462 00:17:17,420 --> 00:17:19,420 but he resolutely refrained. 463 00:17:19,420 --> 00:17:21,420 Yet I do not 464 00:17:21,420 --> 00:17:23,420 claim to be free of blame, 465 00:17:23,420 --> 00:17:25,420 for the soul inclines and desires, 466 00:17:25,420 --> 00:17:27,420 and the soul 467 00:17:27,420 --> 00:17:29,420 is ever persistent in commanding evil." 468 00:17:29,420 --> 00:17:31,420 “I do not exculpate myself. Lo! the (human) soul enjoineth unto evil, save that whereon my Lord hath mercy. Lo! my Lord is Forgiving, Merciful.” (12:53) 469 00:17:31,420 --> 00:17:34,769 Thus, Yusuf's standing grew immense 470 00:17:34,769 --> 00:17:36,769 in the eyes of the king, 471 00:17:36,769 --> 00:17:38,769 and he was appalled by the grave injustice 472 00:17:38,769 --> 00:17:40,769 that had befallen him. 473 00:17:40,769 --> 00:17:42,769 So he said to the prison warden: 474 00:17:42,769 --> 00:17:44,769 "Bring Yusuf to me 475 00:17:44,769 --> 00:17:46,769 immediately, 476 00:17:46,769 --> 00:17:48,769 so that I may appoint him among my closest 477 00:17:48,769 --> 00:17:50,769 companions and confidants, 478 00:17:50,769 --> 00:17:53,019 making him one of my inner circle." 479 00:17:53,019 --> 00:17:55,019 When Yusuf (peace be upon him) came before him 480 00:17:55,019 --> 00:17:57,019 and conversed with him, 481 00:17:57,019 --> 00:17:59,019 the king was astonished by his brilliant intellect, 482 00:17:59,019 --> 00:18:01,019 the vastness of his knowledge, 483 00:18:01,019 --> 00:18:03,059 and his sound judgment of affairs. 484 00:18:03,059 --> 00:18:05,059 So he said to him: 485 00:18:05,059 --> 00:18:07,059 "Indeed, you hold high standing with us, 486 00:18:07,059 --> 00:18:09,059 trusted and fully relied upon 487 00:18:09,059 --> 00:18:11,180 in our presence." 488 00:18:11,180 --> 00:18:13,180 Yusuf (peace be upon him) seized 489 00:18:13,180 --> 00:18:15,180 this opportunity— 490 00:18:15,180 --> 00:18:17,180 for during his days in the palace, he had observed 491 00:18:17,180 --> 00:18:19,180 the poor economic management 492 00:18:19,180 --> 00:18:21,180 in the country— 493 00:18:21,180 --> 00:18:23,180 and said to the king: 494 00:18:23,180 --> 00:18:25,180 "Place me in charge of the storehouses of 495 00:18:25,180 --> 00:18:27,180 the land; indeed, I am a vigilant guardian 496 00:18:27,180 --> 00:18:29,180 over wealth and knowledgeable 497 00:18:29,180 --> 00:18:31,180 in its management, 498 00:18:31,180 --> 00:18:33,180 especially during the years of plenty 499 00:18:33,180 --> 00:18:35,339 and hardship." 500 00:18:35,339 --> 00:18:37,339 The king granted him what he requested, 501 00:18:37,339 --> 00:18:39,339 and Yusuf (peace be upon him) became, 502 00:18:39,339 --> 00:18:41,339 through Allah's empowerment, 503 00:18:41,339 --> 00:18:43,339 able to move freely throughout the land, 504 00:18:43,339 --> 00:18:45,339 going about wherever 505 00:18:45,339 --> 00:18:47,339 he wished and residing 506 00:18:47,339 --> 00:18:49,339 wherever he pleased, 507 00:18:49,339 --> 00:18:51,339 after having been confined 508 00:18:51,339 --> 00:18:53,759 within the prison walls. 509 00:18:53,759 --> 00:18:55,759 Allah Almighty said: 510 00:18:55,759 --> 00:18:57,759 "And the king said, 'Bring him to me.' 511 00:18:57,759 --> 00:18:59,759 But when 512 00:18:59,759 --> 00:19:01,759 the messenger came 513 00:19:01,759 --> 00:19:03,759 to him, 514 00:19:03,759 --> 00:19:05,759 “And the king said: Bring him unto me. And when the messenger came unto him, he (Joseph) said: Return unto thy lord and ask him what was the case of the women who cut their hands. Lo! my Lord knoweth their guile.” (12:50) 515 00:19:05,759 --> 00:19:07,759 he said, 'Return to your lord and ask him: 516 00:19:07,759 --> 00:19:09,759 What was the affair of the women 517 00:19:09,759 --> 00:19:11,759 who 518 00:19:11,759 --> 00:19:13,759 cut their hands? 519 00:19:13,759 --> 00:19:15,759 Indeed, 520 00:19:15,759 --> 00:19:18,400 my Lord knows full well their snare.' 521 00:19:18,400 --> 00:19:20,529 He knows it well. 522 00:19:20,529 --> 00:19:22,529 The king said, 523 00:19:22,529 --> 00:19:24,529 'What was your affair 524 00:19:24,529 --> 00:19:26,529 when you sought to seduce 525 00:19:26,529 --> 00:19:28,529 Yusuf?' 526 00:19:28,529 --> 00:19:30,529 They said, 'Allah forbid! 527 00:19:30,529 --> 00:19:32,529 We know of no evil 528 00:19:32,529 --> 00:19:34,779 concerning him.' 529 00:19:34,779 --> 00:19:36,779 The wife of 530 00:19:36,779 --> 00:19:38,779 al-Aziz said, 531 00:19:38,779 --> 00:19:40,779 'Now the truth has come 532 00:19:40,779 --> 00:19:42,779 to light: it was I who sought to seduce him, 533 00:19:42,779 --> 00:19:44,779 it was I who sought to seduce him, 534 00:19:44,779 --> 00:19:46,779 and he 535 00:19:46,779 --> 00:19:48,779 is indeed 536 00:19:48,779 --> 00:19:50,779 of the truthful. 537 00:19:50,779 --> 00:19:52,779 That is 538 00:19:52,779 --> 00:19:54,779 so he may know that I 539 00:19:54,779 --> 00:19:56,779 did not betray him in secret, 540 00:19:56,779 --> 00:19:58,779 did not betray him in secret, 541 00:19:58,779 --> 00:20:00,779 and that 542 00:20:00,779 --> 00:20:02,779 Allah does not guide 543 00:20:02,779 --> 00:20:06,779 the plan of the betrayers. 544 00:20:06,779 --> 00:20:08,779 And I do not absolve 545 00:20:08,779 --> 00:20:12,059 myself. Indeed, 546 00:20:12,059 --> 00:20:14,160 the soul is ever persistent in commanding 547 00:20:14,160 --> 00:20:16,160 evil, 548 00:20:16,160 --> 00:20:18,160 except for those upon whom 549 00:20:18,160 --> 00:20:20,160 my Lord bestows mercy. 550 00:20:20,160 --> 00:20:22,420 Indeed, my Lord is 551 00:20:22,420 --> 00:20:24,420 Forgiving and Merciful.' 552 00:20:24,420 --> 00:20:26,420 And 553 00:20:26,420 --> 00:20:28,420 the king said, 'Bring him to me; 554 00:20:28,420 --> 00:20:30,420 I will appoint him exclusively for myself.' 555 00:20:30,420 --> 00:20:32,420 Then when 556 00:20:32,420 --> 00:20:34,420 he spoke to him, he said, 557 00:20:34,420 --> 00:20:36,420 'Indeed, today you are 558 00:20:36,420 --> 00:20:38,420 before us firmly established 559 00:20:38,420 --> 00:20:40,420 and trusted.' 560 00:20:40,420 --> 00:20:42,420 Yusuf said, 'Appoint me 561 00:20:42,420 --> 00:20:44,420 over the storehouses of 562 00:20:44,420 --> 00:20:46,420 the land; indeed, I am 563 00:20:46,420 --> 00:20:48,420 a knowledgeable guardian.' 564 00:20:48,420 --> 00:20:50,420 And thus 565 00:20:50,420 --> 00:20:52,420 We established 566 00:20:52,420 --> 00:20:54,420 Yusuf in the land, 567 00:20:54,420 --> 00:20:56,420 to settle therein 568 00:20:56,420 --> 00:20:58,420 wherever he willed. 569 00:20:58,420 --> 00:21:00,420 We touch with Our mercy 570 00:21:00,420 --> 00:21:02,420 whom We will, 571 00:21:02,420 --> 00:21:04,420 and We do not let go to waste 572 00:21:04,420 --> 00:21:06,420 the reward of the doers of good. 573 00:21:06,420 --> 00:21:08,420 And the reward 574 00:21:08,420 --> 00:21:10,420 of the Hereafter is better 575 00:21:10,420 --> 00:21:12,420 for those who believed 576 00:21:12,420 --> 00:21:14,420 and were mindful of Allah." 577 00:21:14,420 --> 00:21:17,279 O 578 00:21:17,279 --> 00:21:19,279 noble brothers, 579 00:21:19,279 --> 00:21:21,279 this stage in the life of 580 00:21:21,279 --> 00:21:23,279 Yusuf (peace be upon him), 581 00:21:23,279 --> 00:21:25,279 while he was in prison, 582 00:21:25,279 --> 00:21:27,279 contains numerous lessons and insights. 583 00:21:27,279 --> 00:21:29,500 Among them: 584 00:21:29,500 --> 00:21:31,500 First, 585 00:21:31,500 --> 00:21:33,500 the caller to Allah must offer goodness to others, 586 00:21:33,500 --> 00:21:35,500 comfort people, 587 00:21:35,500 --> 00:21:37,500 and mend their hearts, 588 00:21:37,500 --> 00:21:39,500 so that souls may love him 589 00:21:39,500 --> 00:21:41,500 and accept his message. 590 00:21:41,500 --> 00:21:43,950 Second, 591 00:21:43,950 --> 00:21:45,950 calling to pure monotheism (Tawhid) 592 00:21:45,950 --> 00:21:47,950 and dedicating worship sincerely to Allah 593 00:21:47,950 --> 00:21:49,950 alone 594 00:21:49,950 --> 00:21:51,950 is the mission of all the prophets, 595 00:21:51,950 --> 00:21:53,950 under all circumstances. 596 00:21:53,950 --> 00:21:56,180 Third, 597 00:21:56,180 --> 00:21:58,180 imprisonment does not diminish a person's worth, 598 00:21:58,180 --> 00:22:00,180 especially 599 00:22:00,180 --> 00:22:02,180 when one is imprisoned for the sake of faith; 600 00:22:02,180 --> 00:22:04,180 rather, it is a badge of honor 601 00:22:04,180 --> 00:22:06,180 that one wears with pride in this worldly life 602 00:22:06,180 --> 00:22:08,180 and on the Day of Judgment. 603 00:22:08,180 --> 00:22:10,180 Joseph, peace be upon him, 604 00:22:10,180 --> 00:22:12,180 the noble Prophet, 605 00:22:12,180 --> 00:22:14,180 son of noble Prophets, 606 00:22:14,180 --> 00:22:16,180 entered prison 607 00:22:16,180 --> 00:22:18,589 and remained in it for a few years. 608 00:22:18,589 --> 00:22:20,589 Fourthly, 609 00:22:20,589 --> 00:22:22,589 sound planning is required 610 00:22:22,589 --> 00:22:24,589 in work, 611 00:22:24,589 --> 00:22:26,589 just as Joseph, peace be upon him, managed, 612 00:22:26,589 --> 00:22:28,589 so blessings and abundance multiplied during his reign. 613 00:22:28,589 --> 00:22:30,589 And likewise, 614 00:22:30,589 --> 00:22:32,589 whoever is entrusted with any affair of the Muslims, 615 00:22:32,589 --> 00:22:34,589 no matter how small, 616 00:22:34,589 --> 00:22:36,589 whether that authority is minor 617 00:22:36,589 --> 00:22:38,589 or major, 618 00:22:38,589 --> 00:22:40,589 must treat them gently, 619 00:22:40,589 --> 00:22:42,589 give them sincere counsel, 620 00:22:42,589 --> 00:22:44,589 and act in their best interest. 621 00:22:45,140 --> 00:22:47,140 Fifthly, 622 00:22:47,140 --> 00:22:49,140 dream interpretation is an important science, 623 00:22:49,140 --> 00:22:51,140 granted by Allah 624 00:22:51,140 --> 00:22:53,140 to whomever He wills among His servants; 625 00:22:53,140 --> 00:22:55,140 it falls under the realm of issuing formal legal opinions (fatwas). 626 00:22:55,140 --> 00:22:57,140 Therefore, anyone who lacks expertise 627 00:22:57,140 --> 00:22:59,140 to navigate its depths 628 00:22:59,140 --> 00:23:01,619 should not venture into it. 629 00:23:01,619 --> 00:23:03,619 Sixthly, 630 00:23:03,619 --> 00:23:05,619 the patience of Joseph, peace be upon him, 631 00:23:05,619 --> 00:23:07,619 and his steadfastness: 632 00:23:07,619 --> 00:23:09,619 after remaining in prison for a few years 633 00:23:09,619 --> 00:23:11,619 and receiving the opportunity to leave, 634 00:23:11,619 --> 00:23:13,619 he did not rush 635 00:23:13,619 --> 00:23:15,619 to exit the prison. 636 00:23:15,619 --> 00:23:17,619 Rather, he showed patience and paused, 637 00:23:17,619 --> 00:23:19,619 demanding first the establishment 638 00:23:19,619 --> 00:23:21,619 of his innocence from all charges, 639 00:23:21,619 --> 00:23:23,619 so that his release would not be 640 00:23:23,619 --> 00:23:25,619 a mere pardon granted to him 641 00:23:25,619 --> 00:23:27,619 because of his dream interpretation, 642 00:23:27,619 --> 00:23:29,619 but rather a release 643 00:23:29,619 --> 00:23:31,619 based on complete exoneration and a clear record. 644 00:23:31,619 --> 00:23:34,160 Seventhly, 645 00:23:34,160 --> 00:23:36,160 the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 646 00:23:36,160 --> 00:23:38,160 "If I had remained in 647 00:23:38,160 --> 00:23:40,160 prison as long as Joseph did, 648 00:23:40,160 --> 00:23:42,160 I would have accepted the summoner's call." 649 00:23:42,160 --> 00:23:44,160 Scholars have stated 650 00:23:44,160 --> 00:23:46,160 that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 651 00:23:46,160 --> 00:23:48,160 said this only 652 00:23:48,160 --> 00:23:50,160 out of humility, 653 00:23:50,160 --> 00:23:52,160 not because Joseph, peace be upon him, 654 00:23:52,160 --> 00:23:54,160 possessed greater patience than him; 655 00:23:54,160 --> 00:23:56,160 or he said it 656 00:23:56,160 --> 00:23:58,160 to elevate the stature of Joseph, 657 00:23:58,160 --> 00:24:00,190 peace be upon him; 658 00:24:00,190 --> 00:24:02,190 or because Joseph, peace be upon him, 659 00:24:02,190 --> 00:24:04,190 chose the path of strict resolve, 660 00:24:04,190 --> 00:24:06,190 whereas the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 661 00:24:06,190 --> 00:24:08,190 had he been in his place, 662 00:24:08,190 --> 00:24:11,279 would have taken the available concession. 663 00:24:11,279 --> 00:24:13,279 It is narrated that Joseph, peace be upon him, 664 00:24:13,279 --> 00:24:15,279 wrote on the door of the prison 665 00:24:15,279 --> 00:24:17,309 as he was leaving: 666 00:24:17,309 --> 00:24:19,309 "These are the dwellings of affliction, 667 00:24:19,309 --> 00:24:21,309 the graves of the living, 668 00:24:21,309 --> 00:24:23,309 the gloating of enemies, 669 00:24:23,309 --> 00:24:25,309 and the test of true friends." 670 00:24:25,309 --> 00:24:28,720 This talk will be 671 00:24:28,720 --> 00:24:30,720 continued, Allah willing. 672 00:24:30,720 --> 00:24:32,720 And Allah knows best. 673 00:24:32,720 --> 00:24:34,720 Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. 674 00:24:34,720 --> 00:24:36,720 May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon 675 00:24:36,720 --> 00:24:38,720 our Prophet Muhammad, 676 00:24:38,720 --> 00:24:40,720 and upon his family 677 00:24:40,720 --> 00:24:42,720 and all his Companions. 678 00:24:42,720 --> 00:24:46,220 You were listening to 679 00:24:46,220 --> 00:24:48,220 Stories of the Prophets.