WEBVTT 00:00:00.460 --> 00:00:08.580 Stories of the Prophets... Stories of the Prophets, peace be upon them. 00:00:08.580 --> 00:00:13.650 May Allah's prayers followed by peace 00:00:13.650 --> 00:00:19.129 Be upon the best of all creation, 00:00:19.129 --> 00:00:24.379 Possessors of resolve, of exalted station. 00:00:24.379 --> 00:00:29.379 The story of Joseph (Yusuf), peace be upon him. 00:00:29.379 --> 00:00:34.340 In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. 00:00:34.340 --> 00:00:37.399 All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, 00:00:37.399 --> 00:00:40.399 And peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, 00:00:40.399 --> 00:00:44.399 And upon his family and all his Companions. 00:00:44.399 --> 00:00:46.500 To proceed: 00:00:46.500 --> 00:00:48.500 Joseph, peace be upon him, entered prison 00:00:48.500 --> 00:00:52.500 While being wronged and overpowered, 00:00:52.500 --> 00:00:56.500 In a foreign land where he had no one to support him. 00:00:56.500 --> 00:01:01.659 Such was the life of Joseph, peace be upon him, before prophethood: 00:01:01.659 --> 00:01:05.819 He moved from his father's embrace to the depths of the pit, 00:01:05.819 --> 00:01:08.819 Then to the palace of the chief minister (al-Aziz), 00:01:08.819 --> 00:01:11.819 And from there into the darkness of the prison. 00:01:11.819 --> 00:01:14.909 One trial followed another, 00:01:14.909 --> 00:01:19.909 Yet relief inevitably follows hardship, 00:01:19.909 --> 00:01:22.980 And perhaps these were the preludes to being established in the land. 00:01:22.980 --> 00:01:26.200 Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: 00:01:26.200 --> 00:01:29.200 "If you reflect upon His wisdom, Glorified is He, 00:01:29.200 --> 00:01:32.200 In how He tests His servants and His chosen ones, 00:01:32.200 --> 00:01:35.200 You will find that He drove them thereby 00:01:35.200 --> 00:01:38.200 Toward the most sublime objectives and the most perfect outcomes, 00:01:38.200 --> 00:01:41.200 Which they could never have reached 00:01:41.200 --> 00:01:44.200 Except by crossing the bridge of trials and tribulations. 00:01:44.200 --> 00:01:47.200 And that bridge, in its perfection, 00:01:47.200 --> 00:01:50.200 Was like the path without crossing which 00:01:50.200 --> 00:01:53.200 There is no way for them to enter Paradise. 00:01:53.200 --> 00:01:56.200 Those trials and tribulations were 00:01:56.200 --> 00:01:59.200 The very essence of divine guidance and honour for them; 00:01:59.200 --> 00:02:02.230 Outwardly they appeared as affliction and testing, 00:02:02.230 --> 00:02:06.230 While inwardly they bore mercy and blessing." 00:02:06.230 --> 00:02:10.159 Imam al-Shafi'i, may Allah have mercy on him, was asked: 00:02:10.159 --> 00:02:12.159 "O Abu 'Abdullah, 00:02:12.159 --> 00:02:14.159 Which is better for a man: 00:02:14.159 --> 00:02:17.159 To be established in authority or to be tested?" 00:02:17.159 --> 00:02:21.159 He replied, "He will not be established until he is tested. 00:02:21.159 --> 00:02:23.159 For indeed, Allah the Exalted 00:02:23.159 --> 00:02:25.159 Tested Noah, Abraham, 00:02:25.159 --> 00:02:27.159 Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, 00:02:27.159 --> 00:02:31.159 May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all; 00:02:31.159 --> 00:02:34.159 And when they bore the trials with patience, 00:02:34.159 --> 00:02:36.479 He established them." 00:02:36.479 --> 00:02:38.479 The signs of being established in authority became evident 00:02:38.479 --> 00:02:40.479 In the life of Joseph, peace be upon him, 00:02:40.479 --> 00:02:42.479 When Allah chose him 00:02:42.479 --> 00:02:44.479 And revealed revelation to him while he was in prison. 00:02:44.479 --> 00:02:47.479 Thus, he became a prophet among the prophets, 00:02:47.479 --> 00:02:50.479 Receiving divine revelation while inside the prison. 00:02:50.479 --> 00:02:52.610 Despite all the harsh circumstances 00:02:52.610 --> 00:02:55.610 In which Joseph, peace be upon him, lived 00:02:55.610 --> 00:02:57.610 While incarcerated, 00:02:57.610 --> 00:02:59.610 That did not prevent him 00:02:59.610 --> 00:03:01.610 From fulfilling the message of his Lord 00:03:01.610 --> 00:03:05.610 And calling his fellow inmates around him to Allah. 00:03:05.610 --> 00:03:07.699 Furthermore, the noble status 00:03:07.699 --> 00:03:09.699 Attained by Joseph, peace be upon him, 00:03:09.699 --> 00:03:11.699 Through prophethood, 00:03:11.699 --> 00:03:13.699 Did not keep him from fulfilling 00:03:13.699 --> 00:03:15.699 His humanitarian role within the prison. 00:03:15.699 --> 00:03:17.699 For he, peace be upon him, 00:03:17.699 --> 00:03:19.699 Would comfort the sorrowful, 00:03:19.699 --> 00:03:21.699 Visit the sick, 00:03:21.699 --> 00:03:23.699 And tend to the wounded. 00:03:23.699 --> 00:03:25.699 He would spend his nights in worship, 00:03:25.699 --> 00:03:28.699 Standing before his Lord and Master, 00:03:28.699 --> 00:03:31.860 So the inmates found comfort in him and loved him 00:03:31.860 --> 00:03:33.860 For his noble character 00:03:33.860 --> 00:03:36.860 And his immense benevolence toward them. 00:03:36.860 --> 00:03:39.889 One day, 00:03:39.889 --> 00:03:42.889 Two men entered upon Joseph, peace be upon him, 00:03:42.889 --> 00:03:44.889 In the prison. 00:03:44.889 --> 00:03:46.889 One of these two men was 00:03:46.889 --> 00:03:48.889 The king's cupbearer, 00:03:48.889 --> 00:03:52.110 And the other was the king's cook (baker). 00:03:52.110 --> 00:03:54.110 The reason for their imprisonment was 00:03:54.110 --> 00:03:58.110 That certain people wanted to assassinate the king. 00:03:58.110 --> 00:04:00.139 They approached the cupbearer 00:04:00.139 --> 00:04:02.139 And said to him, 00:04:02.139 --> 00:04:04.139 "Put poison in the king's drink, 00:04:04.139 --> 00:04:07.139 And we will give you such-and-such an amount of money." 00:04:07.139 --> 00:04:09.139 But the cupbearer refused. 00:04:09.139 --> 00:04:11.139 So they went to the cook 00:04:11.139 --> 00:04:13.139 And said to him, 00:04:13.139 --> 00:04:15.139 "We will give you such-and-such 00:04:15.139 --> 00:04:18.139 If you put poison in the king's food." 00:04:18.139 --> 00:04:20.139 He agreed to that 00:04:20.139 --> 00:04:22.139 And placed the poison in his food. 00:04:22.139 --> 00:04:25.269 When the meal was served before the king, 00:04:25.269 --> 00:04:27.269 The cupbearer said to the king, 00:04:27.269 --> 00:04:29.269 "Do not eat of the food, 00:04:29.269 --> 00:04:31.269 For it is poisoned." 00:04:31.269 --> 00:04:33.300 The cook grew frightened 00:04:33.300 --> 00:04:35.300 And said, "No, 00:04:35.300 --> 00:04:37.300 Rather, the poison is in the drink!" 00:04:37.300 --> 00:04:39.399 Thus, it was established in the king's mind 00:04:39.399 --> 00:04:41.399 That poison was indeed present, 00:04:41.399 --> 00:04:43.399 But the question remained: 00:04:43.399 --> 00:04:45.399 Was it in the food or in the drink? 00:04:45.399 --> 00:04:47.399 So he ordered animals to be brought, 00:04:47.399 --> 00:04:50.399 And two animals were brought before him. 00:04:50.399 --> 00:04:52.399 He separated them from one another, 00:04:52.399 --> 00:04:55.399 Offering the food to one of them 00:04:55.399 --> 00:04:57.399 And the drink to the other, 00:04:57.399 --> 00:04:59.399 And they waited for the outcome: 00:04:59.399 --> 00:05:02.399 If this one died from the food, 00:05:02.399 --> 00:05:04.399 Then the poison was in the food; 00:05:04.399 --> 00:05:07.399 And if that one died from the drink, 00:05:07.399 --> 00:05:09.399 Then the poison was in the drink. 00:05:09.399 --> 00:05:13.430 And until the time the results would become manifest, 00:05:13.430 --> 00:05:15.430 The king issued a command concerning both of them, 00:05:15.430 --> 00:05:17.430 And they were cast into prison. 00:05:17.430 --> 00:05:20.430 There they met Joseph, peace be upon him, 00:05:20.430 --> 00:05:22.430 And found solace in his company. 00:05:22.430 --> 00:05:24.750 Then Allah the Exalted decreed 00:05:24.750 --> 00:05:27.750 That each of these two men 00:05:27.750 --> 00:05:29.750 Saw a dream in his sleep. 00:05:29.750 --> 00:05:31.779 When morning came, 00:05:31.779 --> 00:05:34.779 They went to Joseph, peace be upon him, 00:05:34.779 --> 00:05:37.779 And each of them recounted to him 00:05:37.779 --> 00:05:38.779 What he had seen. 00:05:38.779 --> 00:05:40.779 The first said, 00:05:40.779 --> 00:05:42.779 "I saw in a dream that I 00:05:42.779 --> 00:05:44.779 Was pressing wine." 00:05:44.779 --> 00:05:46.779 And the other said, 00:05:46.779 --> 00:05:48.779 "I saw that I was carrying on my head [bread from which birds were eating]." 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) 00:05:51.879 --> 00:05:53.879 And they asked him to interpret 00:05:53.879 --> 00:05:55.879 Their dreams for them. 00:05:55.879 --> 00:05:58.040 Joseph, peace be upon him, seized 00:05:58.040 --> 00:06:01.040 This opportunity to call them to Allah, 00:06:01.040 --> 00:06:04.040 Especially since these two prisoners 00:06:04.040 --> 00:06:06.040 Were with him in prison 00:06:06.040 --> 00:06:09.040 And were in need of the interpretation of their dreams. 00:06:09.040 --> 00:06:11.170 So he began by informing them 00:06:11.170 --> 00:06:13.170 Of his knowledge of the unseen, 00:06:13.170 --> 00:06:16.170 Which was a miracle granted to him by Allah, 00:06:16.170 --> 00:06:18.170 So that they would feel reassured and trust 00:06:18.170 --> 00:06:20.170 Whatever he would tell them. 00:06:20.170 --> 00:06:22.170 Then he said, 00:06:22.170 --> 00:06:24.170 "No food will come to you 00:06:24.170 --> 00:06:26.170 Except that I will inform you 00:06:26.170 --> 00:06:28.170 Of its true nature, 00:06:28.170 --> 00:06:30.170 Its essence, and its description 00:06:30.170 --> 00:06:32.170 Before it reaches you." 00:06:32.170 --> 00:06:34.199 And so that it would not cross 00:06:34.199 --> 00:06:35.199 Their minds 00:06:35.199 --> 00:06:37.199 That this was the practice of soothsayers 00:06:37.199 --> 00:06:39.199 Or astrologers, 00:06:39.199 --> 00:06:41.199 He clarified the matter to them, 00:06:41.199 --> 00:06:43.199 Saying: 00:06:43.199 --> 00:06:45.199 "This is part of what my Lord has taught me; 00:06:45.199 --> 00:06:47.199 For I have abandoned the religion of a people [who do not believe in Allah] 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) 00:06:49.199 --> 00:06:51.199 And who resorted to the worship of 00:06:51.199 --> 00:06:53.199 Other deities that can neither benefit 00:06:53.199 --> 00:06:55.300 Nor harm, 00:06:55.300 --> 00:06:57.300 And I have followed the faith of my fathers upon pure monotheism (Tawhid), 00:06:57.300 --> 00:06:59.300 Which is of the grace 00:06:59.300 --> 00:07:01.300 That Allah has bestowed upon us." 00:07:01.300 --> 00:07:03.680 Allah the Exalted said: 00:07:03.680 --> 00:07:05.680 "And there entered with him 00:07:05.680 --> 00:07:07.680 The prison two young men. 00:07:07.680 --> 00:07:09.680 One of them said, 00:07:09.680 --> 00:07:11.680 'Indeed, I saw 00:07:11.680 --> 00:07:13.680 Myself pressing wine.' 00:07:13.680 --> 00:07:15.680 And said 00:07:15.680 --> 00:07:17.680 The other, 00:07:17.680 --> 00:07:19.680 'Indeed, I saw myself carrying 00:07:19.680 --> 00:07:21.680 Upon my head bread, 00:07:21.680 --> 00:07:23.680 From which the birds were eating. 00:07:23.680 --> 00:07:25.680 Inform us 00:07:25.680 --> 00:07:27.680 Of its interpretation; 00:07:27.680 --> 00:07:29.810 Indeed, we see you 00:07:29.810 --> 00:07:31.810 To be of the doers of good.' 00:07:31.810 --> 00:07:33.810 He said, 'There will not come 00:07:33.810 --> 00:07:35.810 To you any food 00:07:35.810 --> 00:07:37.810 With which you are provided 00:07:37.810 --> 00:07:39.810 Except that I will inform you 00:07:39.810 --> 00:07:41.810 Of its interpretation 00:07:41.810 --> 00:07:43.810 Except that I will inform you 00:07:43.810 --> 00:07:45.810 Of its interpretation before 00:07:45.810 --> 00:07:47.810 It comes to you. 00:07:47.810 --> 00:07:49.810 That is 00:07:49.810 --> 00:07:51.810 From what has taught me 00:07:51.810 --> 00:07:54.959 My Lord. 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) 00:07:56.959 --> 00:07:58.959 Who do not believe in Allah, 00:07:58.959 --> 00:08:00.959 And they, in the Hereafter, 00:08:00.959 --> 00:08:02.959 Are disbelievers. 00:08:02.959 --> 00:08:04.959 And I have followed 00:08:04.959 --> 00:08:06.959 The religion of my fathers, 00:08:06.959 --> 00:08:08.959 Abraham, 00:08:08.959 --> 00:08:10.959 Isaac, 00:08:10.959 --> 00:08:12.959 And Jacob. 00:08:12.959 --> 00:08:14.959 It was not for us 00:08:14.959 --> 00:08:16.959 To associate 00:08:16.959 --> 00:08:18.959 With Allah 00:08:18.959 --> 00:08:20.959 Anything. 00:08:20.959 --> 00:08:22.959 "That is part of the grace 00:08:22.959 --> 00:08:24.959 of Allah upon us 00:08:24.959 --> 00:08:26.959 and upon all people, 00:08:26.959 --> 00:08:28.959 but most 00:08:28.959 --> 00:08:30.959 people are not grateful." 00:08:33.500 --> 00:08:35.500 And from the wisdom of Yusuf (peace be upon him) 00:08:35.500 --> 00:08:37.500 in calling others to Allah 00:08:37.500 --> 00:08:39.500 was that he deemed it appropriate 00:08:39.500 --> 00:08:41.500 to invite them to Allah Almighty 00:08:41.500 --> 00:08:43.500 before interpreting 00:08:43.500 --> 00:08:45.500 the dream for them. 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:47.500 For had he interpreted it for them first, 00:08:47.500 --> 00:08:49.500 each one of them would have been preoccupied 00:08:49.500 --> 00:08:51.500 with what was interpreted for him. 00:08:51.500 --> 00:08:53.500 So it was as if he told them: 00:08:53.500 --> 00:08:55.500 "I have words that I wish 00:08:55.500 --> 00:08:57.500 to present before 00:08:57.500 --> 00:08:59.570 I interpret the dream for you: 00:08:59.570 --> 00:09:01.570 O my fellow prisoners! 00:09:01.570 --> 00:09:03.570 Are diverse deities, 00:09:03.570 --> 00:09:05.570 are these earthly idols you worship, 00:09:05.570 --> 00:09:07.570 better, or the worship of Allah, 00:09:07.570 --> 00:09:09.570 the One, the Supreme?" 00:09:09.570 --> 00:09:11.570 Then he explained to them 00:09:11.570 --> 00:09:13.570 the falsehood of their worship of these gods, 00:09:13.570 --> 00:09:15.570 and that they are merely names 00:09:15.570 --> 00:09:17.570 which they have invented 00:09:17.570 --> 00:09:19.570 of their own accord, for which 00:09:19.570 --> 00:09:21.570 Allah has sent down no authority. 00:09:21.570 --> 00:09:23.600 Then, after he had called them 00:09:23.600 --> 00:09:25.600 to Allah Almighty, 00:09:25.600 --> 00:09:27.600 he interpreted their dreams for them, 00:09:27.600 --> 00:09:29.629 saying: 00:09:29.629 --> 00:09:31.629 "O my fellow prisoners! 00:09:31.629 --> 00:09:33.629 As for one of you, 00:09:33.629 --> 00:09:35.629 he will serve his master 00:09:35.629 --> 00:09:37.629 wine; 00:09:37.629 --> 00:09:39.629 and as for the other, 00:09:39.629 --> 00:09:41.629 he will be crucified, and 00:09:41.629 --> 00:09:43.629 the birds will eat from his head. 00:09:43.629 --> 00:09:45.629 The matter has been decreed 00:09:45.629 --> 00:09:49.629 concerning which you both inquire." 00:09:49.629 --> 00:09:52.179 Then Yusuf (peace be upon him) 00:09:52.179 --> 00:09:54.179 turned 00:09:54.179 --> 00:09:56.179 to the cupbearer and said to him: 00:09:56.179 --> 00:09:58.179 "Mention me to the king, 00:09:58.179 --> 00:10:00.179 and tell him 00:10:00.179 --> 00:10:02.179 that there is a man who entered prison 00:10:02.179 --> 00:10:04.179 unjustly and wrongfully." 00:10:04.179 --> 00:10:06.269 And indeed, 00:10:06.269 --> 00:10:08.269 after a short period of time, 00:10:08.269 --> 00:10:10.269 the cupbearer was released 00:10:10.269 --> 00:10:12.269 and returned to his work 00:10:12.269 --> 00:10:14.269 in the king's palace. 00:10:14.269 --> 00:10:16.269 But Satan made him forget 00:10:16.269 --> 00:10:18.269 to mention Yusuf's case to the king, 00:10:18.269 --> 00:10:20.269 so Yusuf remained in prison 00:10:20.269 --> 00:10:23.620 for seven years. 00:10:23.620 --> 00:10:25.620 Then Allah Almighty decreed 00:10:25.620 --> 00:10:27.620 that the King of Egypt should see 00:10:27.620 --> 00:10:29.620 a vision in his sleep, 00:10:29.620 --> 00:10:31.620 from which he awoke in dread. 00:10:31.620 --> 00:10:33.620 So he gathered the wise men, the scholars, 00:10:33.620 --> 00:10:35.620 the sorcerers, and the priests 00:10:35.620 --> 00:10:37.620 of that time. 00:10:37.620 --> 00:10:39.620 Then he said to them: 00:10:39.620 --> 00:10:41.620 "I saw in my sleep 00:10:41.620 --> 00:10:43.620 seven fat cows, 00:10:43.620 --> 00:10:47.620 and seven lean, frail cows; 00:10:47.620 --> 00:10:49.620 and these emaciated 00:10:49.620 --> 00:10:51.620 cows turned upon the fat 00:10:51.620 --> 00:10:53.620 cows and began 00:10:53.620 --> 00:10:55.649 to devour them. 00:10:55.649 --> 00:10:57.649 Then I awoke from my sleep, terrified 00:10:57.649 --> 00:10:59.740 by the dream. 00:10:59.740 --> 00:11:01.740 Then I went back to sleep once more, 00:11:01.740 --> 00:11:03.740 and I saw seven ears of grain, 00:11:03.740 --> 00:11:05.740 green, 00:11:05.740 --> 00:11:07.740 and another seven dry. 00:11:07.740 --> 00:11:09.740 And these dry ears 00:11:09.740 --> 00:11:11.740 of grain came 00:11:11.740 --> 00:11:13.740 and wrapped themselves around the green ears 00:11:13.740 --> 00:11:15.740 until they had consumed them completely. 00:11:15.740 --> 00:11:17.740 Then I awoke from my sleep 00:11:17.740 --> 00:11:19.740 terrified a second time. 00:11:19.740 --> 00:11:21.870 O eminent ones! 00:11:21.870 --> 00:11:23.899 Advise me concerning 00:11:23.899 --> 00:11:25.899 this dream of mine, 00:11:25.899 --> 00:11:27.899 if you are able to interpret it." 00:11:27.899 --> 00:11:30.190 But they had no answer 00:11:30.190 --> 00:11:32.190 except to say: 00:11:32.190 --> 00:11:34.190 "These are muddled dreams— 00:11:34.190 --> 00:11:36.190 that is, a mere mixture of confused dreams— 00:11:36.190 --> 00:11:38.190 and not a true vision; 00:11:38.190 --> 00:11:40.190 so there is no need to waste 00:11:40.190 --> 00:11:42.379 time on them." 00:11:42.379 --> 00:11:44.379 A man was listening to their conversation 00:11:44.379 --> 00:11:46.379 who was present in their gathering 00:11:46.379 --> 00:11:48.379 to serve them— 00:11:48.379 --> 00:11:50.379 namely, the cupbearer. 00:11:50.379 --> 00:11:52.379 And he remembered Yusuf after a long 00:11:52.379 --> 00:11:54.379 time, 00:11:54.379 --> 00:11:56.379 and said to those with him: 00:11:56.379 --> 00:11:58.379 "If you are unable 00:11:58.379 --> 00:12:00.379 to interpret this dream, 00:12:00.379 --> 00:12:02.379 then I can inform you 00:12:02.379 --> 00:12:04.379 of its interpretation. Only 00:12:04.379 --> 00:12:06.379 send me to Yusuf 00:12:06.379 --> 00:12:08.379 in prison, 00:12:08.379 --> 00:12:11.539 for he has the certain knowledge of it." 00:12:11.539 --> 00:12:13.539 The king permitted him to go 00:12:13.539 --> 00:12:15.539 to Yusuf (peace be upon him) 00:12:15.539 --> 00:12:17.539 in prison 00:12:17.539 --> 00:12:19.629 to ask him about this dream. 00:12:19.629 --> 00:12:21.629 So when he met Yusuf (peace be upon him) 00:12:21.629 --> 00:12:23.629 in prison once again, 00:12:23.629 --> 00:12:25.629 Yusuf treated him 00:12:25.629 --> 00:12:27.629 with the utmost nobility: 00:12:27.629 --> 00:12:29.629 he did not reproach him for forgetting 00:12:29.629 --> 00:12:31.629 him throughout all those years; 00:12:31.629 --> 00:12:33.629 rather, he welcomed him 00:12:33.629 --> 00:12:35.629 and listened to the king's dream. 00:12:35.629 --> 00:12:37.700 Then he interpreted it 00:12:37.700 --> 00:12:39.700 for them, saying: 00:12:39.700 --> 00:12:41.700 "You shall cultivate, O people, 00:12:41.700 --> 00:12:43.700 for seven years as usual— 00:12:43.700 --> 00:12:45.700 that is, continuously and with diligence; 00:12:45.700 --> 00:12:47.700 and whatever you harvest, 00:12:47.700 --> 00:12:49.700 leave it in its ear, 00:12:49.700 --> 00:12:51.700 so that it will not dry out, 00:12:51.700 --> 00:12:53.700 nor spoil, 00:12:53.700 --> 00:12:55.700 nor be affected by being stockpiled. 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) 00:12:57.700 --> 00:12:59.700 For 00:12:59.700 --> 00:13:01.700 there will come after that 00:13:01.700 --> 00:13:03.700 seven severe years 00:13:03.700 --> 00:13:05.700 in which the rain will cease 00:13:05.700 --> 00:13:07.700 and the land will become barren, 00:13:07.700 --> 00:13:09.700 so that you will not be able 00:13:09.700 --> 00:13:11.700 to eat anything 00:13:11.700 --> 00:13:13.700 except what you have preserved 00:13:13.700 --> 00:13:15.700 from the first seven years 00:13:15.700 --> 00:13:17.820 and stored away. 00:13:17.820 --> 00:13:19.820 Then will come after those years 00:13:19.820 --> 00:13:21.820 a year in which the people 00:13:21.820 --> 00:13:23.820 will be given abundant rain, and blessings 00:13:23.820 --> 00:13:25.820 will spread throughout the land." 00:13:25.820 --> 00:13:28.019 And this year 00:13:28.019 --> 00:13:30.019 had not been mentioned at all 00:13:30.019 --> 00:13:32.019 in the dream, 00:13:32.019 --> 00:13:34.019 but it was among that which 00:13:34.019 --> 00:13:36.370 Allah had taught him. 00:13:36.370 --> 00:13:38.399 Allah Almighty said: 00:13:38.399 --> 00:13:40.399 "And the king said, 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) 00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:44.399 '...fat [cows] 00:13:44.399 --> 00:13:46.399 being eaten by 00:13:46.399 --> 00:13:48.399 seven lean ones, 00:13:48.399 --> 00:13:50.399 being eaten by 00:13:50.399 --> 00:13:52.399 seven lean ones, 00:13:52.399 --> 00:13:54.399 and seven ears of grain 00:13:54.399 --> 00:13:56.399 that are green 00:13:56.399 --> 00:13:58.399 and others dry. 00:13:58.399 --> 00:14:00.399 O eminent 00:14:00.399 --> 00:14:02.399 ones, advise me 00:14:02.399 --> 00:14:04.399 concerning my dream, 00:14:04.399 --> 00:14:06.620 if a dream 00:14:06.620 --> 00:14:08.620 you can interpret.' 00:14:08.620 --> 00:14:10.620 They said, 'Muddled 00:14:10.620 --> 00:14:12.620 dreams, 00:14:12.620 --> 00:14:14.620 and we are not, 00:14:14.620 --> 00:14:16.620 in the interpretation of dreams, 00:14:16.620 --> 00:14:18.620 learned.' 00:14:18.620 --> 00:14:20.659 And the one who had been saved 00:14:20.659 --> 00:14:22.659 of the two said, remembering 00:14:22.659 --> 00:14:24.659 after a time: 00:14:24.659 --> 00:14:26.659 'I will inform you 00:14:26.659 --> 00:14:28.659 I will inform you 00:14:28.659 --> 00:14:30.659 of its interpretation, 00:14:30.659 --> 00:14:32.659 so send me forth.' 00:14:32.659 --> 00:14:34.659 'Yusuf, 00:14:34.659 --> 00:14:36.659 O man of truth, 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) 00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:40.659 ...fat [cows] 00:14:40.659 --> 00:14:42.659 being eaten by seven 00:14:42.659 --> 00:14:44.659 lean ones, 00:14:44.659 --> 00:14:46.659 being eaten by seven lean ones, 00:14:46.659 --> 00:14:48.659 and seven ears of grain 00:14:48.659 --> 00:14:50.659 that are green 00:14:50.659 --> 00:14:52.659 and others dry— 00:14:52.659 --> 00:14:54.659 and others dry— 00:14:54.659 --> 00:14:56.659 so that 00:14:56.659 --> 00:14:58.659 I may return to the people, 00:14:58.659 --> 00:15:00.659 so that 00:15:00.659 --> 00:15:02.659 they may know.' 00:15:02.659 --> 00:15:04.659 He said, 'You will cultivate 00:15:04.659 --> 00:15:06.659 for seven years as usual, 00:15:06.659 --> 00:15:08.659 and what you harvest, 00:15:08.659 --> 00:15:10.659 leave it— 00:15:10.659 --> 00:15:12.659 and what you harvest, leave it— 00:15:12.659 --> 00:15:14.659 in its ears, 00:15:14.659 --> 00:15:16.659 except for a little 00:15:16.659 --> 00:15:18.750 from what you eat. 00:15:18.750 --> 00:15:21.549 Then there will come 00:15:21.549 --> 00:15:23.549 after that 00:15:23.549 --> 00:15:25.549 seven severe years 00:15:25.549 --> 00:15:27.549 that will consume what 00:15:27.549 --> 00:15:29.549 you have stored 00:15:29.549 --> 00:15:31.549 for them, 00:15:31.549 --> 00:15:33.549 except for a little 00:15:33.549 --> 00:15:35.549 of what 00:15:35.549 --> 00:15:37.549 you preserve. 00:15:37.549 --> 00:15:40.740 Then there will come 00:15:40.740 --> 00:15:43.250 after that 00:15:43.250 --> 00:15:45.250 a year in which 00:15:45.250 --> 00:15:47.250 people will be granted relief, 00:15:47.250 --> 00:15:49.379 a year in which 00:15:49.379 --> 00:15:51.379 people will be granted relief 00:15:51.379 --> 00:15:53.379 and in which 00:15:53.379 --> 00:15:55.980 they will press oil and wine. 00:15:55.980 --> 00:15:57.980 The king was deeply impressed by the interpretation 00:15:57.980 --> 00:15:59.980 of Yusuf (peace be upon him), 00:15:59.980 --> 00:16:01.980 so he ordered that he be brought to him from prison. 00:16:01.980 --> 00:16:03.980 When the prison warden 00:16:03.980 --> 00:16:05.980 came to Yusuf (peace be upon him) 00:16:05.980 --> 00:16:07.980 and informed him 00:16:07.980 --> 00:16:09.980 of the king's invitation, 00:16:09.980 --> 00:16:11.980 Yusuf (peace be upon him) refused 00:16:11.980 --> 00:16:13.980 and said to the warden: 00:16:13.980 --> 00:16:15.980 "Return to the king 00:16:15.980 --> 00:16:17.980 and ask him about the affair of the women 00:16:17.980 --> 00:16:19.980 who cut 00:16:19.980 --> 00:16:21.980 their hands. 00:16:21.980 --> 00:16:23.980 For they are noble women of this 00:16:23.980 --> 00:16:25.980 city, 00:16:25.980 --> 00:16:27.980 and their story is no secret to anyone." 00:16:27.980 --> 00:16:30.139 So the messenger returned 00:16:30.139 --> 00:16:32.139 to the king 00:16:32.139 --> 00:16:34.139 and informed him of Yusuf's response. 00:16:34.139 --> 00:16:37.230 Thereupon, the king summoned 00:16:37.230 --> 00:16:39.230 the women 00:16:39.230 --> 00:16:41.230 and questioned them about what had happened with 00:16:41.230 --> 00:16:43.230 Yusuf. 00:16:43.230 --> 00:16:45.230 They all said in one voice: 00:16:45.230 --> 00:16:47.230 "Allah forbid! 00:16:47.230 --> 00:16:49.230 We know of no evil concerning Yusuf, 00:16:49.230 --> 00:16:51.230 and we have seen from him 00:16:51.230 --> 00:16:53.230 nothing but virtue and goodness." 00:16:53.230 --> 00:16:55.360 At this point, 00:16:55.360 --> 00:16:57.360 the wife of al-Aziz said: 00:16:57.360 --> 00:16:59.360 "Now the truth has come to light 00:16:59.360 --> 00:17:01.389 and become manifest: 00:17:01.389 --> 00:17:03.389 it was I who sought to seduce Yusuf, 00:17:03.389 --> 00:17:05.390 and he is indeed among the truthful. 00:17:05.390 --> 00:17:07.420 I have confessed this 00:17:07.420 --> 00:17:09.420 against myself 00:17:09.420 --> 00:17:11.420 so that my husband knows that I did not betray him in his absence 00:17:11.420 --> 00:17:13.420 and that the ultimate transgression 00:17:13.420 --> 00:17:15.420 never occurred; 00:17:15.420 --> 00:17:17.420 rather, I merely tried to seduce Yusuf, 00:17:17.420 --> 00:17:19.420 but he resolutely refrained. 00:17:19.420 --> 00:17:21.420 Yet I do not 00:17:21.420 --> 00:17:23.420 claim to be free of blame, 00:17:23.420 --> 00:17:25.420 for the soul inclines and desires, 00:17:25.420 --> 00:17:27.420 and the soul 00:17:27.420 --> 00:17:29.420 is ever persistent in commanding evil." 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) 00:17:31.420 --> 00:17:34.769 Thus, Yusuf's standing grew immense 00:17:34.769 --> 00:17:36.769 in the eyes of the king, 00:17:36.769 --> 00:17:38.769 and he was appalled by the grave injustice 00:17:38.769 --> 00:17:40.769 that had befallen him. 00:17:40.769 --> 00:17:42.769 So he said to the prison warden: 00:17:42.769 --> 00:17:44.769 "Bring Yusuf to me 00:17:44.769 --> 00:17:46.769 immediately, 00:17:46.769 --> 00:17:48.769 so that I may appoint him among my closest 00:17:48.769 --> 00:17:50.769 companions and confidants, 00:17:50.769 --> 00:17:53.019 making him one of my inner circle." 00:17:53.019 --> 00:17:55.019 When Yusuf (peace be upon him) came before him 00:17:55.019 --> 00:17:57.019 and conversed with him, 00:17:57.019 --> 00:17:59.019 the king was astonished by his brilliant intellect, 00:17:59.019 --> 00:18:01.019 the vastness of his knowledge, 00:18:01.019 --> 00:18:03.059 and his sound judgment of affairs. 00:18:03.059 --> 00:18:05.059 So he said to him: 00:18:05.059 --> 00:18:07.059 "Indeed, you hold high standing with us, 00:18:07.059 --> 00:18:09.059 trusted and fully relied upon 00:18:09.059 --> 00:18:11.180 in our presence." 00:18:11.180 --> 00:18:13.180 Yusuf (peace be upon him) seized 00:18:13.180 --> 00:18:15.180 this opportunity— 00:18:15.180 --> 00:18:17.180 for during his days in the palace, he had observed 00:18:17.180 --> 00:18:19.180 the poor economic management 00:18:19.180 --> 00:18:21.180 in the country— 00:18:21.180 --> 00:18:23.180 and said to the king: 00:18:23.180 --> 00:18:25.180 "Place me in charge of the storehouses of 00:18:25.180 --> 00:18:27.180 the land; indeed, I am a vigilant guardian 00:18:27.180 --> 00:18:29.180 over wealth and knowledgeable 00:18:29.180 --> 00:18:31.180 in its management, 00:18:31.180 --> 00:18:33.180 especially during the years of plenty 00:18:33.180 --> 00:18:35.339 and hardship." 00:18:35.339 --> 00:18:37.339 The king granted him what he requested, 00:18:37.339 --> 00:18:39.339 and Yusuf (peace be upon him) became, 00:18:39.339 --> 00:18:41.339 through Allah's empowerment, 00:18:41.339 --> 00:18:43.339 able to move freely throughout the land, 00:18:43.339 --> 00:18:45.339 going about wherever 00:18:45.339 --> 00:18:47.339 he wished and residing 00:18:47.339 --> 00:18:49.339 wherever he pleased, 00:18:49.339 --> 00:18:51.339 after having been confined 00:18:51.339 --> 00:18:53.759 within the prison walls. 00:18:53.759 --> 00:18:55.759 Allah Almighty said: 00:18:55.759 --> 00:18:57.759 "And the king said, 'Bring him to me.' 00:18:57.759 --> 00:18:59.759 But when 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:01.759 the messenger came 00:19:01.759 --> 00:19:03.759 to him, 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) 00:19:05.759 --> 00:19:07.759 he said, 'Return to your lord and ask him: 00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:09.759 What was the affair of the women 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:11.759 who 00:19:11.759 --> 00:19:13.759 cut their hands? 00:19:13.759 --> 00:19:15.759 Indeed, 00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:18.400 my Lord knows full well their snare.' 00:19:18.400 --> 00:19:20.529 He knows it well. 00:19:20.529 --> 00:19:22.529 The king said, 00:19:22.529 --> 00:19:24.529 'What was your affair 00:19:24.529 --> 00:19:26.529 when you sought to seduce 00:19:26.529 --> 00:19:28.529 Yusuf?' 00:19:28.529 --> 00:19:30.529 They said, 'Allah forbid! 00:19:30.529 --> 00:19:32.529 We know of no evil 00:19:32.529 --> 00:19:34.779 concerning him.' 00:19:34.779 --> 00:19:36.779 The wife of 00:19:36.779 --> 00:19:38.779 al-Aziz said, 00:19:38.779 --> 00:19:40.779 'Now the truth has come 00:19:40.779 --> 00:19:42.779 to light: it was I who sought to seduce him, 00:19:42.779 --> 00:19:44.779 it was I who sought to seduce him, 00:19:44.779 --> 00:19:46.779 and he 00:19:46.779 --> 00:19:48.779 is indeed 00:19:48.779 --> 00:19:50.779 of the truthful. 00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:52.779 That is 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:54.779 so he may know that I 00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:56.779 did not betray him in secret, 00:19:56.779 --> 00:19:58.779 did not betray him in secret, 00:19:58.779 --> 00:20:00.779 and that 00:20:00.779 --> 00:20:02.779 Allah does not guide 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:06.779 the plan of the betrayers. 00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:08.779 And I do not absolve 00:20:08.779 --> 00:20:12.059 myself. Indeed, 00:20:12.059 --> 00:20:14.160 the soul is ever persistent in commanding 00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:16.160 evil, 00:20:16.160 --> 00:20:18.160 except for those upon whom 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:20.160 my Lord bestows mercy. 00:20:20.160 --> 00:20:22.420 Indeed, my Lord is 00:20:22.420 --> 00:20:24.420 Forgiving and Merciful.' 00:20:24.420 --> 00:20:26.420 And 00:20:26.420 --> 00:20:28.420 the king said, 'Bring him to me; 00:20:28.420 --> 00:20:30.420 I will appoint him exclusively for myself.' 00:20:30.420 --> 00:20:32.420 Then when 00:20:32.420 --> 00:20:34.420 he spoke to him, he said, 00:20:34.420 --> 00:20:36.420 'Indeed, today you are 00:20:36.420 --> 00:20:38.420 before us firmly established 00:20:38.420 --> 00:20:40.420 and trusted.' 00:20:40.420 --> 00:20:42.420 Yusuf said, 'Appoint me 00:20:42.420 --> 00:20:44.420 over the storehouses of 00:20:44.420 --> 00:20:46.420 the land; indeed, I am 00:20:46.420 --> 00:20:48.420 a knowledgeable guardian.' 00:20:48.420 --> 00:20:50.420 And thus 00:20:50.420 --> 00:20:52.420 We established 00:20:52.420 --> 00:20:54.420 Yusuf in the land, 00:20:54.420 --> 00:20:56.420 to settle therein 00:20:56.420 --> 00:20:58.420 wherever he willed. 00:20:58.420 --> 00:21:00.420 We touch with Our mercy 00:21:00.420 --> 00:21:02.420 whom We will, 00:21:02.420 --> 00:21:04.420 and We do not let go to waste 00:21:04.420 --> 00:21:06.420 the reward of the doers of good. 00:21:06.420 --> 00:21:08.420 And the reward 00:21:08.420 --> 00:21:10.420 of the Hereafter is better 00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:12.420 for those who believed 00:21:12.420 --> 00:21:14.420 and were mindful of Allah." 00:21:14.420 --> 00:21:17.279 O 00:21:17.279 --> 00:21:19.279 noble brothers, 00:21:19.279 --> 00:21:21.279 this stage in the life of 00:21:21.279 --> 00:21:23.279 Yusuf (peace be upon him), 00:21:23.279 --> 00:21:25.279 while he was in prison, 00:21:25.279 --> 00:21:27.279 contains numerous lessons and insights. 00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:29.500 Among them: 00:21:29.500 --> 00:21:31.500 First, 00:21:31.500 --> 00:21:33.500 the caller to Allah must offer goodness to others, 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:35.500 comfort people, 00:21:35.500 --> 00:21:37.500 and mend their hearts, 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:39.500 so that souls may love him 00:21:39.500 --> 00:21:41.500 and accept his message. 00:21:41.500 --> 00:21:43.950 Second, 00:21:43.950 --> 00:21:45.950 calling to pure monotheism (Tawhid) 00:21:45.950 --> 00:21:47.950 and dedicating worship sincerely to Allah 00:21:47.950 --> 00:21:49.950 alone 00:21:49.950 --> 00:21:51.950 is the mission of all the prophets, 00:21:51.950 --> 00:21:53.950 under all circumstances. 00:21:53.950 --> 00:21:56.180 Third, 00:21:56.180 --> 00:21:58.180 imprisonment does not diminish a person's worth, 00:21:58.180 --> 00:22:00.180 especially 00:22:00.180 --> 00:22:02.180 when one is imprisoned for the sake of faith; 00:22:02.180 --> 00:22:04.180 rather, it is a badge of honor 00:22:04.180 --> 00:22:06.180 that one wears with pride in this worldly life 00:22:06.180 --> 00:22:08.180 and on the Day of Judgment. 00:22:08.180 --> 00:22:10.180 Joseph, peace be upon him, 00:22:10.180 --> 00:22:12.180 the noble Prophet, 00:22:12.180 --> 00:22:14.180 son of noble Prophets, 00:22:14.180 --> 00:22:16.180 entered prison 00:22:16.180 --> 00:22:18.589 and remained in it for a few years. 00:22:18.589 --> 00:22:20.589 Fourthly, 00:22:20.589 --> 00:22:22.589 sound planning is required 00:22:22.589 --> 00:22:24.589 in work, 00:22:24.589 --> 00:22:26.589 just as Joseph, peace be upon him, managed, 00:22:26.589 --> 00:22:28.589 so blessings and abundance multiplied during his reign. 00:22:28.589 --> 00:22:30.589 And likewise, 00:22:30.589 --> 00:22:32.589 whoever is entrusted with any affair of the Muslims, 00:22:32.589 --> 00:22:34.589 no matter how small, 00:22:34.589 --> 00:22:36.589 whether that authority is minor 00:22:36.589 --> 00:22:38.589 or major, 00:22:38.589 --> 00:22:40.589 must treat them gently, 00:22:40.589 --> 00:22:42.589 give them sincere counsel, 00:22:42.589 --> 00:22:44.589 and act in their best interest. 00:22:45.140 --> 00:22:47.140 Fifthly, 00:22:47.140 --> 00:22:49.140 dream interpretation is an important science, 00:22:49.140 --> 00:22:51.140 granted by Allah 00:22:51.140 --> 00:22:53.140 to whomever He wills among His servants; 00:22:53.140 --> 00:22:55.140 it falls under the realm of issuing formal legal opinions (fatwas). 00:22:55.140 --> 00:22:57.140 Therefore, anyone who lacks expertise 00:22:57.140 --> 00:22:59.140 to navigate its depths 00:22:59.140 --> 00:23:01.619 should not venture into it. 00:23:01.619 --> 00:23:03.619 Sixthly, 00:23:03.619 --> 00:23:05.619 the patience of Joseph, peace be upon him, 00:23:05.619 --> 00:23:07.619 and his steadfastness: 00:23:07.619 --> 00:23:09.619 after remaining in prison for a few years 00:23:09.619 --> 00:23:11.619 and receiving the opportunity to leave, 00:23:11.619 --> 00:23:13.619 he did not rush 00:23:13.619 --> 00:23:15.619 to exit the prison. 00:23:15.619 --> 00:23:17.619 Rather, he showed patience and paused, 00:23:17.619 --> 00:23:19.619 demanding first the establishment 00:23:19.619 --> 00:23:21.619 of his innocence from all charges, 00:23:21.619 --> 00:23:23.619 so that his release would not be 00:23:23.619 --> 00:23:25.619 a mere pardon granted to him 00:23:25.619 --> 00:23:27.619 because of his dream interpretation, 00:23:27.619 --> 00:23:29.619 but rather a release 00:23:29.619 --> 00:23:31.619 based on complete exoneration and a clear record. 00:23:31.619 --> 00:23:34.160 Seventhly, 00:23:34.160 --> 00:23:36.160 the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:23:36.160 --> 00:23:38.160 "If I had remained in 00:23:38.160 --> 00:23:40.160 prison as long as Joseph did, 00:23:40.160 --> 00:23:42.160 I would have accepted the summoner's call." 00:23:42.160 --> 00:23:44.160 Scholars have stated 00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:46.160 that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:23:46.160 --> 00:23:48.160 said this only 00:23:48.160 --> 00:23:50.160 out of humility, 00:23:50.160 --> 00:23:52.160 not because Joseph, peace be upon him, 00:23:52.160 --> 00:23:54.160 possessed greater patience than him; 00:23:54.160 --> 00:23:56.160 or he said it 00:23:56.160 --> 00:23:58.160 to elevate the stature of Joseph, 00:23:58.160 --> 00:24:00.190 peace be upon him; 00:24:00.190 --> 00:24:02.190 or because Joseph, peace be upon him, 00:24:02.190 --> 00:24:04.190 chose the path of strict resolve, 00:24:04.190 --> 00:24:06.190 whereas the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:24:06.190 --> 00:24:08.190 had he been in his place, 00:24:08.190 --> 00:24:11.279 would have taken the available concession. 00:24:11.279 --> 00:24:13.279 It is narrated that Joseph, peace be upon him, 00:24:13.279 --> 00:24:15.279 wrote on the door of the prison 00:24:15.279 --> 00:24:17.309 as he was leaving: 00:24:17.309 --> 00:24:19.309 "These are the dwellings of affliction, 00:24:19.309 --> 00:24:21.309 the graves of the living, 00:24:21.309 --> 00:24:23.309 the gloating of enemies, 00:24:23.309 --> 00:24:25.309 and the test of true friends." 00:24:25.309 --> 00:24:28.720 This talk will be 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:30.720 continued, Allah willing. 00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:32.720 And Allah knows best. 00:24:32.720 --> 00:24:34.720 Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. 00:24:34.720 --> 00:24:36.720 May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon 00:24:36.720 --> 00:24:38.720 our Prophet Muhammad, 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:40.720 and upon his family 00:24:40.720 --> 00:24:42.720 and all his Companions. 00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:46.220 You were listening to 00:24:46.220 --> 00:24:48.220 Stories of the Prophets.