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 --> 00:00:13,679 Allah's blessings, followed by peace, 3 00:00:13,679 --> 00:00:19,219 Be upon the best of all creation. 4 00:00:19,219 --> 00:00:24,480 Men of resolute will, exalted in rank— 5 00:00:24,480 --> 00:00:29,480 The story of Yusuf, peace be upon him. 6 00:00:29,480 --> 00:00:34,140 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 7 00:00:34,140 --> 00:00:37,390 Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, 8 00:00:37,390 --> 00:00:40,390 And blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, 9 00:00:40,390 --> 00:00:44,390 And upon all his family and Companions. 10 00:00:44,390 --> 00:00:46,390 To proceed: 11 00:00:46,390 --> 00:00:49,869 "And Allah may bring together two who are separated, after 12 00:00:49,869 --> 00:00:53,869 They both thought they would never meet again." 13 00:00:53,869 --> 00:00:56,189 This verse is fitting 14 00:00:56,189 --> 00:01:03,189 To serve as the title for a new chapter in the life of the Prophet of Allah, Yusuf, peace be upon him. 15 00:01:03,189 --> 00:01:06,219 For after the trials he endured— 16 00:01:06,219 --> 00:01:09,219 From the desolate nights of the well, 17 00:01:09,219 --> 00:01:11,219 To the dark nights of prison, 18 00:01:11,219 --> 00:01:15,219 Interspersed with the glittering days of the palace 19 00:01:15,219 --> 00:01:18,219 And moments of ruinous temptation— 20 00:01:18,219 --> 00:01:21,260 Here is Yusuf, peace be upon him, 21 00:01:21,260 --> 00:01:24,260 Ascending the throne over the storehouses of Egypt, 22 00:01:24,260 --> 00:01:27,260 Managing the greatest economy in the region, 23 00:01:27,260 --> 00:01:29,260 Armed with the knowledge Allah taught him, 24 00:01:29,260 --> 00:01:32,260 Guided by prophetic, administrative, 25 00:01:32,260 --> 00:01:34,260 And divinely inspired acumen, 26 00:01:34,260 --> 00:01:36,260 For he is "a trustworthy keeper and knowledgeable." 27 00:01:36,260 --> 00:01:41,730 After the seven years of abundance passed— 28 00:01:41,730 --> 00:01:44,730 During which Yusuf preserved the provisions, 29 00:01:44,730 --> 00:01:48,730 Storing the grain in its ears against times of need— 30 00:01:48,730 --> 00:01:51,760 The seven dry, barren years arrived. 31 00:01:51,760 --> 00:01:53,760 Food grew scarce, 32 00:01:53,760 --> 00:01:56,760 Famine struck the surrounding lands, 33 00:01:56,760 --> 00:02:00,819 And merchant caravans poured in from everywhere 34 00:02:00,819 --> 00:02:02,819 To secure provisions 35 00:02:02,819 --> 00:02:04,819 From the bustling market of Egypt, 36 00:02:04,819 --> 00:02:08,889 After drought had ravaged all the lands. 37 00:02:08,889 --> 00:02:10,889 Thus, Yusuf, peace be upon him, 38 00:02:10,889 --> 00:02:14,889 Opened his storehouses to everyone in measured rations, 39 00:02:14,889 --> 00:02:17,889 Dispensing to each person a single camel-load, 40 00:02:17,889 --> 00:02:21,949 So that the food would suffice all who sought it. 41 00:02:21,949 --> 00:02:24,949 Yusuf's brothers came from the land of Palestine, 42 00:02:24,949 --> 00:02:27,949 Having heard about the market in Egypt, 43 00:02:27,949 --> 00:02:31,949 Seeking to obtain grain like everyone else. 44 00:02:31,949 --> 00:02:34,949 Allah willed to bring together the transgressing brothers 45 00:02:34,949 --> 00:02:36,949 With their wronged brother, 46 00:02:36,949 --> 00:02:41,050 After years of separation and alienation. 47 00:02:41,050 --> 00:02:43,050 When they entered his presence 48 00:02:43,050 --> 00:02:46,050 And his eyes met theirs, 49 00:02:46,050 --> 00:02:47,050 He recognized them immediately. 50 00:02:47,050 --> 00:02:51,050 His memory swept back to years long past; 51 00:02:51,050 --> 00:02:54,080 He recalled their plotting, their cruelty, 52 00:02:54,080 --> 00:02:57,080 Their coldness, and their harshness. 53 00:02:57,080 --> 00:02:59,080 Yet despite their large number, 54 00:02:59,080 --> 00:03:02,080 They failed to recognize him; 55 00:03:02,080 --> 00:03:05,080 They did not know who he was, 56 00:03:05,080 --> 00:03:06,080 Having long forgotten him. 57 00:03:06,080 --> 00:03:09,080 But the victim of injustice never forgets. 58 00:03:09,080 --> 00:03:13,009 Yusuf, peace be upon him, received them 59 00:03:13,009 --> 00:03:15,009 With noble and elevated character. 60 00:03:15,009 --> 00:03:17,009 He did not disclose his identity, 61 00:03:17,009 --> 00:03:20,009 Nor did he remind them of the past, 62 00:03:20,009 --> 00:03:23,069 Knowing that time would take its course. 63 00:03:23,069 --> 00:03:26,069 He showed them generosity and treated them kindly, 64 00:03:26,069 --> 00:03:28,069 Inquiring about their wellbeing 65 00:03:28,069 --> 00:03:31,069 And the state of the noble ones they had left behind 66 00:03:31,069 --> 00:03:34,199 In the blessed land of Palestine. 67 00:03:34,199 --> 00:03:38,199 Then he provided them with their share of grain, 68 00:03:38,199 --> 00:03:40,199 Whereupon they said to him, 69 00:03:40,199 --> 00:03:43,199 "Grant us also the shares for our father and our brother, 70 00:03:43,199 --> 00:03:46,199 For they were unable to travel with us." 71 00:03:46,199 --> 00:03:49,199 He accepted their father's excuse for not coming, 72 00:03:49,199 --> 00:03:51,199 Granted him his share, 73 00:03:51,199 --> 00:03:53,199 But said to them, 74 00:03:53,199 --> 00:03:56,199 "Bring your brother with you next time, 75 00:03:56,199 --> 00:03:59,199 And I will give you your share as well as his. 76 00:03:59,199 --> 00:04:02,199 Do you not see my generosity toward you and others? 77 00:04:02,199 --> 00:04:05,199 This is my condition upon you: 78 00:04:05,199 --> 00:04:08,199 If you do not bring him to me next time, 79 00:04:08,199 --> 00:04:11,199 Do not bother coming back, 80 00:04:11,199 --> 00:04:14,199 For you shall have no measure of grain from me, 81 00:04:14,199 --> 00:04:17,199 Nor shall you approach my land or my market." 82 00:04:17,199 --> 00:04:20,199 Such was the firm message delivered; 83 00:04:20,199 --> 00:04:23,199 The words were decisive and the command final. 84 00:04:23,199 --> 00:04:26,199 Yet his heart burned with longing and earnest yearning 85 00:04:26,199 --> 00:04:29,199 To see his noble, affectionate father 86 00:04:29,199 --> 00:04:33,449 And his full brother. 87 00:04:33,449 --> 00:04:36,449 Yusuf, peace be upon him, feared they might not return, 88 00:04:36,449 --> 00:04:39,449 For he knew well their poverty and need, 89 00:04:39,449 --> 00:04:42,449 And worried that their goods 90 00:04:42,449 --> 00:04:45,449 Used to purchase food might be insufficient, 91 00:04:45,449 --> 00:04:48,449 Leaving them unable to make another journey. 92 00:04:48,449 --> 00:04:51,449 So he said to his servants, 93 00:04:51,449 --> 00:04:54,449 "Take the goods they brought as payment, 94 00:04:54,449 --> 00:04:57,449 And put them back into their saddlebags without their knowledge, 95 00:04:57,449 --> 00:05:00,449 So they may discover them when they return to their family, 96 00:05:00,449 --> 00:05:03,449 And thus be prompted to return once more. 97 00:05:03,449 --> 00:05:06,449 And deduct the cost of their grain 98 00:05:06,449 --> 00:05:09,449 From my own personal wealth." 99 00:05:09,449 --> 00:05:12,449 Indeed, the noble Yusuf 100 00:05:12,449 --> 00:05:15,449 Would not take payment from his brothers for the food 101 00:05:15,449 --> 00:05:18,449 That they carried back with them; 102 00:05:18,449 --> 00:05:21,449 He deemed it a breach of noble character to take money 103 00:05:21,449 --> 00:05:24,449 From his father and brothers in exchange for food. 104 00:05:24,449 --> 00:05:27,449 Thus he honored them, repaying the mistreatment 105 00:05:27,449 --> 00:05:30,449 Of his brothers with kindness and benevolence. 106 00:05:30,449 --> 00:05:34,949 The brothers returned to their father 107 00:05:34,949 --> 00:05:37,949 And said, "We have obtained the food 108 00:05:37,949 --> 00:05:40,949 That we need for this year. 109 00:05:40,949 --> 00:05:43,949 However, we will not be able to get any grain 110 00:05:43,949 --> 00:05:46,949 Next year unless we take 111 00:05:46,949 --> 00:05:49,949 Our brother Benjamin with us, 112 00:05:49,949 --> 00:05:52,949 For this was made a condition upon us. 113 00:05:52,949 --> 00:05:56,139 So send him with us, and we will surely safeguard him." 114 00:05:56,139 --> 00:05:59,139 Thus they reopened a wound that time had not healed, 115 00:05:59,139 --> 00:06:02,139 Striking their father where it hurt him most. 116 00:06:02,139 --> 00:06:05,139 He said to them in deep pain, 117 00:06:05,139 --> 00:06:08,139 "How can I trust you with Benjamin, 118 00:06:08,139 --> 00:06:11,139 When I trusted you with his brother Yusuf before, 119 00:06:11,139 --> 00:06:14,139 And you betrayed my trust? 120 00:06:14,139 --> 00:06:17,139 I will never send him with you. 121 00:06:17,139 --> 00:06:20,139 Allah will protect him with His protection, 122 00:06:20,139 --> 00:06:23,139 And protect his brother, and save us from hunger, 123 00:06:23,139 --> 00:06:26,139 For He is the Most Merciful of the merciful." 124 00:06:26,139 --> 00:06:29,139 They remained silent, unable 125 00:06:29,139 --> 00:06:32,139 To offer any reply, for a guilty person's 126 00:06:32,139 --> 00:06:35,980 Argument is weak. The brothers then opened 127 00:06:35,980 --> 00:06:38,980 Their baggage to unload the grain provisions 128 00:06:38,980 --> 00:06:41,980 They had brought back from Egypt, 129 00:06:41,980 --> 00:06:44,980 Only to find the goods they had taken to purchase food 130 00:06:44,980 --> 00:06:47,980 Had been returned to them. 131 00:06:47,980 --> 00:06:50,980 Overjoyed, they went to their father with glad tidings, 132 00:06:50,980 --> 00:06:53,980 Saying to him, 133 00:06:53,980 --> 00:06:56,980 "O our father, what more could we desire? 134 00:06:56,980 --> 00:06:59,980 We have brought back the food, 135 00:06:59,980 --> 00:07:02,980 And here are our goods returned to us. 136 00:07:02,980 --> 00:07:05,980 This is part of the governor's benevolence toward us. 137 00:07:05,980 --> 00:07:08,980 Now, all we need 138 00:07:08,980 --> 00:07:11,980 Is to take our brother along, 139 00:07:11,980 --> 00:07:14,980 So we may secure grain for ourselves and all our family, 140 00:07:14,980 --> 00:07:17,980 Protect our brother during our journey, 141 00:07:17,980 --> 00:07:20,980 And gain an extra measure of grain—the load of one more camel. 142 00:07:20,980 --> 00:07:23,980 This will be an easy and effortless gain." 143 00:07:23,980 --> 00:07:26,980 They persistently pressed their father, 144 00:07:26,980 --> 00:07:29,980 Until the grieving father finally agreed, 145 00:07:29,980 --> 00:07:32,980 But he imposed a strict condition upon them: 146 00:07:32,980 --> 00:07:35,980 That they give him a solemn pledge in the name of Allah 147 00:07:36,980 --> 00:07:39,980 To safeguard him, 148 00:07:39,980 --> 00:07:43,069 Unless they were completely overwhelmed. 149 00:07:43,069 --> 00:07:46,069 When they gave him their solemn oaths and pledges, 150 00:07:46,069 --> 00:07:49,069 He permitted their brother Benjamin to go with them 151 00:07:49,069 --> 00:07:52,459 To the market of Egypt 152 00:07:52,459 --> 00:07:55,459 And meet its governor. 153 00:07:55,459 --> 00:07:58,459 Allah Almighty said: 154 00:07:58,459 --> 00:08:01,459 “And Joseph's brethren came and presented themselves before him, and he knew them but they knew him not.” (12:58) 155 00:08:01,459 --> 00:08:04,459 ﴿...and he recognized them, while they were unaware of him.﴾ 156 00:08:05,459 --> 00:08:08,459 ﴿And when he had furnished them 157 00:08:08,459 --> 00:08:11,459 with their supplies, he said, 158 00:08:11,459 --> 00:08:14,459 "Bring me a brother of yours 159 00:08:14,459 --> 00:08:17,459 from your father. 160 00:08:17,459 --> 00:08:20,459 Do you not see that I 161 00:08:20,459 --> 00:08:23,459 “And when he provided them with their provision he said: Bring unto me a brother of yours from your father. See ye not that I fill up the measure and I am the best of hosts?” (12:59) 162 00:08:23,459 --> 00:08:26,459 “And if ye bring him not unto me, then there shall be no measure for you with me, nor shall ye draw near.” (12:60) 163 00:08:26,459 --> 00:08:29,459 “And if ye bring him not unto me, then there shall be no measure for you with me, nor shall ye draw near.” (12:60) 164 00:08:29,459 --> 00:08:32,460 ...nor shall you come near me."﴾ 165 00:08:32,460 --> 00:08:35,460 ﴿They said, "We will solicit 166 00:08:35,460 --> 00:08:38,460 his father for him, and we will surely 167 00:08:38,460 --> 00:08:41,460 do so."﴾ 168 00:08:41,460 --> 00:08:44,460 ﴿And he said to his servants, "Put 169 00:08:44,460 --> 00:08:47,460 their goods into their saddlebags 170 00:08:47,460 --> 00:08:50,460 so that they may recognize them 171 00:08:50,460 --> 00:08:53,460 so that they may recognize them 172 00:08:53,460 --> 00:08:56,460 when they return to their family, 173 00:08:56,460 --> 00:08:59,460 that perhaps they may return."﴾ 174 00:08:59,460 --> 00:09:02,460 “So when they went back to their father they said: O our father! The measure is denied us, so send with us our brother that we may obtain the measure, surely we will guard him well.” (12:63) 175 00:09:02,460 --> 00:09:05,460 “So when they went back to their father they said: O our father! The measure is denied us, so send with us our brother that we may obtain the measure, surely we will guard him well.” (12:63) 176 00:09:05,460 --> 00:09:08,460 ﴿..."The measure of grain has been denied us, 177 00:09:08,460 --> 00:09:11,460 “So when they went back to their father they said: O our father! The measure is denied us, so send with us our brother that we may obtain the measure, surely we will guard him well.” (12:63) 178 00:09:11,460 --> 00:09:14,460 “So when they went back to their father they said: O our father! The measure is denied us, so send with us our brother that we may obtain the measure, surely we will guard him well.” (12:63) 179 00:09:14,460 --> 00:09:17,460 so send with us our brother that we may get our measure, 180 00:09:17,460 --> 00:09:20,460 and we will indeed 181 00:09:20,460 --> 00:09:23,490 protect him."﴾ 182 00:09:23,490 --> 00:09:26,490 ﴿He said, "Can I trust you with him 183 00:09:26,490 --> 00:09:29,490 any differently than I trusted you with his brother before? 184 00:09:29,490 --> 00:09:32,490 “He said: Can I entrust him to you save as I entrusted his brother to you aforetime? Allah is better at guarding, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.” (12:64) 185 00:09:32,490 --> 00:09:35,490 But Allah is the best guardian, 186 00:09:35,490 --> 00:09:38,490 and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful."﴾ 187 00:09:38,490 --> 00:09:41,490 ﴿And when 188 00:09:41,490 --> 00:09:44,490 they opened their baggage, they found 189 00:09:44,490 --> 00:09:47,490 their goods returned to them.﴾ 190 00:09:47,490 --> 00:09:50,490 “And when they opened their belongings they discovered that their merchandise had been returned to them. They said: O our father! What (more) can we ask? Here is our merchandise returned to us. We shall get provision for our folk and guard our brother, and we shall have the extra measure of a camel (load). This (that we bring now) is a light measure.” (12:65) 191 00:09:50,490 --> 00:09:53,490 ﴿They said, "O our father, what more can we desire? This is our merchandise 192 00:09:53,490 --> 00:09:56,490 returned to us! 193 00:09:56,490 --> 00:09:59,490 We will obtain food for our family, 194 00:09:59,490 --> 00:10:02,490 protect our brother, 195 00:10:02,490 --> 00:10:05,490 and gain an extra measure—the load of a camel. 196 00:10:05,490 --> 00:10:08,490 That is an easy measure!"﴾ 197 00:10:08,490 --> 00:10:11,490 “He said: I will not send him with you till ye give me an undertaking in the name of Allah that ye will bring him back to me, unless ye are surrounded. And when they gave him their undertaking he said: Allah is the Warden over what we say.” (12:66) 198 00:10:11,490 --> 00:10:14,490 ﴿He said, "I will not send him with you until you give me a solemn pledge 199 00:10:14,490 --> 00:10:17,490 in the name of Allah that you will bring him back 200 00:10:17,490 --> 00:10:20,490 to me..."﴾ 201 00:10:20,490 --> 00:10:23,490 “He said: I will not send him with you till ye give me an undertaking in the name of Allah that ye will bring him back to me, unless ye are surrounded. And when they gave him their undertaking he said: Allah is the Warden over what we say.” (12:66) 202 00:10:23,490 --> 00:10:26,490 ﴿And when they had given him 203 00:10:26,490 --> 00:10:29,490 their solemn pledge, he said, "Allah 204 00:10:29,490 --> 00:10:32,490 is Witness over what we say."﴾ 205 00:10:32,490 --> 00:10:36,259 Then, as the brothers 206 00:10:36,259 --> 00:10:39,259 prepared to set out on the journey, their father 207 00:10:39,259 --> 00:10:42,259 Ya'qub, peace be upon him, gave them counsel, 208 00:10:42,259 --> 00:10:45,259 speaking out of deep affection and care: "O my sons, 209 00:10:45,259 --> 00:10:48,259 Egypt has four gates; 210 00:10:48,259 --> 00:10:51,259 enter through all the different gates, 211 00:10:51,259 --> 00:10:54,259 "And do not enter through a single gate, 212 00:10:54,259 --> 00:10:57,259 It was said that he feared the evil eye for them, 213 00:10:57,259 --> 00:11:00,259 for they were ten brothers, 214 00:11:00,259 --> 00:11:03,480 all possessing striking and handsome appearances. 215 00:11:03,480 --> 00:11:06,480 The evil eye is a reality; 216 00:11:06,480 --> 00:11:09,480 'If anything could precede the divine decree, it would be the evil eye,' 217 00:11:09,480 --> 00:11:12,480 as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said. 218 00:11:12,480 --> 00:11:15,480 So they did as their father instructed them, 219 00:11:15,480 --> 00:11:18,480 entering just as their father had commanded them. 220 00:11:18,480 --> 00:11:21,480 Yet it could not avail them against the decree of Allah in the least, 221 00:11:21,480 --> 00:11:24,480 if He had ordained something for them, 222 00:11:24,480 --> 00:11:27,480 except that it fulfilled a deep need in the soul of their father. 223 00:11:27,480 --> 00:11:30,480 For he, peace be upon him, was possessed of knowledge, 224 00:11:30,480 --> 00:11:33,480 taught to him directly by Allah, 225 00:11:33,480 --> 00:11:37,309 such as most people do not know. 226 00:11:37,309 --> 00:11:40,309 When they arrived in the land of Egypt once again, 227 00:11:40,309 --> 00:11:43,309 Joseph (peace be upon him) summoned them, 228 00:11:44,309 --> 00:11:47,309 and lodged every two of them together in a dwelling. 229 00:11:47,309 --> 00:11:50,309 Thus, his full brother Benjamin was left alone without a companion. 230 00:11:50,309 --> 00:11:53,309 When they retired to their quarters, 231 00:11:53,309 --> 00:11:56,309 Joseph took his brother aside to himself without their knowledge, 232 00:11:56,309 --> 00:11:59,309 and embraced him warmly— 233 00:11:59,309 --> 00:12:02,309 his beloved full brother. 234 00:12:02,309 --> 00:12:05,309 He disclosed his identity to him, saying: 235 00:12:05,309 --> 00:12:08,309 'Indeed, I am your brother Joseph, 236 00:12:08,309 --> 00:12:11,309 so do not despair or grieve over what they used to do.' 237 00:12:12,309 --> 00:12:15,409 He then agreed with him upon a plan 238 00:12:15,409 --> 00:12:18,409 by which he could remain with him in Egypt. 239 00:12:18,409 --> 00:12:21,409 So Joseph placed the royal measuring goblet of the King of Egypt 240 00:12:21,409 --> 00:12:25,210 inside his brother's saddlebag, and then they departed. 241 00:12:25,210 --> 00:12:28,210 The next day, the brothers prepared 242 00:12:28,210 --> 00:12:31,210 their mounts and intended to return home, 243 00:12:31,210 --> 00:12:34,210 having secured their provisions. 244 00:12:34,210 --> 00:12:37,210 Suddenly, a herald called out to them: 245 00:12:37,210 --> 00:12:40,210 'O caravan! 246 00:12:40,210 --> 00:12:43,210 O traveling party! 247 00:12:43,210 --> 00:12:46,399 Indeed, you are thieves!' 248 00:12:46,399 --> 00:12:49,399 The brothers were astonished by this accusation 249 00:12:49,399 --> 00:12:52,429 and said, 'Perhaps there is some misunderstanding in this matter.' 250 00:12:52,429 --> 00:12:55,429 They turned to the herald and asked him: 251 00:12:55,429 --> 00:12:58,429 'What are you missing?' 252 00:12:58,429 --> 00:13:01,460 He replied, 'We are missing the King's measuring goblet, 253 00:13:01,460 --> 00:13:04,460 and this cup is precious and valuable. 254 00:13:04,460 --> 00:13:07,460 Whoever brings it back of his own accord 255 00:13:07,460 --> 00:13:10,460 shall have a camel's load of grain in addition to his share, 256 00:13:10,460 --> 00:13:13,460 and I personally guarantee it.' 257 00:13:13,460 --> 00:13:16,720 The brothers answered with complete confidence: 258 00:13:16,720 --> 00:13:19,720 'By Allah, you well know that we did not come 259 00:13:19,720 --> 00:13:22,720 to cause corruption in the land, 260 00:13:22,720 --> 00:13:25,720 and you have recognized this from our noble conduct.' 261 00:13:25,720 --> 00:13:28,720 It was said that they used to muzzle 262 00:13:28,720 --> 00:13:31,720 their camels when passing through the farmlands 263 00:13:31,720 --> 00:13:34,720 and orchards of Egypt so they would not graze on them. 264 00:13:35,720 --> 00:13:38,720 They reinforced their statement with an absolute denial 265 00:13:38,720 --> 00:13:41,820 of theft. So the herald said to them: 266 00:13:41,820 --> 00:13:44,820 'What shall be the penalty for the thief if it turns out to be one of you, 267 00:13:44,820 --> 00:13:47,879 and you prove to be liars?' 268 00:13:47,879 --> 00:13:50,879 The official herald responsible for the goblet— 269 00:13:50,879 --> 00:13:53,879 under the guidance of Joseph (peace be upon him)— 270 00:13:53,879 --> 00:13:56,879 wanted the penalty of the thief to be determined 271 00:13:56,879 --> 00:13:59,879 by them in accordance with their own sacred law, 272 00:13:59,879 --> 00:14:02,879 wherein the thief becomes a slave to the victim, 273 00:14:02,879 --> 00:14:05,980 unlike the imperial law of the King in Egypt, 274 00:14:05,980 --> 00:14:08,980 under which a thief was merely beaten and imprisoned. 275 00:14:08,980 --> 00:14:11,980 Therefore, he left the judgment to them, 276 00:14:11,980 --> 00:14:14,980 and they said: 277 00:14:14,980 --> 00:14:17,980 'The penalty for him in whose bag the goblet is found 278 00:14:17,980 --> 00:14:20,980 is that he himself shall be retained by you as a slave.' 279 00:14:20,980 --> 00:14:23,980 They all agreed to this judgment. 280 00:14:23,980 --> 00:14:26,980 Thereupon, the search commenced 281 00:14:26,980 --> 00:14:29,980 in the belongings of all the brothers in the caravan, 282 00:14:30,980 --> 00:14:33,980 so that they would not suspect any contrivance. 283 00:14:33,980 --> 00:14:36,980 Then, when he reached the saddlebag of Benjamin, 284 00:14:36,980 --> 00:14:39,980 he extracted the goblet from it. 285 00:14:39,980 --> 00:14:42,980 The brothers were utterly dumbfounded and demoralized, 286 00:14:42,980 --> 00:14:45,980 and the plan of Joseph (peace be upon him) succeeded. 287 00:14:45,980 --> 00:14:48,980 This was part of the subtle plan decreed for him by Allah, Glorified and Exalted. 288 00:14:48,980 --> 00:14:51,980 So they seized Benjamin 289 00:14:51,980 --> 00:14:54,980 from among his brothers 290 00:14:54,980 --> 00:14:58,200 to remain behind in Egypt. 291 00:14:59,200 --> 00:15:02,200 And when they presented themselves 292 00:15:02,200 --> 00:15:05,200 before Joseph, he took 293 00:15:05,200 --> 00:15:08,200 his brother to himself, 294 00:15:08,200 --> 00:15:11,389 “And when they went in before Joseph, he took his brother unto him, saying: Lo! I, even I, am thy brother, therefore sorrow not for what they did.” (12:69) 295 00:15:11,389 --> 00:15:14,389 saying, 'Do not grieve over what they used 296 00:15:14,389 --> 00:15:17,389 to do.' 297 00:15:17,389 --> 00:15:20,389 So when he had provided them 298 00:15:20,389 --> 00:15:23,389 with their supplies, he placed the drinking cup 299 00:15:23,389 --> 00:15:26,389 in his brother's saddlebag. 300 00:15:27,389 --> 00:15:30,389 Then a herald called out: 301 00:15:30,389 --> 00:15:33,389 'O caravan, indeed you 302 00:15:33,389 --> 00:15:36,389 are thieves!' 303 00:15:36,389 --> 00:15:39,389 They turned back to them and said: 304 00:15:39,389 --> 00:15:42,389 'What are you missing?' 305 00:15:42,389 --> 00:15:45,389 “They said: We have lost the king's cup, and he who bringeth it shall have a camel-load, and I (said Joseph) am answerable for it.” (12:72) 306 00:15:45,389 --> 00:15:48,389 'And for him who brings it back is 307 00:15:48,389 --> 00:15:51,389 a camel's load, 308 00:15:51,389 --> 00:15:54,389 and for him who brings it back is 309 00:15:54,389 --> 00:15:57,389 a camel's load, 310 00:15:57,389 --> 00:16:00,389 and I am bound as guarantor for it.' 311 00:16:00,389 --> 00:16:03,389 “They said: By Allah, well ye know we came not to do evil in the land, and are no thieves.” (12:73) 312 00:16:03,389 --> 00:16:06,389 “They said: By Allah, well ye know we came not to do evil in the land, and are no thieves.” (12:73) 313 00:16:06,389 --> 00:16:09,389 'And we have never been thieves.' 314 00:16:09,389 --> 00:16:12,389 They said, 'Then what shall be its penalty 315 00:16:12,389 --> 00:16:15,389 if you should be 316 00:16:15,389 --> 00:16:18,389 liars?' 317 00:16:18,389 --> 00:16:21,389 They replied, 'Its penalty shall be on him in whose 318 00:16:21,389 --> 00:16:24,389 saddlebag it is found; he himself shall be its penalty. 319 00:16:24,389 --> 00:16:27,389 Thus do we repay the wrongdoers.' 320 00:16:27,389 --> 00:16:30,389 So he began searching 321 00:16:30,389 --> 00:16:33,389 “Then he (Joseph) began the search with their bags before his brother's bag, then he produced it from his brother's bag. Thus did We contrive for Joseph. He could not have taken his brother according to the king's law unless Allah willed. We raise by grades (of mercy) whom We will, and over every lord of knowledge there is one more knowing.” (12:76) 322 00:16:33,389 --> 00:16:36,389 then extracted it 323 00:16:36,389 --> 00:16:39,389 from his brother's bag. 324 00:16:39,389 --> 00:16:42,389 Thus did We plan 325 00:16:42,389 --> 00:16:45,389 for Joseph; 326 00:16:45,389 --> 00:16:48,389 “Then he (Joseph) began the search with their bags before his brother's bag, then he produced it from his brother's bag. Thus did We contrive for Joseph. He could not have taken his brother according to the king's law unless Allah willed. We raise by grades (of mercy) whom We will, and over every lord of knowledge there is one more knowing.” (12:76) 327 00:16:48,389 --> 00:16:51,389 he could not have taken his brother except by the will of 328 00:16:51,389 --> 00:16:54,649 Allah. 329 00:16:54,649 --> 00:16:57,649 We raise in degrees whom We 330 00:16:57,649 --> 00:17:00,649 will, 331 00:17:00,649 --> 00:17:03,649 and above every 332 00:17:03,649 --> 00:17:08,089 possessor of knowledge is One All-Knowing. 333 00:17:08,089 --> 00:17:11,089 The brothers stood before 334 00:17:11,089 --> 00:17:14,089 Joseph, the minister, 335 00:17:14,089 --> 00:17:17,089 and spoke, offering excuses for what had transpired from their brother: 336 00:17:17,089 --> 00:17:20,089 “They said: If he stealeth, a brother of his stole before. But Joseph kept it secret in his soul and revealed it not unto them. He said (within himself): Ye are in worse case, and Allah knoweth best (the truth of) that which ye allege.” (12:77) 337 00:17:20,089 --> 00:17:23,089 referring to their brother Joseph 338 00:17:23,089 --> 00:17:26,089 when he was young, 339 00:17:26,089 --> 00:17:29,089 claiming he had stolen an idol and destroyed it, 340 00:17:29,089 --> 00:17:32,089 or saying this falsely against him 341 00:17:32,089 --> 00:17:35,089 out of a lingering jealousy in their hearts to this day. 342 00:17:35,089 --> 00:17:38,089 Joseph (peace be upon him) said to himself: 343 00:17:38,089 --> 00:17:41,089 'You are in a far worse position,' 344 00:17:41,089 --> 00:17:45,500 “They said: If he stealeth, a brother of his stole before. But Joseph kept it secret in his soul and revealed it not unto them. He said (within himself): Ye are in worse case, and Allah knoweth best (the truth of) that which ye allege.” (12:77) 345 00:17:45,500 --> 00:17:48,500 for the worst of brothers are those who break their pledge to their father. 346 00:17:48,500 --> 00:17:51,500 Sensing the severity of the situation, 347 00:17:51,500 --> 00:17:54,500 they pleaded with Joseph (peace be upon him): 348 00:17:54,500 --> 00:17:57,500 'O noble chief! 349 00:17:57,500 --> 00:18:00,500 Indeed, this boy has a father who is a very elderly man, 350 00:18:00,500 --> 00:18:03,500 who cannot bear separation from him. 351 00:18:03,500 --> 00:18:06,500 So show mercy to him and take one of us in his place, 352 00:18:06,500 --> 00:18:09,660 for we see that you are among the doers of good.' 353 00:18:09,660 --> 00:18:12,660 Joseph (peace be upon him) replied: 354 00:18:13,660 --> 00:18:16,660 'We would indeed be wrongdoers were we to do that.' 355 00:18:16,660 --> 00:18:19,910 The brothers persisted in pleading with him, 356 00:18:19,910 --> 00:18:22,910 but their attempts met with no success. 357 00:18:22,910 --> 00:18:25,910 When they reached a point of total despair, 358 00:18:25,910 --> 00:18:28,910 they withdrew by themselves, 359 00:18:28,910 --> 00:18:31,910 conferring in low, hushed tones. 360 00:18:31,910 --> 00:18:34,940 Their eldest brother said: 361 00:18:34,940 --> 00:18:37,940 “So, When they despaired of (moving) him, they conferred together apart. The eldest of them said: Know ye not how your father took an undertaking from you in Allah's name and how ye failed in the case of Joseph aforetime? Therefore I shall not go forth from the land until my father giveth leave or Allah judgeth for me. He is the Best of Judges.” (12:80) 362 00:18:37,940 --> 00:18:40,940 'Has your father not taken solemn oaths from you? 363 00:18:40,940 --> 00:18:43,940 With what face will you meet him now, 364 00:18:43,940 --> 00:18:46,940 given your past crime 365 00:18:46,940 --> 00:18:49,940 in losing his son Joseph? 366 00:18:49,940 --> 00:18:52,940 Have you forgotten that? 367 00:18:52,940 --> 00:18:55,940 As for me, I cannot bring myself to return 368 00:18:55,940 --> 00:18:58,940 to my father in this state. 369 00:18:58,940 --> 00:19:01,940 I will never leave this land of Egypt 370 00:19:01,940 --> 00:19:04,940 unless my father grants me leave, 371 00:19:04,940 --> 00:19:07,940 or Allah judges in my favor by returning my brother to me. 372 00:19:08,940 --> 00:19:12,619 Return, O my brothers, 373 00:19:12,619 --> 00:19:15,619 and inform my father of what happened, 374 00:19:15,619 --> 00:19:18,619 and speak the truth. 375 00:19:18,619 --> 00:19:21,619 Tell him: "Your son committed theft, 376 00:19:21,619 --> 00:19:24,619 and we have only reported what we witnessed. 377 00:19:24,619 --> 00:19:27,619 And if you do not believe us, 378 00:19:27,619 --> 00:19:30,619 ask the people of Egypt among whom we stayed, 379 00:19:30,619 --> 00:19:33,619 or ask the people of the caravan who traveled with us, 380 00:19:33,619 --> 00:19:36,619 for we are indeed truthful in what we say."' 381 00:19:36,619 --> 00:19:39,900 So they returned to Palestine 382 00:19:39,900 --> 00:19:42,900 and informed their father of what had befallen them in Egypt. 383 00:19:42,900 --> 00:19:45,900 Jacob (peace be upon him) said: 384 00:19:45,900 --> 00:19:48,900 'Nay, your inner selves have enticed you into something.' 385 00:19:48,900 --> 00:19:51,900 And indeed he spoke the truth, 386 00:19:51,900 --> 00:19:55,000 for this was a plan orchestrated by Joseph (peace be upon him). 387 00:19:55,000 --> 00:19:58,000 Then Jacob composed himself with patience, 388 00:19:58,000 --> 00:20:01,000 saying, 'So graceful patience is best, 389 00:20:01,000 --> 00:20:04,000 without complaining to any created being. 390 00:20:04,000 --> 00:20:07,000 “(And when they came unto their father and had spoken thus to him) he said: Nay, but your minds have beguiled you into something. (My course is) comely patience! It may be that Allah will bring them all unto me. Lo! He, only He, is the Knower, the Wise.” (12:83) 391 00:20:07,000 --> 00:20:10,000 Joseph, his brother Benjamin, 392 00:20:10,000 --> 00:20:13,000 and their eldest brother. 393 00:20:13,000 --> 00:20:16,450 And Allah is over all things Omnipotent.' 394 00:20:16,450 --> 00:20:19,509 Allah the Almighty says: 395 00:20:19,509 --> 00:20:22,509 'They said: "O noble chief! 396 00:20:22,509 --> 00:20:25,509 Indeed, he has a father, 397 00:20:25,509 --> 00:20:28,509 a very old man, 398 00:20:28,509 --> 00:20:31,509 a very old man." 399 00:20:31,509 --> 00:20:34,509 He said: "Allah forbid 400 00:20:34,509 --> 00:20:37,930 that we should take 401 00:20:37,930 --> 00:20:40,930 anyone except him with whom we found 402 00:20:40,930 --> 00:20:43,930 our property; 403 00:20:43,930 --> 00:20:46,930 except him with whom we found 404 00:20:46,930 --> 00:20:49,930 our property. 405 00:20:49,930 --> 00:20:52,930 Indeed, we would then be wrongdoers." 406 00:20:52,930 --> 00:20:55,930 So when they despaired 407 00:20:55,930 --> 00:20:59,660 of him, they withdrew privately to confer. 408 00:20:59,660 --> 00:21:02,660 “So, When they despaired of (moving) him, they conferred together apart. The eldest of them said: Know ye not how your father took an undertaking from you in Allah's name and how ye failed in the case of Joseph aforetime? Therefore I shall not go forth from the land until my father giveth leave or Allah judgeth for me. He is the Best of Judges.” (12:80) 409 00:21:02,660 --> 00:21:05,660 "that your father 410 00:21:05,660 --> 00:21:08,660 has taken from you 411 00:21:08,660 --> 00:21:11,660 a pledge? 412 00:21:11,660 --> 00:21:14,660 Has taken from you 413 00:21:14,660 --> 00:21:17,660 a pledge by Allah? 414 00:21:17,660 --> 00:21:20,660 And before this, how you failed 415 00:21:20,660 --> 00:21:23,660 “So, When they despaired of (moving) him, they conferred together apart. The eldest of them said: Know ye not how your father took an undertaking from you in Allah's name and how ye failed in the case of Joseph aforetime? Therefore I shall not go forth from the land until my father giveth leave or Allah judgeth for me. He is the Best of Judges.” (12:80) 416 00:21:23,660 --> 00:21:26,660 the land until my father permits me, 417 00:21:26,660 --> 00:21:29,660 “So, When they despaired of (moving) him, they conferred together apart. The eldest of them said: Know ye not how your father took an undertaking from you in Allah's name and how ye failed in the case of Joseph aforetime? Therefore I shall not go forth from the land until my father giveth leave or Allah judgeth for me. He is the Best of Judges.” (12:80) 418 00:21:29,660 --> 00:21:32,660 and He is the best of judges. 419 00:21:32,660 --> 00:21:35,660 Return to 420 00:21:35,660 --> 00:21:38,660 “Return unto your father and say: O our father! Lo! thy son hath stolen. We testify only to that which we know; we are not guardians of the Unseen.” (12:81) 421 00:21:38,660 --> 00:21:41,700 'Indeed, your son has stolen.' 422 00:21:41,700 --> 00:21:44,700 So say: 'O our father, 423 00:21:44,700 --> 00:21:47,700 "Indeed, your son has stolen; 424 00:21:47,700 --> 00:21:50,700 and we testify to nothing 425 00:21:50,700 --> 00:21:53,700 except what we know, 426 00:21:53,700 --> 00:21:56,700 and we were not of the unseen 427 00:21:56,700 --> 00:21:59,700 guardians." 428 00:21:59,700 --> 00:22:02,700 “Ask the township where we were, and the caravan with which we travelled hither. Lo! we speak the truth.” (12:82) 429 00:22:02,700 --> 00:22:05,700 “Ask the township where we were, and the caravan with which we travelled hither. Lo! we speak the truth.” (12:82) 430 00:22:05,700 --> 00:22:08,700 "in it, and indeed we 431 00:22:08,700 --> 00:22:11,700 are truthful." 432 00:22:11,700 --> 00:22:14,700 He said, "Rather, your souls have enticed you 433 00:22:14,700 --> 00:22:17,700 into something, 434 00:22:17,700 --> 00:22:20,700 so patience is most fitting. 435 00:22:20,700 --> 00:22:23,700 Perhaps Allah will bring them 436 00:22:23,700 --> 00:22:26,700 all back to me. 437 00:22:26,700 --> 00:22:30,910 Indeed, He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise." 438 00:22:30,910 --> 00:22:35,289 A questioner may 439 00:22:35,289 --> 00:22:38,289 ask: How could Joseph, 440 00:22:38,289 --> 00:22:41,289 peace be upon him, do such a thing to his father? 441 00:22:41,289 --> 00:22:44,289 Why did he not inform his father about his condition? 442 00:22:44,289 --> 00:22:47,289 And why did he detain his brother, knowing 443 00:22:47,289 --> 00:22:50,289 the intense grief it would cause his father? 444 00:22:50,289 --> 00:22:53,289 For this would seem like undutifulness, severing family ties, 445 00:22:53,289 --> 00:22:56,349 and a lack of compassion. 446 00:22:56,349 --> 00:22:59,349 The answer to this—and Allah knows best— 447 00:22:59,349 --> 00:23:02,349 is that he did so by the command of Allah, the Glorified and Exalted. 448 00:23:02,349 --> 00:23:05,349 He commanded him to do it in order to increase the trial of 449 00:23:05,349 --> 00:23:08,349 Jacob, peace be upon him, 450 00:23:08,349 --> 00:23:11,349 so that his reward would be multiplied 451 00:23:11,349 --> 00:23:15,759 and he would reach the spiritual rank of his forefathers before him. 452 00:23:15,759 --> 00:23:18,759 To be continued, Allah willing. 453 00:23:18,759 --> 00:23:21,759 And Allah knows best. 454 00:23:21,759 --> 00:23:24,759 All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. 455 00:23:24,759 --> 00:23:27,759 May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, 456 00:23:27,759 --> 00:23:32,519 and upon his family and all his Companions. 457 00:23:32,519 --> 00:23:35,519 You were listening to Stories of the Prophets. 458 00:23:35,519 --> 00:23:46,900 May Allah send peace and blessings.