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 --> 00:00:13.679 Allah's blessings, followed by peace, 00:00:13.679 --> 00:00:19.219 Be upon the best of all creation. 00:00:19.219 --> 00:00:24.480 Men of resolute will, exalted in rank— 00:00:24.480 --> 00:00:29.480 The story of Yusuf, peace be upon him. 00:00:29.480 --> 00:00:34.140 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 00:00:34.140 --> 00:00:37.390 Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, 00:00:37.390 --> 00:00:40.390 And blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, 00:00:40.390 --> 00:00:44.390 And upon all his family and Companions. 00:00:44.390 --> 00:00:46.390 To proceed: 00:00:46.390 --> 00:00:49.869 "And Allah may bring together two who are separated, after 00:00:49.869 --> 00:00:53.869 They both thought they would never meet again." 00:00:53.869 --> 00:00:56.189 This verse is fitting 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. 00:01:03.189 --> 00:01:06.219 For after the trials he endured— 00:01:06.219 --> 00:01:09.219 From the desolate nights of the well, 00:01:09.219 --> 00:01:11.219 To the dark nights of prison, 00:01:11.219 --> 00:01:15.219 Interspersed with the glittering days of the palace 00:01:15.219 --> 00:01:18.219 And moments of ruinous temptation— 00:01:18.219 --> 00:01:21.260 Here is Yusuf, peace be upon him, 00:01:21.260 --> 00:01:24.260 Ascending the throne over the storehouses of Egypt, 00:01:24.260 --> 00:01:27.260 Managing the greatest economy in the region, 00:01:27.260 --> 00:01:29.260 Armed with the knowledge Allah taught him, 00:01:29.260 --> 00:01:32.260 Guided by prophetic, administrative, 00:01:32.260 --> 00:01:34.260 And divinely inspired acumen, 00:01:34.260 --> 00:01:36.260 For he is "a trustworthy keeper and knowledgeable." 00:01:36.260 --> 00:01:41.730 After the seven years of abundance passed— 00:01:41.730 --> 00:01:44.730 During which Yusuf preserved the provisions, 00:01:44.730 --> 00:01:48.730 Storing the grain in its ears against times of need— 00:01:48.730 --> 00:01:51.760 The seven dry, barren years arrived. 00:01:51.760 --> 00:01:53.760 Food grew scarce, 00:01:53.760 --> 00:01:56.760 Famine struck the surrounding lands, 00:01:56.760 --> 00:02:00.819 And merchant caravans poured in from everywhere 00:02:00.819 --> 00:02:02.819 To secure provisions 00:02:02.819 --> 00:02:04.819 From the bustling market of Egypt, 00:02:04.819 --> 00:02:08.889 After drought had ravaged all the lands. 00:02:08.889 --> 00:02:10.889 Thus, Yusuf, peace be upon him, 00:02:10.889 --> 00:02:14.889 Opened his storehouses to everyone in measured rations, 00:02:14.889 --> 00:02:17.889 Dispensing to each person a single camel-load, 00:02:17.889 --> 00:02:21.949 So that the food would suffice all who sought it. 00:02:21.949 --> 00:02:24.949 Yusuf's brothers came from the land of Palestine, 00:02:24.949 --> 00:02:27.949 Having heard about the market in Egypt, 00:02:27.949 --> 00:02:31.949 Seeking to obtain grain like everyone else. 00:02:31.949 --> 00:02:34.949 Allah willed to bring together the transgressing brothers 00:02:34.949 --> 00:02:36.949 With their wronged brother, 00:02:36.949 --> 00:02:41.050 After years of separation and alienation. 00:02:41.050 --> 00:02:43.050 When they entered his presence 00:02:43.050 --> 00:02:46.050 And his eyes met theirs, 00:02:46.050 --> 00:02:47.050 He recognized them immediately. 00:02:47.050 --> 00:02:51.050 His memory swept back to years long past; 00:02:51.050 --> 00:02:54.080 He recalled their plotting, their cruelty, 00:02:54.080 --> 00:02:57.080 Their coldness, and their harshness. 00:02:57.080 --> 00:02:59.080 Yet despite their large number, 00:02:59.080 --> 00:03:02.080 They failed to recognize him; 00:03:02.080 --> 00:03:05.080 They did not know who he was, 00:03:05.080 --> 00:03:06.080 Having long forgotten him. 00:03:06.080 --> 00:03:09.080 But the victim of injustice never forgets. 00:03:09.080 --> 00:03:13.009 Yusuf, peace be upon him, received them 00:03:13.009 --> 00:03:15.009 With noble and elevated character. 00:03:15.009 --> 00:03:17.009 He did not disclose his identity, 00:03:17.009 --> 00:03:20.009 Nor did he remind them of the past, 00:03:20.009 --> 00:03:23.069 Knowing that time would take its course. 00:03:23.069 --> 00:03:26.069 He showed them generosity and treated them kindly, 00:03:26.069 --> 00:03:28.069 Inquiring about their wellbeing 00:03:28.069 --> 00:03:31.069 And the state of the noble ones they had left behind 00:03:31.069 --> 00:03:34.199 In the blessed land of Palestine. 00:03:34.199 --> 00:03:38.199 Then he provided them with their share of grain, 00:03:38.199 --> 00:03:40.199 Whereupon they said to him, 00:03:40.199 --> 00:03:43.199 "Grant us also the shares for our father and our brother, 00:03:43.199 --> 00:03:46.199 For they were unable to travel with us." 00:03:46.199 --> 00:03:49.199 He accepted their father's excuse for not coming, 00:03:49.199 --> 00:03:51.199 Granted him his share, 00:03:51.199 --> 00:03:53.199 But said to them, 00:03:53.199 --> 00:03:56.199 "Bring your brother with you next time, 00:03:56.199 --> 00:03:59.199 And I will give you your share as well as his. 00:03:59.199 --> 00:04:02.199 Do you not see my generosity toward you and others? 00:04:02.199 --> 00:04:05.199 This is my condition upon you: 00:04:05.199 --> 00:04:08.199 If you do not bring him to me next time, 00:04:08.199 --> 00:04:11.199 Do not bother coming back, 00:04:11.199 --> 00:04:14.199 For you shall have no measure of grain from me, 00:04:14.199 --> 00:04:17.199 Nor shall you approach my land or my market." 00:04:17.199 --> 00:04:20.199 Such was the firm message delivered; 00:04:20.199 --> 00:04:23.199 The words were decisive and the command final. 00:04:23.199 --> 00:04:26.199 Yet his heart burned with longing and earnest yearning 00:04:26.199 --> 00:04:29.199 To see his noble, affectionate father 00:04:29.199 --> 00:04:33.449 And his full brother. 00:04:33.449 --> 00:04:36.449 Yusuf, peace be upon him, feared they might not return, 00:04:36.449 --> 00:04:39.449 For he knew well their poverty and need, 00:04:39.449 --> 00:04:42.449 And worried that their goods 00:04:42.449 --> 00:04:45.449 Used to purchase food might be insufficient, 00:04:45.449 --> 00:04:48.449 Leaving them unable to make another journey. 00:04:48.449 --> 00:04:51.449 So he said to his servants, 00:04:51.449 --> 00:04:54.449 "Take the goods they brought as payment, 00:04:54.449 --> 00:04:57.449 And put them back into their saddlebags without their knowledge, 00:04:57.449 --> 00:05:00.449 So they may discover them when they return to their family, 00:05:00.449 --> 00:05:03.449 And thus be prompted to return once more. 00:05:03.449 --> 00:05:06.449 And deduct the cost of their grain 00:05:06.449 --> 00:05:09.449 From my own personal wealth." 00:05:09.449 --> 00:05:12.449 Indeed, the noble Yusuf 00:05:12.449 --> 00:05:15.449 Would not take payment from his brothers for the food 00:05:15.449 --> 00:05:18.449 That they carried back with them; 00:05:18.449 --> 00:05:21.449 He deemed it a breach of noble character to take money 00:05:21.449 --> 00:05:24.449 From his father and brothers in exchange for food. 00:05:24.449 --> 00:05:27.449 Thus he honored them, repaying the mistreatment 00:05:27.449 --> 00:05:30.449 Of his brothers with kindness and benevolence. 00:05:30.449 --> 00:05:34.949 The brothers returned to their father 00:05:34.949 --> 00:05:37.949 And said, "We have obtained the food 00:05:37.949 --> 00:05:40.949 That we need for this year. 00:05:40.949 --> 00:05:43.949 However, we will not be able to get any grain 00:05:43.949 --> 00:05:46.949 Next year unless we take 00:05:46.949 --> 00:05:49.949 Our brother Benjamin with us, 00:05:49.949 --> 00:05:52.949 For this was made a condition upon us. 00:05:52.949 --> 00:05:56.139 So send him with us, and we will surely safeguard him." 00:05:56.139 --> 00:05:59.139 Thus they reopened a wound that time had not healed, 00:05:59.139 --> 00:06:02.139 Striking their father where it hurt him most. 00:06:02.139 --> 00:06:05.139 He said to them in deep pain, 00:06:05.139 --> 00:06:08.139 "How can I trust you with Benjamin, 00:06:08.139 --> 00:06:11.139 When I trusted you with his brother Yusuf before, 00:06:11.139 --> 00:06:14.139 And you betrayed my trust? 00:06:14.139 --> 00:06:17.139 I will never send him with you. 00:06:17.139 --> 00:06:20.139 Allah will protect him with His protection, 00:06:20.139 --> 00:06:23.139 And protect his brother, and save us from hunger, 00:06:23.139 --> 00:06:26.139 For He is the Most Merciful of the merciful." 00:06:26.139 --> 00:06:29.139 They remained silent, unable 00:06:29.139 --> 00:06:32.139 To offer any reply, for a guilty person's 00:06:32.139 --> 00:06:35.980 Argument is weak. The brothers then opened 00:06:35.980 --> 00:06:38.980 Their baggage to unload the grain provisions 00:06:38.980 --> 00:06:41.980 They had brought back from Egypt, 00:06:41.980 --> 00:06:44.980 Only to find the goods they had taken to purchase food 00:06:44.980 --> 00:06:47.980 Had been returned to them. 00:06:47.980 --> 00:06:50.980 Overjoyed, they went to their father with glad tidings, 00:06:50.980 --> 00:06:53.980 Saying to him, 00:06:53.980 --> 00:06:56.980 "O our father, what more could we desire? 00:06:56.980 --> 00:06:59.980 We have brought back the food, 00:06:59.980 --> 00:07:02.980 And here are our goods returned to us. 00:07:02.980 --> 00:07:05.980 This is part of the governor's benevolence toward us. 00:07:05.980 --> 00:07:08.980 Now, all we need 00:07:08.980 --> 00:07:11.980 Is to take our brother along, 00:07:11.980 --> 00:07:14.980 So we may secure grain for ourselves and all our family, 00:07:14.980 --> 00:07:17.980 Protect our brother during our journey, 00:07:17.980 --> 00:07:20.980 And gain an extra measure of grain—the load of one more camel. 00:07:20.980 --> 00:07:23.980 This will be an easy and effortless gain." 00:07:23.980 --> 00:07:26.980 They persistently pressed their father, 00:07:26.980 --> 00:07:29.980 Until the grieving father finally agreed, 00:07:29.980 --> 00:07:32.980 But he imposed a strict condition upon them: 00:07:32.980 --> 00:07:35.980 That they give him a solemn pledge in the name of Allah 00:07:36.980 --> 00:07:39.980 To safeguard him, 00:07:39.980 --> 00:07:43.069 Unless they were completely overwhelmed. 00:07:43.069 --> 00:07:46.069 When they gave him their solemn oaths and pledges, 00:07:46.069 --> 00:07:49.069 He permitted their brother Benjamin to go with them 00:07:49.069 --> 00:07:52.459 To the market of Egypt 00:07:52.459 --> 00:07:55.459 And meet its governor. 00:07:55.459 --> 00:07:58.459 Allah Almighty said: 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) 00:08:01.459 --> 00:08:04.459 ﴿...and he recognized them, while they were unaware of him.﴾ 00:08:05.459 --> 00:08:08.459 ﴿And when he had furnished them 00:08:08.459 --> 00:08:11.459 with their supplies, he said, 00:08:11.459 --> 00:08:14.459 "Bring me a brother of yours 00:08:14.459 --> 00:08:17.459 from your father. 00:08:17.459 --> 00:08:20.459 Do you not see that I 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) 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) 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) 00:08:29.459 --> 00:08:32.460 ...nor shall you come near me."﴾ 00:08:32.460 --> 00:08:35.460 ﴿They said, "We will solicit 00:08:35.460 --> 00:08:38.460 his father for him, and we will surely 00:08:38.460 --> 00:08:41.460 do so."﴾ 00:08:41.460 --> 00:08:44.460 ﴿And he said to his servants, "Put 00:08:44.460 --> 00:08:47.460 their goods into their saddlebags 00:08:47.460 --> 00:08:50.460 so that they may recognize them 00:08:50.460 --> 00:08:53.460 so that they may recognize them 00:08:53.460 --> 00:08:56.460 when they return to their family, 00:08:56.460 --> 00:08:59.460 that perhaps they may return."﴾ 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) 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) 00:09:05.460 --> 00:09:08.460 ﴿..."The measure of grain has been denied us, 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) 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) 00:09:14.460 --> 00:09:17.460 so send with us our brother that we may get our measure, 00:09:17.460 --> 00:09:20.460 and we will indeed 00:09:20.460 --> 00:09:23.490 protect him."﴾ 00:09:23.490 --> 00:09:26.490 ﴿He said, "Can I trust you with him 00:09:26.490 --> 00:09:29.490 any differently than I trusted you with his brother before? 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) 00:09:32.490 --> 00:09:35.490 But Allah is the best guardian, 00:09:35.490 --> 00:09:38.490 and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful."﴾ 00:09:38.490 --> 00:09:41.490 ﴿And when 00:09:41.490 --> 00:09:44.490 they opened their baggage, they found 00:09:44.490 --> 00:09:47.490 their goods returned to them.﴾ 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) 00:09:50.490 --> 00:09:53.490 ﴿They said, "O our father, what more can we desire? This is our merchandise 00:09:53.490 --> 00:09:56.490 returned to us! 00:09:56.490 --> 00:09:59.490 We will obtain food for our family, 00:09:59.490 --> 00:10:02.490 protect our brother, 00:10:02.490 --> 00:10:05.490 and gain an extra measure—the load of a camel. 00:10:05.490 --> 00:10:08.490 That is an easy measure!"﴾ 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) 00:10:11.490 --> 00:10:14.490 ﴿He said, "I will not send him with you until you give me a solemn pledge 00:10:14.490 --> 00:10:17.490 in the name of Allah that you will bring him back 00:10:17.490 --> 00:10:20.490 to me..."﴾ 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) 00:10:23.490 --> 00:10:26.490 ﴿And when they had given him 00:10:26.490 --> 00:10:29.490 their solemn pledge, he said, "Allah 00:10:29.490 --> 00:10:32.490 is Witness over what we say."﴾ 00:10:32.490 --> 00:10:36.259 Then, as the brothers 00:10:36.259 --> 00:10:39.259 prepared to set out on the journey, their father 00:10:39.259 --> 00:10:42.259 Ya'qub, peace be upon him, gave them counsel, 00:10:42.259 --> 00:10:45.259 speaking out of deep affection and care: "O my sons, 00:10:45.259 --> 00:10:48.259 Egypt has four gates; 00:10:48.259 --> 00:10:51.259 enter through all the different gates, 00:10:51.259 --> 00:10:54.259 "And do not enter through a single gate, 00:10:54.259 --> 00:10:57.259 It was said that he feared the evil eye for them, 00:10:57.259 --> 00:11:00.259 for they were ten brothers, 00:11:00.259 --> 00:11:03.480 all possessing striking and handsome appearances. 00:11:03.480 --> 00:11:06.480 The evil eye is a reality; 00:11:06.480 --> 00:11:09.480 'If anything could precede the divine decree, it would be the evil eye,' 00:11:09.480 --> 00:11:12.480 as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said. 00:11:12.480 --> 00:11:15.480 So they did as their father instructed them, 00:11:15.480 --> 00:11:18.480 entering just as their father had commanded them. 00:11:18.480 --> 00:11:21.480 Yet it could not avail them against the decree of Allah in the least, 00:11:21.480 --> 00:11:24.480 if He had ordained something for them, 00:11:24.480 --> 00:11:27.480 except that it fulfilled a deep need in the soul of their father. 00:11:27.480 --> 00:11:30.480 For he, peace be upon him, was possessed of knowledge, 00:11:30.480 --> 00:11:33.480 taught to him directly by Allah, 00:11:33.480 --> 00:11:37.309 such as most people do not know. 00:11:37.309 --> 00:11:40.309 When they arrived in the land of Egypt once again, 00:11:40.309 --> 00:11:43.309 Joseph (peace be upon him) summoned them, 00:11:44.309 --> 00:11:47.309 and lodged every two of them together in a dwelling. 00:11:47.309 --> 00:11:50.309 Thus, his full brother Benjamin was left alone without a companion. 00:11:50.309 --> 00:11:53.309 When they retired to their quarters, 00:11:53.309 --> 00:11:56.309 Joseph took his brother aside to himself without their knowledge, 00:11:56.309 --> 00:11:59.309 and embraced him warmly— 00:11:59.309 --> 00:12:02.309 his beloved full brother. 00:12:02.309 --> 00:12:05.309 He disclosed his identity to him, saying: 00:12:05.309 --> 00:12:08.309 'Indeed, I am your brother Joseph, 00:12:08.309 --> 00:12:11.309 so do not despair or grieve over what they used to do.' 00:12:12.309 --> 00:12:15.409 He then agreed with him upon a plan 00:12:15.409 --> 00:12:18.409 by which he could remain with him in Egypt. 00:12:18.409 --> 00:12:21.409 So Joseph placed the royal measuring goblet of the King of Egypt 00:12:21.409 --> 00:12:25.210 inside his brother's saddlebag, and then they departed. 00:12:25.210 --> 00:12:28.210 The next day, the brothers prepared 00:12:28.210 --> 00:12:31.210 their mounts and intended to return home, 00:12:31.210 --> 00:12:34.210 having secured their provisions. 00:12:34.210 --> 00:12:37.210 Suddenly, a herald called out to them: 00:12:37.210 --> 00:12:40.210 'O caravan! 00:12:40.210 --> 00:12:43.210 O traveling party! 00:12:43.210 --> 00:12:46.399 Indeed, you are thieves!' 00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:49.399 The brothers were astonished by this accusation 00:12:49.399 --> 00:12:52.429 and said, 'Perhaps there is some misunderstanding in this matter.' 00:12:52.429 --> 00:12:55.429 They turned to the herald and asked him: 00:12:55.429 --> 00:12:58.429 'What are you missing?' 00:12:58.429 --> 00:13:01.460 He replied, 'We are missing the King's measuring goblet, 00:13:01.460 --> 00:13:04.460 and this cup is precious and valuable. 00:13:04.460 --> 00:13:07.460 Whoever brings it back of his own accord 00:13:07.460 --> 00:13:10.460 shall have a camel's load of grain in addition to his share, 00:13:10.460 --> 00:13:13.460 and I personally guarantee it.' 00:13:13.460 --> 00:13:16.720 The brothers answered with complete confidence: 00:13:16.720 --> 00:13:19.720 'By Allah, you well know that we did not come 00:13:19.720 --> 00:13:22.720 to cause corruption in the land, 00:13:22.720 --> 00:13:25.720 and you have recognized this from our noble conduct.' 00:13:25.720 --> 00:13:28.720 It was said that they used to muzzle 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:31.720 their camels when passing through the farmlands 00:13:31.720 --> 00:13:34.720 and orchards of Egypt so they would not graze on them. 00:13:35.720 --> 00:13:38.720 They reinforced their statement with an absolute denial 00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:41.820 of theft. So the herald said to them: 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, 00:13:44.820 --> 00:13:47.879 and you prove to be liars?' 00:13:47.879 --> 00:13:50.879 The official herald responsible for the goblet— 00:13:50.879 --> 00:13:53.879 under the guidance of Joseph (peace be upon him)— 00:13:53.879 --> 00:13:56.879 wanted the penalty of the thief to be determined 00:13:56.879 --> 00:13:59.879 by them in accordance with their own sacred law, 00:13:59.879 --> 00:14:02.879 wherein the thief becomes a slave to the victim, 00:14:02.879 --> 00:14:05.980 unlike the imperial law of the King in Egypt, 00:14:05.980 --> 00:14:08.980 under which a thief was merely beaten and imprisoned. 00:14:08.980 --> 00:14:11.980 Therefore, he left the judgment to them, 00:14:11.980 --> 00:14:14.980 and they said: 00:14:14.980 --> 00:14:17.980 'The penalty for him in whose bag the goblet is found 00:14:17.980 --> 00:14:20.980 is that he himself shall be retained by you as a slave.' 00:14:20.980 --> 00:14:23.980 They all agreed to this judgment. 00:14:23.980 --> 00:14:26.980 Thereupon, the search commenced 00:14:26.980 --> 00:14:29.980 in the belongings of all the brothers in the caravan, 00:14:30.980 --> 00:14:33.980 so that they would not suspect any contrivance. 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:36.980 Then, when he reached the saddlebag of Benjamin, 00:14:36.980 --> 00:14:39.980 he extracted the goblet from it. 00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:42.980 The brothers were utterly dumbfounded and demoralized, 00:14:42.980 --> 00:14:45.980 and the plan of Joseph (peace be upon him) succeeded. 00:14:45.980 --> 00:14:48.980 This was part of the subtle plan decreed for him by Allah, Glorified and Exalted. 00:14:48.980 --> 00:14:51.980 So they seized Benjamin 00:14:51.980 --> 00:14:54.980 from among his brothers 00:14:54.980 --> 00:14:58.200 to remain behind in Egypt. 00:14:59.200 --> 00:15:02.200 And when they presented themselves 00:15:02.200 --> 00:15:05.200 before Joseph, he took 00:15:05.200 --> 00:15:08.200 his brother to himself, 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) 00:15:11.389 --> 00:15:14.389 saying, 'Do not grieve over what they used 00:15:14.389 --> 00:15:17.389 to do.' 00:15:17.389 --> 00:15:20.389 So when he had provided them 00:15:20.389 --> 00:15:23.389 with their supplies, he placed the drinking cup 00:15:23.389 --> 00:15:26.389 in his brother's saddlebag. 00:15:27.389 --> 00:15:30.389 Then a herald called out: 00:15:30.389 --> 00:15:33.389 'O caravan, indeed you 00:15:33.389 --> 00:15:36.389 are thieves!' 00:15:36.389 --> 00:15:39.389 They turned back to them and said: 00:15:39.389 --> 00:15:42.389 'What are you missing?' 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) 00:15:45.389 --> 00:15:48.389 'And for him who brings it back is 00:15:48.389 --> 00:15:51.389 a camel's load, 00:15:51.389 --> 00:15:54.389 and for him who brings it back is 00:15:54.389 --> 00:15:57.389 a camel's load, 00:15:57.389 --> 00:16:00.389 and I am bound as guarantor for it.' 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) 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) 00:16:06.389 --> 00:16:09.389 'And we have never been thieves.' 00:16:09.389 --> 00:16:12.389 They said, 'Then what shall be its penalty 00:16:12.389 --> 00:16:15.389 if you should be 00:16:15.389 --> 00:16:18.389 liars?' 00:16:18.389 --> 00:16:21.389 They replied, 'Its penalty shall be on him in whose 00:16:21.389 --> 00:16:24.389 saddlebag it is found; he himself shall be its penalty. 00:16:24.389 --> 00:16:27.389 Thus do we repay the wrongdoers.' 00:16:27.389 --> 00:16:30.389 So he began searching 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) 00:16:33.389 --> 00:16:36.389 then extracted it 00:16:36.389 --> 00:16:39.389 from his brother's bag. 00:16:39.389 --> 00:16:42.389 Thus did We plan 00:16:42.389 --> 00:16:45.389 for Joseph; 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) 00:16:48.389 --> 00:16:51.389 he could not have taken his brother except by the will of 00:16:51.389 --> 00:16:54.649 Allah. 00:16:54.649 --> 00:16:57.649 We raise in degrees whom We 00:16:57.649 --> 00:17:00.649 will, 00:17:00.649 --> 00:17:03.649 and above every 00:17:03.649 --> 00:17:08.089 possessor of knowledge is One All-Knowing. 00:17:08.089 --> 00:17:11.089 The brothers stood before 00:17:11.089 --> 00:17:14.089 Joseph, the minister, 00:17:14.089 --> 00:17:17.089 and spoke, offering excuses for what had transpired from their brother: 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) 00:17:20.089 --> 00:17:23.089 referring to their brother Joseph 00:17:23.089 --> 00:17:26.089 when he was young, 00:17:26.089 --> 00:17:29.089 claiming he had stolen an idol and destroyed it, 00:17:29.089 --> 00:17:32.089 or saying this falsely against him 00:17:32.089 --> 00:17:35.089 out of a lingering jealousy in their hearts to this day. 00:17:35.089 --> 00:17:38.089 Joseph (peace be upon him) said to himself: 00:17:38.089 --> 00:17:41.089 'You are in a far worse position,' 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) 00:17:45.500 --> 00:17:48.500 for the worst of brothers are those who break their pledge to their father. 00:17:48.500 --> 00:17:51.500 Sensing the severity of the situation, 00:17:51.500 --> 00:17:54.500 they pleaded with Joseph (peace be upon him): 00:17:54.500 --> 00:17:57.500 'O noble chief! 00:17:57.500 --> 00:18:00.500 Indeed, this boy has a father who is a very elderly man, 00:18:00.500 --> 00:18:03.500 who cannot bear separation from him. 00:18:03.500 --> 00:18:06.500 So show mercy to him and take one of us in his place, 00:18:06.500 --> 00:18:09.660 for we see that you are among the doers of good.' 00:18:09.660 --> 00:18:12.660 Joseph (peace be upon him) replied: 00:18:13.660 --> 00:18:16.660 'We would indeed be wrongdoers were we to do that.' 00:18:16.660 --> 00:18:19.910 The brothers persisted in pleading with him, 00:18:19.910 --> 00:18:22.910 but their attempts met with no success. 00:18:22.910 --> 00:18:25.910 When they reached a point of total despair, 00:18:25.910 --> 00:18:28.910 they withdrew by themselves, 00:18:28.910 --> 00:18:31.910 conferring in low, hushed tones. 00:18:31.910 --> 00:18:34.940 Their eldest brother said: 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) 00:18:37.940 --> 00:18:40.940 'Has your father not taken solemn oaths from you? 00:18:40.940 --> 00:18:43.940 With what face will you meet him now, 00:18:43.940 --> 00:18:46.940 given your past crime 00:18:46.940 --> 00:18:49.940 in losing his son Joseph? 00:18:49.940 --> 00:18:52.940 Have you forgotten that? 00:18:52.940 --> 00:18:55.940 As for me, I cannot bring myself to return 00:18:55.940 --> 00:18:58.940 to my father in this state. 00:18:58.940 --> 00:19:01.940 I will never leave this land of Egypt 00:19:01.940 --> 00:19:04.940 unless my father grants me leave, 00:19:04.940 --> 00:19:07.940 or Allah judges in my favor by returning my brother to me. 00:19:08.940 --> 00:19:12.619 Return, O my brothers, 00:19:12.619 --> 00:19:15.619 and inform my father of what happened, 00:19:15.619 --> 00:19:18.619 and speak the truth. 00:19:18.619 --> 00:19:21.619 Tell him: "Your son committed theft, 00:19:21.619 --> 00:19:24.619 and we have only reported what we witnessed. 00:19:24.619 --> 00:19:27.619 And if you do not believe us, 00:19:27.619 --> 00:19:30.619 ask the people of Egypt among whom we stayed, 00:19:30.619 --> 00:19:33.619 or ask the people of the caravan who traveled with us, 00:19:33.619 --> 00:19:36.619 for we are indeed truthful in what we say."' 00:19:36.619 --> 00:19:39.900 So they returned to Palestine 00:19:39.900 --> 00:19:42.900 and informed their father of what had befallen them in Egypt. 00:19:42.900 --> 00:19:45.900 Jacob (peace be upon him) said: 00:19:45.900 --> 00:19:48.900 'Nay, your inner selves have enticed you into something.' 00:19:48.900 --> 00:19:51.900 And indeed he spoke the truth, 00:19:51.900 --> 00:19:55.000 for this was a plan orchestrated by Joseph (peace be upon him). 00:19:55.000 --> 00:19:58.000 Then Jacob composed himself with patience, 00:19:58.000 --> 00:20:01.000 saying, 'So graceful patience is best, 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:04.000 without complaining to any created being. 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) 00:20:07.000 --> 00:20:10.000 Joseph, his brother Benjamin, 00:20:10.000 --> 00:20:13.000 and their eldest brother. 00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:16.450 And Allah is over all things Omnipotent.' 00:20:16.450 --> 00:20:19.509 Allah the Almighty says: 00:20:19.509 --> 00:20:22.509 'They said: "O noble chief! 00:20:22.509 --> 00:20:25.509 Indeed, he has a father, 00:20:25.509 --> 00:20:28.509 a very old man, 00:20:28.509 --> 00:20:31.509 a very old man." 00:20:31.509 --> 00:20:34.509 He said: "Allah forbid 00:20:34.509 --> 00:20:37.930 that we should take 00:20:37.930 --> 00:20:40.930 anyone except him with whom we found 00:20:40.930 --> 00:20:43.930 our property; 00:20:43.930 --> 00:20:46.930 except him with whom we found 00:20:46.930 --> 00:20:49.930 our property. 00:20:49.930 --> 00:20:52.930 Indeed, we would then be wrongdoers." 00:20:52.930 --> 00:20:55.930 So when they despaired 00:20:55.930 --> 00:20:59.660 of him, they withdrew privately to confer. 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) 00:21:02.660 --> 00:21:05.660 "that your father 00:21:05.660 --> 00:21:08.660 has taken from you 00:21:08.660 --> 00:21:11.660 a pledge? 00:21:11.660 --> 00:21:14.660 Has taken from you 00:21:14.660 --> 00:21:17.660 a pledge by Allah? 00:21:17.660 --> 00:21:20.660 And before this, how you failed 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) 00:21:23.660 --> 00:21:26.660 the land until my father permits me, 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) 00:21:29.660 --> 00:21:32.660 and He is the best of judges. 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:35.660 Return to 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) 00:21:38.660 --> 00:21:41.700 'Indeed, your son has stolen.' 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:44.700 So say: 'O our father, 00:21:44.700 --> 00:21:47.700 "Indeed, your son has stolen; 00:21:47.700 --> 00:21:50.700 and we testify to nothing 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:53.700 except what we know, 00:21:53.700 --> 00:21:56.700 and we were not of the unseen 00:21:56.700 --> 00:21:59.700 guardians." 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) 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) 00:22:05.700 --> 00:22:08.700 "in it, and indeed we 00:22:08.700 --> 00:22:11.700 are truthful." 00:22:11.700 --> 00:22:14.700 He said, "Rather, your souls have enticed you 00:22:14.700 --> 00:22:17.700 into something, 00:22:17.700 --> 00:22:20.700 so patience is most fitting. 00:22:20.700 --> 00:22:23.700 Perhaps Allah will bring them 00:22:23.700 --> 00:22:26.700 all back to me. 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:30.910 Indeed, He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise." 00:22:30.910 --> 00:22:35.289 A questioner may 00:22:35.289 --> 00:22:38.289 ask: How could Joseph, 00:22:38.289 --> 00:22:41.289 peace be upon him, do such a thing to his father? 00:22:41.289 --> 00:22:44.289 Why did he not inform his father about his condition? 00:22:44.289 --> 00:22:47.289 And why did he detain his brother, knowing 00:22:47.289 --> 00:22:50.289 the intense grief it would cause his father? 00:22:50.289 --> 00:22:53.289 For this would seem like undutifulness, severing family ties, 00:22:53.289 --> 00:22:56.349 and a lack of compassion. 00:22:56.349 --> 00:22:59.349 The answer to this—and Allah knows best— 00:22:59.349 --> 00:23:02.349 is that he did so by the command of Allah, the Glorified and Exalted. 00:23:02.349 --> 00:23:05.349 He commanded him to do it in order to increase the trial of 00:23:05.349 --> 00:23:08.349 Jacob, peace be upon him, 00:23:08.349 --> 00:23:11.349 so that his reward would be multiplied 00:23:11.349 --> 00:23:15.759 and he would reach the spiritual rank of his forefathers before him. 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:18.759 To be continued, Allah willing. 00:23:18.759 --> 00:23:21.759 And Allah knows best. 00:23:21.759 --> 00:23:24.759 All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:27.759 May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:32.519 and upon his family and all his Companions. 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:35.519 You were listening to Stories of the Prophets. 00:23:35.519 --> 00:23:46.900 May Allah send peace and blessings.