Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) vs. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

The journey through the divine order of creation, from Adam to the Seal of Prophets, Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), unfolds as the revelation of Allah’s attributes through twelve luminous phases. In each phase, His countenance became more manifest, delineating the face of divine justice upon the scale of truth and falsehood. Such a balance was never needed in the kingdom of obedient angels, for they knew no rebellion; yet, among humankind, it became the measure of faith and the test of souls.

This sacred progression of prophecy and moral awakening is mirrored in the story of Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him), where envy was met with patience, betrayal was overcome by faith, and forgiveness triumphed over cruelty, signs of divine wisdom in the trials of creation. That same light continued its journey through the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) and found its guardians in his Ahlul Bayt, until it shall shine in its fullness through the rising of the Awaited Mahdi (peace be upon him), when justice shall reign, and the hidden truth of every soul shall be revealed.

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From the perfection of divine balance in the universe to the revelation of Islam as a complete way of life, the narrative unveils the parallels between the trials of prophet  Yusuf (Joseph) and the mission of Muhammad, both chosen to rise from betrayal toward mercy and justice. Imam Ali’s wisdom guides this reflection, reminding humanity that divine light never perishes; it merely conceals itself until hearts are ready to receive it again.

It concludes with the promise of renewal, the awaited reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi and Isah (Jesus the Messiah) Masihi (peace be upon them), who shall restore justice upon the earth as it was never enforced by the prophets before them.

 Thus, this work stands not only as a retelling of sacred history but as a mirror for every soul seeking truth, patience, and divine purpose in the unfolding of time.

PART-1 : ❤️ 

The Logic and Balance of Divine Order:

The Logic of Divine Order

Islam is a faith founded upon reason and divine logic. Within its truth, there is no space for doubt or contradiction. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, wove this logic into the fabric of creation, through the laws of equilibrium and motion, the rotation of the earth, the alternation of day and night, and the changing of the seasons, establishing a scale of perfect justice that governs the universe.

When He proclaims that He sends forth the storms, it means that the winds and the natural forces act in concert under His command, not by accident, but as obedient agents of His divine order. From the moment the universe was brought into being, these forces have remained instruments of His will, moving precisely according to the balance He ordained.

Thus, no imperfection can exist within His divine essence or in the system He created. Should anyone perceive a flaw, it lies not in the Creator, but in the incompleteness of one’s own faith and comprehension.

In the meeting point between physical and spiritual philosophy, the seeker must begin with the questions: How does it happen? Why does it happen? What is its purpose? And where does it lead?

For within these inquiries rests the key to understanding the eternal harmony between reason and revelation.

The Balance of Divine Justice

When Allah, the Most High, the Most Wise, created this world, He ordained that it would not be left without a scale, a Mīzān (balance), by which truth and falsehood would be known. For in the world of angels, there was obedience without trial, but in the world of humankind, there had to be a test of will, faith, and justice.

Therefore, Allah created Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), His most trusted and confident servant. Though human in body, he was filled with divine attributes, a mirror of Allah’s mercy, compassion, and truth. Through him, the clay of mankind was touched by the light of revelation.

Allah says in the Qur’an: “Indeed, you are upon an exalted standard of character.” (Surah Al-Qalam 68:4)

And again: “We have sent you not but as a mercy to all the worlds.” (Surah Al-Anbiyā 21:107)

Before he came, the world was steeped in darkness, a time the Qur’an calls Jāhiliyyah, the Age of Ignorance. The Arabs worshiped idols of their own making, buried their daughters alive, and divided themselves by tribe and blood. Yet in a span of only a few decades, this same world witnessed a miracle: from the deserts of Arabia rose a light that reached the horizons of Persia, Rome, and beyond.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in Sahih Bukhari (Book of Faith 1:7): “I have been sent to perfect good character.”

And in Sahih Muslim (Book of Virtue 15:2321): “The example of me and the guidance with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain that falls upon the earth...”

Some soil absorbs it and gives life; others reject it and remain barren.

Thus Allah made His Messenger the living balance (Mīzān), a model of justice through whom every soul could measure itself.

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said in Nahjul Balagha: “Allah sent the Prophet when the people were astray, confused in their desires, divided in their opinions. Through him, Allah guided them from error and gave them light from darkness.”

The Prophet’s mission was not only to reveal a message but to manifest the Divine attributes within human form, mercy, justice, wisdom, and truth. The angels did not require such a messenger, for they knew no disobedience. But mankind, born of clay and passion, needed a guide who walked among them, a human who was infallible in truth and yet compassionate in heart.

And thus, in him, Allah completed His purpose: “This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and chosen for you Islam as your way.” (Surah Al-Mā’idah 5:3)

Within a generation, the Messenger of Allah transformed a nation of idol-worshipers into carriers of light and justice. The miracle was not of sword or empire, but of character, equality, and faith, the very balance that Allah established through His chosen one.

Mysticism and Divine Law

All that is mortal in this world and within the vast universe functions by the decree of a divine physical order. Every element, seen or unseen, operates within the balance set by the Almighty.

To attain true mysticism, one must first embrace piety and establish a living connection with the Lord through righteous deeds, justice, and truth. In return, Allah bestows upon such a soul the knowledge of spirituality and the light of mystic wisdom. But only a heart that is pure, and a being that remembers Allah in every action, becomes worthy of this sacred gift. Indeed, Allah grants this knowledge only to those with whom He is pleased.

Since Islam is the divine path meant for all of humanity, Allah has made the way of devotion and righteousness simple and accessible to everyone.

Consider the events that bear witness to His mystical power: when Allah sent Adam (peace be upon him) down from Paradise to Earth, it was an act of divine mystery. The ascension (Miʿrāj) of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) too was a manifestation of a spiritual dimension beyond the grasp of ordinary human understanding. Hence, Allah does not demand belief in miracles; rather, He desires from every believer (momin) a character adorned with goodness, humility, and faith.

The conception of Lady Maryam and the birth of Prophet ʿĪsa (Jesus) (peace be upon them) were miracles, just as the creation of Adam and Eve without parents was a sign of divine power. Likewise, when Queen Sheba’s (Bilqis) throne was brought before Prophet Sulayman (Solomon) (peace be upon him) from Yemen to Palestine in the blink of an eye, it was a miracle to human eyes, but to those enlightened in divine science, it was but an expression of spiritual law and divine energy.

Thus, the Prophet’s ascension revealed that spirituality is not bound by the material world, it transcends it, guiding the soul beyond the limits of space and time toward the eternal presence of the Creator.

The Final Mission of Truth and the Rise of Islam

When Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, willed to complete His command upon the earth, He sent His final Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him) with a mission unlike any before it. The world had seen prophets come and go, yet the nations before had stumbled; their hearts turned away, their societies returned to darkness.

 This time, Allah prepared a Messenger equipped with divine wisdom and assisted by a purified household, the Ahlul Bayt, so that no shadow of ignorance might remain upon the earth.

Allah says in the Qur’an: “It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth, that He may make it prevail over all religions, even though the disbelievers detest it.” (Surah As-Saff 61:9)

The mission of Islam was not merely to spread faith, it was to transform civilization, to overturn the old world order built upon monarchy, arrogance, and tyranny. The thrones of kings, the idols of stone, and the false pride of lineage and wealth, all were destined to fall before the light of tawḥīd.

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said in Nahjul Balagha: “Allah sent Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner. Through him, He broke the idols and humbled the proud. He joined the hearts that were divided and made the people brothers in faith.”

Where the previous nations failed to preserve divine order, where injustice, falsehood, and bigotry took root, Allah, in His final decree, armed His Messenger with truth, patience, and a household purified of all impurity. As the Qur’an declares: “Indeed, Allah intends to purify you, O People of the House, with a thorough purification.” (Surah Al-Ahzāb 33:33)

Islam thus came to abolish the distinctions that chained humanity, between ruler and ruled, rich and poor, man and woman, Arab and non-Arab. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in Sahih Muslim: “There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor of a white over a black, except by righteousness.”

The final Prophet was not sent to continue the order of kings, he was sent to build a society of justice and equality, to raise knowledge where ignorance reigned, and to establish truth where falsehood had long triumphed.

And when Allah chose Ali ibn Abi Talib to stand beside him, it was the completion of that divine design, for the sword of Ali defended the mercy of Muhammad, and the light of Ahlul Bayt carried forth the mission that was to guide all generations.

Thus the era of Islam began, not to conquer lands, but to conquer hearts and minds, and to establish forever the dominion of justice and truth.

“Islam is not a message of conquest,”

PART -2: ❤️ 💙 

Islam as the Dawn of Justice and Equality

Islam is not a message of conquest; it is a message of peace. That is why Allah, in His infinite wisdom, named His final Messenger “Rahmatul-l-‘Aalameen”, the Mercy for all worlds (Qur’an 21:107).

The mission of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) was unlike any system before it: not to dominate through war, but to defend truth, liberate the oppressed, and establish justice on the earth.

Before Islam, nations lived under the shadow of tyranny and colonization. The Roman and Persian empires enslaved people in the name of power, making kings gods and subjects mere tools. Women were treated as burdens:

“When news is brought to one of them of a female child, his face darkens with grief.” (Qur’an 16:58)

Mothers were married by their sons; daughters were buried alive; vengeance flowed like blood in tribal wars; and travelers feared being looted by warlords who lived by plunder and pride.

Then came Islam, a dawn after a long night. It declared the equality of all mankind:

“O mankind! We created you from a male and a female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another.

 Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Qur’an 49:13)

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said in Nahjul Balagha:

“Allah sent Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) to fulfill His promise, to complete His Prophethood, and to guide His servants from ignorance to enlightenment, from misguidance to guidance.”

He also said:

“Through him, Allah broke the idols, humbled the proud, and joined the hearts that were divided by enmity.”

Islam abolished slavery of the soul and the body. It raised the poor and humbled the arrogant. It turned a desert of vengeance into a garden of brotherhood.

Imam Ali further declared:

“The foundation of Islam is justice; its strength is knowledge; and its adornment is mercy.”

Thus, the Prophet’s message was not a sword that shed blood; it was a light that freed minds, purified hearts, and restored human dignity.

How Many Veils Must Truth Tear

“How many veils must truth tear before the eyes of men can see it?

Every time it rises, it is met with denial.

When it speaks, they say: ‘It is a lie.’

When it calls to wisdom, they answer: ‘It is poetry.’

When it heals hearts, they whisper: ‘It is sorcery.’”

Such were the cries against the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).

The Qur’an bears witness:

“And they say, ‘O you upon whom the Reminder has been sent down, you are surely possessed. Why do you not bring angels to us, if you are among the truthful?’”

(Surah al-Hijr 15:6–7)

And again:

“They say, ‘This is nothing but the word of a poet; we shall await for him the calamity of time.’”

(Surah at-Tur 52:30)

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said:

“They could see his truth, yet their arrogance blinded them.

They demanded signs from the heavens while the sign stood before them, a man whose heart was the throne of revelation.”

Because Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the Seal of the Prophets, Allah decreed that His light must reach completion.

No prophet would come after him, but the light of guidance would continue through those purified from his household.

Allah said:

“It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth, that He may perfect it over all religion, even though the disbelievers detest it.”

(Surah as-Saff 61:9)

And 

“Indeed, Allah intends only to remove all impurity from you, O People of the Household, and to purify you completely.”

(Surah al-Ahzab 33:33)

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) declared:

“That light which began in the Prophet’s soul was entrusted to his Ahl al-Bayt.

Through them the message continues, through their knowledge, their patience, and their sacrifice.

And when the world is shadowed again by tyranny and deceit, the final bearer of that light, the Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him), will rise.

Then the promise of the Qur’an shall be fulfilled: that the truth will overcome falsehood, and the earth will shine once more with the light of its Lord.”

Bilal and the Early Test of Equality

In the early dawn of Islam, when the world was still veiled in arrogance and pride, Allah chose His Messenger (peace be upon him) to raise the banner of equality and justice.

Among those liberated by this light was Bilal al-Habashi, an Ethiopian slave of Quraysh. Once a man of no status in their eyes, he was elevated by the Prophet of Allah to the most sacred post, the Mu’azzin, the caller to prayer.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) declared that no prayer shall begin until Bilal calls upon the believers:

“Come to prayer, come to success.”

Thus, Allah made a former slave the voice of Islam, echoing from the rooftops of Makkah to the ends of the earth.

But the arrogant hearts of Quraysh could not bear this. One of them placed a heavy rock on Bilal’s chest under the burning desert sun, hoping to silence his voice.

Yet he continued to say: “Ahad! Ahad!” — “One God! One God!” (Sīrah Ibn Hishām)

This moment was not merely a test of Bilal’s endurance, but a sign of a divine shift, the age of oppression was ending.

The enemies no longer dared to shed Bilal’s blood, for the influence of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Imam Ali (peace be upon him) had already become mighty.

They knew well that if they killed Bilal, Ali, the Sword of Allah (Sayf-Allah), would bring justice upon them.

So they resorted to the stone, fearing the wrath of the believers.

Indeed, Allah completed His message through His final Prophet.

As the Qur’an declares:

“This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”

(Surah Al-Mā’idah, 5:3)

Because Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the Seal of the Prophets, Allah granted him a helper like none before, Ali ibn Abi Talib, his cousin, his brother, and his heir.

Just as Allah had given Prophet Musa (Moses) his brother Harun (Aaron) as a companion in faith, He said to Muhammad (peace be upon him):

“You are to me as Harun was to Musa, except that there will be no prophet after me.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Virtues of Companions, Hadith 3706; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2404)

But unlike the Israelites who turned back to idol worship and built the golden calf when Harun was unable to restrain them (Qur’an 7:148), Ali stood firm, never bowing to any idol, never compromising with falsehood, never retreating from truth.

He said in Nahjul Balagha:

“Had I been given all the kingdoms of the earth to disobey Allah by snatching a grain of barley from an ant, I would not have done it.”

This steadfastness was inherited by his son, Imam Hussain (peace be upon him).

When the tyrants of Karbala faced him, they shouted,

“We fight you because your father killed our ancestors and destroyed our idols!”

(Referenced in Maqtal al-Husayn by Abu Mikhnaf)

Thus, the blood of Hussain was shed by the same spirit of vengeance that once placed the stone on Bilal’s chest, the vengeance of those who could not bear the triumph of truth over idolatry.

But the legacy of Muhammad, Ali, and Hussain remains, the light that no tyranny can extinguish.

As the Qur’an says:

“They wish to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, though the disbelievers hate it.”

(Surah As-Saff 61:8)

The Story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph): A Universal Mirror

Arabs, and non-Arabs (ajam), Muslims, Christians, and Jews, reflect upon the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), the son of Prophet Ya‘qub (Jacob) (peace be upon them both), for in his life lies a sign for those who seek awakening, and a light for those whose hearts are still covered by the dust of heedlessness.

The story of Yusuf is not a tale told for amusement, but a mirror for the human soul.

It is the unveiling of truth through trial, the victory of patience over betrayal, and the triumph of divine wisdom over human schemes.

Allah made his dream a message for every seeker, and his descent into the well a test for every believer.

Know that the children of Adam are not divided by race or by lineage, but by the purity of their hearts. The brothers of Prophet Yusuf were sons of a prophet, yet jealousy made them enemies of truth. They plotted in darkness while Prophet Yusuf remained steadfast in light. So do not be deceived by the blood you descend from; guidance is not inherited, it is earned through obedience and reflection.

Do you think, O servants of Allah, how many of you still follow the footsteps of your forefathers without questioning their path? Have you not heard what the Qur’an has said?

“And when it is said to them, ‘Follow what Allah has revealed,’ they say, ‘Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers upon.’

Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?”

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:170)

By Allah, such imitation blinds the eyes of reason and silences the voice of truth.

The nations before you perished not because they lacked revelation, but because they abandoned contemplation.

They honored their ancestors more than their Creator, and so they lost both honor and faith.

Take heed from Yusuf’s brothers: envy made them sell their brother for a few silver coins, but guilt made them weep until their father’s eyes turned white with sorrow.

Thus, the sin that begins with arrogance always ends with regret.

PART-3: ❤️ 💙 💜 

The Trial of Jealousy and the Triumph of Divine Justice

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) warned the followers: beware of jealousy, for it is the disease that first corrupted the heavens and then afflicted the earth.

It was envy that made Iblis reject the command of his Lord, though he had worshiped Him among the angels. When arrogance joined with jealousy, he became the enemy of Adam and the deceiver of mankind.

Jealousy blinds the seeing and deafens the hearing.

It turns a brother into an adversary and a believer into a hypocrite.

Was it not envy that made the sons of Ya‘qub plot against Yusuf, though he was their own flesh and blood? Their tongues spoke the name of Allah, but their hearts were consumed by pride.

And yet, look at the mercy of the Almighty, how He turned their betrayal into Yusuf’s ascension.

He was cast into a well, but Allah raised him to the throne of Egypt.

He was sold as a slave, but Allah made him a ruler.

Such is the way of divine justice: it humbles the oppressor through the very means by which he sought to harm the innocent.

O servants of Allah, do not envy those whom Allah has favored, for every favor is a test, and every blessing carries its burden.

The true wealth is not in possession, but in contentment; the true honor is not in rank, but in righteousness.

When Yusuf forgave his brothers, he purified his own soul before Allah purified his destiny.

He said:

“No blame shall be upon you today. May Allah forgive you; He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”

(Surah Yusuf 12:92)

Thus, forgiveness is the crown of the strong, while vengeance is the comfort of the weak.

Do you not see how Allah adorned Yusuf with mercy, and through mercy, gave him victory?

O people, learn from this that Allah’s decree is never defeated.

The schemes of men perish, but the plan of Allah prevails.

The one who endures with faith will rise even from the depths of the well, while the one who deceives for gain will fall even from the height of power.

Jealousy extinguishes the light of faith, just as fire consumes dry wood.

It is a hidden poison, an unspoken sin. Guard your hearts, for a jealous soul finds no rest, and a heart filled with envy cannot carry wisdom.

If you desire the nearness of Allah, purify your heart from resentment.

Be as Yusuf, who saw the face of betrayal and answered with the tongue of compassion.

Be as Ya‘qub, who endured loss but never lost hope.

And be as Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny), who faced the hatred of nations and still prayed, “O Allah, guide my people, for they know not what they do.”

The Light of Yusuf and the Continuation of Divine Guidance

O people, reflect upon the story of Yusuf (peace be upon him), for it is not a tale of the past but a mirror of the soul.

The envy of his brothers was not born in a moment, it was the fire of arrogance that consumes hearts when faith grows dim.

Their hatred for their own blood made them blind to mercy and deaf to truth.

They conspired against the innocent, and in their deceit they said, “A wolf has devoured him.”

But the true devourer was envy, not the beast of the wilderness.

Their father, Ya‘qub (peace be upon him), a prophet and servant of Allah, saw through their falsehood by the light granted to him. Yet he bore his pain with patience, for he knew that divine wisdom is often veiled in sorrow.

He wept until his eyes turned white, yet his heart never turned away from hope.

And when Yusuf, by Allah’s command, sent his blessed shirt, and it was placed upon his father’s eyes, sight returned — not merely to his vision, but to his world.

“Go with this shirt of mine and cast it over my father’s face; he will become seeing.”

(Surah Yusuf 12:93)

Miracles, indeed, are not without reason. They descend where hearts are pure and faith is unshaken.

For every miracle is a sign, not of magic, but of divine connection between the Creator and His chosen servants.

From Adam (peace be upon him) began the message of Islam, the surrender to the will of Allah.

It was he who laid the foundation of divine guidance upon earth.

Each prophet that followed carried a lamp from that same light, until the final flame was perfected in Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family).

He completed what Adam began, and with his Ahlul Bayt, his purified household, he demonstrated the perfection of submission, justice, and truth.

His vicegerent, Ali ibn Abi Talib, was the living embodiment of that divine knowledge, and through him continued the chain of Imams, eleven successors, each a guardian of light in the darkness of time.

And when tyranny threatened the life of the final Imam, the awaited Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), Allah veiled him from the eyes of the unjust, as He veiled Isa (peace be upon him), until the appointed hour when truth will again rise and complete the circle of divine will.

“He it is who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth, that He may make it prevail over all religion, even though the disbelievers dislike it.”

(Surah As-Saff 61:9)

Imam Ali (A.S.) says, O servants of Allah, know that divine light never perishes. It may be concealed, but it is not extinguished.

The truth may be hidden from the eyes, yet it dwells in the hearts of those who believe.

Await not merely the reappearance of the Imam, awaken the Imam within your conscience, and let your deeds bear witness to your faith.

For the story of Yusuf teaches that no betrayal can defeat destiny, and the promise of Allah is never in vain.

The Story of Every Soul

The story of Yusuf is the story of every soul that faces betrayal and remains faithful.

His patience in the pit, his dignity in servitude, and his forgiveness upon reunion are lessons that no heart should ignore.

He was imprisoned, yet his faith was free; he was accused, yet his character remained unblemished.

Such is the way of Allah with His chosen ones, He tests them not to destroy them, but to refine them.

And when Yusuf rose to power, he said to those who wronged him:

“No blame will there be upon you today. May Allah forgive you; He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”

(Surah Yusuf 12:92)

For the believers, this is the mark of divine character — to forgive when able to punish, to show mercy when anger calls for revenge.

Learn from Yusuf what it means to rise above the sins of others.

Learn from Ya‘qub what it means to endure the pain of loss without despairing in the mercy of Allah.

The Qur’an is a living guide; its stories are rivers of wisdom.

Drink from them lest your hearts become dry.

The story of Yusuf is an awakening for the followers of all Abrahamic faiths, that truth is one, revelation is one, and the Lord who spoke to Ibrahim, Musa, ‘Isa, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all) is One.

Do not let arrogance divide what faith has united.

Just as the brothers of Yusuf were reconciled by repentance, so too must the nations of the Book return to the covenant of sincerity and justice.

By Allah, the truth remains firm even if none stand for it, and falsehood perishes even if all defend it.

So awaken your conscience, purify your intentions, and remember:

whoever finds his “well” in this world, the pit of trial and rejection, let him be patient, for the Yusuf within him will one day rise to the throne of divine favor.

The Core Message of Surah Yusuf

Imam Ali (a.s.) said:

“Allah did not reveal Surah Yusuf to condemn the brothers, but to unveil the divine law of trial within the house of prophecy.”

Even in the most blessed homes, Allah’s test descends, to separate the hearts of truth from the hearts tainted by jealousy.

Imam Ali (a.s.) said:

“Allah tests His chosen ones within their own people, so that sincerity may be purified from the bond of kinship.”

Therefore, the story of Prophet Yusuf (a.s.) is not about mistrust, it is about trusting only in Allah, for even love and bloodline can become a trial when the heart forgets the divine purpose.

The Parallels Between Prophet Yusuf (a.s.) and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

The Qur’an itself draws this mirror.

Just as Yusuf (a.s.) was betrayed by his brothers,

the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was betrayed and opposed by his own tribe, Quraysh.

Yusuf was thrown into the well, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was confined in the Valley of Abu Talib (Sha‘b Abi Talib) under social and economic boycott.

Yusuf was sold into slavery, yet Allah raised him to honor;

the Prophet (peace be upon him) was exiled from his homeland, yet Allah exalted him as Mercy to all worlds.

Yusuf’s brothers later bowed before him;

Quraysh later entered Islam upon their defeat, humbled before the Prophet (peace be upon him) on the day of the Conquest of Makkah.

As Allah says:

“Indeed, in the story of Yusuf and his brothers are signs for those who reflect.”

(Surah Yusuf 12:7)

This story is not merely about Yusuf, it is a mirror for Muhammad (peace be upon him), showing that truth is always opposed first by those closest to it, but in the end, truth triumphs through patience.

Imam Ali’s Narrative: The Chosen and the Continuation of Light

“As Yusuf (peace be upon him) was chosen among his brothers, so was Muhammad (peace be upon him) chosen among Quraysh.

Patience and forgiveness are the signs by which the chosen are known.”

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said:

“The brothers of Yusuf were not idol-worshippers, yet they fell to jealousy;

The Quraysh were devoted to idols, yet Allah raised His Messenger above them all.

When truth is chosen by God, no veil of disbelief can darken its light.”

When Yusuf forgave his brothers saying,

‘There is no blame upon you today, may Allah forgive you,’

He opened the door of divine mercy after betrayal.

And when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) entered Makkah as a conqueror,

he echoed those same words of heavenly compassion:

“No blame shall be upon you today.” (Qur’an 12:92)

Imam Ali said:

“This verse was spoken once in Egypt, and again in Makkah, yet its echo will be heard until the end of time.”

The Qur’an revealed “No blame today,”

but the trial of envy and betrayal continues even today, seen in the turmoil and oppression spreading through the lands of the Middle East,

where brothers still raise their hands against brothers,

where the blood of believers stains the same soil that once bore prophets.

“Do they not see,” Imam Ali said,

“that every hand raised against justice is the hand of Yusuf’s brothers again?

Every heart that envies truth repeats the story of Quraysh.

But Allah’s promise remains: the chosen light shall not be extinguished.”

The Divine Continuation

Through this Surah, Allah spoke comfort to His Prophet (ﷺ):

“O Muhammad, do not grieve over their rejection.

Yusuf too was betrayed, yet I raised him.”

You are My chosen one, your light will shine despite their envy.

That light did not end with the Prophet’s earthly life.

It was carried within the purified hearts of his Ahl al-Bayt — the inheritors of his knowledge, patience, and divine trust.

Allah said in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, Allah intends to remove all impurity from you, O People of the Household, and to purify you completely.” (Surah al-Ahzab 33:33)

And again:

“Your Lord would never leave you until He makes the truth prevail and perfects His light, even though the disbelievers detest it.” (Surah as-Saff 61:8–9)

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said:

“The completion of the Prophet’s mission is through his lineage, through those whom Allah purified.

The world will not be devoid of His Proof, and that Proof shall rise again when the Mahdi (peace be upon him) reappears.”

Thus, the story of Yusuf is the story of divine continuity:

Betrayal and patience.

Darkness and deliverance.

Separation and reunion.

And just as Yusuf’s brothers once returned in humility,

so too will the nations of the earth bow to justice

when the awaited descendant of Muhammad (peace be upon him) appears,

to complete the mercy promised in the Qur’an.

Ya‘qub’s Grief and the Meaning of Patience

When Ya‘qub (peace be upon him) said,

“I complain of my anguish and grief only to Allah,”

he spoke not as one defeated by sorrow, but as one refined through divine trial.

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said:

“The complaint of a Prophet is not a protest, but a prayer whispered in the court of the Beloved.”

Ya‘qub concealed his pain from creation but unveiled it before the Creator,

for hearts that know Allah find comfort only in Him.

His eyes lost sight of Yusuf, yet his soul never lost sight of God’s promise.

He knew what others did not — that beyond the darkness of separation, the light of reunion was already written.

Imam Ali said:

“Grief is not the absence of faith, but the fragrance of love that seeks its source in Allah.

Whoever complains to Allah is not impatient, for his heart is anchored in certainty.”

Thus, Ya‘qub taught the believers that when the world closes its doors, the door of Allah remains ever open, and every tear shed in remembrance becomes a witness of trust.

The Promise of Divine Continuation and Awaited Justice

O people, the divine plan continues as it began, from Adam to Muhammad, from Muhammad to Ali, and from Ali to the awaited Mahdi.

The line of truth has never been broken; it only hides until the world is ready to see again.

So prepare your hearts for that dawn.

Let no jealousy, no pride, no worldly desire blind you from recognizing the light when it appears.

For when the promised one rises, his justice shall fill the earth as it was once filled with tyranny,

and the truth shall shine as it did in the time of Yusuf, radiant, forgiving, victorious.

“And Allah will perfect His light, though the disbelievers may detest it.”

(Surah As-Saff 61:8)