Reflections on the Story of Yusuf عليه السلام: A Guide to Morality and Righteousness
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Lessons from the story of Yusuf عليه السلام
Allah ﷻ says in Surah Yusuf Ayah 23:
وَرَاوَدَتْهُ الَّتِي هُوَ فِي بَيْتِهَا عَنْ نَفْسِهِ وَغَلَّقَتِ الْأَبْوَابَ
And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him (to do an evil act), and she closed the doors
Allah ﷻ states that the wife of the Aziz of Egypt, in whose house Yusuf عليه السلام resided, tried to seduce Yusuf عليه السلام!
وَقَالَتْ هَيْتَ لَكَ
and (she) said: “Come on, O you.”
But he categorically refused her call,
قَالَ مَعَاذَ اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ رَبِّى أَحْسَنَ مَثْوَاىَّ
He said: “I seek refuge in Allah! Truly, he is my Rabb! He made my living in a great comfort!”
as they used to call the chief and master a Rabb, Yusuf عليه السلام said to her, “your husband is my master who provided me with comfortable living and was kind to me, so I will never betray him by committing immoral sins with his wife,”
إِنَّهُ لاَ يُفْلِحُ الظَّـلِمُونَ
Verily, the wrongdoers will never be successful.
[12:23]
The story of Yusuf عليه السلام is a story from the Qur’an which has some beautiful lessons.
These Ayaat in Surah Yusuf, tell us about how Yusuf عليه السلام when approached by a noble woman, the wife of the Aziz of Egypt, remembered Allah ﷻ and avoided her advances.
This part of the life of Yusuf عليه السلام is important, especially in our time.
In a world where immorality is rampant, we must observe Hayaa and follow the example of Yusuf عليه السلام.
Lesson 1
When we are approached by immorality, we should remind ourselves of the blessings from Allah ﷻ.
Lesson 2
As Allah ﷻ says
الَّذِى خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيَوةَ
Who has created death and life
لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلاً
He may test you which of you is best in deed.
وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفُورُ
And He is the Almighty, the oft-forgiving.
[67:2]
This world is a test!
A test regarding who is best in good deeds.
And how many times have we chosen to sin over Allah ﷻ?
Let this thought be in our mind to reflect upon and better ourselves. إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللّٰهُ.
May Allah ﷻ grant us ease and forgive our shortcomings.