The Dream, the Prison, and the Throne

I was but a child when I saw a dream: eleven stars, the sun, and the moon bowing down to me. I ran to my father, Ya‘qub, to share it. He looked at me with love and warned me not to tell my brothers, for envy can darken hearts.

His words proved true. My brothers, jealous of my closeness to him, plotted against me. One day, they lured me away and cast me into the depths of a well. Alone in that darkness, fear gripped me, but I clung to Allah. Soon, a caravan drew me out, only to sell me as a slave in Egypt.

My new master treated me kindly, but trials awaited me. His wife sought to tempt me, yet I resisted, saying, “I seek refuge in Allah.” When she accused me falsely, I was thrown into prison though I had done no wrong.

Even there, I did not lose hope. I spoke to my fellow prisoners about the Oneness of Allah. They came to me with their dreams, and by Allah’s permission, I interpreted them. Word of this gift reached the king, who sought my help with his troubling vision: seven fat cows devoured by seven lean ones. I explained it was a prophecy of years of plenty followed by years of famine. Grateful, the king freed me and placed me in charge of the storehouses of the land.

Years passed, and the famine came. My brothers, the very ones who once betrayed me, arrived in Egypt seeking food. They did not recognise me. My heart trembled at the sight of them. I had the power to punish, yet I chose mercy. When at last I revealed my identity, they were struck with shame. But I told them gently:

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

Thus, I was reunited with my family. The dream of my youth came true as my parents and brothers bowed before me in respect, a fulfilment of Allah’s promise.

My journey was filled with betrayal, injustice, and imprisonment, yet I learned this: if you remain patient, guard your faith, and trust in Allah, He can raise you from the depths of a well to the heights of honour.

I am Yusuf, the son of Ya‘qub, the Prophet of Allah.