وكذلك مكنا ليوسف في الارض يتبوا منها حيث يشاء نصيب برحمتنا من نشاء ولا نضيع اجر المحسنين

وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يَتَبَوَّأُ مِنْهَا حَيْثُ يَشَآءُ ۚ نُصِيبُ بِرَحْمَتِنَا مَن نَّشَآءُ ۖ وَلَا نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

There is so much comfort in this ayah for those of us who have been wronged or humiliated by others unjustly. Allah rewarded Prophet Yusuf for his good deeds and patience of the injustice and public humiliation he had faced by not just clearing his name and bringing the truth to light, but also granting him a lofty super respectful position in the world. 

But it didn't happen straight away and Prophet Yusuf didn't demand his name to be cleared straight away too, although he did want to leave prison with his name cleared. 

From that I take away that it is OK to want your name to be cleared when you have been wrongly accused of something. And a day will come when Allah will clear our name too, and the truth will come to light. This may be in this world or the hereafter (as the next verse eludes too). But in the meanwhile we will be rewarded for all our good-deeds - the patience, the silence, doing good even when one has been oppressed. As Allah says, our good deeds are never ever just ignored, we do see the fruits of them in this world too! 

Jazaak Allah khair for the warm welcome to such a blessed space Alhamdulillah. I look forward to learning from you all inshallah :)

Ihsan: The antidote to sadness 

Feeling lonely? Ihsan.
Experienced betrayal? Ihsan.
Need reassurance? Ihsan.
Wanting to experience more of God's mercy, blessings and love? Ihsan.

Surah Yusuf to me highlights ihsan - Prophet Yusuf's ihsan and great moral character regardless of the circumstances - whether he was thrown into a well by his own brothers, sold into slavery for cheap, or thrown into prison for a crime he did not commit - his ihsan did not waiver.  

Ibn 'Ataa رحمه الله said: 'No one listens to Surah Yusuf (with reflection) and they are in a state of sadness except he will find comfort by way of it.' [Tafseer al-Baghawee 2/434, Daar Tayyibah print]. 

So I wonder if Surah Yusuf is all about ihsan and it's recommended for when feeling sadness, is the antidote to sadness to engage in more ihsan? 

Research tells us that volunteering for two hours a week can alleviate feelings of sadness because it gives a sense of contribution and connectedness.  And one of the categories most mentioned in the Quran as those whom God loves are the 'muhsineen' (those who engage in ihsan).  So serving the creation through Ihsan can lead to the love of The Creator and in turn experiencing His ihsan with us.

May we be of the muhsineen. Ameen.

The central line of this comment is wrong. It should be 'Ihsan: The antidote to hopelessness.' In Surah Yusuf, we learn that Prophet Yakub A.S. was sad throughout Yusuf A.S.'s absence. So, a Muslim can be sad, but he cannot be hopeless. 

﷽

Prophet Yousuf AS (Joseph) didn’t let his past define him. 

Despite the trauma of being betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and wrongly imprisoned, he rose with confidence when the moment of opportunity arrived. When he stood before the king, he said that he could manage the food reserves, during times of abundance and drought. You would think those years in a dungeon would have stripped him of any confidence, but they didn’t. 

Modern psychology often tells us that our environment heavily influences our mindset—positivity and encouragement help us grow, while negativity and lack of recognition weaken us. Often, even when an opportunity finally presents itself, people hesitate, lacking confidence due to their past hardships.

So how did Joseph emerge so refined, polished, and confident, not coming from an Ivy League school but from a prison cell? It’s the confidence of Abd-Allah, a servant whose heart is strengthened by Allah swt Himself. Joseph’s trust in Allah's plan gave him inner strength that no worldly setback could take away. The lesson here is twofold. First, we should strive to shed negative experiences and not let them become a constant, harmful voice in our heads. Second, we must strengthen our connection with Allah. True strength comes from trusting Allah's wisdom. 

It reminds me of Rib'i ibn Amir who was sent to meet the Persian general, Rustam. He entered the Persian's luxurious court dressed in simple rugged clothing to deliver the message of Islam with such confidence and fearlessness that shook them. They couldn't understand how these seemingly humble people could stand so boldly in front of a powerful empire. These events eventually led to the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah, where the Muslim forces defeated the Persian Empire, marking the start of Islam's expansion into Persia.

The story of Yusuf (AS) further tells us that the reward in the Hereafter far surpasses anything in this world. While Joseph was given immense blessings on earth, including freedom, honour, and authority, Allah tells us that the blessings of the Hereafter are incomparable. The comforts and success we might receive in this world are only a fraction of what Allah has in store for the faithful in the Hereafter.

Ya Allah, strengthen our faith and grant us trust in Your plan. Help us overcome the trials of this world, and do not let past hardships define us. Bless us with Your mercy in this life and reward us with the best in the Hereafter. Ameen

On Loss, Love, Leadership, and Legacy

Prophet Yusuf’s (Joseph) story is a moving journey of loss, love, and legacy. From the loss of his family’s love and the comfort of his home when his brothers cast him into the well, to the loss of freedom as he was sold into slavery, and then unjustly imprisoned for years for a crime he did not commit — his story in the Quran is an example of patience, ihsan, and Divine Love. 

Through every trial, God’s Divine plan and wisdom prepared Prophet Yusuf to transform pain into purpose, and loss into leadership and legacy. In his story, we find inspiration and hope for how painful circumstances in life could lead us to fulfill our purpose, and how loss prepares us to in sha Allah deliver a lasting legacy, if we continue to embody ihsan and trust in God, as Prophet Yusuf did. 

So remember, the pain and loss were not meant to break you - they were meant to purify, prepare, and elevate you to fulfill your higher purpose and be a means to spread goodness in this world. After all the deep loss and trials, Prophet Yusuf did not retreat or decide to dedicate his time to rest - on the contrary, he stepped up, fulfilled his God given potential to serve and save a nation.

On the surface, there is profound loss, grief, and betrayal in his story. There is a removal of 'worldly' means and blessings in the form of family, home, and freedom.  These painful circumstances and losses happened to Prophet Yusuf whom Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) called 'al-Karim, ibn al-Karim, ibn al-Karim, ibn al-Karim' (the noble one, son of the noble one (Prophet Jacob), son of the noble one (Prophet Isaac), son of the noble one (great grandson of Prophet Ibrahim) (Bukhari, 3382). 

This description highlights not only Prophet Yusuf’s noble lineage, but also his noble qualities of Ihsan— moral beauty, excellence, and spiritual devotion. In the famous long hadith defining Islam, Iman and Ihsan, the Prophet peace be upon him explained Ihsan as: 'To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, know that He sees you'(Al Bukhari). Prophet Yusuf is repeatedly described in Surat Yusuf as being among the Muhsinin— those who embody Ihsan— in every difficult circumstance he endured.

I envision ihsan as a demonstration of one's love for God, throughout all the difficult trials of life. Every time Prophet Yusuf lost someone, something, or a place He loved, His love for God never wavered - he continued to show ihsan and reverence for God. 

After years of trials, pain, and loss, and while still imprisoned, the King of Egypt had a troubling dream. When Yusuf interpreted it and shared a plan to save the nation — he was raised from the restrictions of prison to the honor of leadership. Entrusted with the storehouses of the land, his role was similar to a Minister of Finance and Agriculture in modern terms. Having had his freedom restricted for years in the well, in slavery, and in prison, he was now granted freedom, honor, and authority through the mercy of Allah. And this, indeed, is the greatest blessing: to witness the unfolding of Allah’s mercy both during and after the difficult circumstances.

God reassures all those reading these beautiful verses through the story of Prophet Yusuf, that He never wastes the efforts of those who show ihsan, and that perhaps even if due to our limited capacity, we do not see or experience the full 'reward' in this fleeting and transient world, know without a doubt that the reward of the hereafter is far better for those who are mindful.

Through the story of losing worldly love and comfort, yet reaffirming the greatest love — love for Allah in every trial — Prophet Yusuf left behind a legacy of ihsan. It is this legacy that continues to offer us hope, inspiration, and healing to this very day every time we read or listen to this moving story or Surah.

Scholars note that Surat Yusuf was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, during his the Year of Grief, after the loss of his uncle and his wife Khadijah - his two greatest pillars of support. Just as this Surah brought comfort to the Prophet in his sorrow, scholars comment that it remains a chapter of the Qur’an through which we can find comfort and relief in times of grief.

#SuratYusuf #GuidedLeadership #legacy #ihsan #divinelove #ihsaneducation #inspiredbyYusuf #YusufTaughtMe


سبحان الله 
It's  as if My Rabb send it for me
الله اكبر  كبيرا والحمد لله كثيرا  وسبحان الله  بكرة واثيلا 
جزاك الله خيرا كثيرا 


وَقَالَ ٱلْمَلِكُ ٱئْتُونِى بِهِۦٓ أَسْتَخْلِصْهُ لِنَفْسِىۖ فَلَمَّا كَلَّمَهُۥ قَالَ إِنَّكَ ٱلْيَوْمَ لَدَيْنَا مَكِينٌ أَمِينٌ 
And the king said, 'Bring him to me; I will appoint him exclusively for myself.' And when he spoke to him, he said, 'Indeed, you are today established [in position] and trusted.' 
(Yusuf 12:54)

The situation here is when Yusuf (alai) was finally released from prison. He had endured so much. From betrayal of his brothers, slavery, toxic situation, unjust accusations, and been in prison for  (3-9) years. Afterall all that trauma someone finally shows him kindness and respect, as did the king- promising an established position. With Yusuf (alai) interpreting the kings dream , the king wants Yusuf (alai) close to him. Like a trustee. The safety, respect and regard takes a 180 turn at this point. From a prisoner to a trusted advisor of the king. 



قَالَ ٱجْعَلْنِى عَلَىٰ خَزَآئِنِ ٱلْأَرْضِۖ إِنِّى حَفِيظٌ عَلِيمٌ 
[Joseph] said, 'Appoint me over the storehouses of the land. Indeed, I will be a knowing guardian.'
 (Yusuf 12:55)

But Yusuf (alai) knew his worth. He knew he could offer more than simply being in the safety and comforts of the king. He knew he could make a difference with the gifts Allah has bestowed. So he took on responsibility. He put it on himself. He asked for it. He asked for responsibility, instead of being a complacent trustee. All his life he had been going from one trauma to another. And now when he finally had the offer to simply sit back and relax from all the drama, he declines that offer. Because he knows he can do better than that, he know Allah has gifted him with skills, and he wants to put that to use. 


وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يَتَبَوَّأُ مِنْهَا حَيْثُ يَشَآءُۚ نُصِيبُ بِرَحْمَتِنَا مَن نَّشَآءُۖ وَلَا نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ 
And thus We established Joseph in the land to settle therein wherever he willed. We touch with Our mercy whom We will, and We do not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.
(Yusuf 12:56)

Yusuf (alai) didn't simply lay complacent and enjoy the royal treat, but continued to work and put his skills to use. That is what unfolded the rest of his blessings. A 'Muhsin' is someone who keeps working, keeps trying, keeps working on bettering himself, is always on the go, a 'Muhsin' is someone who does his best. And throughout his life Yusuf (alai) always, always did his best regardless of the situation he found himself. Up until now, he didn't find anything good that came out of it. It was one trauma after another. And yet he kept being a 'Muhsin'. And even at this point, where he was granted the respect and safety of the king, he was still in 'Muhsin' mode. Even in the height of being a trustee of the king, he sought to find ways he can do better, put his best to use. 


We learn about being a 'Muhsin', doing our best in whatever situation we find ourselves in. And always striving for betterment. Not being complacent. Giving our best shot at everything, be it a favourable or unfavorable situation. It may sound tiring, but that's the price we pay to grow. Keep hustling. You shall grow. And never settle, never settle. If you think there's a better way of doing things, if you think that there is a better use of your skills, if you think you can offer more- then go for it!! Take that responsibility, hustle harder, show them how it's done. Don't settle. Keep growing. Be a Muhsin!!

حضرت یوسفؑ نے اپنی پوری زندگی میں صرف اللہ کی بندگی کی، کبھی یہ سوچ کر نیکی نہیں کی کہ اس کے بدلے میں مجھے بادشاہت ملے گی یا دنیاوی مقام حاصل ہوگا۔ ان کی نیت خالص تھی — بس اللہ کو راضی کرنا۔

لیکن ہم میں سے اکثر کا حال یہ ہے کہ جب ہم کوئی نیکی کرتے ہیں یا آزمائش میں صبر کرتے ہیں تو دل میں فوراً یہ خیال آتا ہے کہ اب اللہ ہمیں بھی حضرت یوسفؑ جیسی آسانیاں دے گا، ہمارے حالات بھی بدل جائیں گے۔ مگر یہ ہمیشہ ایسا نہیں ہوتا۔

قرآن اور تاریخ ہمیں بتاتی ہے کہ حضرت نوحؑ، حضرت لوطؑ اور کئی دوسرے انبیاء نے برسوں تک خالص نیت کے ساتھ اللہ کے دین کی دعوت دی، صبر کیا، استقامت دکھائی — لیکن انہیں بادشاہت یا دنیاوی اقتدار نہیں ملا۔ کیونکہ ہمیشہ انعام دنیا میں نہیں ملتا۔ کبھی کبھی اللہ اپنے بندے کا اصل اجر آخرت میں محفوظ رکھتا ہے، اور وہ وہاں اتنا بڑا ہوتا ہے کہ دنیا کا سب سے بڑا تخت بھی اس کے مقابلے میں کچھ نہیں۔

اسی لیے اللہ نے فرما دیا کہ وہ جسے چاہے دنیا دے، اور جسے چاہے آخرت میں دے، اور کبھی دونوں بھی دے — مگر فیصلہ اس کا ہے، ہماری شرطوں پر نہیں۔ اصل کامیابی یہ ہے کہ انسان اپنی نیت کو خالص رکھے، چاہے دنیا بدلے یا نہ بدلے، کیونکہ آخرت کا انعام ہمیشہ باقی رہنے والا ہے۔

اللہ ہم سب کو خالص نیت کے ساتھ عمل کرنے والا اور آخرت کے اجر کا طلبگار بنائے۔ آمین۔



An Islamic wisdom tells us 'No one experiencing sadness will read Surat Yusuf except that they will find relief'.  So why Surat Yusuf ?

Amidst all the trials, heartbreak, lies and struggles, Prophet Yusuf continuously and consistently is described as from the 'muhsineen' (those who embody moral excellence).

His brothers throwing him into a well, his separation from his father for decades, his selling into slavery and his persecution in prison for a crime he didn't commit didn't harden his heart or change his character.

He remained from the muhsineen, he forgave when he had a choice from a position of power, he saved a nation from hunger and after it all, he remembered that despite his great suffering, Allah was good to him.

In the face of grief, trials and struggle may we be gifted with the ability to show Ihsan. 

To keep showing up with our best when the world gives us its worst.

Because Allah, in His infinite generosity and grace, has always been good to us. 

And because He loves the muhsineen (those who engage in Ihsan). 

May we be of them.  Ameen.

No family is immune from complications, Allah will not give you or me a normal family. Wether you like it or not , there is gunna be some body who is trouble. That is just how Allah made us. 

And sometimes you will even wonder how are u two are related.. it could be like that, but because Allah decided that you had to be around certain people in your life and they had to be your trial and you had to be theirs.....and 
you are tied to them for life. 

Subhaan  Allah in the case of prophet Jacob and Yusuf, peace be upon them, on one hand and the brothers of Yusuf on the other .... like if you think about it , it will look like a mismatch right ? But its not , its a decree of Allah that they be family, that they be blood and even bonded to each other for better and worse . 

We .... have to just let go the idea of some kind of 'A life where the people in our lives non of them are going to be a source of difficulty' ..... 

May Allah always make it easy for us , give us wisdom and help us see these difficulties to be able to balance our lives right ...

A day with #NomanAliKhan #QALAM

Ameen. May Allah make it easy and source of strength to serve Allah

Surat Yusuf: 
This chapter reminds us that hardship come first and it is described through problems that Yusuf had from a young age. He was betrayed by his brother and separated from his dad, dumped in a well and found by slave-merchants, sold as a slave, and he was accused of adultery king's wife. 

With all of this hardship one should remember that Yusuf was given a many blessings including physical beauty and special ability to translate dreams that became essential when consulting the King, to name a few. When one is faced with hardship that is actually the process of making the soul resilient and more more beautiful. When the soul is strengthened, that is the point it is ready to be given something higher, i.e. being reunited with his most beloved brother, Benyamin and father, Jacob. Moreso, he was able to forgive his brothers whom betrayed him. This chapter inspires it's reciters feelings of hopefulness and forgiveness. After hardship, with reliance in God, good things are destined to come.

İn this captivating narrative, one constant element stands out – the 'qamis' (shirt). Notice how the story revolves around it, ultimately returning to this symbolic garment. Some commentators have aptly titled this surah 'Qassas al-Qamis' (The Story of the Shirt). While much has been said about this tale, I'd like to highlight an aspect that resonates with me.

Throughout Prophet Yusuf's (Aleyhisalam) life, the qamis itself, though falsely tainted by others, remains unstained, serving as irrefutable evidence. Whether it's the shirt retrieved from the dark well, falsely tainted with deceit, or the one scratched in Aziz's palace, testifying to his innocence, or even the royal attire he wore as Egypt's leader, the qamis itself remains unblemished.

This narrative  underscores human vulnerability, revealing how Prophet Yusuf (Aleyhisalam) was susceptible to pitfalls at every turn, where plots were woven against him. humanly, he could have fallen prey to:

The depths of the well, where despair and darkness might have consumed him.
The solitude in Aziz' palace, where loneliness could have led him astray.
The throne of power, where the intoxication of authority might have led him to avenge the injustice perpetrated against him.

Yet, his unwavering faith and mindful character triumphed over these vulnerabilities. Every time this surah quotes an event it's a testament to Syyiduna Yusuf (Aleyhisalam) mindfulness, which he preserved throughout his life journey from the depths of well to the heights of power. thereby maintaining the purity of his Qamis intact. 

So the shirt here, in a subtle nuance, represents  garment of righteousness (libas al-taqwa). Just as the qamis withstand the darkness of the well, false accusations, and the temptations of power, our spiritual garment must resist the stains of sin, worldly allurements, and trials.

May Allah SWT  grant us the strength to embody Yusuf's AS character, in the depths of darkness, in solitude, and at the pinnacle of power Ameen 



MashaAllah, that was amazing Sis. Thank you for sharing.