Updated 30 October 2013

By Ali Azhar Arastu

Review by Shahnawaz Hasan Zaidi

The parable of Prophet Yusuf a.s contains many important & profound lessons for humanity. This is why the Holy Quran has described it as ‘ahsan al-qasas’, which means the best story. There is a prevalence of behaviour and hurdles in today’s society which were also dominant at the time of Prophet Yusuf a.s. For this reason Brother Ali Azhar Arastu has thoroughly researched and successfully written this book titled ‘The story of Nabi Yusuf a.s’. This book has conveyed a vast amount of knowledge; creating a wonderful opportunity for humanity to learn from the teachings of Prophet Yusuf a.s. Muslims and non-Muslims are able to derive moral teachings from this book and strengthen in faith.

The author has divided the life of Prophet Yusuf a.s into four parts. These are addressed in the four parts of the book. Brother Arastu effectively commented on selected verses of the Glorious Quran and hadiths of the Ahlulbayt a.s. He linked these to our current era, benefitting the readers to gain ethical teachings.

The book starts with the narration of a golden dream that Prophet Yusuf a.s had. The dream narrates that he saw eleven stars, the sun and the moon prostrating before him. This created jealousy amongst his brothers. As a result the brothers planned to kill him; however they decided to throw him in a well. They lied to their father Prophet Yakub a.s and said their brother had been attacked and eaten by a wolf. 

The book goes on to narrate how Prophet Yusuf a.s reached Egypt as a slave in the palace of the Aziz (The Minister of Egypt). Zulaykha, the wife of the Aziz was known for her richness and beauty. On seeing the Prophet she became infatuated with his beauty. As he aged, she came under the influence of her lust, but was not successful. Consequently she fabricated a story which resulted in the Prophet being imprisoned.

Prophet Yusuf a.s was blessed with the power of accurately interpreting the dream of the king of Egypt. In shame Zulaykha confessed that she was the one who tried to seduce Prophet Yusuf a.s. His piety and wisdom influenced the King and as a result he was released from prison and was exalted to the status of Aziz (minister).

With his wisdom and planning, Prophet Yusuf a.s protected Egypt from drought for seven years.  During this time, other areas had been severely affected by famine. People travelled from far and near to buy food from Egypt. As a result the Prophet’s brothers travelled from Canaan to buy food. The Prophet recognised them. However the brothers did not know he was in Egypt or know of the status he had. Despite the past Prophet Yusuf a.s welcomed his brothers with respect in Egypt. He devised a plan to keep his beloved brother Binyamin with him in Egypt. He asked the other brothers to bring their father  back to Egypt with them. Prophet Yakub a.s had been in sorrow since Prophet Yusuf a.s disappeared; as a result he lost his sight. In old age he travelled to Egypt with his sons, and after thirty years of grief he met Prophet Yusuf a.s.

This book enhanced my understanding of the verses of the Holy Quran and Hadiths of the Ahlulbayt a.s. This is a fascinating and brief story of Prophet Yusuf’s a.s existence, which can be applied to improve one’s own life. Brother Arastu wrote in a simple and effective style which made this book an enjoyable and easy read. Though this book can be comprehended by all ages, it would specifically interest the young readers. 

With thanks to ‘The World Federation of KSIMC’ for publishing this book.