A reflection on Surah Yusuf 12:36 - how Yusuf (AS) used even imprisonment as an opportunity to serve and guide others.
Unjustly imprisoned after refusing temptation, Yusuf (AS) could easily have withdrawn into bitterness. Instead, the Qur'an shows him continuing to serve those around him, even from within a prison cell. At Darus Saulieghien Quraan Academy, we highlight this chapter as a lesson in making the most of wherever Allah (SWT) places us.
Two Inmates, Two Dreams
وَدَخَلَ مَعَهُ ٱلسِّجْنَ فَتَيَانِ ۖ قَالَ أَحَدُهُمَآ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰنِىٓ أَعْصِرُ خَمْرًا ۖ وَقَالَ ٱلْـَٔاخَرُ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰنِىٓ أَحْمِلُ فَوْقَ رَأْسِى خُبْزًا تَأْكُلُ ٱلطَّيْرُ مِنْهُ ۖ نَبِّئْنَا بِتَأْوِيلِهِۦٓ ۖ إِنَّا نَرَىٰكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ٣٦
"And there entered the prison with him two young men. One of them said, 'Indeed, I have seen myself [in a dream] pressing [grapes for] wine.' The other said, 'Indeed, I have seen myself carrying upon my head [some] bread, from which the birds were eating. Inform us of its interpretation; indeed, we see you to be of those who do good.'" (Surah Yusuf 12:36)
Notice how the two men describe Yusuf (AS): "we see you to be of those who do good." Even in prison, his character was visible enough that strangers recognised it and turned to him for help.
Character That Shows Wherever You Are
Yusuf (AS) did not wait for his circumstances to improve before continuing to be of benefit to others. His good character was not dependent on his situation; it was simply who he was, in a palace or in a cell.
We encourage our students to carry this same consistency, that character and service to others should not depend on comfort or recognition, but remain steady wherever Allah (SWT) places them.
May Allah (SWT) make our students people of good character in every circumstance, difficult or easy, just as Yusuf (AS) was. Ameen.