Mawlana Abdol-Ghani Badri, while addressing the Friday prayer congregation in Zahedan (November 14, 2025), expounded on the lessons and messages from the story of Prophet Yousuf (peace be upon him) and urged various segments of society—especially the youth—to emulate the qualities and characteristics of this great divine prophet.
The Holy Qur’an Is Not a Book of Storytelling—It Is a Book of Guidance
According to a report by SunniOnline, Mawlana Abdol-Ghani Badri recited the opening verses of Surah Yusuf, and stated: Allah Almighty has described the story of Prophet Yousuf (peace be upon him) in the Qur’an as Ahsan al-Qesas—“the most beautiful of stories.” Allah has presented this surah in this manner because it contains profoundly important, instructive lessons, admonitions, and messages.
The deputy Friday prayer leader of Zahedan’s Sunni community added: The Qur’an is not a book for narrating stories; rather, it is a book of guidance from which people can derive the best path through its verses, narratives, exhortations, and sermons. For instance, scholars and exegetes have authored dozens of books interpreting Surah Yusuf, highlighting the critical admonitions it offers in the realms of faith, beliefs, ethics, practical life, and so on.
The distinguished teacher of Quranic exegesis and hadith, referring to certain lessons from Surah Yusuf, said: Scholars and exegetes—particularly Allama Alusi (may Allah have mercy on him)—have noted that the story of Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him) contains numerous lessons on faith and doctrine. Studying his story teaches that no strategy or plan—even that of a prophet like Yaqoub (peace be upon him)—can alter divine decree once it has been ordained.
He continued: The narrative of Prophet Yousuf makes it evident that no one besides Allah manages, oversees, or directs the affairs of the world, nor can anyone know the unseen except Him.
The educational deputy of Darululoom Zahedan remarked: Some may question how Prophet Yaqoub (peace be upon him) smelled the fragrance of the shirt from Egypt and how it restored his sight. The answer is that these are miracles and divine favors took place only through prophets—and the true agent and key to their occurrence lies solely with Allah. The prophet himself plays no causative role. For example, when Yousuf was thrown into the well near Canaan, Yaqoub could not smell him. Thus, these are miracles that take place whenever Allah wills.
“Envy” Destroys Families and Ruins Both This World and the Hereafter
Continuing his sermon, Mawlana Abdol-Ghani said: Another lesson from the story of Prophet Yousuf is that envy is among the deadliest diseases—it scatters families and destroys both worldly and eternal life. The story shows that wealthy and affluent families must be especially cautious to prevent envy among their children. A person afflicted with envy becomes deaf and blind, even if they are the son of a prophet. The sons of Prophet Jacob—though prophet’s children—plotted to kill their brother Yousuf out of envy and ultimately threw him into a well.
“However, Joseph’s brothers eventually repented and were granted the ability to seek forgiveness. But in our society, someone harboring envy may conspire to eliminate their own sibling without ever attaining repentance,” he added.
“Patience,” “Conviction,” and “Piety” Resolve All Difficulties / Prophet Yousuf Was the Embodiment of Patience, Steadfastness, and Faith
The educational director of Darululoom Zahedan, citing the story of Prophet Yousuf, described patience, piety, and conviction as highly effective in overcoming trials and said: A prominent theme in the story is that patience, piety, and faith resolve all hardships.
He stated: Prophet Yousuf (peace be upon him) was endowed with the blessings of patience, conviction, and God-consciousness. When everything was revealed, he told his brothers: “Indeed, whoever is mindful of Allah and patient, then surely Allah does not allow the reward of the doers of good to be lost.” (Qur’an 12:90)
“Patience” Is a Beautiful Trait That Bestows Many Other Virtues
Mawlana Abdol-Ghani emphasized: A believer must practice patience. Patience is an exceedingly beautiful quality that brings many other virtues. For example:
- One who is patient against lustful desires is blessed with chastity.
- One who endures in jihad is blessed with valor.
- One who bears calamities with forbearance is blessed with magnanimity.
- One who conceals others’ faults is blessed with discretion.
- One who is content with little provision is blessed with contentment.
In short, patience is a trait to uphold not only in adversity but in every situation.
He continued: Patience and conviction are of utmost importance. When Yousuf was thrown into the well, he did not wail or lament—he embodied patience and faith. In reward, Allah consoled his heart and revealed: “We inspired him: ‘You will surely inform them of this affair of theirs while they are unaware.’” (Qur’an 12:15)
Prophet Yousuf Exercised Patience in the Palace of Egypt’s Aziz and Against the Illicit Advances of Egyptian Women
The deputy Sunni prayer leader of Zahedan, highlighting further examples of Yousuf’s patience, and said: When sold as a slave in Egypt’s market and taken into the Aziz’s palace, Yousuf remained patient and dignified.
He added: When Egyptian women made illicit advances in a society where such immorality was not deemed gravely wrong, Yousuf exercised patience, rejected the invitations of Egypt’s elite women, and declared: “My Lord, prison is more desirable to me than that to which they invite me.” (Qur’an 12:33)
Mawlana Badri further stressed: The lessons from Prophet Yousuf’s life teach that one must adopt patience, asceticism, contentment, piety, and chastity in times of hardship and ease, joy and poverty, wealth and power—and never forget the True Creator and Sustainer in any circumstance.
He continued: The story also teaches that even when all apparent means fail and every door seems closed, we must maintain such faith and trust in Allah that hope in Him never wanes, and we remain certain of His promises. Ibn Ata’ullah al-Iskandari (may Allah have mercy on him) beautifully said: “Rubama kanat al-minan fi al-mihan”—Often, divine favors and blessings are concealed within trials and hardships.
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