Revelation & Context
In which city was Surah Yusuf revealed?
Makkah
Who did Yūsuf tell his first dream to?
His father Yaʿqūb (Jacob)
What emotion drove the brothers to harm Yūsuf?
Jealousy (ḥasad)
Who bought Yūsuf in Egypt?
Al-ʿAzīz (the minister)
What did Yūsuf prefer over committing sin?
Prison
Who asked the Prophet ﷺ about the story of a prophet in Egypt?
The Quraysh (prompted by Jewish rabbis)
What did Yūsuf see in his dream?
Eleven stars, the sun and moon prostrating to him
What plan did they first suggest?
To kill him so their father would love them more
What did al-ʿAzīz tell his wife about Yūsuf?
“Treat him honourably; maybe he will benefit us or we may adopt him.”
What duʿā did Yūsuf make in verse 33?
“My Lord, prison is dearer to me than what they invite me to…”
What was happening in the Prophet’s life when this surah was revealed?
Bonus: What happened in this period?
The Year of Sorrow (ʿĀm al-Ḥuzn)
What did Yaʿqūb warn Yūsuf not to do? And why?
Not to tell his dream to his brothers
Who suggested throwing Yūsuf into a well instead?
The eldest brother (Reuben / one of them with more sense)
What did the wife of al-ʿAzīz attempt with Yūsuf?
To seduce him to sin with her
How did Allah respond to Yūsuf’s duʿā?
He turned away their plots and protected him in prison
What is the main purpose of this surah’s revelation?
To comfort the Prophet ﷺ and teach patience through Yūsuf’s story
What quality did Yaʿqūb recognize in Yūsuf from the dream?
That Allah had chosen him and would teach him wisdom and interpretation of dreams
What fake evidence did they show their father? And how did the father know they were lying?
Yūsuf’s shirt stained with false blood
What proof showed Yūsuf’s innocence when al-ʿAzīz entered?
His shirt was torn from behind
Why was Yūsuf imprisoned even though he was innocent?
To hide the scandal and protect the wife’s reputation — a test of patience
What makes Surah Yusuf unique among Qur’anic stories?
It tells one prophet’s story completely, in chronological order, in one surah
What symbol did the “eleven stars, sun, and moon” represent?
His eleven brothers, father, and mother bowing to him in respect later in life
How did Yaʿqūb respond to the loss of Yūsuf?
With sabr jamīl (beautiful patience) and trust in Allah’s plan
What did the women of the city do when they saw Yūsuf?
They cut their hands in awe and said he looked like an angel
What does Yūsuf’s ability to resist temptation in complete privacy teach us about the meaning of “ihsān” (excellence in worship)?
That true ihsān is worshipping Allah as though you see Him — staying obedient even when no one else is watching.