Page 52 - The School of Yusuf (as)

THE SCHOOL OF YUSUF

For example, Yusuf (as) asked a fellow inmate, who was to be
released before him, to mention him to his master. However, he for-
got to do so, and so Yusuf (as) remained in prison many more
years:
He [Yusuf] said to the one of them he knew was saved,

“Please mention me when you are with your lord,” but
Satan made him forget to remind his lord, and so he stayed
in prison for several years. (Surah Yusuf, 42)
Those who do not know to trust and submit to the fate deter-
mined by Allah, would consider it as a “misfortune” that this per-
son forget to mention his friend to his master, and would be
angered or bothered. But, a man like Yusuf (as), who knows that

everything is ordained according to a prescribed fate, who is pa-
tient and faithful, will react in a way that reflects his knowing that
there is some good to come of it. Most importantly, he will know
that there is no one who could bring about his release from prison
unless Allah wills it, not even his friend’s master. As with all cir-
cumstances, he will turn to Allah and pray.
Every Muslim believes in Allah and knows the importance of
faith. Therefore, he is patient and submissive. As there are many in-
stances in the School of Yusuf requiring patience and submission,

these qualities will be strengthened and a maturity of faith will
emerge.
First of all, believers, who are imprisoned wrongfully, are pa-
tient despite the injustice against them, and have faith in Allah.
However, when the conditions, means, environment and the
prison term are considered, the benefits of patience and submission
to Allah become apparent. Days, month or years can be spent in

confinement, but for a believer who is patient and relies on Allah,

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