Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) was the beloved son of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) who also had 11 other sons. Binyamin, who was the youngest, was from the same mother as Yusuf, while the rest were older half-brothers.

Yusuf, still a young boy, awoke one glorious morning delighted by a pleasant dream he just had.

He ran to his father in excitement and said,

““O my father, indeed I have seen eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me.”

Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was overjoyed at the realization that his dear son was indeed chosen by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) to be bestowed with Prophethood. However, Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was concerned about his older sons’ possible reaction to this narration, for even though he treated them equally, they harbored jealousy towards Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He, therefore, warned Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) against relating his dream to his brothers lest they plot for his downfall.

With time, the malice in the hearts of Yusuf’s brothers kept growing. They envied Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) because they felt he was special, and they were not. Unable to handle their emotions, they devised a plan to get rid of Yusuf by throwing him into a well. So, one day, they approached their father and asked whether Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) could come out with them to play.

A very reluctant Yaqub said,

““Indeed, it saddens me that you should take him, and I fear that a wolf would eat him while you are of him unaware"
— (Surah Yusuf, ayah 12:13)

But the older brothers insisted that they would take extreme care of him and that Yusuf would enjoy himself.

The next day, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) set off with his brothers. They traveled far in pursuit of a well deep enough to throw their brother in. When they finally reached the well, on the pretext of drinking water, they led him to it, grabbed him, and removed his shirt. Yusuf began struggling and pleaded with them to let go. The brothers eventually outpowered Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), threw him down the well, and rushed back home.

The brothers ran to their father, carrying Yusuf's shirt that was smeared with sheep's blood.

They cried,

““O our father, indeed we went racing with each other and left Yusuf with our possessions, and a wolf ate him.”
- (Surah Yusuf Ayah 17)

Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was suspicious of their story. He, in his heart, believed his son was still alive and that the brothers were likely enticed by Shaitan to do evil.

He remarked that the wolf was indeed merciful to have eaten his son up without tearing his shirt! He bore the bereavement with patience and prayed for his son's safe return.

Meanwhile, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) managed to cling to a stone ledge, and he prayed fervently to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) to grant him salvation. Soon, a caravan bound for Egypt stopped at this well to fetch water.The water drawer hauled up his bucket, and he was shocked to see the boy clinging to the rope.

The caravan people immediately shackled Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and took him along to Egypt.The word quickly spread throughout Egypt that a strikingly handsome and athletic boy was to be auctioned. This news piqued the interest of the wealthy and elite bidders, eager to see if the rumors were true.

The auction went wild, with bids escalating rapidly. Ultimately, he was sold to the highest bidder, who was none other than Al-Azeez, the chief minister of Egypt. Yusuf's new master, who had no children, was completely taken with Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He told his wife to take good care of Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and they could either use him as a slave or, perhaps, even adopt him as their son.

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) not only grew up to be a handsome young man but was also blessed with exceptional knowledge and wisdom by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).

It is narrated in the famous hadith when the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) ascended to heaven during the night journey, he went through the gate and entered the third heaven where he saw Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who was said to have been given, "half of (world) beauty." (Sahih Muslim 162a)

“

The Qur'an also reflects on Yusuf's virtues, stating,
"And when Yusuf reached maturity, We gave him judgment and knowledge. And thus We reward the doers of good."
— (Surah Yusuf Ayah 22)

His integrity and honesty captivated the heart of Al-Azeez, who entrusted Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to be in charge of his household. It was during this period Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was confronted with his second trial. Zulaika, Al-Azeez's wife, watched Yusuf day after day, her feelings intensifying to the point of obsession. Overwhelmed by her desires, she became desperate to fulfill them.

One day, when her husband was away from home, she closed the doors and invited Yusuf to her.

“

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), fearing Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), replied,
“[I seek] refuge in Allah. Indeed, he is my master, who has made good my residence. Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed.”
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 23)

He turned away and ran towards the closed door to escape. Zulaika chased after him in desperation and grabbed his shirt from the back, which caused it to rip.

The door opened, and Al-Azeez entered. Ashamed, she ran to him and cried, “What is the recompense of the one who intended evil for your wife but that he be imprisoned or a painful punishment?”
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 23)

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was baffled. He continued to deny his mistress's claim, saying,
“It was she who sought to seduce me.”
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 26)

Al-Azeez was a fair man. He was confused and unsure of whom to believe. So, he consulted his wife's cousin for advice.
“If his shirt is torn from the front, then she has told the truth, and he is of the liars,”
— (Surah Yusuf, ayah 26).

Thus, Yusuf's innocence was proven. Al-Azeez apologized for his wife's indecency and swore Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to secrecy.

Nevertheless, the story of Zulaika's pursuit spread. Other women began ridiculing her character. Distressed, Zulaika planned to prove to them her helpless reaction to Yusuf's extraordinary handsomeness. Hence, she invited these women to a banquet at her residence one day. There, she served them fruit along with knives.

When the women were happily chatting away while slicing fruits, Zulaika summoned Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The women looked up at him. Astonished at such angelic beauty, they cut their hands without realizing they had. Zulaika seized the moment to announce that this was the man for whom she was blamed.

She then warned Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) that if he denied her again, he would be imprisoned,

“

to which Yusuf replied,
“My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me.”
— (Surah Yusuf, ayah 33)

That night, Zulaika convinced her husband that the only way to safeguard her honor and his prestige was to imprison Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). This was a tough decision for Al-Azeez. He knew of Yusuf's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) innocence and believed him to be trustworthy, but nevertheless, he agreed with his wife. Thus, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was unjustly imprisoned.

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Years in Prison:

During Yusuf's time in prison, he was bestowed with the ability to interpret dreams. Around the same time, two other men were sentenced to prison. The first was a cupbearer to the King, and the other was the King's chef.

Yusuf's cellmates, mesmerized by his piety, sought him to have their dreams explained. One dreamt that he was serving the king wine, and the other was carrying bread on his head, which two birds were eating up.

“

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) initially called them to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), then interpreted, “O two companions of prison, as for one of you, he will give drink to his master of wine; but as for the other, he will be crucified, and the birds will eat from his head. The matter has been decreed about which you both inquire.”
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 41)

And he said to the one he knew would go free,
“Mention me before the king.”
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 42)

But Shaitan made him forget the mention [to] his master and Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) remained in prison for several years. Still, he made patience his own and spent those years in remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).

The King Has a Dream:

 One day the king of Egypt had an odd

dream. He summoned his men and said,

" Indeed, I have seen seven fat cows

being eaten by seven [that were] lean,

and seven green spikes [of grain] and

others [that were] dry. O eminent ones,

explain to me my vision, if you should

interpret visions."

The cupbearer, who immediately remembered his companion in prison, informed the King of Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his impeccable dream interpretations. The King sent his cupbearer to prison to meet with Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and inquire about this peculiar dream.

“

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was overjoyed at the sight of his companion and knew that this was indeed the plan of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).

He narrated to him,
“You will plant for seven years consecutively, and what you harvest leave in its spikes, except a little from which you will eat. Then will come after that seven difficult [years] which will consume what you advanced [saved] for them, except a little from which you will store. Then will come after that a year in which the people will be given rain and in which they will press [olives and grapes].”
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 47-49)

Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), based on the dream, understood that there was going to be a famine in seven years that would last seven years. He advised the King to take immediate action to start harvesting and storing ample food supplies. Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) counseled that this preparation would be crucial to make sure there's enough food available for everyone. Furthermore, he gave the good news that the following year would be a year of abundance. Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) would bring rainfall allowing the crops to flourish.

Convinced by Yusuf's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) interpretation of dreams, the King ordered to meet him in person. However, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) declined to leave prison before his innocence was established. He insisted on a fair trial to defend his honor.

“

So, the King summoned the woman involved in the incident. Among them were the women who cut their hands, and they spoke of Yusuf's innocence before the King, saying, “Allah forbid! We know about him no evil.”
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 51)

The wife of Al-Azeez was trapped. She confessed to the King,
“Now the truth has become evident. It was I who sought to seduce him, and indeed, he is truthful.”— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 51)

Thus, Yusuf's innocence was proven. Released from prison, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) stood before the King to thank him for his generosity. Yusuf greatly impressed the King; after losing his freedom and being falsely imprisoned for many years, he wasn't angry, seeking revenge. He was composed and showed the noblest of qualities. Because of this, the King felt comfortable appointing Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to a high position.

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asked if he could be made the storekeeper over the storehouses across his land. He wanted to be a controller over the granaries to ensure they were well-equipped to endure the long famine. It was not out of self-interest but a personal responsibility he felt to make sure people would not die due to shortages.

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) harvested and stored crops during the seven years of fertility. Then, as predicted, came the years of famine that also reached the household of his father Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in Canaan. Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sent all his sons except Binyamin to Egypt to purchase provisions.

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) immediately recognized his brothers and provided for them, but they did not recognize him. And why would they? To them, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) had passed away years ago.

“

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) casually inquired about their family.

The brothers said,
"We are eleven brothers, the children of a noble prophet. The youngest is at home tending to the needs of our aging father."

In a sudden rush of emotion, tears welled up in Yusuf's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) eyes, his heart-heavy longing for home to see his father and younger Brother.

Struggling to regain his composure, he managed to ask,
"Are you, truthful people?"

Confused, they replied,
"What reason should we have to state an untruth?"

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) informed them that if they brought their brother back with them the next time, he would reward them with double the rations. But if they failed to do so, he would limit their measure.

He wanted to make sure they would fulfill his command. As an additional precaution, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) ordered one of his servants to put their money back in their bags so that when they returned home, they'd have enough money to return and purchase more.

“

When the brothers returned home, they told their father, saying,

“O our father! We have been denied ˹further˺ supplies. So send our brother with us so that we may receive our measure, and we will definitely watch over him.”
— (Surah Yusuf, Ayah 63)

Yaqub was enraged. How could he trust them when they had failed him terribly with Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)? After some time, however, their needs pressed Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to send Binyamin with them for more provisions. He took their solemn oath to safeguard him.

Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then prayed to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) to safeguard their departure,

فَٱللَّهُ خَيۡرٌ حَٰفِظٗاۖ وَهُوَ أَرۡحَمُ ٱلرَّـٰحِمِينَ 

fal laahu khairun haafizanw wa Huwa arhamur Raahimeen

English Translation:

"Allah is the Best Protector and is the Most Merciful."
— (Surah Yusuf 12:64)

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reunited with his Brother:

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) welcomed the privileged guests and invited them to a feast. With great difficulty, he withheld from immediately embracing his brother. Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) showered his guests with his gifts and hospitality. Afterward, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) arranged for Binaymin to be lodged in a room with him alone where he disclosed, "Indeed, I am your brother." (12:69)

Binaymin was overjoyed and swung his arms around his older brother.

" They cried for a little before Yusuf CLi 4k)

tried to reassure him," Indeed, I am your

brother, so do not despair over what they

used to do [to me]." (12:69)

The next day, Yusuf filled his brothers' bags

with grain. He then secretly planted the

King's golden bowl in Binyamin's bag."

As they were about to leave, the King's soldiers closed the gates and stopped the brothers. They informed them that the King's cup had gone missing. "By Allah, you have certainly known that we did not come to cause corruption in the land, and we have not been thieves," the brothers protested. (12:73)

The soldiers pursuing the matters further inquired about the consequences if the thief was among them. With confidence, the brothers responded that if one of them was found guilty, they should offer themselves a slave to the owner of the stolen cup. The brother believed that this would be just, to lend oneself over as property to the owner just as the thief had taken their property.

During the search, the cup was found in Binyamin's bag.

The soldiers cried,

“"O caravan, indeed you are thieves.”

Shock and disbelief struck the brothers; thoughts of their sick father at home and their promise to protect Binyamin at all costs circled their minds. The brothers knew that their father loved Binyamin very dearly, and he was a means of relief since losing Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). They worried the loss of Binyamin would completely devastate their father.

They begged the soldiers to release their younger brother and take one of them instead, but the soldiers refused.

The eldest among the brothers said,

“"I will never leave [this] land until my father permits me or Allah decides for me, and He is the best of judges."
— (Surah Yusuf, ayah 80)

So, the rest of the brothers left Egypt, leaving the eldest behind.

Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) suffers patiently:

When they returned home, they broke the news to Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), "O our father, indeed your son has stolen, and we did not testify except to what we knew. And we were not witnesses of the unseen, And ask the city in which we were and the caravan in which we came – and indeed, we are truthful" (12:81-82)

Prophet Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) faced the grave situation with the grace of a true believer. Seeking any kind of peace, he turned to prayer, placing his trust in Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) plan: "Perhaps Allah will bring them to me all together. Indeed it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise." (12:83) He hoped for the safe return of his youngest and eldest sons, who remained stuck in Egypt. Yet, this new loss rekindled his enduring grief for Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Turning away in sorrow, he cried, "Oh, my sorrow over Joseph." (12:84)

It is said that in his sadness, he cried so much his eyes became white from grief, which led to his blindness.

His condition became so bad the brothers began to worry about his health; they warned Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

“"By Allah, you will not cease remembering Joseph until you become fatally ill or become one of those who perish."
— (Surah Yusuf, ayah 85)

In his steadfastness, Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) responded to his sons saying, "I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know." (12:86). Commentators believe that in saying this line, "I know from Allah that which you do not know," was expressing his belief in the goodness from Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). He anticipates that Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is still alive and that the vision he conveyed to him when he was young would still hold true.

Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then responded, "O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people." (12:87)

The Return To Egypt.

The sons returned to Egypt once again. They met with Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and pleaded that tragedy had befallen them.

“

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then spoke to them in their native language,
"Do you know what you did with Yusuf and his brother when you were ignorant?"
— (Surah Yusuf, ayah 89)

It didn't take long for the brothers to realize that this was indeed their long-lost brother, and they began to tremble in fear. But Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) comforted them, saying,

"No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful."
— (Surah Yusuf, ayah 92)

He then said,
"Take this, my shirt, and cast it over the face of my father; he will become seeing. And bring me your family, all together."
— (Surah Yusuf, ayah 93)

As instructed, the brothers cast Yusuf's shirt over their father's face, and Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) miraculously restored his eyesight!They beseeched their father to seek Allah's forgiveness for them. Together, they all set off to Egypt, where Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warmly welcomed them.

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) raised his elderly father upon the throne. He said,

““O my father, this is the explanation of my vision of before. My Lord has made it reality. And He was certainly good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you [here] from bedouin life after Satan had induced [estrangement] between me and my brothers. Indeed, my Lord is Subtle in what He wills. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise.”
— (Surah Yusuf, ayah 100)

Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), in His infinite wisdom and mercy, brought about the reunion of father and son after many years of separation.

In a beautiful fulfillment of Allah's (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) decree, the surah, which began with Yusuf's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) prophetic dream, concludes with reaching the point where that becomes a reality.

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) makes a du'a to his creator, thanking him for all his blessings.

۞رَبِّ قَدۡ ءَاتَيۡتَنِي مِنَ ٱلۡمُلۡكِ وَعَلَّمۡتَنِي مِن تَأۡوِيلِ ٱلۡأَحَادِيثِۚ فَاطِرَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَنتَ وَلِيِّۦ فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡأٓخِرَةِۖ تَوَفَّنِي مُسۡلِمٗا وَأَلۡحِقۡنِي بِٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ 

English Translation:

"My Lord, You have given me [something] of sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and earth, You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous."
— (Surah Yusuf 12:101)

Source:

https://myislam.org/prophet-yusuf/

Also there's a TV Show, it's really good, highly recommend