Standing tall to the Storm

Yousaf (as) was given the authority. He was to control the inflicted drought, distribute provisions, manage state affairs and control the entry / exits to Egypt. Most affairs involving crises related decisions routed through him. In his 30's, his patience and character raised him in status, respect and ranks.

Photo by Simon Berger

While the turmoil was at its peak, the nations failed to feed their citizens. Egypt was the only option to call for help. And the only place to move if you wanted to survive the 7 years of drought.

Brothers of Yousaf (as) had wronged him in his early childhood. Dropped him into a dark well. And lied to their father, "a wolf had eaten Yousaf (as)". Kept Yaqoub (as) in darkness for nearly a decade. The pain turned him blind. The family of turmoils and losses, also found no door to knock but of Egypt's rulers. Hoping they can get the ration, load it on their camels and bring back to Palestine.

Yousaf (as) recognised these brothers when they approached him in Egypt. The same faces who threw him into the dark pit nearly 15 years before. Faces, due to which, Yousaf (as) had survived prison for 7 years. Dear brothers, who hated Yousaf (as) to their guts. All, standing right in front of the same brother, now a powerful minister, begging for ration.

Instead, Yousaf (as) made them his guest. Honoured their tribe. Kept them safe. And with ration, gave the payment money back. They might feel convinced to return sooner. To corner them with hospitality. And to meet his long lost father Yaqub (as).

The trick worked. Brothers, went home with ration. Found the given payments put beside the ration. And inclined, like Yousaf (as) wished, they had to move once again to Egypt for bringing in more ration. Unknowingly, walking the map, Yousaf (as) drew for them.

At times —

We feel, we are distanced from our reward. The effort is not bearing fruit. Hardships are now prolonged. And we are losing our calm. We fall into depression. Things do not look good. The serenity, successes, and past, we forget at once. In these scenarios, we can find courage from life of Yousaf (as). One man, against all odds, makes it to the top ranks of Government. Fights loneliness, isolation, desires and arrogance. Stands tall to the storm. And wins back his freedom. Against all odds, wins his family back. And against all odds, finds his place in Quran.

Staying static to the storm is the way, to climb higher. We can decide today, that next time a storm, a rush of desire hits us — we promise we stand tall. That we climb higher. We promise that we take protection of Quran. And we promise, that we chose prison, over an exuberant life.