Prophet Ya'qub (peace be upon him) The bitter pain of losing one's offspring, a beloved, most upright son, along with his younger brother, depicts the trial of Prophet Ya'qub. Long years shadowed in grief and sorrow pass. He shed tears until his sight is lost, but what is not lost is hope and pleas to his Creator. Reprimanded by family for being too hard on himself, he firmly responds with words that abridge the message of this piece: He said, “I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know.” (Yusuf 12:86) Indeed, he did not complain to them, for they were mere humans who grow tired of the complaints of their brethren. He called out to One Whose pleasure increases when He is asked of. Prophet Ya'qub's word ‘bathee' in the ayah refers to his greatest and most severe type of grief, whose difficulty makes one unable to restrain himself from releasing it and complaining about it. When he turned to Allah, Allah helped him and he was reunited with his sons in an honored state: And when they entered upon Yusuf (Joseph), he took his parents to himself and said, “Enter Egypt, Allah willing, safe [and secure].” And he raised his parents upon the throne (Yusuf 12:99-100). Prophet Yusuf (pbuh) The father was tested and patient and so was his son. Yusuf, son of Prophet Ya'qub (peace be upon them), faced with trials from which true faith shone, enlightening us with many lessons. He prayed to Allah in the dark well, the palace, and in the dreary prison. Every time, Allah helped him and saved him. When he was enticed by the wife of Al-Azeez to tread the forbidden, he turned to Allah praying: He said, “My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. And if You do not avert from me their plan, I might incline toward them and [thus] be of the ignorant.” (Yusuf 12:33) He was helpless, in need of aid. When he sought it from Allah, He rescued him: So his Lord responded to him and averted from him their plan. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing. (Yusuf 12:34) The one time, in his series of trials, that Yusuf (pbuh) spoke in an attempt to seek the help of the creature, it was of no benefit to him. This occurred when he told his companion in prison to mention him to the king so that perhaps he would be released from the prison. He told him: And he said to the one whom he knew would go free, “Mention me before your master.” But the desired result was not achieved as Allah tells us: But Satan made him forget the mention [to] his master, and Joseph remained in prison several years. (Yusuf 12:42) What was of true benefit was pleading to his Lord for His Help. In fact, Allah relieved Yusuf's situation in a manner that no human could ever plan or even attempt to plan: a dream seen by the king and his insistence on having it interpreted. At this, Yusuf's previous companion from the prison recalls Yusuf and his ability to interpret dreams. This was from Allah Alone. Eventually, the good end was for him, as he left the prison honored and royalty. granted to him. Not forgetting his Lord in times of ease, He again turned to Allah in praise, gratitude and supplication: “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.” (Yusuf 12:101) Prophet Musa (pbuh) Musa (pbuh), a strong prophet, also faced difficulties. But his strength did not prevent him from humbling himself before Allah, seeking His assistance. Although he is an exhausted stranger, with no place of refuge, he maintains a high level of ihsaan. He helps the two women water their flocks, seeking no fee or reward from them. He does not complain to the other shepherds present about his situation. Rather, he sits in the shade, realizes his desperate state and complains to the One Almighty: So he watered [their flocks] for them; then he went back to the shade and said, “My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need.” (Al-Qasas 28:24). His prayer, an affirmation of weakness and reliance on Allah alone rightfully illustrates our need for Allah in every situation. The poor complain to the rich, and among the names of Allah is Al-Ghani (Rich, free of all needs), hence there is no shame in supplicating to Allah describing one's distress. When trials surround us and we begin to think of our need for the most eligible person to ‘get us out', we are really in need of a moment to reflect on Allah's prophets and their turning to Allah in the most of dire moments. Most needed at such times is a pause to withhold our complaints, fears, and worries from the people and turn continuously to the One Above. As it is said, the more you knock, the door will eventually be opened for you. “So seek from Allah provision.” (Al-‘Ankabut 29:17). Those who we sometimes run after hoping they would help us in some way are mere humans like us in weakness. In turning our affairs to Allah, not only will He help us sooner or later, but He will fill our hearts with peace and tranquility that no one around you can ever give you even an ounce of. Allah tests His slave to hear him beseeching and invoking in complete humility and submission. It is true that Allah knows our complaints before we even speak of them, He loves that we humble ourselves in front of Him. And Allah knows that it is better for us. Allah described those who do not turn to Him saying: “And We had gripped them with suffering [as a warning], but they did not yield to their Lord, nor did they humbly supplicate, [and will continue thus] (Al-Mu'minun 23:76). As the prophets were the most tested, the best of creation was too. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) led a life that was difficult yet filled with the tranquility that comes with closeness to Allah and reliance upon Him. His supplications were great in matters of this deen, related to the whole Ummah. His ultimate worry was the message with which he was sent. His reaction in the many hardships he encountered was turning to Allah. How could he not when he was the teacher of the powerful words to Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him): “Young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]: Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask of Allah; if you seek help, seek help of Allah. Know that if the Nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allah had already decreed for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allah had already decreed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.” (Tirmidhi). Be among the strong and withhold seeking your needs from the creature. But, in front of your Creator, expose your weakness and release your complaints just like the Prophets.
