Monica is from the West Midlands and is currently working in higher education. Nature lover, bookworm extraordinaire, and in hot pursuit of the white rabbit!
There is so much that shapes our identity, including our family, upbringing, teachers, friends, media, and so on. Seemingly, as humans, we are programmed to feel a need to learn from others, allowing us to resonate with stories and narratives.
Allah (SWT) is the Most Gracious and the All-Encompassing, Subhan’Allah.
He has not only written all our unique and individual stories, but He has also scripted the stories of our prophets (peace be upon them all). These are all accounts of real-life people and events, Subhan’Allah, and although they were His chosen ones, they were nonetheless beings like us.
It is for this reason that Allah (SWT) narrates their stories to us as a blueprint, if you will, within the manual for humanity (Qur’an and Sunnah), so we may be taught, guided, and inspired to venerate these great figures as our true role models.
In the mystifying and unforeseen life situations we may find ourselves in, we can draw on their stories and identify our beloved prophets as archetypes to support us in dealing with the situations we will face as we navigate our journeys.
The story of Joseph (Yusuf) A.S.
“There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was it [i.e., the Qur’ān] a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe.” (Qur’an 12:111)
Perhaps we were mistreated or abandoned by those close to us for no apparent reason, like Joseph (Yusuf A.S.) when his brothers deserted him at the well. Following this, he continued to be tested in several trying situations.
“Said a speaker among them, “Do not kill Joseph (Yusuf) but throw him into the bottom of the well…” (Qur’an 12:10)
“And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, “Come, you.” He said, “[I seek] the refuge of Allah. Indeed, he is my master, who has made good my residence. Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed.’ And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof [i.e., sign] of his Lord. And thus [it was] that We should avert from him evil and immorality. Indeed, he was of Our chosen servants.” (Qur’an 12:23-24)
Joseph (Yusuf A.S.) is more than the epitome of patience, Subhan’Allah. When we ponder his story, we can see countless commendable moments where he displays unparalleled resilience. He always reacted in a good and pleasing way, conscious of Allah (SWT) and desiring His favour. So, how did Allah (SWT) respond?
“And thus, We established Joseph (Yusuf) in the land to settle therein wherever he willed. We touch with Our mercy whom We will, and We do not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.” (Qur’an 12:56)
“And He [Allah (SWT)] 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.” (Qur’an 12:100)
The story of Moses (Musa) A.S.
When it comes to Prophet Moses (Musa A.S.), there is so much that can be said, Subhan’Allah. He was put in tough situations right from the start, beginning with his birth.
Moses (Musa A.S.) was assigned a mammoth task in his adult years when he was instructed to confront and challenge the tyrannical Pharaoh, who was responsible for unspeakable levels of evil and oppression.
Moses (Musa A.S.) felt afraid, as we often do when we find ourselves in a challenging or intense situation. He faced many internal hurdles: he was tongue-tied and apprehensive.
“[Moses] said, “My Lord, expand [i.e., relax] for me my breast [with assurance], and ease for me my task, and untie the knot from my tongue, that they may understand my speech.” (Qur’an 20:25-28)
“They said, “Our Lord, indeed we are afraid that he will hasten [punishment] against us or that he will transgress.” [Allah] said, “Fear not. Indeed, I am with you both; I hear and I see.” (Qur’an 20:45-46)
Moses (Musa A.S.) and his assembly were later faced with a further predicament when the Pharaoh and his entourage were nearing an attack, and there seemed to be no way through the sea to reach refuge. Needless to say, his people became panicked.
“And when the two companies saw one another, the companions of Moses (Musa) said, “Indeed, we are to be overtaken!” [Moses] said, “No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.” (Qur’an 26:61-62)
And with that, the sea was split and Moses (Musa A.S) and his people were salvaged by the permission of Allah (SWT).
What can we learn from our prophets (peace be upon them all)?
Maybe we too have found ourselves in a difficulty, feeling overcome and distraught, where we do not see how we could possibly get through what stands in front of us. Subhan’Allah.
There are many stories of our prophets; I can never do them justice. Though they experienced the most intense trials, their stories exist for a reason, with many teachings and lessons to help us pave our way.
What’s more, part of the beauty and astounding power of these timeless accounts is that each time we study them we see a brand-new perspective!
The underlying theme in all the stories, though, is the level of true faith, reliance, and trust each prophet had upon Allah (SWT), regardless of their impossible and severe situations where they were unaware of the outcome. They relied on and trusted Allah (SWT) wholly, with conviction and certainty that He would not fail them!
They demonstrated great courage, perseverance, hope, humility, and determination in the face of major issues and traumatic circumstances, and they succeeded in the end.
These stories all contain a wide range of different themes and emotions such as jealousy, rivalry, greed, animosity, loneliness, mercy, forgiveness and tragedy—all of which can be related to the current world and the problems and circumstances that occur today.
We may find ourselves in all kinds of situations, dealing with various themes and emotions in our own lives. We may not understand Allah’s (SWT) plan for us; we may be very confused and not see a way forward or feel stuck as to how to proceed.
By reflecting on the parables Allah (SWT) relates to us in the beautiful Qur’an and working on acquiring a deeper understanding, e.g. through reading reliable tafseer, we can identify and resonate with the esteemed characters we discover along the way, insha’Allah, helping us to find inspiration and resolve through them.
Allah (SWT) guides us and instructs us on how to live our lives from start to finish; He leaves no stone unturned. After all, Islam is a way of life, and the Qur’an is guidance. Subhan’Allah.
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Qur’an 2:185)
The Qur’an also contains beautiful and powerful prayers that our prophets invoked during their respective situations; may we memorise and recite them in abundance, so we too may receive the honour, triumphant status, and mercy from Allah (SWT) in both worlds. Ameen!
