Miracle
Sight restored by Yusuf's shirt
The Story
Ya'qub (peace be upon him), also known as Israel, was the son of Ishaq and grandson of Ibrahim. He had twelve sons, from whom came the twelve tribes of Israel.
Ya'qub's story is intertwined with his beloved son Yusuf. When Yusuf's brothers threw him in a well out of jealousy and told Ya'qub that a wolf had eaten him, Ya'qub was devastated but maintained "beautiful patience" (sabr jamil).
For many years, Ya'qub grieved for Yusuf, crying so much that he lost his eyesight. Yet he never lost hope in Allah. He told his sons, "Never give up hope of Allah's mercy."
Eventually, Ya'qub was reunited with Yusuf in Egypt. When Yusuf's shirt was placed on his face, his sight was miraculously restored. The family was reunited, and Ya'qub spent his final years in Egypt.
Ya'qub's patience through decades of grief is a model for believers facing loss.
Key Events
Father of Twelve
Had twelve sons who became tribes
Loss of Yusuf
Endured decades without his beloved son
Beautiful Patience
Maintained faith despite grief
Sight Lost
Wept until he became blind
Reunion
Reunited with Yusuf, sight restored
Lessons from Ya'qub's Life
Beautiful patience in face of loss
Never lose hope in Allah's mercy
Trust in Allah's plan despite pain
Reunion and reward come to the patient
Quran References
Story throughout Surah Yusuf
His advice to his sons