Volume 10 Surah 12 - 15 - Enjoy Islam

Yūsuf (Joseph) | BROTHERS’ REUNION
establish Joseph in the land, giving him a firm and distinguished position.
“Thus did We establish Joseph in the land, free to do what he willed.” (Verse 56) He was
free to take up the house he wanted, at the place of his choice, and to occupy the
position he wished. That freedom contrasts fully with the well in which he was
thrown by his brothers and the prison sentence he had to endure, with all the fears
and restrictions of both situations. “We bestow Our mercy on whom We will.” (Verse 56)
We replace hardship with ease, fear with security, fetters with freedom, and
humiliation with a high position of honour. “We never fail to give their reward to those
who do good.” (Verse 56) Those who demonstrate a strong, unshakeable faith and
reliance on God and who deal with other people in fairness and kindness will not fail
to have their reward in this life.
“But as for those who believe in God and keep away from evil, the reward of the life to come
is much better indeed.” (Verse 57) This is not reduced by the fact that such people
receive their reward in this life. Yet it is infinitely better than this present reward. Its
conditions are that a person should believe and do righteous deeds, steering away
from what God has forbidden whether in public or private. Thus has God replaced
Joseph’s trials with his new position of power, and also with the promise of better
things to come in the life to come. All this reward is for faith, righteousness and
perseverance in the face of difficulty.
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