The Story of Prophet Yaqub in islam

the story of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob, peace be upon him), a revered prophet in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, is best known as the father of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph, peace be upon him). He is the son of Prophet Ishaq (Isaac), who was the son of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon them). Yaqub’s story is one of immense patience, deep faith in Allah, and family trials that teach powerful lessons for every believer. His life is primarily mentioned in the Qur’an in various chapters, with strong emphasis in Surah Yusuf and Surah Sad.

The story of Prophet Yaqub

Yaqub (PBUH) was born in the blessed household of Prophet Ishaq (PBUH). He had a twin brother named Esau. Unlike his brother, Yaqub was known for his calm and reflective nature, a sign of his spiritual insight and dedication. Prophet Ishaq (PBUH) recognized the piety and spiritual capability of Yaqub and prayed for his guidance and future.

As Yaqub grew, he was entrusted by his father to continue the mission of spreading monotheism — the belief in one true God — as had been taught by Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH). In Islamic tradition, Yaqub was a prophet from an early age, chosen by Allah to guide his people.

Yaqub’s Marriage and Children

Yaqub (PBUH) left his home in search of a wife and went to stay with his uncle Laban (also known as Labban or Laban in Judeo-Christian traditions). He married two of Laban’s daughters: Leah and Rachel (referred to in Islamic traditions, though not named in the Qur’an). From these marriages, he had twelve sons and one daughter. These twelve sons became the ancestors of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, hence Yaqub is also referred to as Israel in scriptures.

Among his sons, Yusuf (Joseph) was the most beloved to him due to his piety, character, and special status as a future prophet. This deep love caused tension and jealousy among the other brothers.

The Trial of Losing Yusuf

One of the most emotional and pivotal parts of Yaqub’s story is the loss of his son Yusuf. As narrated in Surah Yusuf, one day young Yusuf told his father about a dream he had seen — eleven stars, the sun, and the moon prostrating to him. Yaqub immediately understood the spiritual significance of the dream and knew Yusuf was chosen by Allah for prophethood.

Fearing envy from his other sons, Yaqub advised Yusuf to keep the dream secret. However, the brothers’ jealousy reached a peak. They plotted to get rid of Yusuf, convincing their father to let him accompany them to the fields. Once there, they threw him into a well and returned to Yaqub with a blood-stained shirt, falsely claiming that Yusuf had been eaten by a wolf.

The loss of Yusuf shattered Yaqub’s heart. He did not believe their story, sensing their deceit. Nonetheless, he remained patient and turned to Allah with full submission. His famous words were:

“So patience is most fitting. And Allah is the one sought for help against that which you describe.”
(Qur’an, Surah Yusuf 12:18)

Over time, the sorrow took a toll on him. The Qur’an mentions that Yaqub’s grief led him to lose his eyesight due to constant weeping and longing for his son.

A Prophet’s Patience and Hope

Despite the pain and years of separation, Yaqub (PBUH) never gave up hope. He continued praying and believed firmly that Yusuf was alive and that Allah would reunite them. This unshakable faith is a lesson in Sabr (patience) and Tawakkul (trust in Allah).

Even when his other sons had gone to Egypt during the famine and unknowingly met Yusuf — now a powerful leader — Yaqub continued to advise them to remain hopeful and seek forgiveness from Allah.

When news finally came that Yusuf was alive, Yaqub was overjoyed. Yusuf sent his shirt with his brothers and instructed them to place it over Yaqub’s face. As promised, Yaqub’s vision was restored and he praised Allah with deep gratitude.

The Reunion in Egypt

The reunion between Yaqub and Yusuf is one of the most touching moments in the Qur’an. After so many years of separation, Yusuf embraced his father and family in Egypt. Yaqub saw the dream of Yusuf come true — the sun, moon, and stars (symbolic of his parents and brothers) prostrated to Yusuf, a metaphor for respect and acknowledgment.

Yaqub acknowledged the mercy and plan of Allah through all these trials. He said:

“Indeed, my Lord is Subtle in what He wills. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise.”
(Qur’an, Surah Yusuf 12:100)

Yaqub (PBUH) spent the remaining years of his life in Egypt, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He eventually passed away and was buried, according to tradition, in the land of his ancestors.

Lessons from the Story of Yaqub

The life of Prophet Yaqub (PBUH) offers several timeless lessons:

The Power of Patience (Sabr): Even after being deceived by his sons and separated from his beloved child, Yaqub remained patient. His patience was not passive—it was filled with faith and prayer.
Trust in Allah’s Plan: Yaqub’s belief in Allah’s plan never wavered. He teaches us that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope with Allah.
Forgiveness and Mercy: Despite the betrayal of his other sons, Yaqub forgave them and guided them toward repentance. His story is an example of a merciful and loving father.
Spiritual Wisdom: Yaqub was a spiritually intelligent man who understood dreams, the nature of the human heart, and the importance of guiding his children.
Raising Righteous Children: He instilled the values of faith in his sons, and despite their flaws, many of them turned back to Allah and learned from their mistakes.

FAQs

Who was Prophet Yaqub’s father?

Prophet Yaqub’s father was Prophet Ishaq (Isaac, PBUH), the son of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, PBUH).

How many sons did Prophet Yaqub have?

Prophet Yaqub had twelve sons, who later became the ancestors of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Among them was Prophet Yusuf (Joseph, PBUH).

Why did Yaqub’s sons throw Yusuf into a well?

They were jealous of the special love and attention Yaqub gave to Yusuf. Driven by envy, they plotted to get rid of him, falsely claiming he was eaten by a wolf.

How did Yaqub lose his eyesight?

Due to years of sorrow and crying over the loss of Yusuf, Yaqub’s eyes became white with grief and he eventually lost his sight. It was later restored when Yusuf’s shirt was placed on his face by Allah’s will.

What is the main lesson from Yaqub’s story?

The main lesson is the importance of patience, trust in Allah, and hope even in the most difficult times. Yaqub’s faith and forgiveness provide a timeless example for believers.

Conclusion

The story of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob), peace be upon him, is a powerful testament to unwavering faith, deep love for family, and the virtue of patience. Despite facing immense trials, his trust in Allah never faltered. His life continues to serve as a guiding light for Muslims today, encouraging believers to hold firmly to their faith in times of hardship and to believe in the mercy and wisdom of Allah.

Through Yaqub’s story, we are reminded that no matter how great the loss or how long the trial, Allah’s mercy is always near, and with patience and prayer, hearts can be healed and families can be reunited.

The story of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) in Islam