The Story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) [Part4]

The Holy Quran says:
“The king ordered his men to bring Yusuf before him; he wanted to grant him a high office. The king said to him, "From now on you will be an honored and trusted person amongst us." Yusuf said, "Put me in charge of the treasuries of the land, I know how to manage them.”
[Surah Yusuf, 12:54, 55]

As the verse relates the King of Egypt Prophet Yusuf (AS) as the in charge of treasury of finance and food. He also gave Prophet Yusuf as his ring to show him as his equal and testify his authority on his behalf. The king also ordered his ministers and officials to treat Yusuf’s command as his own. As soon as Prophet Yusuf (AS) was handed over the office, he went straight to work and formulated ways to enhance productivity and growth of food. During the first seven years he supplied grains to the people according to their needs and stored the surplus in huge granaries. By the end of seven years, the granaries were full. Then came the time of drought and the water level of river Nile began to fall and the country was hit by a terrible drought. But nothing was to worry about because of Prophet Yusuf’s foresight and planning. The famine extended to the lands of Palestine and Kanaan where Prophet Ya’qub lived with his family. One day he called them and said, "My sons! We are in great distress due to the famine. You may go to the Aziz of Egypt whose reputation as a kind and just person has spread everywhere in the country. Leave Binyamin with me for company so that I may not be lonely." As commanded by their father, the brothers of Prophet Yusuf (AS) set off for Egypt to purchase grain and bring it back to Kanaan.

The brothers arrived in Egypt. Prophet Yusuf was pleased to see them but the brothers were unable to identify him. He gave them food and shelter and asked them to tell him about their family. Prophet was revealed to hear about his father and mother but disappointed that they had brought their younger brother Binyamin with them. As the brothers prepared to go Prophet Yusuf gave them enough wheat and also put their money back into their packs secretly. He also asked them to bring their other brother the next time as proof that they were speaking the truth about their family. The Holy Qur'an narrates this episode in the following words:

“Yusuf's brothers came to him and when they entered his court, he recognized them. They did not know him. And when he gave them the provisions, he said, "Next time, bring me your other brother from your father. As you can see, I give each of you a certain amount of grain, I am a polite host. If you do not bring him, do not come to us for we shall not give you any more grain.”
[Surah Yusuf, 12:58- 60]