1. Qur`an Appreciation

2. QA

3. Lesson 19 QA LO: Studying verses 80 -86
Examining the events upon the brothers’ return to kan’an
Starter:
In the Holy Qur'an there is a mention of four unique mothers. Who were they? 
A mother who was never born but married and had offspring? 
A mother who was born but never married yet had offspring? 
A mother born and married but never had any offspring? 
A mother never born, never married, never had any offspring?
Answer:
Bibi Hawwa
Bibi Maryam
Bibi Asiyah
Umm-ul-Qurra (Makkah)

4. Studying Verses 80 - 86 QA Vs 80:
The brothers were faced with the prospect of returning to their father in shame
They did their utmost to save Benyameen, however they found all roads leading to a solution blocked
Therefore, they despaired from the ‘Aziz, or from deliverance of the brother, and decided to return to kan‘an and tell their father about the matter when they went off by themselves into a corner and conferred as to what next to do

5. Studying Verses 80 - 86 QA Vs 80 & 81:
In that private conference the eldest of the brothers expressed his remorse for the agony that this situation would visit upon his father
He vowed to remain in Egypt until Prophet Ya'qub (as) released him from this vow or until Allah (swt) would give him another way
He implored them to tell their father the truth, as they were aware of it –
That a cup had been found in Benyameen’s bag, and he was enslaved as punishment for the theft. However they can not say how the cup got in his bag in the first place
There are differing reports on whom this brother was – whether he was the eldest in age or the most mature in reasoning and knowledge. Some tafaseer also mention that it was the same brother who at the very first instance spoke up and did not want to kill Prophet Yusuf (as) and had suggested putting him in the well instead.

6. Studying Verses 80 - 86 QA Vs 82:
Knowing that Prophet Ya'qub (as) would be unwilling to believe that Benyameen had committed a theft, he further advised them: "And inquire in the town in which we were and the caravan with which we proceeded, and most surely we are truthful."
His expression gives us the impression that perhaps the matter of the stolen cup had become widely known in the town in Egypt and among the travellers in the caravan.

7. Studying Verses 80 - 86 QA Vs 83:
When Prophet Ya‘qub (as), heard their story he became angry and told them that it was their souls that had made something appealing to them that had led to this disaster
NOTE:
 Prophet Ya‘qub (as) repeated the same sentence he had said when the brothers had come to him, feigning sadness with the bloodied shirt of Prophet Yusuf (as) saying that he had been eaten by a wolf

8. Studying Verses 80 - 86 QA Vs 84:
On his part Prophet Ya‘qub (as) had no other choice than to take recourse in sweet patience and trust in Allah (swt) to return all his sons to him, if He willed, because He is aware of them inside of all as well as whatever happened and will happen. Moreover, He is Wise and never does anything undue.
Imam al-Baqir (as) says: “That (Sabrun Jameel صبرٌ جميلٌ) is patience in which there is no complaining to people”
meaning that one should only complain to Allah (swt) and have hope in Him for relief from their situation.
Thus, Prophet Ya'qub (as) expresses his hope that perhaps Allah (swt) will reunite him with all of his sons, Prophet Yusuf (as), Benyameen and his eldest son (Levi or Rueben) who remained in Egypt.

9. Studying Verses 80 - 86 QA Vs 85 & 86:
Prophet Ya'qub (as), despite his hope, could not contain his sorrow for the one whom he loved most dearly:
“O my sorrow for Yusuf! He cried to such an extent that his eyes became white”.
This drew a sharp response from his sons, they asserted that the remembrance of Yusuf (as) would make him ill and of diminished reasoning (i.e. senile), or cause him to come close to death

10. Studying Verses 80 - 86 QA Vs 85 & 86:
Prophet Ya’qub (as) responds in the same way as before; stating that he complains only to Allah (swt) and thus displays “Sabrun Jameel”
He then states that he knows something from Allah (swt) that they do not
Tafaseer mention that Prophet Ya’qub (as) had been informed by God Almighty that Prophet Yusuf (as) was alive and his other son, Benyameen, was well too

11. Plenary QA How could/did you cope?
Group work:
Having true patience is very difficult – think of some situations in your own life where you could have or did display true patience
Thinking points:
How could/did you cope?
Why is it important to have true patience?
What could give you the strength to only complain to Allah (swt)
Discussion:
Perhaps plan a few scenarios in case students prefer not to share their own personal experiences
Discuss in groups and come together as a class to share ideas/thoughts
Important Lessons:
The importance of having true/good/sweet patience – when we are in a situation that we find difficult, it is very hard but very important to have true patience, where our complaint is only to Allah (swt) and not to His creation
Having faith in Allah (swt)’s Plan, knowing and trusting that He is The Wise and never does

12. Studying Verses 50-53 QA
Vs 53:
قَالُوا وَأَقْبَلُوا عَلَيْهِمْ مَاذَا تَفْقِدُونَ ۞ قَالُوا نَفْقِدُ صُوَاعَ الْمَلِكِ وَلِمَنْ جَاءَ بِهِ حِمْلُ بَعِيرٍ وَأَنَا بِهِ زَعِيمٌ ۞
They said while they were facing them: What is it that you miss?
They said: We miss the king's Drinking cup, and he who shall bring it shall have a camel-load and I am responsible for it
[12:71-72]