يعقوب
Yaqub (Jacob)
Israel
Prophet Yaqub (Jacob, peace be upon him) was the son of Prophet Ishaq and grandson of Prophet Ibrahim. He is also known as 'Israel' (meaning 'Servant of Allah'), and his descendants are called the Children of Israel (Bani Israel).
Yaqub had twelve sons, and the story of his son Yusuf (Joseph) is famously detailed in Surah Yusuf. When Yusuf was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Yaqub wept so much that he became blind. Years later, when Yusuf's shirt was brought to him, his sight was miraculously restored.
Yaqub lived to see his son Yusuf become the minister of Egypt and was reunited with him after decades of separation. He is praised in the Quran for his patience, steadfastness, and devotion to Allah.
Key Events
Father of Twelve Sons
Yaqub had twelve sons who became the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Losing Yusuf
Yaqub's grief over losing Yusuf caused him to weep until he went blind.
Years of Patience
For many years, Yaqub patiently awaited news of Yusuf.
Reunion with Yusuf
Yaqub was reunited with Yusuf in Egypt, and his sight was restored.
Sight Restored
Yaqub's sight, lost from weeping over Yusuf, was restored when Yusuf's shirt was placed on his face.
فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ وَاللَّهُ الْمُسْتَعَانُ عَلَىٰ مَا تَصِفُونَ
So patience is most fitting. And Allah is the one sought for help against that which you describe.
Read Full Verseإِنَّمَا أَشْكُو بَثِّي وَحُزْنِي إِلَى اللَّهِ
I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah.
Read Full Verseفَلَمَّا أَن جَاءَ الْبَشِيرُ أَلْقَاهُ عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهِ فَارْتَدَّ بَصِيرًا
And when the bearer of good tidings arrived, he cast it over his face, and he returned [once again] seeing.
Read Full VerseBeautiful patience (Sabr Jamil) - Yaqub's response to tragedy teaches patience without complaint.
Turn to Allah in grief - Yaqub complained only to Allah, not to people.
Never lose hope in Allah's mercy - Despite years of separation, reunion came.