How did Hz. Yaqub manage to show so much patience? How did he manage to continue praying though Yusuf was eaten by a wolf?

How did Hz. Yaqub manage to show so much patience? How did he manage to continue praying though Yusuf was eaten by a wolf?

Dear Brother / Sister,

We can explain the source of the patience of Hz. Yaqub as follows:  

a. The statements of the Quran show that Hz. Yaqub believed that Hz. Yusuf was alive.  

He believed at the beginning of the incident that a wolf did not eat him and that his brothers lied to him regarding the issue.

“Yaqub 'Nay (a wolf did not eat him) but your minds have made up a tale.'” (Yusuf, 12/18).

b. When Hz. Yaqub heard that his young son Bunyamin was arrested, he said, “Maybe Allah will bring them (back) all to me (in the end).”(Yusuf, 12/83) We understand from this verse that Hz. Yaqub was able to show patience since he never lost his hope.

c. The following verses show us that the real source of Hz. Yaqub's patience is his closeness to Allah and his trust in Him: “'I do indeed scent the presence of Joseph: nay, think me not a dotard… Then when the bearer of the good news came he cast (the shirt) over his face, and he forthwith regained clear sight. He said: "Did I not say to you, I Know from Allah that which ye know not?'”(Yusuf, 12/94, 96)

d. The following verse shows the role of his belief in Allah's mercy in the nature of his patience: “O my sons! go ye and enquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah's Soothing Mercy: truly no one despairs of Allah's Soothing Mercy, except those who have no faith.”(Yusuf, 12/87)

Prayer (Dua)

Prayer (dua) is a kind of worshipping. Therefore, a Muslim should continue prayers no matter where he is and whether he is given or not given what he wants. For, the problems, misfortunes and illnesses a person suffers show that it is time for prayer. Then, it is necessary to say it is time for prayer and continue praying.

It is not appropriate to stop prayers just because our requests are not accepted. For, there are some conditions for prayers to be accepted. We should pray in accordance with those conditions. Every prayer is answered. This answer can be the same as what we ask or something better. It may be given in this world or in the hereafter.

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