Prophet Ya’qub (A.S.)
Quran References:
Prophet Ya’qub (AS) is mentioned 16 times in the following Ayats of the Quran:
(Quran, 2:132-133, 2:136, 2:140, 3:84, 4:163, 6:84, 12:6, 12:38, 12:68, 14:39, 19:6, 21:72, 29:27, 38:45)
Family Life and Children:
As mentioned in the story of Prophet Ishaq (AS), hostility developed between his sons Esau and Ya’qub (AS).
Esau didn’t like the fact that Ya’qub was favoured by Ishaq and by Allah with prophethood.
Prophet Ya’qub (AS) left his family and travelled to his uncle where he married two of his cousins, Leah and Rachel, and worked as a shepherd for his father-in-law.
He was the father of twelve sons and their dynasties later became known as the twelve tribes of Israel.
His Reconciliation with Esau:
When Prophet Ya’qub (AS) heard that his brother Esau was coming with four hundred men, he became scared and prayed to Allah SWT.
He offered his brother a gift of two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, and thirty milk camels, forty cows and two bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys.
Ya’qub (AS) bowed down to his brother seven times and when Esau saw Ya’qub, he ran towards him and kissed him whilst crying.
Esau then looked up and saw the women and children around Ya’qub (AS) and asked: Who are these people with you? Ya’qub replied: Those whom Allah has given me as your servant.
Prophet Ya’qub’s wives, Leah and Rachel, as well as their slaves and all of the children bowed down to Esau.
Ya’qub (AS) then asked Esau to accept his gift and insisted until he eventually did.
Yaqub’s Grief over Yusuf and Binyamin:
Prophet Yaqub’s beloved son was Yusuf and when Yusuf’s younger brother Binyamin was lost, Ya’qub was reminded of his grief of losing his sons and cried uncontrollably.
He cried until he became ill and lost his sight. The older brothers were concerned about his pain and sorrow and asked him: Will you cry until the day you die?
Ya’qub (AS) answered that he only complained of his grief and sorrow to Allah and that he knew, from Allah, things that they did not.
Prophet Ya’qub (AS) knew that there was no point in getting angry and upset, as he understood that Allah SWT loves those who are patient.
Final Advice of Ya’qub:
On his deathbed, he said to his sons: what are you going to worship after me? They replied: We will worship your God, the God of your fathers Ibrahim, Ismail and Ishaq. One God to whom we submit. (Quran, 2:133)
In the Quran, Prophet Ya’qub (AS) was also called Israel which means ‘servant of God.’
The Quran on Prophet Ya’qub (AS):
Allah SWT mentions in the Quran that Prophet Ya’qub (AS) was a prophet chosen and guided by Him. Allah says: ‘And We gave him (Ibrahim) Ishaq and Ya’qub, all of them We guided.’ (Quran, 6:84)
Allah SWT mentions in the Quran that Ya’qub (AS) was known for his wisdom and good character. Allah says: ‘And we gave him wisdom and knowledge’ (Quran, 12:22)
Ya’qub (AS) was also patient and turned to Allah SWT in hardship. Allah mentions sayings of Ya’qub in the Quran, where he said: ‘So patience is most fitting…’ (Quran, 12:83) and ‘I only complain of my suffering and grief to Allah.’ (Quran, 12:86)