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Among the lessons is the powerful proof it contains for the prophethood of our Prophet Muhammad—peace and blessings be upon him. The surah recounts to him this detailed and comprehensive story, completely true to reality and fulfilling every intended point, even though he had never read the earlier scriptures nor studied under anyone, as his own people knew full well, and he himself was unlettered, neither reading nor writing. For this reason Allah said: “That is from the stories of the unseen which We reveal to you; you were not with them when they agreed on their affair while they were scheming.” (12:102).
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Among them is the teaching that a servant should keep away from the causes of evil and conceal whatever may bring harm, as Jacob said to Joseph: “Do not relate your vision to your brothers lest they plot against you.” (12:5).
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Among them is the permissibility of mentioning about someone what he may dislike, provided it is truthful and offered as sincere advice for him or for others, as indicated by the words: “lest they devise a plot against you.” (12:5).
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Among them is that Allah’s favor upon a servant is likewise a favor upon all who are connected to him—his family, relatives, and companions—for they inevitably share a portion of it. Allah says: “and complete His favor upon you and upon the House of Jacob.” (12:6), meaning through what He will grant you. Thus, when the blessing was completed for Joseph, the House of Jacob likewise received honor, authority, joy, the removal of hardship, and the attainment of their hopes, exactly as Allah relates at the end of the story.
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Among them is that great blessings, whether religious or worldly, are always preceded by the causes and means that lead to them. Allah is All-Wise, and His laws do not change; He has decreed that lofty aims are reached only through effective means, especially beneficial knowledge and the character and deeds that stem from it. Jacob therefore knew that Joseph’s reaching the station where even his father, mother, and brothers would bow before him was a magnificent rank, and that Allah would necessarily provide Joseph with the means to attain it. Hence he said: “Thus will your Lord choose you, teach you the interpretation of events, and perfect His favor upon you…” (12:6).