PROPHET YUSUF'S STORY: A CAUTIONARY TALE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR INTENDING COUPLES - SHEIKH IMRAN

By Olayiwola Ibrahim // According to the Nigerian Muslim Scholar, Preacher and Educator, Sheikh Abdul Majeed Eleha expresses how Yusuf’s dreams became known to his brothers.

Imran’s interpretation, the mother, Rachel also known as Rahil or Rahel, overheard Yusuf sharing his dreams with his father, Prophet Ya’qub, while she was trying to gain access to the inner room where Ya’qub was staying.

In those days, it was common for husbands to have multiple wives, and each wife would have her designated time to spend with her husband.

Rachel, being one of Ya’qub’s wives, was trying to get to the inner room for her turn to be with Ya’qub, but she overheard the conversation between Yusuf and Ya’qub.

This adds an interesting dynamic to the story, highlighting the complexities of family relationships and the potential for misunderstandings and rivalries that can arise in a polygamous household.

Sheikh Imran’s interpretation provides a nuanced understanding of the story, shedding light on the human emotions and motivations that drove the characters’ actions.

The Scholar emphasizes the importance of thoroughly getting to know one’s prospective in-laws, particularly the parents, before entering into a marriage.

This includes learning about their family background, values, and dynamics.

By doing so, individuals can gain a better understanding of their partner’s upbringing, personality, and potential relationships with their family members.

This can help identify potential areas of conflict or compatibility issues that may arise in the future.

In the context of the story of Yusuf, knowing the family dynamics and the relationships between Ya’qub’s wives and children could have potentially prevented some of the conflicts and rivalries that arose.

Sheikh Imran’s advice can be applied to modern day relationships, where understanding one’s partner’s family background and dynamics can help build stronger, more harmonious relationships.

It’s a reminder that marriage is not just a union between two individuals, but also between two families, and being aware of these dynamics can help navigate potential challenges and build a stronger foundation for a successful marriage.