Introduction
Prophet Yaqub (peace be upon him) — known as Jacob in the Bible — is one of the most honored prophets in Islam. He was the son of Prophet Ishaq (Isaac) and the grandson of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon them all. His life story is a continuation of the blessed lineage of faith and patience.
Known as Israel in Islamic tradition and the Bible, Yaqub is the father of the Twelve Tribes (Asbat), from whom the Children of Israel descended. His story is deeply connected with that of his beloved son, Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), whose story is among the most detailed narratives in the Qur’an.
The Birth and Noble Lineage of Yaqub
Yaqub was born into the blessed family of Prophet Ibrahim. His father, Ishaq, was born as a miracle to Ibrahim and Sarah in their old age. From a young age, Yaqub was raised in a household of pure monotheism and righteousness.
Allah chose Yaqub as a prophet to continue his forefathers’ legacy — calling his people to worship Allah alone, guiding them with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith.
“And We gave him Isaac and Jacob — each [of them] We guided…”
(Qur’an, 6:84)
A Devoted Servant and Messenger
The Qur’an honors Yaqub as one of Allah’s chosen prophets:
“And remember Our servants, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob — those of strength and [religious] vision.”
(Qur’an, 38:45)
He was known for his worship, sincerity, patience, and his deep care for his family’s spiritual well-being.
The Story of Yusuf and the Trials of Yaqub
While details of Yaqub’s prophethood are few in the Qur’an, his story shines through the famous account of his son Yusuf.
Yaqub had twelve sons, but Yusuf (Joseph) and his younger brother Binyamin (Benjamin) were especially dear to him because of their righteous character.
When Yusuf told Yaqub about his dream — eleven stars, the sun, and the moon prostrating to him — Yaqub immediately understood its significance: Yusuf was destined for greatness as a prophet.
“He said, ‘O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers or they will contrive against you a plan. Indeed Satan, to man, is a manifest enemy.’”
(Qur’an, 12:5)
Despite Yaqub’s warning, Yusuf’s brothers, driven by jealousy, conspired against him. They cast him into a well and returned to Yaqub with a false story that a wolf had devoured him.
The Patience of Yaqub
The grief Yaqub endured at the loss of Yusuf is one of the Qur’an’s most powerful lessons in patience (sabr).
He wept until he lost his eyesight from sorrow but never despaired of Allah’s mercy:
“He said, ‘I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know.’”
(Qur’an, 12:86)
Despite the betrayal of his sons, Yaqub continued to hope for Yusuf’s return for many years.
The Reunion
Years later, by Allah’s plan, Yusuf rose to a high position in Egypt. When famine struck, his brothers came to Egypt seeking food. Yusuf eventually revealed himself to them and forgave them.
He sent for his father, Yaqub, who traveled to Egypt with his family. Their reunion is one of the most beautiful moments in the Qur’an:
“And he raised his parents upon the throne, and they bowed to him in prostration. And he said, ‘O my father, this is the explanation of my vision of before. My Lord has made it reality…’”
(Qur’an, 12:100)
Yaqub’s faith and patience were rewarded — a timeless example for all believers.
His Death and Will
Before his passing, Yaqub gathered his sons and reminded them to hold firmly to the worship of the One True God:
“Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, when he said to his sons, ‘What will you worship after me?’ They said, ‘We will worship your God and the God of your fathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac — one God. And we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.’”
(Qur’an, 2:133)
He passed away in Egypt but asked to be buried with his father Ishaq and grandfather Ibrahim in Hebron (Al-Khalil, Palestine). Islamic tradition holds that he was buried there, where the tombs of Ibrahim, Ishaq, Yaqub, and their wives are still honored today.
The Twelve Tribes of Israel
Yaqub’s twelve sons became the ancestors of the Twelve Tribes — the Children of Israel (Bani Isra’il). Many great prophets came from among them, including Musa (Moses), Harun (Aaron), Dawud (David), Sulaiman (Solomon), Zakariya (Zechariah), Yahya (John the Baptist), and Isa (Jesus), peace be upon them all.
Key Lessons from Prophet Yaqub’s Life
✅ Patience in the Face of Grief:
Yaqub’s response to tragedy was to turn his sorrow into prayer and hope.
✅ Faith in Allah’s Mercy:
He never despaired of Allah’s plan, even when all seemed lost.
✅ Guiding One’s Family:
Yaqub constantly reminded his children of pure monotheism — a legacy that shaped generations.
✅ Forgiveness:
Despite his sons’ betrayal, Yaqub forgave them, demonstrating the power of mercy and reconciliation.
✅ Strength in Prayer:
Yaqub’s intimate connection with Allah shows how true believers rely on Him in all circumstances.
Yaqub in the Qur’an
The Qur’an honors Yaqub as one of the chosen messengers, a righteous servant, and an example of patience and wisdom:
“And We bestowed upon him Isaac and Jacob in addition, and each of them We made righteous.”
(Qur’an, 21:72)
Conclusion
Prophet Yaqub’s life is a shining story of unwavering faith, profound patience, and devotion to family and truth. His legacy continues through the prophets descended from his line and through the lessons preserved in the Qur’an for all believers.
May his story remind us that hardship and betrayal can be endured with trust in Allah’s mercy — and that sincere faith can turn suffering into strength and lasting reward.
References
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Qur’an: Surahs Yusuf (12), Al-Baqarah (2), Al-An’am (6), Sad (38), Al-Anbiya (21)
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Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Al-Tabari
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Authentic Hadith collections
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