Yusuf 53–69
Yusuf takes control of Egypt's treasury, then famine brings his brothers to buy provisions without recognizing him, until he meets Benjamin again.
Verses 53-57 explain a new chapter in the life of Prophet Yusuf. Prophet Yusuf acknowledges the terrible drive of his desire and only those shown mercy by Allah escape it. Prophet Yusuf then negotiated with the Pharaoh for the country's affairs to be entrusted to him. He made this request after there was an offer and the Pharaoh's acknowledgment that Yusuf would be given a very strong and trusted position. This is the peak achievement of Prophet Yusuf. Allah gave it to him as a reward for his steadfastness in Allah's way under all conditions. However, according to Allah, the reward of the Hereafter is still far better for those who believe and are God-conscious.
Verses 58-63 explain that as a result of the famine predicted by Prophet Yusuf earlier, his brothers came to Egypt to buy provisions. Prophet Yusuf recognized them, but they did not recognize him. Then Yusuf asked his brothers to bring Benjamin to Egypt next time. If they did not, then the next transaction would be stopped. Without them realizing it, Yusuf's staff put their money in the provisions they bought. After returning home, they persuaded Yaqub to allow them to take him to Egypt.
Verses 64-69 continue the story of Yusuf with his brothers. With heavy heart Yaqub agreed to his sons' request to take Benjamin to Egypt with a commitment (oath) like when they had asked for Yusuf before to take him outside the village to play. Yaqub was confident that Allah was the Best Guardian and Most Merciful and Compassionate.
When they opened the things they had brought from Egypt, they found their money intact in the things they had bought. This made them even more confident that they would get an even easier and larger transaction if they brought Benjamin whom Yusuf had asked for.
Seeing this reality, Yaqub suggested a strategy for them to enter the palace of Egypt's ruler separately and from different gates. Thus it was hoped that Benjamin would not be detected by Egypt's ruler (Yusuf) who had asked for him to come. With the conviction that the strategy would not be useful in the face of Allah's will and remaining in complete reliance on Him. It was proven that the strategy was useless and only made it easy for Yusuf to recognize his full brother named Benjamin. After seeing him, Yusuf immediately embraced him and said to him: I am your brother. Therefore, do not grieve over what they did to me.
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