The narrative of Prophet Ya‘qub (Jacob, peace be upon him) in Surah Yusuf showcases his extraordinary foresight and deep knowledge of events before they unfold. His awareness extends beyond ordinary human perception, indicating that he may have received divine revelation. Below are instances from the Quran that highlight Ya‘qub’s profound insight, with the full ayat and their numbers provided.

 

1. Foreseeing the Brothers' Plot Against Yusuf

Even before Yusuf’s brothers act against him, Ya‘qub warns him:

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"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.’"
(Surah Yusuf 12:5)

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Ya‘qub is aware of the potential jealousy and harm Yusuf may face, demonstrating his deep understanding of his sons' nature before any plot is carried out.

 

2. Anticipating the Wolf Excuse

When Yusuf’s brothers return with a false story of his death, Ya‘qub immediately perceives their deception:

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"And they brought upon his shirt false blood. [Jacob] said, ‘Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. And Allah is the one sought for help against that which you describe.’"
(Surah Yusuf 12:18)

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Before hearing their excuse, Ya‘qub had already mentioned the wolf to Yusuf (12:5), and when the fabricated tale is presented, he instantly recognizes it as their invention.

 

3. Sending His Other Son with a Covenant

When his sons ask to take their brother to Egypt, Ya‘qub refuses at first but later agrees only after securing a firm pledge:

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"He said, ‘Never will I send him with you until you give me a promise by Allah that you will bring him back to me, unless you should be surrounded [by enemies].’ And when they had given their promise, he said, ‘Allah, over what we say, is Witness.’"
(Surah Yusuf 12:66)

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This demonstrates his foresight, as he knows they may not be able to keep their word, yet he ensures a covenant before allowing it.

 

4. Advising His Sons to Enter Through Separate Gates

Before his sons enter Egypt, Ya‘qub gives them a specific instruction:

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"And he said, ‘O my sons, do not enter from one gate but enter from different gates; but I cannot avail you against [the decree of] Allah at all. The decision is only for Allah; upon Him I have relied, and upon Him let those who would rely [indeed] rely.’"
(Surah Yusuf 12:67)

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Although this advice does not alter their fate, it showcases Ya‘qub’s wisdom and awareness of potential dangers.

 

5. Expressing Hope for the Return of All His Sons, Including Yusuf

While in deep sorrow over Yusuf’s loss, Ya‘qub expresses his unwavering belief in their reunion:

 

"[Jacob] said, ‘Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. Perhaps Allah will bring them to me all together. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise.’"
(Surah Yusuf 12:83)

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The phrase "bring them to me all together" confirms that Ya‘qub never lost hope that Yusuf was still alive.

 

6. Declaring Knowledge Beyond His Sons' Understanding (Twice)

Ya‘qub explicitly states twice that he possesses knowledge they do not.

 

First Instance:

"He said, ‘I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know.’"
(Surah Yusuf 12:86)

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Second Instance:

"But when the bearer of good tidings came to him, he cast it over his face, and he returned [once again] seeing. He said, ‘Did I not tell you that I know from Allah that which you do not know?’"
(Surah Yusuf 12:96)

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Both instances suggest Ya‘qub had knowledge revealed to him by Allah, reinforcing the idea that he was divinely guided.

 

7. Sensing Yusuf’s Scent Before Receiving His Shirt

Before any physical proof of Yusuf’s survival reaches him, Ya‘qub announces his presence:

 

"And when the caravan departed [from Egypt], their father said, ‘Indeed, I find the smell of Joseph [and would say that he was alive] if you did not think me weakened in mind.’"
(Surah Yusuf 12:94)

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His ability to sense Yusuf from a great distance further supports the idea that he possessed special knowledge from Allah.

 

Conclusion: A Prophet with Divine Knowledge

The numerous instances in Surah Yusuf where Ya‘qub demonstrates foresight, wisdom, and spiritual insight suggest that he was not merely an ordinary man but a recipient of divine knowledge. Whether through direct revelation or deep inspiration, his awareness of events before they unfold indicates that Allah granted him unique insight, making his role in the story of Yusuf even more profound