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Stay resolute in the face of hardships
The life of Yusuf (AS) gives us a great lesson in steadfastness and determination. He was separated from his parents at an early age, thrown into a well by his own brothers, hidden and carried along as merchandise, and sold as a slave for a low price in a foreign land. He lived as a slave for many years, resisted the advances of his mistress, and was then imprisoned on a false charge. Yet, in spite of all these hardships, he remained positive, showing exemplary courage and strength of character, while constantly relying on Allah for help. He ended up acquiring a position of honour and prestige, with his family by his side, and all the blessings at his disposal. We must, therefore, be determined when confronted with hardships, and never despair of help from Allah. As Yaqub (AS) advised his sons, '…Despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.' (12:87)