The story of the Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) and his imprisonment - in the Quran

The story of the Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) and his imprisonment is mentioned in Surah Yusuf (Chapter 12) of the Quran. It is narrated in verses 21-34. Yusuf's brothers threw him into a well and he was later sold into slavery in Egypt. He was bought by an influential man and worked in his household, but when the man's wife tried to seduce him, Yusuf refused and was subsequently falsely accused of attempted rape. He was then imprisoned, where he met two other inmates who had dreams they couldn't interpret. Yusuf, who was gifted with the ability to interpret dreams, explained the meanings of their dreams to them, and asked them to remember him when they were released.

According to the story, Yusuf was falsely accused of attempting to seduce the wife of his master and was subsequently thrown into prison. While in prison, Yusuf gained a reputation for his ability to interpret dreams, and he was called upon to interpret the dreams of two of his fellow prisoners. Yusuf interpreted the dreams, and his interpretations proved to be accurate. One of the prisoners was released and was asked by Yusuf to remember him before the king. However, the prisoner forgot about Yusuf and did not mention him to the king.

The story of Yusuf's imprisonment also highlights his patience, trust in Allah, and his ability to maintain his faith despite the hardships he faced. The story ultimately ends with Yusuf being released from prison and being given a high position in the kingdom, where he was able to reunite with his family and forgive his brothers who had betrayed him earlier.

There are six verses in the Quran that mention the imprisonment of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph).

"And the king said, 'Bring him to me.' But when the messenger came to him, [Yusuf] said, 'Return to your master and ask him what is the case of the women who cut their hands. Indeed, my Lord is Knowing of their plan.'" - Surah Yusuf 12:50

"And there entered with him two young men in the prison. One of them said, 'Indeed, I have seen myself [in a dream] pressing wine.' The other said, 'Indeed, I have seen myself carrying upon my head [some] bread, from which the birds were eating. Inform us of its interpretation; indeed, we see you to be of those who do good.'" - Surah Yusuf 12:36

"And [subsequently] the king said, 'Indeed, I have seen [in a dream] seven fat cows being eaten by seven [that were] lean, and seven green spikes [of grain] and others [that were] dry. O eminent ones, explain to me my vision, if you should interpret visions.'" - Surah Yusuf 12:43

"And the king said, 'Indeed, I have seen [in a dream] seven fat cows being eaten by seven [that were] lean, and seven green spikes [of grain] and others [that were] dry. O eminent ones, explain to me my vision, if you should interpret visions.'" - Surah Yusuf 12:46

"So he began [the search] with their bags before the bag of his brother; then he extracted it from the bag of his brother. Thus did We plan for Joseph. He could not have taken his brother within the religion of the king except that Allah willed. We raise in degrees whom We will, but over every possessor of knowledge is one [more] knowing." - Surah Yusuf 12:76

"And the one from Egypt who bought him said to his wife, 'Make his residence comfortable. Perhaps he will benefit us, or we will adopt him as a son.' And thus, We established Joseph in the land that We might teach him the interpretation of events. And Allah is predominant over His affair, but most of the people do not know." - Surah Yusuf 12:21

The story of the Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) and his imprisonment is a significant part of the story of Yusuf as narrated in the Quran. Yusuf was falsely accused of attempting to seduce the wife of his master and was thrown into prison. In prison, he met two other inmates who had dreams, which Yusuf interpreted accurately. Eventually, the king heard about Yusuf's ability to interpret dreams and called upon him to interpret a dream he had been having. Yusuf's interpretation led to his release from prison and eventually to his appointment as a high-ranking official in the kingdom. The story highlights the theme of patience and trust in Allah in the face of adversity, as well as the power of interpreting dreams as a means of guidance and divine communication.