Tafsīr Surat Yusuf
Winter 2025
RabaTEENS is a nurturing space for deep and meaningful Islamic spiritual mentorship with compassionate and caring mentors. We design fun, creative, and positive educational experiences to help teens grow confidently and comfortably into their faith.
This 5-week class offers a deep dive into the rich story of Surat Yusuf, engaging Muslim teen girls with lessons that are timeless and transformative. Through an exploration of themes such as patience, integrity, and trust in Allah ﷻ, students will journey alongside Prophet Yusuf عليه السلام, uncovering how his experiences offer a blueprint for handling life’s tests with faith and resilience. Each week, we will focus on specific verses and themes that reflect challenges Yusuf عليه السلام faced, from familial jealousy and temptation to hardship and ultimate forgiveness. Through these reflections, students will learn how to apply Quranic guidance to their own lives in meaningful ways.
This class offers a supportive environment for Muslim teens to discuss real-life issues they may face, such as peer pressure, moral integrity, and navigating family relationships. With open discussions, reflections, and interactive activities, students will drive inspirations from the surah on how to build strong character while developing a deeper understanding of their faith. This class aims to be more than just a study of tafsir; it is an opportunity for young Muslim girls to strengthen their connection with the Quran and apply its teachings as a source of guidance, comfort, and purpose in their daily lives.
Week 1: Introduction and the Story of Yusuf: Divine Wisdom and Patience in Adversity (Verses 1-20)
In the first week, students will be introduced to the background of Surah Yusuf, its revelation in Mecca, and the role of storytelling in the Quran as a means of teaching profound lessons. The focus will be on Yusuf عليه السلام ’s early life, including the jealousy of his brothers and their harmful actions against him. This will lead into a discussion on the concept of patience (sabr) as demonstrated by Yusuf عليه السلام in the face of injustice. Students will reflect on how envy and family dynamics, as seen in Yusuf عليه السلام ’s story, are still relevant in today’s world. The class will encourage participants to think critically about their own experiences and relationships, fostering a connection between the Quranic narrative and their personal lives.
Week 2: Resisting Temptation and Upholding Moral Integrity (Verses 21-34)
In the second session, the focus will shift to Yusuf عليه السلام ’s life in Egypt and his encounter with temptation from the wife of Al-Aziz. The discussion will delve into the themes of chastity, self-control, and trust in Allah ﷻ’s guidance when faced with moral dilemmas. Yusuf عليه السلام ’s steadfastness in resisting temptation serves as a powerful example of upholding integrity despite challenging circumstances. The class will explore practical ways students can embody these principles, addressing peer pressure and real-life scenarios where their values may be tested. Through this, teens will gain actionable insights into staying true to their faith and principles.
Week 3: Faith and Trust in Allah ﷻ in Times of Hardship (Verses 35-53)
This week, students will examine Yusuf عليه السلام ’s time in prison, a period marked by his unwavering faith despite being wrongfully imprisoned. The class will highlight the importance of trusting Allah ﷻ’s plan, even in the most challenging moments. Yusuf عليه السلام ’s interpretations of the prisoners’ dreams will also be discussed, emphasizing the significance of maintaining faith and continuing to help others even in personal hardship. Students will reflect on the value of resilience and learn how to hold on to their faith during their own difficult times, drawing inspiration from Yusuf عليه السلام ’s steadfastness.
Week 4: Forgiveness and the Power of Reconciliation (Verses 54-86)
The fourth week will focus on Yusuf عليه السلام ’s reunion with his family and his remarkable capacity to forgive his brothers despite their betrayal. The theme of forgiveness will be explored in depth, highlighting its healing power, the importance of reconciliation, and the role it plays in restoring family unity. Students will reflect on the impact of holding grudges versus letting go, and how forgiveness can bring peace to one’s heart. Through the story of Yusuf عليه السلام, the class will examine how to apply these lessons to their own family relationships and conflicts, fostering empathy and understanding.
Week 5: Conclusion and Reflections: The Mercy of Allah ﷻ and Lessons from the Story (Verses 87-111)
In the final session, the class will review the entire surah, focusing on overarching lessons about Allah ﷻ’s mercy, divine planning, and the ultimate victory of righteousness through patience, faith, and moral uprightness. Yusuf عليه السلام ’s journey serves as a comprehensive guide to navigating life’s challenges while maintaining trust in Allah ﷻ. Students will reflect on the lessons they’ve learned throughout the course and discuss how these principles can be applied in their own lives. To celebrate the end of the course, each student will share a creative art piece inspired by their reflections on Surat Yusuf, creating a memorable conclusion to their journey of learning and self-discovery.
Art materials
The Clear Quran (or any tafsir books for tafsir of Surat Yusuf)
Sundays 9:30 - 10:30 am CST
Session dates: January 12th - February 9th
This class is for teen girls ages 12-17 years old
*Please note: Enrollment into the RabaTEENS program is on a per-student basis. If two (or more) students are planning to attend a class together by sharing a screen, each student will need to enroll for class individually. Students must attend Zoom live sessions. Classes are NOT recorded.
A certificate of participation will be given to students who complete the class.
No refunds are issued once the session begins.
Meets once a week for one hour (5-week session)
Regular price