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Bismillahi w-alhamdulillahi wa-salatu wa-salamu ala Rasulillahi wa-ala aleyhi wa s-sahbi yajma'in

Moments ago we heard a beautiful recitation by our Sheikh Ismail. He chose to recite Surat Yusuf

And amazingly I was pondering this afternoon what I should speak about seeing that we have people

from a cross-section of the community. And I was thinking about Surat Yusuf for many reasons.

Lo and behold when I heard him opening with alif Lamra I said this is a sign. Let's go for it.

May Allah grant us ease. I want to tell you by beloved brothers my dearest sisters who may see

this a little bit later. Allah Almighty makes mention of the stories of the prophets in the Quran

for a purpose.

Peace be upon him. Every time we mention a story of the messengers before you to you it is in order

to strengthen you and your heart not to say it was not strong but the lesson is for all of us the

followers of those messengers to learn lesson from. It will apply in our lives.

So Allah says the stories that we mention from the best from among them is the story of Yusuf Ali

his salam. And the reason he says this is because it's a complete story. It will apply in your lives

and in mind. And so Allah Almighty starts off by telling us that Yusuf Ali his salam had a dream.

His father was a messenger who was also the son of a messenger who was the son of another

messenger who was the friend of Allah. What was his name this friend of Allah? Can you say it?

Ibrahim Abraham may peace be upon him. Allah mentions him in the Quran so many times and Allah says

what the Khadda Allah Ibrahim Khalilah indeed Allah Almighty has taken Ibrahim as a friend.

Allah Almighty I don't need water my brother. Thank you.

Allah Almighty has taken Ibrahim as a friend. Why?

What was the reason? What's the purpose? Why did Allah say Abraham may peace be upon him

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