The story of Joseph – Prophet Yūsuf (a) – is mentioned at length in the Noble Quran, in Surat Yūsuf. The Noble Quran tells us of some of the details of Josephs trials, including his time in prison. When one fellow inmate was about to be released from prison, Joseph said to him, "Mention me before your lord." Maybe if the Pharoh knew more about Joseph and his story, he would release him from prison.
There is a specific narration about this incident that highlights to us the importance of reliance on Allah.
When [Joseph] said to the young man, "Mention me before your lord," Angel Gabriel (a) came to him and struck the ground with his foot [causing it to sunder and] reveal the seventh earth.
Then he said to him, ‘O’ Joseph, what do you see?’ He said, ‘I see a small rock.’ So he split the rock and said, ‘What do you see?’ He said, ‘I see a small insect.’
He said, ‘So who provides for it?’ He said, ‘Allah.’ He said, ‘Indeed, your lord says, “I did not forget this insect, in that rock, in the depths of the seventh earth. Do you think that I would forget you, such that you say to the young man, ‘Mention me before your lord'? You will remain in prison for a few more years because of your statement.”’ Why was this truth overlooked? Indeed, Allah does not forget anything among His creations.
Joseph wept at this, until the walls wept with him. Other prisoners became frustrated with him, so he reconciled with them, agreeing to weep one day and stay silent the next, finding the days of silence to be the worst.48 Such incidents may seem trivial, but they hold great importance in a person's self-development.
In another narration, Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq (a) said,
Gabriel came to Joseph and said, ‘O’ Joseph, the Lord of the worlds sends His peace upon you and asks, “Who made you the best of His creation?”’ Joseph cried and placed his cheek on the ground, saying, ‘You, O’ Lord.’ Then Gabriel said, ‘And He asks, “Who made you dearer to your father than your brothers?”’
Again, Joseph cried and placed his cheek on the ground, saying, ‘You, O’ Lord.’ Then Gabriel said, ‘And He asks, “Who brought you out of the well after you had been thrown into it, and you became certain of death?”’ Joseph cried and placed his cheek on the ground, saying, ‘You, O’ Lord.’
Then Gabriel said, ‘Indeed, your Lord has decreed a punishment for you in your calling upon others for help, so you shall remain in prison for a few years.’ After the time elapsed, permission was granted to him to supplicate for relief, and he placed his cheek on the ground, saying, ‘O’ Allah, if my sins have veiled me from You, then I seek refuge with You through the countenance of my righteous forefathers: Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, and Jacob.’ So, Allah relieved him of his distress.49 It is essential for individuals to cultivate a deep-seated reliance on Allah, the Almighty, in every aspect of their lives. This reliance should be unwavering, extending to even the minutest details. In doing so, one acknowledges that Allah is the ultimate source of all provision, guidance, and blessings.
This upbringing serves as a profound spiritual discipline, shaping individuals to recognize that their sustenance, well- being, and success ultimately come from Allah alone. By acknowledging this truth, they are reminded to turn to Allah in times of need, seeking His assistance, guidance, and mercy.
Furthermore, this reliance on Allah instills a sense of humility and gratitude within us. Instead of attributing achievements or blessings solely to human effort or material means, we must acknowledge Allah’s divine intervention and providence.
Ultimately, those who place their trust in Allah find solace and contentment in His divine wisdom and mercy. They understand that Allah’s decree is always just and that He responds to the sincere supplications of His servants. Thus, they find peace in surrendering to His will and trusting in His divine plan for them.