Binyamin (Benjamin)

Binyamin (Benjamin) was the youngest son of Prophet Yaqub AS and the full brother of Prophet Yusuf AS — both sons of the same mother, Rachel. His story is part of the great narrative of Surah Yusuf (Chapter 12) and reaches its climax in the later portion of the surah. After Yusuf AS rose to power as the treasurer of Egypt, a severe famine struck the region and Yaqub's sons came to Egypt seeking grain. Yusuf recognized his brothers but did not reveal himself. He gave them their provisions and privately urged them to bring their youngest brother (Binyamin) on their next visit, promising to honor and protect him. After much persuasion of their father Yaqub — who was reluctant to send another beloved son away after the loss of Yusuf — Binyamin came to Egypt with his brothers. Yusuf took Binyamin aside privately and revealed his identity to him alone. Then, as part of a divine plan to keep Binyamin in Egypt and create the conditions for the family reunion, a royal measuring cup was placed in Binyamin's bag. When the brothers departed and were recalled, the cup was found in Binyamin's baggage. By the law they had themselves agreed to, Binyamin had to remain in Egypt. His brothers argued passionately for his release, but to no avail. This was the second great trial of Yaqub — losing Binyamin after Yusuf. Eventually, when Yusuf finally revealed himself to all his brothers and invited his entire family to Egypt, Binyamin was joyfully reunited with his father and the family was whole again. His story illustrates Yusuf's wisdom in orchestrating the reunion in a way that honored all parties.