Eveyone knows the story of Yaqoob(alayhis salaam)--how he loved Yusef(alayhis salaam) so much and when he was thrown in the well by his brothers, Yaqoob cried so much he eventually became blind.

Our teacher presented us with a question yesterday and she told us to think about the answer and come back today and tell her.

The Question: Yaqoob(alayhis salaam) was put through such a trial. Why did Allah put him through all this when he was so dear to him?

We came up with all sorts of answers...the ever popular "because Allah tests those whom He loves" was where we kept getting stuck. And finally, today, she told us...

The Answer: One day, Yaqoob(alayhis salaam) was praying to Allah. He was worshipping busily when a baby Yusef(alayhis salaam) began crying. He just kept crying and crying and Yaqoob(alayhis salaam) could not bear to hear his beloved son crying, so he got up from his worship and took a hold of the child and comforted him. He left the worship of Allah..and the love of Allah, for the love of his son.

And so....Allah gave him that test. He took away the son.

Subhanallah.