The scientific forum “Ramadan Journey into the Depths of the Human Soul,” organized by the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations in the Kingdom of Morocco, continues its sessions. The forum’s third session was held at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Dr. Khadija Abouzid, Professor of Higher Education at Mohammed V University, delivered a lecture titled “From the Depth of the Well to the Top of the Ultimate Empowerment: Lessons from Surat Yusuf on Taking Initiative.” The session was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, alongside several ambassadors and distinguished intellectual and academic figures.

The session opened with remarks from Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain Al-Jazairy, a member of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors, who underscored the valuable lessons in patience, planning, and perseverance found in the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (peace be upon him). She explained that this session builds on the previous discussion of Ya‘quubian Education, highlighting how Prophet Ya‘qub’s (Jacob’s) (peace be upon him) upbringing of Yusuf shaped his resilience and strength, enabling him to overcome hardships and achieve empowerment and honor. Dr. Al-Jazairy emphasized that Yusuf’s story is more than a historical account, as it offers practical lessons relevant to modern life.

In her lecture, Dr. Khadija Abouzid outlined five key pillars of success drawn from Surat Yusuf. The first is knowledge and expertise, as Prophet Yusuf gained the skills and wisdom needed to manage crises and make sound decisions, ultimately qualifying him for a high-ranking position in Egypt. The second is piety and integrity, as he remained steadfast in his values despite temptations and challenges, highlighting the role of ethical commitment in achieving true success.

The third pillar revolves around strength and trustworthiness, as his leadership qualities emerged through his responsible and upright conduct, earning the confidence of Egypt’s Captain of the Guard (Al-‘Azeez). The fourth is initiative and decision-making, as Prophet Yusuf was not merely a passive recipient of events but an active participant who anticipated challenges and proposed solutions, demonstrated in his strategic plan to manage Egypt’s impending famine. Lastly, the fifth pillar is truthfulness, which, according to Dr. Abouzid, was not only reflected in Prophet Yusuf’s words but also in his actions and decisions, making him a model of honesty and transparency.

Concluding her lecture, Dr. Abouzid explored the concept of empowerment, explaining that Prophet Yusuf’s empowerment was not solely material, manifesting in authority and rulership, but also an inspiring form of empowerment that encompassed wisdom, knowledge, leadership, compassion, forbearance, and piety. Dr. Abouzid highlighted that after enduring severe trials, from the depths of the well to imprisonment, Allah granted him authority over Egypt’s wealth, allowing him to manage its resources as he saw fit. This, she noted, was a divine reward for his righteousness, patience, and steadfast adherence to the truth, as he responded to harm with forgiveness and to conspiracies with wisdom and magnanimity.

The session concluded with an open discussion, during which attendees posed questions on ways to implement the values and principles derived from Prophet Yusuf’s story in contemporary personal and professional contexts.