قَالَ هِىَ رَٰوَدَتْنِى عَن نَّفْسِى ۚ وَشَهِدَ شَاهِدٌ مِّنْ أَهْلِهَآ إِن كَانَ قَمِيصُهُۥ قُدَّ مِن قُبُلٍ فَصَدَقَتْ وَهُوَ مِنَ ٱلْكَـٰذِبِينَ 26
Translations
[Joseph] said, "It was she who sought to seduce me." And a witness from her family testified, "If his shirt is torn from the front, then she has told the truth, and he is of the liars.
Transliteration
Qala hiya rawadatni 'an nafsi wa shahida shahidun min ahliha in kana qamisihu qudda min qubul fa sadaqat wa huwa mina al-kadhiben
Tafsir (Explanation)
Yusuf defends himself against Potiphar's wife's false accusation by declaring that she attempted to seduce him, and a witness from her own household testifies that if his shirt is torn from the front, then she is truthful and he is among the liars. Ibn Kathir explains that this witness—traditionally identified as Potiphar's son or a wise man from the household—logically deduced that if the shirt was torn from the front, it would prove the woman pulled Yusuf toward her, supporting her claim; conversely, a tear from behind would indicate he was fleeing from her, proving his innocence. This moment marks the beginning of Yusuf's exoneration and demonstrates divine protection of the truthful.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Yusuf (peace be upon him) in Egypt, specifically the critical moment when Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Yusuf of attempted seduction. The surah, revealed in Mecca, presents Yusuf's story as a test of faith and patience, with this incident being a pivotal trial. The mention of the household witness reflects the surah's theme of how Allah grants wisdom and establishes truth even in moments of grave injustice.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly quotes this ayah, Surah Yusuf itself is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari as 'Aisha reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said it is 'the best of stories' (ahsan al-qisas). Additionally, hadiths emphasize the virtue of patience and chastity exemplified by Yusuf, particularly in Jami' at-Tirmidhi regarding guarding one's gaze and modesty.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that truth ultimately prevails even when falsely accused, and that maintaining integrity and moral courage during trials brings divine support. For modern readers, it emphasizes the importance of defending oneself with truth and evidence, and trusting in Allah's justice even in seemingly impossible circumstances.
Related Ayahs
لَّوْلَآ إِذْ سَمِعْتُمُوهُ ظَنَّ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتُ بِأَنفُسِهِمْ خَيْرًا وَقَالُوا۟ هَـٰذَآ إِفْكٌ مُّبِينٌ
Why, when you heard it, did not the believing men and believing women think good of themselves [i.e., one another] and say, "This is an obvious falsehood"?
فَلَمَّا رَءَا قَمِيصَهُۥ قُدَّ مِن دُبُرٍ قَالَ إِنَّهُۥ مِن كَيْدِكُنَّ ۖ إِنَّ كَيْدَكُنَّ عَظِيمٌ
So when he [i.e., her husband] saw his shirt torn from the back, he said, "Indeed, it is of your [i.e., women's] plan. Indeed, your plan is great [i.e., vehement].
إِلَّا عِبَادَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمُخْلَصِينَ
Except the chosen servants of Allāh.
وَلَمَّآ أَن جَآءَتْ رُسُلُنَا لُوطًا سِىٓءَ بِهِمْ وَضَاقَ بِهِمْ ذَرْعًا وَقَالُوا۟ لَا تَخَفْ وَلَا تَحْزَنْ ۖ إِنَّا مُنَجُّوكَ وَأَهْلَكَ إِلَّا ٱمْرَأَتَكَ كَانَتْ مِنَ ٱلْغَـٰبِرِينَ
And when Our messengers [i.e., angels] came to Lot, he was distressed for them and felt for them great discomfort. They said, "Fear not, nor grieve. Indeed, we will save you and your family, except your wife; she is to be of those who remain behind.