ثُمَّ بَدَا لَهُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِ مَا رَأَوُا۟ ٱلْـَٔايَـٰتِ لَيَسْجُنُنَّهُۥ حَتَّىٰ حِينٍ 35
Translations
Then it appeared to them after they had seen the signs that he [i.e., al-ʿAzeez] should surely imprison him for a time.
Transliteration
Thumma bada lahum min ba'di ma ra'u al-ayat layasjununahu hatta heen
Tafsir (Explanation)
After witnessing the miraculous signs of Yusuf's innocence, the Egyptian officials decided to imprison him for a time. Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that despite the clear evidence of his innocence (the torn shirt, the wife's confession), they chose imprisonment as a political compromise—to protect the honor of the minister's house while satisfying the wife's vindictive desires. This demonstrates how worldly considerations and fear of scandal can override justice, even when truth is evident.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Yusuf after Zulaykha's false accusation and the discovery of his innocence through the testimony of the child. The context reflects the broader Quranic theme of trials and divine wisdom: despite being proven innocent, Yusuf faces further injustice through imprisonment, which serves as a continuation of his test and preparation for future leadership.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly references this ayah, the hadith 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi) relates thematically to the protection of family honor that motivated the unjust imprisonment. Additionally, hadiths about sabr (patience) in trials reflect Yusuf's exemplary response.
Themes
Key Lesson
True believers must remain steadfast when facing injustice despite their innocence, trusting that Allah's wisdom operates beyond immediate circumstances. The ayah teaches that even when vindicated before people, trials may continue—requiring unwavering faith that Allah's plan encompasses greater purposes than temporary deliverance.
Related Ayahs
قَالُوا۟ سَنُرَٰوِدُ عَنْهُ أَبَاهُ وَإِنَّا لَفَـٰعِلُونَ
They said, "We will attempt to dissuade his father from [keeping] him, and indeed, we will do [it]."
۞ قَالُوٓا۟ إِن يَسْرِقْ فَقَدْ سَرَقَ أَخٌ لَّهُۥ مِن قَبْلُ ۚ فَأَسَرَّهَا يُوسُفُ فِى نَفْسِهِۦ وَلَمْ يُبْدِهَا لَهُمْ ۚ قَالَ أَنتُمْ شَرٌّ مَّكَانًا ۖ وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا تَصِفُونَ
They said, "If he steals - a brother of his has stolen before." But Joseph kept it within himself and did not reveal it to them. He said, "You are worse in position, and Allāh is most knowing of what you describe."
وَلَمَّا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُۥٓ ءَاتَيْنَـٰهُ حُكْمًا وَعِلْمًا ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ
And when he [i.e., Joseph] reached maturity, We gave him judgement and knowledge. And thus We reward the doers of good.
قَالُوا۟ تَٱللَّهِ لَقَدْ ءَاثَرَكَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا وَإِن كُنَّا لَخَـٰطِـِٔينَ
They said, "By Allāh, certainly has Allāh preferred you over us, and indeed, we have been sinners."