فَإِن لَّمْ تَأْتُونِى بِهِۦ فَلَا كَيْلَ لَكُمْ عِندِى وَلَا تَقْرَبُونِ 60
Translations
But if you do not bring him to me, no measure will there be [hereafter] for you from me, nor will you approach me."
Transliteration
Fa-in lam ta'tunee bihi fa-la kayla lakum 'indi wa-la taqrabun
Tafsir (Explanation)
Yusuf (peace be upon him) sets a binding condition for his brothers: if they do not bring their youngest brother Benjamin to him, they will receive no grain (kayl) and cannot approach him again. This statement demonstrates Yusuf's wisdom in securing Benjamin's safe passage, as he uses his authority as Egypt's grain administrator to enforce this condition. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this was a strategic measure to reunite with his full brother while testing his other brothers' sincerity and ability to protect Benjamin as they had failed to protect him years before.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Yusuf's brothers' second journey to Egypt to buy grain during the famine. After recognizing them while remaining unrecognized himself, Yusuf devises a plan to bring Benjamin (his full brother from the same mother and father) to Egypt. This condition reflects both his practical wisdom and his desire to see his youngest brother, setting the stage for the subsequent plot development that leads to family reconciliation.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly addresses this ayah, Surah Yusuf itself is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described it as 'the best of stories' (ahsan al-qasas). The broader theme of testing and patience in trials is reflected in numerous ahadith about sabr (patience) such as those in Sahih Muslim regarding reward for those who endure hardship.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that wisdom sometimes requires setting firm boundaries and conditions to achieve righteous goals, and that reuniting families and loved ones is a noble objective worth strategic effort. It also reminds us that Allah's plan unfolds gradually, and patience combined with wise action leads to the fulfillment of heart's desires.
Related Ayahs
وَدَخَلَ مَعَهُ ٱلسِّجْنَ فَتَيَانِ ۖ قَالَ أَحَدُهُمَآ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰنِىٓ أَعْصِرُ خَمْرًا ۖ وَقَالَ ٱلْـَٔاخَرُ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰنِىٓ أَحْمِلُ فَوْقَ رَأْسِى خُبْزًا تَأْكُلُ ٱلطَّيْرُ مِنْهُ ۖ نَبِّئْنَا بِتَأْوِيلِهِۦٓ ۖ إِنَّا نَرَىٰكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ
And there entered the prison with him two young men. One of them said, "Indeed, I have seen myself [in a dream] pressing [grapes for] wine." The other said, "Indeed, I have seen myself carrying upon my head [some] bread, from which the birds were eating. Inform us of its interpretation; indeed, we see you to be of those who do good."
وَجَآءَ إِخْوَةُ يُوسُفَ فَدَخَلُوا۟ عَلَيْهِ فَعَرَفَهُمْ وَهُمْ لَهُۥ مُنكِرُونَ
And the brothers of Joseph came [seeking food], and they entered upon him; and he recognized them, but he was to them unknown.
ثُمَّ يَأْتِى مِنۢ بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ عَامٌ فِيهِ يُغَاثُ ٱلنَّاسُ وَفِيهِ يَعْصِرُونَ
Then will come after that a year in which the people will be given rain and in which they will press [olives and grapes]."
فَلَمَّا جَهَّزَهُم بِجَهَازِهِمْ جَعَلَ ٱلسِّقَايَةَ فِى رَحْلِ أَخِيهِ ثُمَّ أَذَّنَ مُؤَذِّنٌ أَيَّتُهَا ٱلْعِيرُ إِنَّكُمْ لَسَـٰرِقُونَ
So when he had furnished them with their supplies, he put the [gold measuring] bowl into the bag of his brother. Then an announcer called out, "O caravan, indeed you are thieves."