قَالُوا۟ سَنُرَٰوِدُ عَنْهُ أَبَاهُ وَإِنَّا لَفَـٰعِلُونَ 61
Translations
They said, "We will attempt to dissuade his father from [keeping] him, and indeed, we will do [it]."
Transliteration
Qalū sanurāwidu 'anhu abāhu wa-innā lafā'ilūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
The brothers of Yusuf respond to their father's concern about leaving Benjamin behind, pledging that they will persuade their father (Ya'qub) to allow Benjamin to travel with them, and they assure him they are determined to do so. Classical exegetes like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note this represents the brothers' attempt to convince their father through persuasion (murāwada), though their ultimate intention was deceptive—to separate Benjamin from Ya'qub just as they had done with Yusuf years before.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Yusuf's brothers returning to Egypt during the famine, when the Egyptian minister (Yusuf in disguise) requires them to bring their youngest brother Benjamin as proof of their truthfulness. The broader context illustrates the unfolding of divine providence and the testing of family bonds, with this moment showing the brothers' attempt to manipulate their aging father Ya'qub.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly references this specific verse, Surah Yusuf itself is called 'Ahsan al-Qasas' (the best of stories) in Sahih Bukhari, emphasizing its significance as a complete narrative of patience, trust in Allah, and divine wisdom.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that manipulation and deception, even when presented with confident assurances, often mask ulterior motives—reminding believers to seek truth and transparency in dealings with others, and to trust in Allah's ultimate plan which brings hidden schemes to light.