وَلَمَّا دَخَلُوا۟ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ ءَاوَىٰٓ إِلَيْهِ أَخَاهُ ۖ قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أَنَا۠ أَخُوكَ فَلَا تَبْتَئِسْ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ 69
Translations
And when they entered upon Joseph, he took his brother to himself; he said, "Indeed, I am your brother, so do not despair over what they used to do [to me]."
Transliteration
Wa-lamma dakhalu 'ala Yusuf awaa ilayhi akhahu qala inni ana akhuka fa-la tabtais bima kanu ya'malun
Tafsir (Explanation)
When Yusuf's brothers entered his presence, he recognized his full brother Benjamin and drew him close to himself, saying, 'Indeed, I am your brother, so do not grieve over what they used to do.' According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this moment marks Yusuf's emotional reunion with Benjamin, his only full brother (sharing the same mother, Rachel). Yusuf's reassurance to Benjamin reveals his compassionate nature and desire to comfort him after their long separation, while also subtly indicating his knowledge of his brothers' past treachery in selling him into slavery.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the climactic narrative section of Surah Yusuf, after Yusuf has become a powerful minister in Egypt and his brothers have come seeking provisions during famine. The broader context involves Yusuf's strategic plan to keep Benjamin with him (as revealed in verse 12:69), which will eventually lead to the brothers' recognition of Yusuf and their repentance. This scene represents a pivotal moment in the family's reconciliation.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly addresses this verse, Surah Yusuf as a whole is praised in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) called it 'the best of stories' (ahsan al-qisas). Hadiths emphasizing brotherly compassion and forgiveness, such as those in Sahih Bukhari regarding ties of kinship, resonate with Yusuf's conduct here.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us the importance of showing compassion and reassurance to those who are vulnerable or distressed, especially family members, and reminds us that after periods of suffering and separation, Allah may grant us reunion and comfort. It exemplifies how nobility of character—demonstrated through Yusuf's kind treatment of his brother despite his brothers' cruelty toward him—is a means of spiritual elevation.
Related Ayahs
يُوسُفُ أَيُّهَا ٱلصِّدِّيقُ أَفْتِنَا فِى سَبْعِ بَقَرَٰتٍ سِمَانٍ يَأْكُلُهُنَّ سَبْعٌ عِجَافٌ وَسَبْعِ سُنۢبُلَـٰتٍ خُضْرٍ وَأُخَرَ يَابِسَـٰتٍ لَّعَلِّىٓ أَرْجِعُ إِلَى ٱلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ
[He said], "Joseph, O man of truth, explain to us about seven fat cows eaten by seven [that were] lean, and seven green spikes [of grain] and others [that were] dry - that I may return to the people [i.e., the king and his court]; perhaps they will know [about you]."
قَالُوا۟ تَٱللَّهِ تَفْتَؤُا۟ تَذْكُرُ يُوسُفَ حَتَّىٰ تَكُونَ حَرَضًا أَوْ تَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْهَـٰلِكِينَ
They said, "By Allāh, you will not cease remembering Joseph until you become fatally ill or become of those who perish."
فَلَمَّآ أَن جَآءَ ٱلْبَشِيرُ أَلْقَىٰهُ عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهِۦ فَٱرْتَدَّ بَصِيرًا ۖ قَالَ أَلَمْ أَقُل لَّكُمْ إِنِّىٓ أَعْلَمُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
And when the bearer of good tidings arrived, he cast it over his face, and he returned [once again] seeing. He said, "Did I not tell you that I know from Allāh that which you do not know?"
قُلْ هَـٰذِهِۦ سَبِيلِىٓ أَدْعُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا۠ وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَنِى ۖ وَسُبْحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ
Say, "This is my way; I invite to Allāh with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allāh; and I am not of those who associate others with Him."