قَالُوٓا۟ أَءِنَّكَ لَأَنتَ يُوسُفُ ۖ قَالَ أَنَا۠ يُوسُفُ وَهَـٰذَآ أَخِى ۖ قَدْ مَنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْنَآ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ مَن يَتَّقِ وَيَصْبِرْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ 90
Translations
They said, "Are you indeed Joseph?" He said, "I am Joseph, and this is my brother. Allāh has certainly favored us. Indeed, he who fears Allāh and is patient, then indeed, Allāh does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good."
Transliteration
Qalū a-innaka la-anta Yūsufu qāla anā Yūsufu wa-hādhā akhī qad manna -llāhu `alaynā innahu man yattaqi wa-yasbir fa-inna -llāha lā yudī`u ajra -lmuhsinīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah marks the climactic moment of recognition where Yusuf reveals his true identity to his brothers after years of separation and trials. Yusuf's response demonstrates profound humility and faith—he credits Allah's favor for their reunion and emphasizes that divine reward is not lost for those who practice taqwa (God-consciousness) and sabr (patience). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this ayah encapsulates the entire message of Surah Yusuf: that steadfast faith and patience in the face of hardship ultimately lead to Allah's mercy and justice.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs during the final section of Surah Yusuf (a Meccan surah), depicting the emotional reunion of Yusuf with his brothers in Egypt. The context follows Yusuf's rise to power and his strategic test of his brothers' character and repentance. This scene represents the thematic culmination of the surah—the triumph of divine providence and moral integrity over human betrayal and worldly hardships.
Related Hadiths
The principle reflected here aligns with Hadith Qudsi: 'I am with the patient one' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial; when Allah loves a people, He tests them' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi), emphasizing the connection between patience, taqwa, and divine reward mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
True success is not measured by material gain or position alone, but by maintaining taqwa and patience through life's trials, trusting that Allah never wastes the reward of those who do good. This ayah teaches us that reconciliation and forgiveness are fruits of sincere faith, and that acknowledging Allah's grace—rather than our own achievement—keeps us grounded in righteousness.