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.
Related Ayahs
فَلَمَّا دَخَلُوا۟ عَلَيْهِ قَالُوا۟ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلْعَزِيزُ مَسَّنَا وَأَهْلَنَا ٱلضُّرُّ وَجِئْنَا بِبِضَـٰعَةٍ مُّزْجَىٰةٍ فَأَوْفِ لَنَا ٱلْكَيْلَ وَتَصَدَّقْ عَلَيْنَآ ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَجْزِى ٱلْمُتَصَدِّقِينَ
So when they entered upon him [i.e., Joseph], they said, "O ʿAzeez, adversity has touched us and our family, and we have come with goods poor in quality, but give us full measure and be charitable to us. Indeed, Allāh rewards the charitable."
وَلَمَّا دَخَلُوا۟ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ ءَاوَىٰٓ إِلَيْهِ أَخَاهُ ۖ قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أَنَا۠ أَخُوكَ فَلَا تَبْتَئِسْ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ
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]."
۞ رَبِّ قَدْ ءَاتَيْتَنِى مِنَ ٱلْمُلْكِ وَعَلَّمْتَنِى مِن تَأْوِيلِ ٱلْأَحَادِيثِ ۚ فَاطِرَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ أَنتَ وَلِىِّۦ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ ۖ تَوَفَّنِى مُسْلِمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِى بِٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ
My Lord, You have given me [something] of sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and earth, You are my protector in this world and the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous."
ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ أَنۢبَآءِ ٱلْغَيْبِ نُوحِيهِ إِلَيْكَ ۖ وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ أَجْمَعُوٓا۟ أَمْرَهُمْ وَهُمْ يَمْكُرُونَ
That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal, [O Muḥammad], to you. And you were not with them when they put together their plan while they conspired.