أَرْسِلْهُ مَعَنَا غَدًا يَرْتَعْ وَيَلْعَبْ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ 12
Translations
Send him with us tomorrow that he may eat well and play. And indeed, we will be his guardians."
Transliteration
Arsílhu maʿanā ghadan yartaʿ wa yalʿab wa inna nā lahu lahāfizūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
The brothers of Yusuf request their father Yaʿqub to send Yusuf with them, promising he will enjoy himself and that they will protect him. This request is deceptive, as their true intention is to harm Yusuf out of jealousy. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that this verse demonstrates how the brothers concealed their malicious plot with false assurances, reflecting the reality of envy and deceit within families.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Yusuf's early life in Surah Yusuf, which tells the complete story of Prophet Yusuf from his childhood dream to his position of authority in Egypt. The surah emphasizes divine providence and the consequences of jealousy and treachery. This particular verse marks the critical moment when the brothers seek permission to take Yusuf away, setting in motion the events that test Yusuf's faith and virtue.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly references this verse, the broader theme of patience in trial (sabr) is emphasized in numerous ahadiths, such as in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet ﷺ said: 'Amazing is the affair of the believer, for there is good in every matter of his affairs' - reflecting Yusuf's eventual triumph despite his brothers' betrayal.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us to be cautious of those whose words contradict their actions, and to recognize that worldly harm from others cannot prevent Allah's protection and plan for the righteous. It reminds believers that trials rooted in human jealousy are ultimately part of Allah's divine wisdom for spiritual growth and elevation.