قَالَ إِنِّى لَيَحْزُنُنِىٓ أَن تَذْهَبُوا۟ بِهِۦ وَأَخَافُ أَن يَأْكُلَهُ ٱلذِّئْبُ وَأَنتُمْ عَنْهُ غَـٰفِلُونَ 13
Translations
[Jacob] said, "Indeed, it saddens me that you should take him, and I fear that a wolf would eat him while you are of him unaware."
Transliteration
Qala inni layahzununni an tadhhabu bihi wa akhāfu an ya'kulahu al-dhi'bu wa antum 'anhu ghāfilūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Ya'qub (Jacob) expresses his deep emotional pain at the prospect of sending his beloved son Yusuf away, fearing that a wolf might attack and devour him while they are negligent. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that this statement, though made with sincere paternal concern, paradoxically opens the door for Yusuf's brothers to scheme against him, as it demonstrates the father's extreme attachment and vulnerability regarding this son. The ayah illustrates the natural human emotions of a parent, while also demonstrating how Divine wisdom works through human circumstances.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Surah Yusuf, which is entirely Meccan. It captures the pivotal moment when Yusuf's brothers approach their father requesting to take Yusuf with them for play and trade, and Ya'qub's reluctant response. This conversation directly precedes the brothers' plot to dispose of Yusuf, making this ayah essential to understanding the surah's dramatic tension and the unfolding of Divine decree (qadr).
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this ayah, Surah Yusuf is referenced in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said it is 'the best of stories' (ahsan al-qasas). Additionally, hadiths emphasizing parental love and concern for children's safety reflect the emotional authenticity of Ya'qub's statement.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that genuine parental concern is natural and legitimate, yet reminds us that our deepest fears and protective measures ultimately rest in Allah's hands—our role is to do what we can while maintaining trust in Divine wisdom, even when our worst anxieties seem to materialize.