وَلَمَّا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُۥٓ ءَاتَيْنَـٰهُ حُكْمًا وَعِلْمًا ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ 22
Translations
And when he [i.e., Joseph] reached maturity, We gave him judgement and knowledge. And thus We reward the doers of good.
Transliteration
Wa-lamma balagha ashuddahu ataynahhu hukman wa 'ilman, wa-kadhalika najzi al-muhsineen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Allah granted Prophet Yusuf wisdom (hikma) and knowledge ('ilm) when he reached maturity and full strength (ashudd). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that this refers to both spiritual maturity and prophetic wisdom that enabled Yusuf to navigate the trials ahead with discernment. The ayah concludes with a universal principle: Allah rewards those who do good (al-muhsinun) with similar blessings of guidance and understanding.
Revelation Context
This verse is part of the broader narrative of Yusuf's life in Surah Yusuf (a Meccan surah). It marks the transition from Yusuf's childhood to his adulthood, positioned between his years in Potiphar's household and the trial of temptation he would soon face. The context illustrates how Allah prepares His servants spiritually before testing them.
Related Hadiths
The concept of hikma (wisdom) is elaborated in Surah Luqman 31:12 and related to the Prophet's supplication in Surah 2:251. A thematically related hadith: 'The best of you are those with the best character' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3662), which aligns with the principle that goodness (ihsan) brings divine reward.
Themes
Key Lesson
As we mature, we should seek wisdom and knowledge not merely for worldly gain but as gifts from Allah that enable us to serve His purposes. Excellence in character and conduct (ihsan) invites divine blessings of understanding and guidance that sustain us through life's inevitable challenges.