يُوسُفُ أَعْرِضْ عَنْ هَـٰذَا ۚ وَٱسْتَغْفِرِى لِذَنۢبِكِ ۖ إِنَّكِ كُنتِ مِنَ ٱلْخَاطِـِٔينَ 29
Translations
Joseph, ignore this. And, [my wife], ask forgiveness for your sin. Indeed, you were of the sinful."
Transliteration
Yusuf a'rid 'an hadha wasta'ghfiri li-dhanbik innaki kunti min al-khatiin
Tafsir (Explanation)
In this ayah, the wife of al-'Aziz (Potiphar) is commanded by her husband to stop pursuing Yusuf and to seek forgiveness for her sin of attempted seduction. The address shifts from Yusuf to the woman, instructing her to repent for her transgression. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that the husband's command here represents a turning point where he acknowledges her wrongdoing and calls her to sincere repentance (tawbah), demonstrating that even those who commit grave sins can return to Allah through genuine contrition.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Yusuf's trial in Egypt, specifically after the attempted seduction by al-'Aziz's wife. The context is part of the Meccan revelation of Surah Yusuf, which emphasizes patience, chastity, and divine protection. This moment shows the consequences of her actions and the possibility of redemption through repentance.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim (2758) about the seventy times forgiveness relates thematically: 'Every son of Adam commits sins, and the best of those who commit sins are those who repent.' Additionally, the Quranic principle in Surah An-Nisa (4:16) regarding repentance after wrongdoing parallels this ayah's call to istighfar.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that no matter how grave one's sin, the door to repentance remains open, and sincere asking for forgiveness (istighfar) is the path to redemption. It also emphasizes that recognizing and acknowledging one's wrongdoing is the first essential step toward genuine spiritual transformation.