ثُمَّ بَدَا لَهُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِ مَا رَأَوُا۟ ٱلْـَٔايَـٰتِ لَيَسْجُنُنَّهُۥ حَتَّىٰ حِينٍ 35
Translations
Then it appeared to them after they had seen the signs that he [i.e., al-ʿAzeez] should surely imprison him for a time.
Transliteration
Thumma bada lahum min ba'di ma ra'u al-ayat layasjununahu hatta heen
Tafsir (Explanation)
After witnessing the miraculous signs of Yusuf's innocence, the Egyptian officials decided to imprison him for a time. Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that despite the clear evidence of his innocence (the torn shirt, the wife's confession), they chose imprisonment as a political compromise—to protect the honor of the minister's house while satisfying the wife's vindictive desires. This demonstrates how worldly considerations and fear of scandal can override justice, even when truth is evident.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Yusuf after Zulaykha's false accusation and the discovery of his innocence through the testimony of the child. The context reflects the broader Quranic theme of trials and divine wisdom: despite being proven innocent, Yusuf faces further injustice through imprisonment, which serves as a continuation of his test and preparation for future leadership.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly references this ayah, the hadith 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi) relates thematically to the protection of family honor that motivated the unjust imprisonment. Additionally, hadiths about sabr (patience) in trials reflect Yusuf's exemplary response.
Themes
Key Lesson
True believers must remain steadfast when facing injustice despite their innocence, trusting that Allah's wisdom operates beyond immediate circumstances. The ayah teaches that even when vindicated before people, trials may continue—requiring unwavering faith that Allah's plan encompasses greater purposes than temporary deliverance.
Related Ayahs
ثُمَّ يَأْتِى مِنۢ بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ عَامٌ فِيهِ يُغَاثُ ٱلنَّاسُ وَفِيهِ يَعْصِرُونَ
Then will come after that a year in which the people will be given rain and in which they will press [olives and grapes]."
قُلْ هَـٰذِهِۦ سَبِيلِىٓ أَدْعُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا۠ وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَنِى ۖ وَسُبْحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ
Say, "This is my way; I invite to Allāh with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allāh; and I am not of those who associate others with Him."
وَجَآءَتْ سَيَّارَةٌ فَأَرْسَلُوا۟ وَارِدَهُمْ فَأَدْلَىٰ دَلْوَهُۥ ۖ قَالَ يَـٰبُشْرَىٰ هَـٰذَا غُلَـٰمٌ ۚ وَأَسَرُّوهُ بِضَـٰعَةً ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ
And there came a company of travelers; then they sent their water drawer, and he let down his bucket. He said, "Good news! Here is a boy." And they concealed him, [taking him] as merchandise; and Allāh was Knowing of what they did.
وَقَالَ لِلَّذِى ظَنَّ أَنَّهُۥ نَاجٍ مِّنْهُمَا ٱذْكُرْنِى عِندَ رَبِّكَ فَأَنسَىٰهُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ ذِكْرَ رَبِّهِۦ فَلَبِثَ فِى ٱلسِّجْنِ بِضْعَ سِنِينَ
And he said to the one whom he knew would go free, "Mention me before your master." But Satan made him forget the mention [to] his master, and he [i.e., Joseph] remained in prison several years.