يَـٰصَـٰحِبَىِ ٱلسِّجْنِ أَمَّآ أَحَدُكُمَا فَيَسْقِى رَبَّهُۥ خَمْرًا ۖ وَأَمَّا ٱلْـَٔاخَرُ فَيُصْلَبُ فَتَأْكُلُ ٱلطَّيْرُ مِن رَّأْسِهِۦ ۚ قُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ ٱلَّذِى فِيهِ تَسْتَفْتِيَانِ 41
Translations
O two companions of prison, as for one of you, he will give drink to his master of wine; but as for the other, he will be crucified, and the birds will eat from his head. The matter has been decreed about which you both inquire."
Transliteration
Ya sahibay al-sijn amma ahadukuma fa yasghi rabbahu khamran wa amma al-akharu fa yuslaba fa ta'kulu al-tayr min ra'sihi qudiya al-amru allathi fihi tastaftiyaan
Tafsir (Explanation)
In this ayah, Prophet Yusuf interprets the dreams of his two prison companions, informing them of their fates: one will serve his master wine (and be released), while the other will be crucified and eaten by birds. Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that this interpretation came through divine inspiration granted to Yusuf, and the phrase 'qudiya al-amr' (the matter is decided) emphasizes the certainty and finality of Allah's decree regarding their destinies. This demonstrates Yusuf's spiritual insight and trustworthiness even in imprisonment, as both interpretations would later prove accurate.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Yusuf's imprisonment in Egypt, where he gained favor through his piety and interpretation of dreams. The context shows Yusuf using his God-given ability to interpret dreams (ta'bir al-ru'ya) as a means of dawa (spiritual invitation), as he had requested the freed servant to mention him to Pharaoh. This episode demonstrates how Yusuf maintained his faith and sought to benefit others even during his trial of captivity.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of speech is the Book of Allah, and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad.' (Sahih Muslim) This relates to Yusuf's use of divine wisdom to guide others toward truth.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that even in conditions of hardship and imprisonment, believers can find purpose in serving others through their God-given abilities and knowledge, trusting that Allah's decree will unfold according to His perfect wisdom and justice.