وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِى نَجَا مِنْهُمَا وَٱدَّكَرَ بَعْدَ أُمَّةٍ أَنَا۠ أُنَبِّئُكُم بِتَأْوِيلِهِۦ فَأَرْسِلُونِ 45
Translations
But the one who was freed and remembered after a time said, "I will inform you of its interpretation, so send me forth."
Transliteration
Wa qala alladhi naja minhumā wa-ddakara ba'da ummatin anā unbabbikum bi-ta'wīlihi fa-arssilūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
One of the two servants who was released from prison speaks up after a long period of forgetfulness, remembering Yusuf's expertise in dream interpretation and offering to bring him to interpret the King's dream. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that this servant's sudden remembrance was divinely inspired (tawfīq from Allah), as he had forgotten about Yusuf for years until this critical moment when the King needed help, demonstrating how Allah orchestrates events for His purposes.
Revelation Context
This verse occurs within the narrative of Yusuf's imprisonment in Egypt. After Yusuf correctly interpreted the dreams of the two servants years earlier, one was released but forgot about him. When Pharaoh (the King) later has a troubling dream that none of his advisors can interpret, this servant finally remembers Yusuf and volunteers to fetch him, setting in motion Yusuf's release from prison and rise to power.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly quotes this ayah, Surah Yusuf itself is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari as the 'best of stories' (ahsan al-qisas), with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) praising its moral lessons. The theme of remembrance after forgetfulness relates to hadiths on dhikr (remembrance of Allah) in various collections.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that Allah's timing is perfect—sometimes help comes after long periods of waiting, and we should trust that forgotten situations can be suddenly remembered and resolved by divine decree; it also reminds us that those who act with integrity, like Yusuf, are eventually vindicated even if justice is delayed.