قَالَ تَزْرَعُونَ سَبْعَ سِنِينَ دَأَبًا فَمَا حَصَدتُّمْ فَذَرُوهُ فِى سُنۢبُلِهِۦٓ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِّمَّا تَأْكُلُونَ 47
Translations
[Joseph] said, "You will plant for seven years consecutively; and what you harvest leave in its spikes, except a little from which you will eat.
Transliteration
Qala tazra'una saba'a sinina da'aban fama hasadtum fadhharuh fi sunbulih illa qalilan mimma ta'kulun
Tafsir (Explanation)
Yusuf (Joseph) advises Pharaoh's officials that they should cultivate grain for seven consecutive years, and whatever they harvest should be stored in its husks (as grain heads), except for a small portion needed for consumption. This instruction preserves the grain's longevity and freshness, as grain stored in its chaff remains protected from spoilage and insects. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this demonstrates Yusuf's practical wisdom combined with his prophetic guidance in addressing the anticipated famine.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Yusuf's comprehensive plan to prepare Egypt for the seven-year famine he had interpreted from Pharaoh's dream. It occurs after Yusuf has been appointed to a position of authority in Egypt (12:55), and he now provides detailed instructions for implementing the storage strategy that will save the nation from starvation.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this ayah, Surah Yusuf itself is praised in a hadith where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) called it 'the best of stories' (Sahih Bukhari, 3:32). Thematically, hadiths on wisdom, planning, and providence (like those in the chapters on divine decree) relate to the underlying principles demonstrated here.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers the importance of strategic planning and wise stewardship of resources—balancing preparation for future hardship with meeting present needs. It exemplifies how faith in Allah's guidance should motivate practical, intelligent action rather than passive resignation.