ثُمَّ يَأْتِى مِنۢ بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ سَبْعٌ شِدَادٌ يَأْكُلْنَ مَا قَدَّمْتُمْ لَهُنَّ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِّمَّا تُحْصِنُونَ 48
Translations
Then will come after that seven difficult [years] which will consume what you advanced [i.e., saved] for them, except a little from which you will store.
Transliteration
Thumma ya'tee min ba'di thalika saba'u shidadun ya'kulna ma qaddamtum lahunna illa qaleelan mimma tuhsinoon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the seven years of severe famine that would follow the seven years of abundance in Egypt, during which the stored grain would be consumed to sustain the people. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that "seven harsh years" refers to years of drought and scarcity where the people would rely on the provisions Joseph had wisely stored, though some grain preserved in sealed containers (tuhsinoon) would remain intact. The phrase emphasizes both the severity of the coming hardship and the prudence of Joseph's preparation, demonstrating divine wisdom in his counsel to Pharaoh.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream and his subsequent advice for economic policy in Egypt. The surah details Joseph's rise from slavery to a position of authority, and this particular verse contextualizes his strategic planning for the nation's welfare during the prophesied famine, which serves as a backdrop for the later reunion with his family.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly references this specific ayah, Sahih Bukhari contains hadiths about Joseph's excellence and wisdom. Thematically related is the hadith in Sunan Ibn Majah about prudent planning and preparation: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' - reflecting the virtue of foresight demonstrated by Joseph.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches the importance of prudent planning and preparation for future challenges, demonstrating that genuine trust in Allah (tawakkul) includes taking practical measures to secure welfare and sustenance for ourselves and our communities.