۞ وَمَآ أُبَرِّئُ نَفْسِىٓ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلنَّفْسَ لَأَمَّارَةٌۢ بِٱلسُّوٓءِ إِلَّا مَا رَحِمَ رَبِّىٓ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ 53
Translations
And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful."
Transliteration
Wa mā ubarrī'u nafsī, inna an-nafsa la-ammāratun bis-sū'i illā mā rahima rabbī, inna rabbī ghafūrun rahīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) declares that he does not claim to be free from blame or sin, acknowledging that the human soul (nafs) inherently commands toward evil except when Allah grants it mercy and protection. This statement reflects Yusuf's profound humility and recognition that only divine mercy prevents one from falling into temptation and sin. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize this as a demonstration of Yusuf's spiritual maturity and piety—he attributes his preservation from Zulaikha's seduction solely to Allah's grace rather than his own strength.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs in the context of Yusuf's vindication after being falsely accused of attempted seduction by Zulaikha. Rather than boasting of his righteousness or innocence, Yusuf humbly acknowledges the weakness of the human soul and credits Allah's mercy for his protection. This teaching reinforces the surah's central theme of divine providence and the struggle between temptation and faith.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The best among you are those who have the best manners and character' (Sahih Bukhari 3331). Additionally, 'The soul commands toward evil except whom my Lord has mercy upon' reflects Yusuf's statement and is echoed in hadith literature regarding nafs al-ammārah (the blaming soul).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to maintain humility regarding their own righteousness and to recognize that protection from sin comes through Allah's mercy rather than personal effort alone. It encourages honest self-assessment and dependence on Allah while striving against the soul's inclination toward wrongdoing.