وَقَالَ ٱلْمَلِكُ ٱئْتُونِى بِهِۦٓ أَسْتَخْلِصْهُ لِنَفْسِى ۖ فَلَمَّا كَلَّمَهُۥ قَالَ إِنَّكَ ٱلْيَوْمَ لَدَيْنَا مَكِينٌ أَمِينٌ 54
Translations
And the king said, "Bring him to me; I will appoint him exclusively for myself." And when he spoke to him, he said, "Indeed, you are today established [in position] and trusted."
Transliteration
Wa qala al-maliku itu ni bi-hi astakhlis-hu li-nafsi, fa-lamma kallama-hu qala innaka al-yawma ladayna makinu aminu
Tafsir (Explanation)
The King of Egypt, impressed by Yusuf's interpretation of his dream and his demonstrated wisdom, commands that Yusuf be brought to him. Upon speaking with Yusuf directly, the King recognizes his exceptional character and grants him a position of honor and trust, declaring: 'You are today with us established in position and trusted.' Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this represents the King's immediate recognition of Yusuf's integrity, wisdom, and capability, leading to his appointment to a position of significant authority in the kingdom.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs in the climactic section of Surah Yusuf where Yusuf's vindication and rise to power unfolds. After years of trials—slavery and imprisonment—Yusuf interprets the King's dream about the seven fat cows and seven lean cows, demonstrating unparalleled wisdom. This moment marks the turning point in his life, fulfilling the dreams he had as a young man (12:5) and the promise in 12:21 that he would gain authority and knowledge.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly addresses this specific ayah, Surah Yusuf itself is mentioned in Sahih Muslim as 'Ahsan al-Qisas' (the best of stories). Additionally, hadith literature emphasizes the virtue of trustworthiness ('amanah), which Yusuf exemplifies, connecting to the Prophet's (ﷺ) saying: 'The best of you in the time before Islam and in Islam are those who are best in character' (Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that genuine character, integrity, and wisdom are ultimately recognized and rewarded, even by those in positions of power. It reminds believers that endurance through trials coupled with unwavering moral conduct opens doors that no human scheme can close, reflecting the Quranic principle that Allah elevates the righteous in His appointed time.