۞ لَّقَدْ كَانَ فِى يُوسُفَ وَإِخْوَتِهِۦٓ ءَايَـٰتٌ لِّلسَّآئِلِينَ 7
Translations
Certainly were there in Joseph and his brothers signs for those who ask, [such as]
Transliteration
Laqad kana fee Yusuf wa ikhwatih ayatun lilssa'ileen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah introduces the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) and his brothers as containing clear signs and lessons for those who ask and seek knowledge. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that the word 'ayat' (signs) refers to the miraculous and instructive events in Yusuf's life that demonstrate divine wisdom, justice, and providence. The phrase 'for those who ask' emphasizes that these lessons are particularly beneficial for the thoughtful, the seekers of truth, and those who reflect upon the divine message.
Revelation Context
This ayah opens the detailed narrative of Surah Yusuf, which was revealed in Mecca during a period when the Prophet Muhammad faced significant opposition. The surah was revealed as a comfort to the Prophet during his trials, drawing parallels between his suffering and that of Prophet Yusuf, showing that divine wisdom and eventual triumph accompany patience and faith.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad said: 'Yusuf was given half of all beauty' (Sahih Bukhari 3241). Additionally, the Prophet encouraged reflection on Quranic stories, saying the Quran contains signs for those with understanding (Q. 29:49), which relates to the concept of 'ayat' in this verse.
Themes
Key Lesson
The story of Yusuf serves as a timeless reminder that trials and hardships contain divine wisdom and lessons for the believer who reflects upon them with an open heart. Modern readers should recognize that personal struggles, when approached with faith and patience, become sources of spiritual growth and signs of Allah's guidance.
Related Ayahs
رَبِّ مُوسَىٰ وَهَـٰرُونَ
The Lord of Moses and Aaron."
وَإِذْ قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبْنُ مَرْيَمَ يَـٰبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ إِنِّى رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيْكُم مُّصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَمُبَشِّرًۢا بِرَسُولٍ يَأْتِى مِنۢ بَعْدِى ٱسْمُهُۥٓ أَحْمَدُ ۖ فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُم بِٱلْبَيِّنَـٰتِ قَالُوا۟ هَـٰذَا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ
And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, "O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allāh to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Aḥmad." But when he came to them with clear evidences, they said, "This is obvious magic."
قَالُوا۟ نُرِيدُ أَن نَّأْكُلَ مِنْهَا وَتَطْمَئِنَّ قُلُوبُنَا وَنَعْلَمَ أَن قَدْ صَدَقْتَنَا وَنَكُونَ عَلَيْهَا مِنَ ٱلشَّـٰهِدِينَ
They said, "We wish to eat from it and let our hearts be reassured and know that you have been truthful to us and be among its witnesses."
ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَا مِنۢ بَعْدِهِم مُّوسَىٰ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَآ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ وَمَلَإِي۟هِۦ فَظَلَمُوا۟ بِهَا ۖ فَٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ
Then We sent after them Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his establishment, but they were unjust toward them. So see how was the end of the corrupters.