سُوْرَةُ يُوسُفَ

Surah Yusuf (12) — Ayah 14

Joseph · Meccan · Juz 12 · Page 236

قَالُوا۟ لَئِنْ أَكَلَهُ ٱلذِّئْبُ وَنَحْنُ عُصْبَةٌ إِنَّآ إِذًا لَّخَـٰسِرُونَ ﴿14﴾
They said: "If a wolf devours him, while we are a strong group (to guard him), then surely, we are the losers."
قَالُوا۟ qālū They said
لَئِنْ la-in If
أَكَلَهُ akalahu eats him
ٱلذِّئْبُ l-dhi'bu the wolf
وَنَحْنُ wanaḥnu while we
عُصْبَةٌ ʿuṣ'batun (are) a group
إِنَّآ innā indeed, we
إِذًۭا idhan then
لَّخَـٰسِرُونَ lakhāsirūna surely (would be) losers

Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

(Ayah 14) ➊ {قَالُوْا لَىِٕنْ اَكَلَهُ الذِّئْبُ … :} That is, then what use will our strength be on that day, we are ten strong young men.
➋ Now Yaqub (peace be upon him) became helpless before their insistence, because Allah's decree had to come to pass, and no precaution can be of use in what is destined to happen. Then, Yusuf (peace be upon him) also had to set out on the path to the heights and excellence shown to him in the dream, and on this path, there is no choice but to pass through extremely difficult valleys, and for those who reach such lofty stations, there is no carpet or galaxy spread out on the way.

Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

14. 1. The father is being assured that it would be impossible that a wolf would devour Yusuf (علیہ السلام) even in the presence of so many brothers.

Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

14. They said, "We are a strong group; if a wolf were to eat him while we are present, then we would surely be losers [12]."

[12] In response, the brothers said that we are ten young and strong men, and each one of us has the strength not only to face a wolf but even to fight and kill a lion. Then, if we cannot protect Yusufؑ, may there be a hundred thousand curses upon us; after all, we are not so worthless.