Surah Yusuf (12) — Ayah 50
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
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.
➋ {قَالَ ارْجِعْ اِلٰى رَبِّكَ … : } Yusuf (peace be upon him), instead of leaving prison and going with the messenger, demanded: Go back and ask the king what was the matter with those women who cut their hands; surely my Lord is well aware of their deceit. From this, it is understood that Yusuf (peace be upon him) thought that perhaps the king did not even know about his being sent to prison or about the deceit of the women; maybe the other ministers did all this on their own, or if he did know, then he knew only as much as he was told when Yusuf was defamed and imprisoned. Similarly, among the common people, it is possible that some considered him at fault, so he refused to leave prison until he was completely cleared of the accusation through investigation. Our Noble Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) praised the patience of Yusuf (peace be upon him), as Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [ لَوْ لَبِثْتُ فِي السِّجْنِ مَا لَبِثَ يُوْسُفُ ثُمَّ أَتَانِي الدَّاعِيْ لَأَجَبْتُهٗ ] [ بخاری، التعبیر، باب رؤیا أہل السجون والفساد والشرک : ۶۹۹۲ ] "If I had remained in prison for as long as Yusuf (peace be upon him) did, and then the one who called me came, I would surely have accepted his invitation."
➌ The demand made by Yusuf (peace be upon him): "Ask the king what was the matter with those women who cut their hands; my Lord is well aware of their deceit," clearly shows that the act of those women who cut their hands (the wife of Aziz was not among those who cut their hands) did not happen involuntarily due to being overwhelmed by Yusuf's beauty, but rather it was a deliberate plot and deceit on their part, as I have mentioned before.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
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.
50. 2. When Hazrat Yusuf (عليه السلام) saw that the king was now inclined to show favor, he did not prefer to leave the prison merely due to royal kindness, but rather gave preference to the affirmation of his elevated character and chastity, so that his character and its nobility would become clear before the world. Because for a caller to Allah, this chastity, purity, and nobility of character are very necessary.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
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.
[49]
The Refusal of Sayyiduna Yusuf to Leave Prison Before Being Cleared of the Allegation:
When the cupbearer returned from the prison and conveyed this interpretation, this strategy, and this glad tidings to the king, the king was overjoyed. The fear left his heart and he attained peace of mind. He was greatly impressed by the knowledge and virtue of Sayyiduna Yusuf ؑ and said that such a person should be brought to him so that he could benefit from his presence and honor and respect him according to his rank and capability. When the king’s messenger brought this message to Sayyiduna Yusuf ؑ in the prison and gave him the king’s message and the good news of his release from prison, instead of being pleased with the messenger, he refused to leave the prison and said to the messenger that he should go back and first have the king decide the case because of which he had been imprisoned. That is, what is the reality of the incident involving the women who had cut their hands. In other words, his reply was that until the investigation of his innocence in this crime was completed and he was fully acquitted, he was not ready to leave the prison. Then, in his demand, he deliberately did not mention the name of the real culprit, Zulaikha, because her husband was his benefactor and a just man; he did not want to disgrace him. Rather, he mentioned in general all those women who had cut their hands, because all of them had become accomplices of Zulaikha in this crime and together they had him thrown into prison. He also made it clear that his Lord knows his innocence and chastity, but he wanted that not even a shadow of doubt should remain in the heart of any uninformed person that perhaps Yusuf had any fault in this matter.
