Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And Yûsuf’s (Joseph) brethren came and they entered unto him, and he recognized them, but they recognized him not.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَجَآءَwajāaAnd came
إِخْوَةُikh'watu(the) brothers
يُوسُفَyūsufa(of) Yusuf
فَدَخَلُوا۟fadakhalūand they entered
عَلَيْهِʿalayhiupon him
فَعَرَفَهُمْfaʿarafahumand he recognized them
وَهُمْwahumbut they
لَهُۥlahuknew him not
مُنكِرُونَmunkirūnaknew him not
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.
(Ayah58) ➊ {وَجَآءَاِخْوَةُيُوْسُفَ:} Here, Allah Almighty omitted the mention of the years of prosperity, the excellent administration of Yusuf (peace be upon him) during those years, and all related matters, because the main purpose was to show what the prophets have to endure at the hands of their own people and, in the end, how Allah Almighty arranges help and a good outcome for them. The passage of time in between is self-evident, so now, after the years of prosperity ended, the narrative begins with the arrival of the brothers during the famine, from which it is automatically understood that the famine had spread beyond Egypt to the surrounding countries such as Palestine and Syria, and grain was not available anywhere except Egypt. That is why these brothers came to Egypt to buy grain.
➋ { فَدَخَلُوْاعَلَيْهِ :} From this, it is understood how carefully Yusuf (peace be upon him) was distributing the grain, that he would personally meet those who came to get grain and, even after receiving the price, would not allow more than one camel-load per person. The reason for all the brothers coming except the youngest was also this: that they would get grain for ten camels, and perhaps also that they might remain safe from enemies on the way.
➌ { فَعَرَفَهُمْوَهُمْلَهٗمُنْكِرُوْنَ: ’’ فَعَرَفَهُمْ ‘‘} 'Fa'arafahum' is a verbal sentence, which indicates renewal and occurrence, meaning that Yusuf (peace be upon him), with his memory and intelligence, recognized them as soon as he saw them. The second is a nominal sentence, which indicates continuity, that the brothers remained unaware of him until their return, because a long time had passed and he had been separated from them at a young age. Secondly, it was not even in their imagination that the brother whom they had thrown into the well would today be the absolute authority of Egypt.
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.
58. 1 This event took place when, after seven years of prosperity, a famine began which engulfed all regions and cities of the land of Egypt, to the extent that its effects reached Canaan as well, where Prophet Yaqub (علیہ السلام) and the brothers of Prophet Yusuf (علیہ السلام) resided. The arrangements that Prophet Yusuf (علیہ السلام) had made with his wisdom to deal with this famine proved effective, and people from all sides were coming to Prophet Yusuf (علیہ السلام) to obtain grain. The fame of Prophet Yusuf (علیہ السلام) reached even to Canaan, that the king of Egypt was selling grain in this manner. Thus, at the command of their father, these brothers of Yusuf (علیہ السلام) also took the family’s capital and arrived at the royal court to obtain grain, where Prophet Yusuf (علیہ السلام) was present. These brothers could not recognize him, but Yusuf (علیہ السلام) recognized his brothers.
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.
(Some time later) Yusuf's brothers came to Egypt and presented themselves before him [57]. Yusuf recognized them, but they did not recognize him.
[57] The System of General Famine and Grain Distribution in Egypt:
The brothers of Yusuf came to him at a time when he had been ruling for eight years. The first seven years were a period of great prosperity. During this period, he had stored a considerable amount of grain. After that, when the period of famine began, this famine was not only in the land of Egypt but had also spread to the neighboring countries. Now the situation was such that in Egypt, grain was cheap, while in the surrounding areas it was being sold at very high prices, and the inhabitants of those areas would head towards Egypt to obtain grain. The entire management of the supply and distribution of grain in Egypt was personally overseen by Sayyiduna Yusuf ؑ, and this system can be likened to the present-day ration system. For those coming from outside regions to obtain grain, it was required that they submit an application stating how many members of their household needed grain. Their full names and addresses would be written down and entered into a register, and the application would be presented to the higher authorities for approval. After verification of the application, approval would be given for one camel-load of grain per person. In this context, the brothers of Yusuf also came to Egypt. They too submitted an application according to the rules. This application eventually reached Sayyiduna Yusuf ؑ. He approved the application but at the same time summoned these applicants to his presence. Now the brothers of Yusuf were standing before Sayyiduna Yusuf ؑ. He recognized them well. But it could not even occur to them that the king before whom they were presenting their request for grain was their brother Yusuf. In this way, the word of Allah was fulfilled which He had placed in the heart of Yusuf ؑ at the time his brothers threw him into the well.