Surah Yusuf (12) — Ayah 11

(Ayah 12,11){ قَالُوْا يٰۤاَبَانَا مَا لَكَ لَا تَاْمَنَّا …:} Now the stage was at hand as to how to take Yusuf (peace be upon him) along with them. From this verse, it is evident that before this, they had tried several times to take Yusuf (peace be upon him) along, but the father had not given permission, and that the father did not trust them regarding Yusuf even before, whether they were well-wishers for him or would not harm him in any way. This time, all ten brothers used every tactic of pleading, flattery, and pressure to seek permission to take Yusuf (peace be upon him) along. First of all, they spoke with utmost respect and pleading; see the beginning {’’ يٰۤاَبَانَا ‘‘} “O our father!” What closer relationship could there be to bring forward in a request and not soften the heart? Then see the pressure: “What is the matter with you that you do not trust us regarding Yusuf?” (As if the entire fault is with the father) “Even though we are surely his well-wishers.” {’’ اِنَّا ‘‘} with {’’ اِنَّ ‘‘} and {’’ لَنٰصِحُوْنَ ‘‘} with the lam, observe how they assure their well-wishing; among the Arabs, this carries the meaning of an oath. Then they mention further well-wishing for Yusuf, that he never had the opportunity to go out into the wilderness for recreation. Tomorrow, send him with us; he will eat and drink the fruits of the wilderness, play and frolic, and be happy at heart. As for the danger of wild animals, etc., in the wilderness and desert, do not worry about that. “Surely” we are “certainly” his protectors. These are the same oath-like words they used while assuring their well-wishing, that {’’ وَ اِنَّا لَهٗ لَنٰصِحُوْنَ ‘‘} From this, it is also evident that their occupation was herding goats, etc., in the wilderness.