Surah Yusuf — Verse 15

Word Meanings:

• Ghāyābat al-jubb: The dark, unseen bottom of the well — a place hidden from sight where light does not reach.
• Ajmaʿū: They resolved and firmly agreed upon a single decision.
• L-tunabbiʾannahum: You will certainly inform them and make known to them.
• Lā yashʿurūn: They do not perceive or realize.

Tafsir (Explanation):

When Yaʿqūb (peace be upon him) sent his beloved son Yūsuf with his brothers at their persistent request, they took him far away from their father’s watchful eyes. Once they were alone with him, their hearts hardened, and they unanimously resolved to cast him into the dark, unseen depths of a well — a place so deep that its bottom was hidden from view. This was the culmination of their envy and scheming against their innocent brother.

Yet, in that very moment of darkness and apparent abandonment, Allah’s divine care surrounded Yūsuf. While he was falling into the well, or as he sat in its depths, Allah revealed to him a comforting and empowering promise: *"You will certainly inform them of this affair of theirs, while they do not perceive."* This was a prophecy of future triumph — that Yūsuf would one day stand before his brothers, not as a victim, but as one elevated in rank and authority, and he would remind them of what they had done, while they would not even recognize him at that time due to his high station and the long passage of years.

This verse carries profound lessons for every believer. When you are wronged, betrayed, or cast into the "wells" of life — whether by those closest to you or by circumstances beyond your control — know that Allah has not abandoned you. He is with you in the darkness, whispering to your heart a promise of victory and justice. The very people who plotted against you will one day stand before you, humbled, while you are raised in honor. Trust Allah’s plan, for He turns the plots of the schemers into a staircase for His righteous servants. The well that was meant to be Yūsuf’s grave became the gateway to his throne — and so it will be for you, if you remain patient and steadfast in faith.