Surah Yusuf — Verse 26

Word Meanings:

• "Raawadatni" (راوَدَتْنِي): She sought from me, meaning she tried to seduce me and demanded an indecent act from me.
• "Qudd" (قُدَّ): Torn or ripped.
• "Qubul" (قُبُل): The front part (of the garment).
• "Shahid" (شَاهِد): A witness; here, it refers to a small infant in the cradle who spoke by the power of Allah.

Tafsir (Explanation):

When the woman of the house accused Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) of attempting to harm her, and the situation became tense with her family threatening him, Yusuf — peace be upon him — defended his honor and purity. He declared clearly and truthfully: "She is the one who sought my soul — she tried to seduce me and invited me to sin, but I refused and fled from her." This was his firm denial, spoken with the confidence of an innocent man who had no guilt.

Then, by the will and wisdom of Allah, a witness from her own family spoke up — and that witness was a mere infant in the cradle, whom Allah granted the power of speech as a miracle and a clear sign of the truth. The infant said: "If his shirt is torn from the front, then she is telling the truth, and he is among the liars. But if his shirt is torn from the back, then she is lying, and he is among the truthful."

The logic was simple and profound: if Yusuf had pursued her, she would have pushed him away from the front, tearing his shirt from the front. But if he was fleeing from her, and she grabbed him from behind, the tear would be at the back. This wise testimony was a divine intervention that exposed the truth and protected the innocent.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This verse carries a powerful lesson for every believer: Allah never abandons those who remain pure and patient in the face of temptation and false accusation. Yusuf — peace be upon him — chose to flee from sin and endure humiliation rather than surrender to a moment of pleasure that would displease his Lord. And Allah, in His infinite justice, sent a miracle to defend him. So, dear reader, know that when you lower your gaze, guard your chastity, and choose Allah's obedience over fleeting desires, Allah will never let you down. He will defend you, raise your rank, and turn your trials into triumphs — just as He did for His noble prophet. Let this story inspire you to hold firm to your faith, for the help of Allah is always near to those who are patient and righteous.