Surah Yusuf — Verse 31

Word Meanings:

• Makrihinna (مَكْرِهِنَّ): Their scheming, cunning talk, and backbiting about her.
• A'tadat (أَعْتَدَتْ): She prepared and made ready.
• Muttaka'an (مُتَّكَأً): Cushions, couches, and comfortable seating, along with food to be served.
• Sikkinan (سِكِّينًا): A knife, used here for cutting food.
• Akbarnahu (أَكْبَرْنَهُ): They found him immensely great and were overwhelmed by his extraordinary beauty.
• Qatta'na aydiyahunna (قَطَّعْنَ أَيْدِيَهُنَّ): They cut their hands, i.e., they wounded them with the knives while distracted.
• Hasha lillah (حَاشَ لِلَّهِ): Far be it from Allah — an expression of exclamation and declaring Allah free from any imperfection, used here in astonishment.

Tafsir (Explanation):

When the wife of Al-Aziz heard of their sly remarks and how they were blaming and ridiculing her for falling in love with her young servant, she decided to silence them with undeniable proof. She sent them an invitation to a grand banquet, preparing luxurious seating with cushions and couches, and laid out delicious food. She then handed each of the women a sharp knife, telling them to cut the food. As they were seated and busy with their knives, she commanded Yusuf (peace be upon him) to come out before them.

The moment they laid eyes on him, they were utterly stunned. His beauty was so striking, so radiant, that their minds were overwhelmed. In their astonishment, they lost all focus and cut their own hands with the knives, not even feeling the pain — so absorbed were they in his appearance. They cried out in amazement: "Hāshā lillāh!" — "Far be it for Allah! This is no human being! This is none other than a noble angel!"

They knew he was human, but his perfection was beyond anything they had ever seen among people. They likened him to angels because, in their perception, no human could possess such breathtaking beauty and grace. In that moment, the wife of Al-Aziz had proven her point: she was not the only one captivated by Yusuf — every woman who saw him was utterly spellbound.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This scene from the life of Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) teaches us profound lessons. First, it shows the power of purity and chastity: Yusuf's beauty was a test, but his character was even more beautiful. He remained steadfast and God-conscious despite the temptations around him. Second, it reminds us that when people try to shame a believer, Allah can turn the tables and expose the truth in a way that silences the critics. The very women who mocked the wife of Al-Aziz ended up excusing her, as they themselves fell into the same awe.

For us as Muslims, this story is a call to guard our hearts and eyes, to lower our gaze, and to remember that true beauty lies in taqwa (God-consciousness). It also encourages us to trust in Allah's plan: when you are patient and pure, Allah will defend your honor and elevate your status, just as He elevated Yusuf from the depths of the well to the heights of power. Let us strive to be like Yusuf — beautiful in character, firm in faith, and patient in trials — and Allah will surely grant us victory and honor in this life and the next.