Surah Yusuf — Verse 61

Word Meanings:

• "Sanurāwidu" (سَنُرَاوِدُ): We will seek, strive, and persistently try to persuade with gentleness and effort.
• "ʿAnhu" (عَنْهُ): Regarding him — i.e., concerning the boy (Benjamin).
• "Abāhu" (أَبَاهُ): His father — meaning Jacob (peace be upon him).
• "La-fāʿilūn" (لَفَاعِلُونَ): We will surely do it — emphasizing certainty and commitment to the task.

Tafsir (Explanation):

When the brothers stood before the noble minister of Egypt — who was, unbeknownst to them, their own brother Yusuf (Joseph) — and he demanded that they bring their younger brother from their father if they wished to receive the full measure of grain, they replied with a firm promise: "We will try to persuade his father to let him come with us, and we will surely do it." They meant that they would exert every effort, using gentleness and wisdom, to convince their elderly father to send Benjamin along with them on the next trip. They assured him that they would not fall short in fulfilling this request, and that they were fully capable of carrying it out.

This verse highlights several profound lessons for the believer:

1. The Value of a Promise: The brothers gave their word, and even though their history was tainted with deception, this moment shows that keeping one's promise is a noble trait. As Muslims, we are taught that a believer's word is a bond — the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks he lies, when he promises he breaks it, and when he is entrusted he betrays." So let us be people who honor our commitments, especially those made to our parents and elders.
2. Gentleness in Dealing with Parents: The brothers knew their father's deep love for Benjamin, especially after the loss of Yusuf. So they chose the approach of *murāwadah* — a word that implies gentle persuasion, repeated attempts, and patient dialogue. This teaches us that when we need something from our parents, we should approach them with respect, kindness, and persistence — not with harshness or demands. Allah says: "And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy" (Al-Isra 17:24).
3. The Power of Collective Effort: They said "we will do it," not "I will do it." This shows the strength of unity and cooperation. When a family or community works together toward a good goal, success becomes easier. Islam encourages us to cooperate in righteousness and piety, as Allah says: "Help one another in righteousness and piety" (Al-Ma'idah 5:2).
4. Trust in Allah's Plan: Little did the brothers know that this very request would lead to the reunion of Yusuf with his family — a reunion that Allah had decreed from the beginning. This reminds us that even in our ordinary dealings, Allah is weaving a beautiful plan for us. What seems like a simple favor or a small task may be the very key to unlocking blessings we never imagined.

So, dear reader, let this verse inspire you to be a person of your word, to treat your parents with gentle persuasion, to work with your family in unity, and to always trust that Allah's plan is greater than your own. For indeed, when you strive sincerely in goodness, Allah opens doors you never expected.