Surah Yusuf — Verse 95

Word Meanings:

• Tāllāhi (تَاللَّهِ): An oath by Allah, meaning "By Allah" or "I swear by Allah."
• Ḍalāl (ضَلَال): Literally means "error," "deviation," or "going astray." Here, it refers to being mistaken or deluded in one's judgment, not religious misguidance.
• Qadīm (الْقَدِيم): Ancient, old, or long-standing—something that has persisted over time.

Explanation of the Verse:

When the messenger arrived with the good news of Yusuf's (Joseph's) identity and his shirt, and Ya'qub (Jacob)—peace be upon him—confirmed that he could smell the scent of his beloved son and declared his knowledge from Allah, those around him—his grandsons or family members—responded with astonishment and disbelief. They said, "By Allah, you are still in your old, persistent error!" They meant that his intense, unwavering love for Yusuf had clouded his judgment, leading him to imagine things that seemed impossible to them. In their view, Yusuf had been lost for so many years—they believed he was dead—and they thought Ya'qub's hope of seeing him again was a delusion rooted in his long-standing grief and longing. They did not mean religious deviation; rather, they accused him of being trapped in an emotional illusion, unable to let go of a past that, to them, was gone forever.

This was a moment of trial for Ya'qub, yet his faith remained unshaken. He did not argue back with harshness; instead, he responded with patience and trust in Allah's mercy, as the following verses show. The family's words, though sharp, reflect the depth of their disbelief in the possibility of Yusuf's return—a possibility that Allah was about to turn into a stunning reality.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This scene teaches us a profound lesson about human nature and divine wisdom. When people are immersed in their own limited perspectives, they often dismiss the hopes and convictions of others as "delusions" or "old errors." But Allah's power transcends human imagination. What seems impossible to us is easy for Him. Ya'qub's unwavering hope, despite decades of separation and the ridicule of those around him, is a testament to the strength of true reliance on Allah (tawakkul). As believers, we must never let the skepticism of others—no matter how close they are to us—shake our trust in Allah's promises. The Qur'an repeatedly reminds us that with hardship comes ease, and that Allah's mercy is nearer than we think. So, hold on to your hope in Allah, even when the world calls it foolishness, for He alone turns the impossible into reality, just as He reunited Ya'qub with Yusuf after years of sorrow. And remember: the one who mocks your faith today may witness its fulfillment tomorrow, and the best response to doubt is patient perseverance and beautiful trust in the Almighty.