Surah Yusuf — Verse 97

Key Words and Their Meanings:

• "استغفر لنا" (istaghfir lana): Ask Allah to forgive us, seek pardon on our behalf.
• "ذنوبنا" (dhunubana): Our sins and wrongdoings.
• "خاطئين" (khati'in): Those who erred, sinned, or deliberately committed wrong.

Explanation of the Verse:

In this touching moment, the sons of Prophet Ya'qub (Jacob, peace be upon him) finally come to their father with broken hearts and humble tongues. After years of deception, jealousy, and the pain they had caused—first by throwing their brother Yusuf (Joseph) into the well, and later by their harsh treatment of their younger brother—they now stand before their father, admitting their guilt openly.

They say: "O our father, ask forgiveness for us for our sins. Indeed, we were wrongdoers." They do not merely apologize; they acknowledge their error and recognize that forgiveness is a matter that requires Allah's mercy. They understand that their father is a prophet, a man of high spiritual rank, whose supplication carries weight with Allah. So they turn to him as a means of drawing closer to Allah's forgiveness.

This verse teaches us a profound lesson: the door of repentance is always open, no matter how great the sin. The sons of Ya'qub had committed a grave injustice against their own brother—an act born of envy and short-sightedness—yet when they sincerely regretted their actions and sought forgiveness, Allah accepted their repentance. Their father, despite the years of grief and separation, did not turn them away. Instead, he promised to seek forgiveness for them, as we see in the following verse.

Notice their words: "We were wrongdoers" (khāti'īn). They did not make excuses or blame circumstances. They took full responsibility for their actions. This is the essence of true repentance: acknowledging the sin, feeling remorse, and resolving not to repeat it.

A Call to the Reader:

Dear reader, let this verse be a mirror for your own soul. How often do we err, hurt others, or fall into sin—yet hesitate to turn back to Allah out of shame or despair? Remember that Allah's mercy surpasses His anger. The sons of Ya'qub were forgiven after such a grave deed; how much more should we hope for forgiveness when we sincerely turn to our Lord?

Do not delay your repentance. Like these sons, go to your Lord with humility, admit your faults, and ask Him to forgive you. And if you have wronged someone, seek their pardon as well. Allah loves those who repent and purify themselves. The door of mercy is wide open—will you not walk through it today?