Surah Yusuf — Verse 99

Word Meanings:

• آوَى إِلَيْهِ (aawa ilayhi): He drew them close to him, embraced them, and gave them a place of honor and comfort beside him.
• أَبَوَيْهِ (abawayhi): His two parents — his father Ya‘qoob (Jacob) and his mother (or, according to some scholars, his aunt who had raised him as a mother).
• آمِنِينَ (aamineen): Secure, safe, free from fear, hardship, and any harm.

Tafsir (Explanation):

After years of separation, trials, and tears, the moment of reunion finally arrived. Ya‘qoob (peace be upon him) and his entire family left their land in Canaan and set out for Egypt, driven by the glad tidings that Yusuf (Joseph) had sent them. When they reached the presence of Yusuf, he did not merely greet them as guests — he drew his father and mother close to him, embracing them with the deepest love and respect, honoring them above all others. This gesture was not just a personal welcome; it was a profound act of humility and filial devotion, showing that despite his high rank as the treasurer of Egypt, he remained a dutiful and loving son.

Then, as they approached the city, Yusuf turned to his family and said: "Enter Egypt, if Allah wills, in safety." This was not a mere permission or an invitation — it was a prayer and a declaration of trust in Allah’s protection. By saying "if Allah wills," Yusuf taught his family — and all of us — a beautiful lesson: no matter how powerful a person becomes, true security and success come only from Allah. The phrase is a reminder that all outcomes are in Allah’s hands, and that a believer should always attach their hopes and plans to the will of their Creator.

The safety promised here was comprehensive: safety from the famine that had struck their land, safety from any enemy or oppressor, safety from fear and anxiety, and safety in their new home. It was a divine reassurance that the trials of the past were over, and a new chapter of peace and blessing had begun.

A Da‘wah Reflection:

This scene is a living proof of the beauty of Islam and the Quran’s timeless guidance. It shows us that patience in hardship is always rewarded, that family ties are sacred and must be honored, and that even the most powerful person on earth remains humble before Allah and His will. Yusuf, who had been thrown into a well by his own brothers, sold into slavery, and imprisoned for years, did not seek revenge when he gained power. Instead, he opened his arms, his home, and his heart to his family, saying: "Enter in safety." This is the character of a true believer — forgiveness, mercy, and generosity triumph over bitterness and resentment.

And notice how Yusuf combined action with faith: he made all the practical arrangements for his family’s journey, yet he still said "if Allah wills." This is the perfect balance Islam teaches — to strive with all your might, while placing your ultimate trust in Allah. Dear reader, this is the path to true peace: work hard, love your family, forgive those who wronged you, and always remember that your security, your provision, and your destiny are in the hands of the Most Merciful. Embrace this beautiful faith, and you too will find your own "Egypt" — a place of safety, provision, and peace, both in this life and the next.