Tafsir of Yusuf 12:13-14

Surah Yusuf (12): Verses 13-14

[12:13] He said, "Indeed, it would sadden me for you to take him away, and I fear that a wolf might eat him while you are heedless of him."

[12:14] They said, "If a wolf should eat him while we are a strong group (usbah), then indeed, we would be losers."

Exegesis:

When they requested that he send Joseph with them, Jacob (peace be upon him) excused himself with two reasons:

1. Sorrow: Their departure with Joseph would grieve him, as he could not bear to be separated from him for even an hour.
2. Fear for his safety: He feared a wolf might devour Joseph if they became negligent while tending to their flocks or playing, due to their lack of full attention to him.

It is narrated that Jacob had seen a dream in which a wolf attacked Joseph, which prompted him to warn them. This aligns with the proverb: "Calamity is tied to speech" (i.e., mentioning something can invite it). It is also said that wolves were numerous in their lands.

(Note on pronunciation: The word al-dhi’b (the wolf) was read with hamza (original form) and with tafkhīm [emphatic pronunciation] of the dhāl.)

Some scholars suggest the derivation of the word dhi’b comes from tadhaa’abat al-riyh (the wind coming from all directions), implying danger from every side.

When Jacob mentioned this concern, they responded by saying: {If a wolf should eat him while we are a strong group (usbah), then indeed, we would be losers.}

This statement raises several questions:

Answer:

1. The particle In (if) already implies that the condition necessitates the consequence (the loss). The Lām here serves to emphasize this necessity (i.e., confirming the consequence follows the condition).
2. Al-Zamakhshari (author of Al-Kashshāf) suggests this Lām indicates an omitted oath, meaning: "By God, if a wolf eats him, then we would certainly be losers."

Answer: It is the Wāw al-Hāl (the Wāw of state/circumstance). They swore that if the feared event (the wolf snatching their brother) occurred while they were ten strong men—a group capable of managing affairs and overcoming difficulties—then they would truly be a people deserving of loss.

Answer (Several interpretations):

1. Destroyed due to weakness and inability: Meaning they would be utterly weak and incapable. This is similar to the verse: {If you obey a human being like yourselves, then indeed, you would be losers} (23:34), meaning you would be incapable.
2. Deserving of condemnation: They would deserve to be cursed with loss and ruin, and it would be said that God destroyed them because the wolf ate their brother while they were present.
3. Loss of their livestock: If they could not protect their brother, then their flocks (which they were supposed to be guarding) would also be lost, resulting in a loss of their livelihood.
4. Nullification of past efforts: They had exerted themselves greatly in serving their father and fulfilling his needs, hoping to gain his prayers and praise. They meant that if they failed in this crucial task (protecting Joseph), all those previous labors and services would be rendered void, and they would have lost the reward for all their past good deeds.

Answer: Their resentment and anger were primarily directed at the first excuse: Jacob’s intense love for Joseph. When they heard this reason mentioned, they deliberately ignored it, focusing instead on refuting the second point (the fear of the wolf).

[12:15] So when they took him and agreed to put him in the bottom of the well, We inspired to him: "You will surely inform them of this affair of theirs while they do not perceive."