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wa-lammā dakhalū min ḥaythu ʾamarahum ʾabūhum mā kāna yughnī ʿanhum mina llāhi min shayʾin ʾillā ḥājatan fī nafsi yaʿqūba qaḍāhā wa-ʾinnahū la-dhū ʿilmin li-mā ʿallamnāhu wa-lākinna ʾakthara n-nāsi lā yaʿlamūna
When they entered whence their father had bidden them, it did not avail them anything against Allah, but only fulfilled a wish in Jacob’s heart. Indeed, he had the knowledge of what We had taught him, but most people do not know.
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah Yusuf – Verse 68
68. “And when they entered in the manner their father had enjoined them, it availed them nothing against Allah; but (it was) a need in Jacob’s soul which he so satisfied; and verily he was possessed of a knowledge for that We had taught him, but most people do not know.”
The brothers set off from Kan‘an and, after covering a long distance, they arrived in Egypt. On their arrival, they acted according to the instructions of their old father and entered through different gates. The verse says:
“And when they entered in the manner their father had enjoined them...”
This behavior, however, did not have any influence on the Divine will. The only effect mentioned here was that Ya‘qub’s wishes had been fulfilled. The verse continues saying:
“…it availed them nothing against Allah; but (it was) a need in Jacob’s soul which he so satisfied;...”
Allusion is made to the fact that its sole effect was that it provided comfort for father for he was far away and isolated from all of his sons. He was also concerned about those who would be jealous of them and those who harbored ill will towards them, and being confident that they would put his recommendations into practice, he felt more at ease. The verse says:
“…and verily he was possessed of a knowledge for that We had taught him, but most people do not know.”
Explanations
1. Bitter experiences educate man, and as a result, he is more inclined to take the words of great men seriously.
2. Even correct calculations and planning are only effective if they are in accordance with the Divine will, once they run contrary to the will of Allah they cannot come into effect.
3. Ya‘qub was aware of some secrets and subjects which he did not deem fit to disclose.
4. The prayers of the men of Allah are always accepted and their needs fulfilled.
5. The knowledge of the prophets has its origin in the Divine knowledge.
6. Most people are only aware of the means and the causes of events and are ignorant of Allah’s authority and the need for putting all their hopes and trust in Him.