Yūsuf

قَالَ لاَ تَثْرِيبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْيَوْمَ يَغْفِرُ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

92. “He said: ‘There is no reproach against you this day. Allah may forgive you; and He is the most Merciful of the merciful (ones)’.”

The Arabic term /tarib/, mentioned in this verse, means ‘to scorn, to count something sin, and as much blameworthy.’ At the time of the conquest of Mecca, the pagans had sought refuge in the Ka‘bah. ‘Umar on that occasion said: “We shall take revenge today!” However the Prophet (S) replied: “Today is the day of blessings”. Then he asked the pagans what they thought. They said that they believed that all would be good, that the Prophet was their sublime brother. The Prophet (S) said that his words that day were the same as those of Yusuf.

Here is the word of Yusuf:

“He said: ‘There is no reproach against you this day...”

‘Umar then replied that he was ashamed of himself for what he said.⁸ Ali (as) said:

“When you gain power over your adversary pardon him by way of thanks for being able to overcome him.” ⁹

The traditions say that the heart of a youth is more lenient than that of an old person, and the immaculate Imam, narrating this verse has said that since Yusuf was young, he soon forgave his brothers. Yusuf did not expect the shameful state of his brothers to continue at the time of his success in particular, and to reassure them, he immediately said that they would not be threatened or blamed on that day, and they would not feel grief or sorrow due to the past.

Not only did he declare that he had forgiven them but he also informed them that the right of Allah was forgivable, as well, by means of that regret and remorse. He added:

“…Allah may forgive you; and He is the most Merciful of the merciful (ones)’.”

This incident illustrates Yusuf’s greatness for not only did he spare his own right, but as far as the Divine right was concerned, he reassured them that Allah was Compassionate and Merciful.

Explanations

1. Tolerance is an important instrument of administration.

2. One must learn from Yusuf’s humanity and generosity for he not only overlooked his own right but he also went out of his way to secure Allah’s pardon for his brothers.

3. Men of Allah are in the habit of pardoning once they are at the climax of their power and glory.

4. Allah’s pardon can also extend to include those who had for years been giving trouble to two of His prophets, Yusuf and Ya‘qub.

5. Once the servant of Allah forgives what can one expect Allah to do? He is the Most Forgiving of all!

6. To forgive those who are ashamed is the very habit of the Divine Being.

7. To attribute Allah as the Most Forgiving and as the Most Merciful of the merciful ones is the ritual for the process of prayer and repentance.

Footnotes

1. 8. Tafsir-i-Qurtubi
2. 9. Nahjul-Balaqah, saying No. 11