Surah Yusuf 12:5
سُورَةُ يُوسُفَ · Meccan · Verse 5 of 111
قَالَ يَٰبُنَىَّ لَا تَقْصُصْ رُءْيَاكَ عَلَىٰٓ إِخْوَتِكَ فَيَكِيدُوا۟ لَكَ كَيْدًا ۖ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ لِلْإِنسَٰنِ عَدُوٌّۭ مُّبِينٌۭ
Translation
and he replied, ‘My son, tell your brothers nothing of this dream, or they may plot to harm you––Satan is man’s sworn enemy.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
The verses of the Quran are like a gentle whisper from our Creator, full of profound meaning even in their smallest details. Here, in Surah Yusuf, we open to a tender moment between father and son, as Prophet Ya'qub gives crucial advice to young Yusuf after he recounts a significant dream.
A Father's Tender Counsel
The address begins with "يا بنيّ" (Ya Bunayya), meaning "My dear son." This isn't just a simple address; it's a diminutive form, conveying deep affection, tenderness, and sincere concern from a father to his beloved child. As Ibn Ashur notes, it's a way of saying "my little son" or "my cherished son," preparing Yusuf's heart to truly receive the important counsel that follows. The very act of calling out "يا" (Ya), even with Yusuf present, serves to capture his full attention, signaling the weight of what is about to be said.
The Specificity of the Dream
Ya'qub instructs Yusuf, "لَا تَقْصُصْ رُءْيَاكَ" (La taqsus ru'yaka), "Do not relate your dream." The word "رُءْيَاكَ" (ru'yaka) is specifically chosen to refer to a vision seen in sleep, distinguishing it from general "seeing" in wakefulness, as al-Zamakhshari and Ibn Ashur point out. This precision in wording highlights that the father's concern is specifically about the potential impact of this *dream*, a divinely significant event, on his family dynamics.
The Peril of Plotting
The core of the warning comes with "فَيَكِيدُوا۟ لَكَ كَيْدًا" (Fa yakidu laka kaydan), which means "then they will plot against you a plot." Notice the subtle but powerful grammar here. The phrase uses "لَكَ" (laka), meaning "for you," instead of simply "yakiduk" (they will plot you). Al-Zamakhshari explains that this "lam" (لَ) emphasizes the purpose and deep-seated nature of the scheming, making the warning more impactful. It's not just a general plot, but a plot *directed specifically at you, for your detriment*. Ibn Ashur adds that the indefinite ending on "كَيْدًا" (kaydan) conveys the severity and horror of the potential plot, emphasizing that it could be a significant and dangerous scheme. "Kayd" itself, as Ibn Ashur defines, involves concealing a harmful action.
Shaytan, the Clear Enemy
The ayah concludes with a profound statement: "إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ لِلْإِنسَٰنِ عَدُوٌّۭ مُّبِينٌۭ" (Inna ash-Shaytana lil-insani aduwun mubin), "Indeed, Satan is to humankind a clear enemy." The particle "إنَّ" (inna) acts as a strong affirmation, underscoring the undeniable truth of Shaytan's enmity. This phrase serves as a powerful explanation and justification for Ya'qub's caution. As Ibn Ashur and al-Zamakhshari explain, Ya'qub wasn't implying his sons were inherently evil, but he understood that Shaytan, being a "مُّبِينٌۭ" (mubin) or "clear" enemy, would exploit any existing jealousy and incite them to harm Yusuf. He knew Shaytan's history, as seen with Adam and Hawwa, and his continuous efforts to mislead humanity, making his enmity evident to all.
Through these carefully chosen words, Prophet Ya'qub offers not just a warning, but a lesson in understanding the subtle ways envy can be ignited and how Shaytan preys on human weaknesses, even within families, to sow discord and harm.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir)
Wisdom
When we approach Surah Yusuf, verse 5, we are witnessing a tender moment of paternal wisdom from Prophet Yaqub (peace be upon him) to his young son, Yusuf. Yusuf has just recounted a magnificent dream, one hinting at future greatness. Yaqub, discerning and insightful, immediately understands its profound meaning and its potential to stir powerful emotions in others.
A Father's Wise Counsel
The verse begins with Yaqub's direct address, "يا بني" (O my son), a term of affection that underscores the protective nature of his advice. He cautions Yusuf, "لَا تَقْصُصْ رُءْيَاكَ عَلَىٰ إِخْوَتِكَ" (Do not relate your dream to your brothers). This isn't a command born of fear, but of profound foresight. Yaqub recognizes that this dream, signifying Yusuf's future elevated status, could ignite jealousy and malice in his brothers' hearts, leading them to "يَكِيدُوا لَكَ كَيْدًا" (devise against you a plot). As scholars like al-Qurtubi and Ma'arif al-Quran note, this act of warning a Muslim about potential harm from another is permissible and not considered backbiting; it is an act of protection.
The Clear Enemy
Yaqub then provides the overarching reason for his counsel: "إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ لِلْإِنسَٰنِ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ" (Indeed, Satan is a clear enemy to humankind). This is a timeless Quranic maxim, a fundamental truth that transcends the immediate situation. It reminds us that Satan actively seeks to sow discord, envy, and hatred, especially when blessings and distinctions are present. He preys on the weaknesses of the human heart, using even family ties as avenues for his mischief. This warning is not just for Yusuf, but for all of us, highlighting the constant need for vigilance against Satan's whispers.
Lessons for Our Lives
From this interaction, we draw several general lessons. Firstly, wisdom dictates discretion when sharing blessings and good news. As al-Munir and al-Qurtubi emphasize, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us to seek help in achieving our goals through secrecy, "فإن كل ذي نعمة محسود" (for every possessor of a blessing is envied). This means being mindful of whom we confide in, choosing those who are wise, trustworthy, and genuinely well-wishing, not those whose hearts might harbor envy.
Secondly, the ayah teaches us to recognize the insidious role of Satan in human conflicts. When we see jealousy or animosity arise, we should remember that Satan is often the instigator, attempting to turn hearts against one another. This calls for seeking Allah's protection from his evil, as well as actively striving to purify our own hearts from negative emotions.
Ultimately, this verse is a profound reminder to navigate life's blessings with both gratitude and strategic caution. It encourages us to trust in Allah's plan while also employing human wisdom to protect ourselves and our loved ones from potential harm, always mindful of the unseen enemy who tirelessly seeks to disrupt our peace and faith.
Sources: al-Qurtubi (al-Jami li-Ahkam), al-Saadi (Taysir al-Karim), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Yusuf 12:5 is discussed in 12 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Yusuf 12:5 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.