“Perhaps he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son” _Captain Mohammed Hassan Al-Tahir

 

Date: October 25, 2025

 

Allah Almighty said: _“And the one from Egypt who bought him said to his wife, ‘Make his stay comfortable. Perhaps he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son.’”_ (Surah Yusuf, verse 21)

 

This verse carries profound human meanings that intersect with the following concepts:

 

*🌱 “Close to the heart”*

– Despite being a stranger and sold as a slave, Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) touched the heart of Al-Aziz and held a special place.

– Closeness of the heart is not measured by blood or lineage, but by empathy, compassion, and the possibilities we see in others.

 

*⚖️ “Proximity and distance versus love and hatred”*

The verse reflects how:

– Physical proximity (Yusuf living in Al-Aziz’s house) can evolve into emotional closeness, even parental love.

– Meanwhile, his brothers—though closer by blood—cast him away out of envy and hatred.

 

True closeness is not physical, but emotional and spiritual.

 

*🏘️ “Injustice and neighborhood”*

Yusuf was a victim of his brothers’ injustice, yet he found in Al-Aziz’s home a kind of neighborly mercy and respect.

– Neighborhood is not just about residence, but how one is treated in their surroundings.

– Injustice may come from the close, while good neighborliness may come from the stranger.

 

*🤝 “Morality and interests”*

Al-Aziz saw in Yusuf:

– A potential benefit: “Perhaps he may benefit us,” yet he did not demean him, instead saying: “Make his stay comfortable.”

– Here, morality is balanced with interest.

 

The Qur’an shows us how good intentions can bear fruit—even if they begin with self-interest.