They Sold a Prophet for Silver Coins | The Painful Story of Yusuf

 Translation (Verses 18-21)

Verse 18

They brought his shirt with false blood. He (Ya‘qub) said: “No! Your own selves have instigated this affair. So patience is most fitting, and Allah is the One sought for help against what you describe.”

Verse 19
And there came a caravan. They sent their water-drawer, and he let down his bucket. He said, “Good news! A boy!” And they concealed him as merchandise. And Allah was Knowing of what they did.

Verse 20
And they sold him for a low price — a few silver coins — and they were, concerning him, of those who were indifferent.

Verse 21
And the one from Egypt who bought him said to his wife, “Make his residence comfortable. Perhaps he will benefit us, or we shall adopt him as a son.” And thus, We established Joseph in the land that We might teach him the interpretation of events. And Allah is predominant over His affair, but most of the people do not know.

🕌 Introduction

In these verses (18-21) of Surah Yusuf, we witness the turning point after the betrayal. Yusuf’s brothers attempt to cover up their wrongdoing by staging evidence: bringing his stained shirt, lying about his death, and selling him as a slave. Despite this, Allah’s will begins to unfold: Yusuf is brought into Egypt, his character is recognized, and his journey toward his destiny starts. These verses show the interplay of human deceit and divine destiny, and how Allah’s plans manifest even through evil plots.

📝 Summary

Yusuf’s brothers present his shirt stained with false blood to their father Ya‘qub, lying that a wolf devoured him.

Ya‘qub rejects their claim, understanding that it is a deceit crafted by their own souls, and resolves to endure with patience, seeking Allah’s help.

A passing caravan finds Yusuf in the well; one of them, a water-drawer, sees a boy and they hide Yusuf as merchandise.

They sell Yusuf cheaply; the buyer is indifferent initially, seeing him only as property.

The purchaser (known in tafsir as “The Aziz of Egypt”) tells his wife to treat Yusuf well, hoping Yusuf may benefit them or they may adopt him.

Allah begins to establish Yusuf in Egypt and prepares him with knowledge, especially the interpretation of dreams, setting him on the path toward greatness.

📚

On verse 18, Ibn Kathir mentions that the brothers stained Yusuf’s shirt with the blood of a sheep (or goat) to support their lie. They did not tear the shirt, which Ya‘qub noted — this inconsistency made the claim suspicious to him.

“صبر جميل” (beautiful patience): According to Ibn Kathir, this kind of patience means bearing the hardship without complaint, maintaining dignity and trust in Allah even when others hav
On verses 19-20: Ibn Kathir discusses how the caravan (travelers) unwittingly became part of Allah’s plan. The “water-drawer” discovering Yusuf is a milestone. Selling Yusuf cheaply shows how people are blind to the true value Allah grants to His servants.

On verse 21: The Aziz (man who bought Yusuf) was someone of status in Egypt. Ibn Kathir explains that the phrase “Make his residence comfortable” reflects recognition of Yusuf’s good character. Allah's phrase “We established Yusuf in the land” shows His support and plan. Also, “Allah is predominant over His affair” shows that no matter how strong human schemes are, Allah’s will is final. Many people do not perceive the wisdom behind His decrees.