Transliteration:( Falammaa dakhaloo 'alaihi qaaloo yaaa ayyuhal 'Azeezu massanaa wa ahlanad durru wa ji'naa bi bidaa 'im muzjaatin fa awfi lanal kaila wa tasaddaq 'alainaa innal laaha yajzil mutasaddiqeen )
When they came before Yusuf, they said, "O Aziz, distress has touched us and our family, and we have come with poor merchandise [187]. So give us full measure and be charitable to us [188]. Indeed, Allah rewards the charitable [189]." (Kanzul Imaan Translation)
This was the third journey of Yusuf's brothers to Egypt.
Their goal was twofold: to purchase grain and also to search for Hazrat Yusuf (عليه السلام) as per the instruction of Hazrat Ya’qoob (عليه السلام).
This reflects the obedience of sons to a Prophet’s command and the emotional urgency behind their travel.
The phrase "poor merchandise" refers to insignificant items such as wool and counterfeit coins that had no commercial value in the market.
According to Tafseer Roohul Bayaan, Hazrat Ya’qoob (عليه السلام) had also sent a letter of grief addressed to the king of Egypt (Hazrat Yusuf), entrusting it with his sons.
This detail adds emotional depth to their plea and shows the desperate condition of the family.
The word "charity" here refers not to Zakaat or prescribed Islamic charity, but to an act of kindness—namely, accepting poor-quality goods and still giving full measure in return.
This is supported by the Hadith: “Smiling at your Muslim brother is also a form of charity.”
From this, we learn that any act done with the intention of kindness or compassion is termed charity, such as accepting substandard currency with a generous heart.
Prophets do not consume Shariah-defined charity, hence it is evident that the word here is used in the linguistic and ethical sense.
Upon hearing about their suffering and helpless condition, Hazrat Yusuf (عليه السلام) was deeply moved.
According to Tafseer Khazainul Irfaan, tears welled up in his blessed eyes, showing his profound compassion and mercy, even for those who had once wronged him.
The tafsir of Surah Yusuf verse 88 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Yusuf ayat 87 which provides the complete commentary from verse 87 through 88.
(12:88) On going to Egypt they presented themselves to Joseph and said to him: “O chief! We and our family are struck with distress and have brought only a paltry sum. So give us corn in full measure, and give it to us in charity.[65] Allah rewards those who are charitable.”
65. That is, it will be charitable of you if you give us that much grain as we require to fulfill our needs, because the goods we have brought for its barter are of less value than of the grain we require.
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