Arabiq Online - Arabic of the Qur'an

Sūra Yūsuf 12:12, 63, 64, 81

Qur'anic Word 13 is حَافِظٌ from the root حَفِظَ ‘to protect, preserve or keep something safe’. That’s why someone who memorises the Qur’an is called a خَافِظ - because he is keeping it safe in his memory, preserving it and guarding it like a treasure.

You’ll have noticed while reading this juz’, of which Sūra Yūsuf is a main part, that the word حَافِظ comes up quite a bit in there.

It occurs three times from the mouths of Yusuf’s brothers: firstly, when they ask their father to let Yusuf come out with them, and they promised that they will be حَافِظُوْن great protectors over him. 

Secondly, when they ask him to let Binyamin come with them to Egypt to fetch grain, and again promise that they’ll be his حَافِظُوْن. 

They use it again once more later, and It seems to be a favourite word of theirs though they use it brazenly and dishonestly. 

Prophet Ya’qub’s response to them is most befitting, however: 

فَاللهُ خَيْرٌ حَافِظًا وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ

Allah is the best Protector, and He is the most Merciful of all those who are merciful.