Is it true that Allah said: "Had you asked Us for well-being, We would have granted you well-being," concerning the statement of Yusuf (peace be upon him): "Prison is dearer to me," and does seeking forgiveness avert the calamity that may occur due to unintentional illogical reasoning?

First: There is no validity to what is narrated about Allah saying to Yusuf (Joseph), "You imprisoned yourself, as you said, 'Prison is dearer to me'; and if you had said, 'Well-being is dearer to me,' you would have been granted well-being." This narration has no sound or weak chain of transmission. Rather, it is mentioned as a story in some books of exegesis. And Yusuf never said, "Prison is dearer to me" absolutely. Rather, he said, (My Lord, prison is dearer to me than that to which they invite me). The intended meaning is that it is easier and lighter than falling into disobedience.

Second: The Hadith (definition) "Calamity is tied to speech" is weak. Some narrated it with the addition, "Calamity is tied to utterance. No servant ever said about something, 'By Allah, I will not do it,' except that Satan abandoned everything else and became obsessed with him until he made him sinful." This addition is fabricated.

Third: Calamity may be tied to utterance, meaning that if a person utters evil or mocks others, he may be afflicted with the very same thing. This statement has a valid interpretation and is supported by what is mentioned in the Sunnah (definition), such as the story of Asim ibn Adi in the case of mutual imprecation (li'an), and the story of the Bedouin whom the Prophet (peace be upon him) visited when he was sick.

Fourth: Whoever is afflicted with a calamity is legislated to supplicate for its removal, whether he spoke ill or not. And among the greatest things that remove calamity are: repentance, increasing in acts of obedience, and seeking forgiveness.