A need within the soul of Jacob

And when they entered from where their father had ordered them, it did not avail them against Allah at all except [it was] a need within the soul of Jacob, which he satisfied. And indeed, he was a possessor of knowledge because of what We had taught him, but most of the people do not know.

[Qur'aan 12:68]

فقد اختلف أهل التفسير في الحاجة التي كانت في نفس يعقوب، فذهب أكثرهم إلى أنها الخوف من العين. قال السيوطي في الدر المنثور: في قوله: إِلَّا حَاجَةً فِي نَفْسِ يَعْقُوبَ قَضَاهَا {يوسف: 68} قال: خيفة العين على بنيه. وقال مثل ذلك الرازي وابن كثير والطبري وغيرهم.

The scholars of Tafsiir have differed regarding to the "need within the soul of Jacob" which is mentioned in this Verse. The majority are of the opinion that it was fear that his sons would be subjected to the evil eye. al-Suyuuti said regarding the portion of the Verse which reads "a need within the soul of Jacob which he satisfied": Fear of the evil eye against his sons. al-Raazi, Ibn Kathiir, al-Tabari, and others have adopted a similar opinion.

Reference(s):

Tafsiir of His Saying: A need within the soul of Jacob