Edition 12 of 114
Meccan Bureau
111 Verses
Quran Daily
Revelation. Reported. Truth.
يوسف
Yusuf
— Yusuf
Unveiling the Alif‑Lam‑Ra: Gateways to the Clear Book
Declaration that the Quran is the clear, manifest Book
Front Page
Unveiling the Alif‑Lam‑Ra: Gateways to the Clear Book
Declaration that the Quran is the clear, manifest Book
Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the Verses of the Clear Book.
12:1
Multiple Correspondents Corroborate
en.sahih
Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the verses of the clear Book.
en.arberry
Alif Lam Ra. Those are the signs of the Manifest Book.
en.maududi
Alif. Lam. Ra'. These are the verses of a Book that clearly expounds the truth.
en.yusufali
A. L. R. These are the symbols (or Verses) of the perspicuous Book.
en.pickthall
Alif. Lam. Ra. These are verse of the Scripture that maketh plain.
Scene Setting
SettingGeneric
MoodReflective
ScaleCosmic
TimeTimeless
highest Priority
The Covenant of Divine Wisdom and Favor
And thus your Lord will choose you, and will teach you the interpretation of events, and will complete His blessing upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He has completed it before upon your...
12:6
Guarding the Heart: Lessons from Yusuf’s Resolve
She in whose house he was living tried to seduce him. She shut the doors, and said, “I am yours.” He said, “God forbid! He is my Lord. He has given me a good home. Sinners never succeed.”
12:23
The Legacy of Monotheism: A Call to Grateful Faith
“And I have followed the faith of my forefathers, Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. It is not for us to associate anything with God. This is by virtue of God’s grace upon us and upon the people, but...
12:38
Front Page
Unveiling the Alif‑Lam‑Ra: Gateways to the Clear Book
Declaration that the Quran is the clear, manifest Book
Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the Verses of the Clear Book.
12:1
Multiple Correspondents Corroborate
en.sahihAlif, Lam, Ra. These are the verses of the clear Book.
en.arberryAlif Lam Ra. Those are the signs of the Manifest Book.
en.maududiAlif. Lam. Ra'. These are the verses of a Book that clearly expounds the truth.
en.yusufaliA. L. R. These are the symbols (or Verses) of the perspicuous Book.
en.pickthallAlif. Lam. Ra. These are verse of the Scripture that maketh plain.
The Covenant of Divine Wisdom and Favor
And thus your Lord will choose you, and will teach you the interpretation of events, and will complete His blessing upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He has completed it before upon your...
12:6
Guarding the Heart: Lessons from Yusuf’s Resolve
She in whose house he was living tried to seduce him. She shut the doors, and said, “I am yours.” He said, “God forbid! He is my Lord. He has given me a good home. Sinners never succeed.”
12:23
The Legacy of Monotheism: A Call to Grateful Faith
“And I have followed the faith of my forefathers, Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. It is not for us to associate anything with God. This is by virtue of God’s grace upon us and upon the people, but...
12:38
Breaking News
The Language of Revelation: Why Arabic is the Gateway to Divine Truth
Al-AzizBelieversBinyaminBrothers of YusufDisbelieversIblisIbrahimIshaqKing of EgyptMankindMuhammadPolytheistsYaqubYusufZulaykha
12:2
We have revealed it an Arabic Quran, so that you may understand.
12:3
We narrate to you the most accurate history, by revealing to you this Quran. Although, prior to it, you were of the unaware.
12:4
Yusuf
When Joseph said to his father, “O my father, I saw eleven planets, and the sun, and the moon; I saw them bowing down to me.”
12:5
the father
He said, “O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers, lest they plot and scheme against you. Satan is man's sworn enemy.
12:6
Allah
And thus your Lord will choose you, and will teach you the interpretation of events, and will complete His blessing upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He has completed it before upon your forefathers Abraham and Isaac. Your Lord is Knowing and Wise.
12:7
In Joseph and his brothers are lessons for the seekers.
12:8
When they said, “Joseph and his brother are dearer to our father than we are, although we are a whole group. Our father is obviously in the wrong.
12:9
thou
“Kill Joseph, or throw him somewhere in the land, and your father‘s attention will be yours. Afterwards, you will be decent people.”
12:10
thou
One of them said, “Do not kill Joseph, but throw him into the bottom of the well; some caravan may pick him up—if you must do something.”
12:11
thou
They said, “Father, why do you not trust us with Joseph, although we care for him?”
12:12
Narrator
“Send him with us tomorrow, that he may roam and play; we will take care of him.”
12:13
Allah
He said, “It worries me that you would take him away. And I fear the wolf may eat him while you are careless of him.”
12:14
our father
They said, “If the wolf ate him, and we are many, we would be good for nothing.”
12:15
So they went away with him, and agreed to put him at the bottom of the well. And We inspired him, “You will inform them of this deed of theirs when they are unaware.”
12:16
And they came to their father in the evening weeping.
12:17
thou
They said, “O father, we went off racing one another, and left Joseph by our belongings; and the wolf ate him. But you will not believe us, even though we are being truthful.”
12:18
thou
And they brought his shirt, with fake blood on it. He said, “Your souls enticed you to do something. But patience is beautiful, and God is my Help against what you describe.”
12:19
a ( fine ) young man
A caravan passed by, and they sent their water-carrier. He lowered his bucket, and said, “Good news. Here is a boy.” And they hid him as merchandise. But God was aware of what they did.
12:20
And they sold him for a cheap price—a few coins—they considered him to be of little value.
12:21
a ( fine ) young man
The Egyptian who bought him said to his wife, “Take good care of him; he may be useful to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” We thus established Joseph in the land, to teach him the interpretation of events. God has control over His affairs, but most people do not know.
12:22
When he reached his maturity, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. We thus reward the righteous.
12:23
those who do wrong
She in whose house he was living tried to seduce him. She shut the doors, and said, “I am yours.” He said, “God forbid! He is my Lord. He has given me a good home. Sinners never succeed.”
12:24
She desired him, and he desired her, had he not seen the proof of his Lord. It was thus that We diverted evil and indecency away from him. He was one of Our loyal servants.
12:25
thy wife
As they raced towards the door, she tore his shirt from behind. At the door, they ran into her husband. She said, “What is the penalty for him who desired to dishonor your wife, except imprisonment or a painful punishment?”
12:26
thy wife
He said, “It was she who tried to seduce me.” A witness from her household suggested: “If his shirt is torn from the front: then she has told the truth, and he is the liar.
12:27
Allah
But if his shirt is torn from the back: then she has lied, and he is the truthful.”
12:28
Allah
And when he saw that his shirt was torn from the back, he said, “This is a woman's scheme. Your scheming is serious indeed.”
12:29
Narrator
“Joseph, turn away from this. And you, woman, ask forgiveness for your sin; you are indeed in the wrong.”
12:30
the ( great ) ' Aziz
Some ladies in the city said, “The governor's wife is trying to seduce her servant. She is deeply in love with him. We see she has gone astray.”
12:31
the ( great ) ' Aziz
And when she heard of their gossip, she invited them, and prepared for them a banquet, and she gave each one of them a knife. She said, “Come out before them.” And when they saw him, they marveled at him, and cut their hands. They said, “Good God, this is not a human, this must be a precious angel.”
12:32
Allah
She said, “Here he is, the one you blamed me for. I did try to seduce him, but he resisted. But if he does not do what I tell him to do, he will be imprisoned, and will be one of the despised.”
12:33
Allah
He said, “My Lord, prison is more desirable to me than what they call me to. Unless You turn their scheming away from me, I may yield to them, and become one of the ignorant.”
12:34
Thereupon his Lord answered him, and diverted their scheming away from him. He is the Hearer, the Knower.
12:35
Then it occurred to them, after they had seen the signs, to imprison him for a while.
12:36
Allah
Two youth entered the prison with him. One of them said, “I see myself pressing wine.” The other said, “I see myself carrying bread on my head, from which the birds are eating. Tell us their interpretation—we see that you are one of the righteous.”
12:37
He said, “No food is served to you, but I have informed you about it before you have received it. That is some of what my Lord has taught me. I have forsaken the tradition of people who do not believe in God; and regarding the Hereafter, they are deniers.”
12:38
my two companions of the prison
“And I have followed the faith of my forefathers, Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. It is not for us to associate anything with God. This is by virtue of God’s grace upon us and upon the people, but most people do not give thanks.
12:39
“O My fellow inmates, are diverse lords better, or God, the One, the Supreme?”
12:40
my two companions of the prison
“You do not worship, besides Him, except names you have named, you and your ancestors, for which God has sent down no authority. Judgment belongs to none but God. He has commanded that you worship none but Him. This is the right religion, but most people do not know.
12:41
Allah
“O my fellow inmates! One of you will serve his master wine; while the other will be crucified, and the birds will eat from his head. Thus the matter you are inquiring about is settled.”
12:42
Allah
And he said to the one he thought would be released, “Mention me to your master.” But Satan caused him to forget mentioning him to his master, so he remained in prison for several years.
12:43
Allah
The king said, “I see seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, and seven green spikes, and others dried up. O elders, explain to me my vision, if you are able to interpret visions.”
12:44
Allah
They said, “Jumbles of dreams, and we know nothing of the interpretation of dreams.”
12:45
Allah
The one who was released said, having remembered after a time, “I will inform you of its interpretation, so send me out.”
12:46
Allah
“Joseph, O man of truth, inform us concerning seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, and seven green spikes, and others dried up, so that I may return to the people, so that they may know.”
12:47
He said, “You will farm for seven consecutive years. But whatever you harvest, leave it in its spikes, except for the little that you eat.”
12:48
ye
Then after that will come seven difficult ones, which will consume what you have stored for them, except for the little that you have preserved.
12:49
Allah
Then after that will come a year that brings relief to the people, and during which they will press.
12:50
Allah
The king said, “Bring him to me.” And when the envoy came to him, he said, “Go back to your master, and ask him about the intentions of the women who cut their hands; my Lord is well aware of their schemes.”
12:51
Allah
He said, “What was the matter with you, women, when you tried to seduce Joseph?” They said, “God forbid! We knew of no evil committed by him.” The governor’s wife then said, “Now the truth is out. It was I who tried to seduce him, and he is telling the truth.”
12:52
Allah
“This is that he may know that I did not betray him in secret, and that God does not guide the scheming of the betrayers.”
12:53
Narrator
“Yet I do not claim to be innocent. The soul commands evil, except those on whom my Lord has mercy. Truly my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.”
12:54
Allah
The king said, “Bring him to me, and I will reserve him for myself.” And when he spoke to him, he said, “This day you are with us established and secure.”
12:55
Yusuf
He said, “Put me in charge of the storehouses of the land; I am honest and knowledgeable.”
12:56
And thus We established Joseph in the land, to live therein wherever he wished. We touch with Our mercy whomever We will, and We never waste the reward of the righteous.
12:57
But the reward of the Hereafter is better for those who believe and observed piety.
12:58
And Joseph's brothers came, and entered into his presence. He recognized them, but they did not recognize him.
12:59
Yusuf
When he provided them with their provisions, he said, “Bring me a brother of yours from your father. Do you not see that I fill up the measure, and I am the best of hosts?”
12:60
Unknown
“But if you do not bring him to me, you will have no measure from me, and you will not come near me.”
12:61
our father
They said, “We will solicit him from his father. We will surely do.”
12:62
He said to his servants, “Put their goods in their saddlebags; perhaps they will recognize them when they return to their families, and maybe they will come back.”
12:63
Unknown
When they returned to their father, they said, “O father, we were denied measure, but send our brother with us, and we will obtain measure. We will take care of him.”
12:64
Allah
He said, “Shall I trust you with him, as I trusted you with his brother before? God is the Best Guardian, and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
12:65
And when they opened their baggage, they found that their goods were returned to them. They said, “Father, what more do we want? Here are our goods, returned to us. We will provide for our family, and protect our brother, and have an additional camel-load. This is easy commerce.”
12:66
Allah
He said, “I will not send him with you, unless you give me a pledge before God that you will bring him back to me, unless you get trapped.” And when they gave him their pledge, he said, “God is witness to what we say.”
12:67
Narrator
And he said, “O my sons, do not enter by one gate, but enter by different gates. I cannot avail you anything against God. The decision rests only with God. On Him I rely, and on Him let the reliant rely.”
12:68
And when they entered as their father had instructed them, it did not avail them anything against God; it was just a need in the soul of Jacob, which he carried out. He was a person of knowledge inasmuch as We had taught him, but most people do not know.
12:69
Allah
And when they entered into the presence of Joseph, he embraced his brother, and said, “I am your brother; do not be saddened by what they used to do.”
12:70
Narrator
Then, when he provided them with their provisions, he placed the drinking-cup in his brother’s saddlebag. Then an announcer called out, “O people of the caravan, you are thieves.”
12:71
Unknown
They said, as they came towards them, “What are you missing?”
12:72
Allah
They said, “We are missing the king’s goblet. Whoever brings it will have a camel-load; and I personally guarantee it.”
12:73
Allah
They said, “By God, you know we did not come to cause trouble in the land, and we are not thieves.”
12:74
Narrator
They said, “What shall be his punishment, if you are lying?”
12:75
Unknown
They said, “His punishment, if it is found in his bag: he will belong to you. Thus we penalize the guilty.”
12:76
So he began with their bags, before his brother's bag. Then he pulled it out of his brother’s bag. Thus We devised a plan for Joseph; he could not have detained his brother under the king’s law, unless God so willed. We elevate by degrees whomever We will; and above every person of knowledge, there is one more learned.
12:77
Allah
They said, “If he has stolen, a brother of his has stolen before.” But Joseph kept it to himself, and did not reveal it to them. He said, “You are in a worse situation, and God is Aware of what you allege.”
12:78
Allah
They said, “O noble prince, he has a father, a very old man, so take one of us in his place. We see that you are a good person.”
12:79
He said, “God forbid that we should arrest anyone except him in whose possession we found our property; for then we would be unjust.”
12:80
Narrator
And when they despaired of him, they conferred privately. Their eldest said, “Don’t you know that your father received a pledge from you before God, and in the past you failed with regard to Joseph? I will not leave this land until my father permits me, or God decides for me; for He is the Best of Deciders.”
12:81
“Go back to your father, and say, ‘Our father, your son has stolen. We testify only to what we know, and we could not have prevented the unforeseen.’”
12:82
Yaqub
“Ask the town where we were, and the caravan in which we came. We are being truthful.”
12:83
Yaqub
He said, “Rather, your souls have contrived something for you. Patience is a virtue. Perhaps God will bring them all back to me. He is the Knowing, the Wise.”
12:84
Yaqub
Then he turned away from them, and said, “O my bitterness for Joseph.” And his eyes turned white from sorrow, and he became depressed.
12:85
Narrator
They said, “By God, you will not stop remembering Joseph, until you have ruined your health, or you have passed away.”
12:86
Yaqub
He said, “I only complain of my grief and sorrow to God, and I know from God what you do not know.”
12:87
Narrator
“O my sons, go and inquire about Joseph and his brother, and do not despair of God's comfort. None despairs of God's comfort except the disbelieving people.”
12:88
Narrator
Then, when they entered into his presence, they said, “Mighty governor, adversity has befallen us, and our family. We have brought scant merchandise. But give us full measure, and be charitable towards us—God rewards the charitable.”
12:89
Narrator
He said, “Do you realize what you did with Joseph and his brother, in your ignorance?”
12:90
Allah
They said, “Is that you, Joseph?” He said, “I am Joseph, and this is my brother. God has been gracious to us. He who practices piety and patience—God never fails to reward the righteous.”
12:91
Allah
They said, “By God, God has preferred you over us. We were definitely in the wrong.”
12:92
He said, “There is no blame upon you today. God will forgive you. He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
12:93
ye
“Take this shirt of mine, and lay it over my father’s face, and he will recover his sight. And bring your whole family to me.”
12:94
Narrator
As the caravan set out, their father said, “I sense the presence of Joseph, though you may think I am senile.”
12:95
ye
They said, “By God, you are still in your old confusion.”
12:96
the bearer of the good news
Then, when the bearer of good news arrived, he laid it over his face, and he regained his sight. He said, “Did I not say to you that I know from God what you do not know?”
12:97
ye
They said, “Father, pray for the forgiveness of our sins; we were indeed at fault.”
12:98
the bearer of the good news
He said, “I will ask my Lord to forgive you. He is the Forgiver, the Most Merciful.”
12:99
the bearer of the good news
Then, when they entered into the presence of Joseph, he embraced his parents, and said, “Enter Egypt, God willing, safe and secure.”
12:100
the bearer of the good news
And he elevated his parents on the throne, and they fell prostrate before him. He said, “Father, this is the fulfillment of my vision of long ago. My Lord has made it come true. He has blessed me, when he released me from prison, and brought you out of the wilderness, after the devil had sown conflict between me and my brothers. My Lord is Most Kind towards whomever He wills. He is the All-knowing, the Most Wise.”
12:101
Allah
“My Lord, You have given me some authority, and taught me some interpretation of events. Initiator of the heavens and the earth; You are my Protector in this life and in the Hereafter. Receive my soul in submission, and unite me with the righteous.”
12:102
This is news from the past that We reveal to you. You were not present with them when they plotted and agreed on a plan.
12:103
But most people, for all your eagerness, are not believers.
12:104
You ask them no wage for it. It is only a reminder for all mankind.
12:105
How many a sign in the heavens and the earth do they pass by, paying no attention to them?
12:106
And most of them do not believe in God unless they associate others.
12:107
Do they feel secure that a covering of God’s punishment will not come upon them, or that the Hour will not come upon them suddenly, while they are unaware?
12:108
Say, “This is my way; I invite to God, based on clear knowledge—I and whoever follows me. Glory be to God; and I am not of the polytheists.”
12:109
We did not send before you except men, whom We inspired, from the people of the towns. Have they not roamed the earth and seen the consequences for those before them? The Home of the Hereafter is better for those who are righteous. Do you not understand?
12:110
Until, when the messengers have despaired, and thought that they were rejected, Our help came to them. We save whomever We will, and Our severity is not averted from the guilty people.
12:111
In their stories is a lesson for those who possess intelligence. This is not a fabricated tale, but a confirmation of what came before it, and a detailed explanation of all things, and guidance, and mercy for people who believe.
When Joseph said to his father, “O my father, I saw eleven planets, and the sun, and the moon; I saw them bowing down to me.”
— Yusuf 12:4
He said, “O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers, lest they plot and scheme against you. Satan is man's sworn enemy.
— the father 12:5
And thus your Lord will choose you, and will teach you the interpretation of events, and will complete His blessing upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He has completed it before upon your forefathers Abraham and Isaac. Your Lord is Knowing and Wise.
— Allah 12:6
“Kill Joseph, or throw him somewhere in the land, and your father‘s attention will be yours. Afterwards, you will be decent people.”
— thou 12:9
One of them said, “Do not kill Joseph, but throw him into the bottom of the well; some caravan may pick him up—if you must do something.”
— thou 12:10
They said, “Father, why do you not trust us with Joseph, although we care for him?”
— thou 12:11
“Send him with us tomorrow, that he may roam and play; we will take care of him.”
— Narrator 12:12
He said, “It worries me that you would take him away. And I fear the wolf may eat him while you are careless of him.”
— Allah 12:13
They said, “If the wolf ate him, and we are many, we would be good for nothing.”
— our father 12:14
They said, “O father, we went off racing one another, and left Joseph by our belongings; and the wolf ate him. But you will not believe us, even though we are being truthful.”
— thou 12:17
And they brought his shirt, with fake blood on it. He said, “Your souls enticed you to do something. But patience is beautiful, and God is my Help against what you describe.”
— thou 12:18
A caravan passed by, and they sent their water-carrier. He lowered his bucket, and said, “Good news. Here is a boy.” And they hid him as merchandise. But God was aware of what they did.
— a ( fine ) young man 12:19
The Egyptian who bought him said to his wife, “Take good care of him; he may be useful to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” We thus established Joseph in the land, to teach him the interpretation of events. God has control over His affairs, but most people do not know.
— a ( fine ) young man 12:21
She in whose house he was living tried to seduce him. She shut the doors, and said, “I am yours.” He said, “God forbid! He is my Lord. He has given me a good home. Sinners never succeed.”
— those who do wrong 12:23
As they raced towards the door, she tore his shirt from behind. At the door, they ran into her husband. She said, “What is the penalty for him who desired to dishonor your wife, except imprisonment or a painful punishment?”
— thy wife 12:25
He said, “It was she who tried to seduce me.” A witness from her household suggested: “If his shirt is torn from the front: then she has told the truth, and he is the liar.
— thy wife 12:26
But if his shirt is torn from the back: then she has lied, and he is the truthful.”
— Allah 12:27
And when he saw that his shirt was torn from the back, he said, “This is a woman's scheme. Your scheming is serious indeed.”
— Allah 12:28
“Joseph, turn away from this. And you, woman, ask forgiveness for your sin; you are indeed in the wrong.”
— Narrator 12:29
Some ladies in the city said, “The governor's wife is trying to seduce her servant. She is deeply in love with him. We see she has gone astray.”
— the ( great ) ' Aziz 12:30
And when she heard of their gossip, she invited them, and prepared for them a banquet, and she gave each one of them a knife. She said, “Come out before them.” And when they saw him, they marveled at him, and cut their hands. They said, “Good God, this is not a human, this must be a precious angel.”
— the ( great ) ' Aziz 12:31
She said, “Here he is, the one you blamed me for. I did try to seduce him, but he resisted. But if he does not do what I tell him to do, he will be imprisoned, and will be one of the despised.”
— Allah 12:32
He said, “My Lord, prison is more desirable to me than what they call me to. Unless You turn their scheming away from me, I may yield to them, and become one of the ignorant.”
— Allah 12:33
Two youth entered the prison with him. One of them said, “I see myself pressing wine.” The other said, “I see myself carrying bread on my head, from which the birds are eating. Tell us their interpretation—we see that you are one of the righteous.”
— Allah 12:36
“And I have followed the faith of my forefathers, Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. It is not for us to associate anything with God. This is by virtue of God’s grace upon us and upon the people, but most people do not give thanks.
— my two companions of the prison 12:38
“You do not worship, besides Him, except names you have named, you and your ancestors, for which God has sent down no authority. Judgment belongs to none but God. He has commanded that you worship none but Him. This is the right religion, but most people do not know.
— my two companions of the prison 12:40
“O my fellow inmates! One of you will serve his master wine; while the other will be crucified, and the birds will eat from his head. Thus the matter you are inquiring about is settled.”
— Allah 12:41
And he said to the one he thought would be released, “Mention me to your master.” But Satan caused him to forget mentioning him to his master, so he remained in prison for several years.
— Allah 12:42
The king said, “I see seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, and seven green spikes, and others dried up. O elders, explain to me my vision, if you are able to interpret visions.”
— Allah 12:43
They said, “Jumbles of dreams, and we know nothing of the interpretation of dreams.”
— Allah 12:44
The one who was released said, having remembered after a time, “I will inform you of its interpretation, so send me out.”
— Allah 12:45
“Joseph, O man of truth, inform us concerning seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, and seven green spikes, and others dried up, so that I may return to the people, so that they may know.”
— Allah 12:46
Then after that will come seven difficult ones, which will consume what you have stored for them, except for the little that you have preserved.
— ye 12:48
Then after that will come a year that brings relief to the people, and during which they will press.
— Allah 12:49
The king said, “Bring him to me.” And when the envoy came to him, he said, “Go back to your master, and ask him about the intentions of the women who cut their hands; my Lord is well aware of their schemes.”
— Allah 12:50
He said, “What was the matter with you, women, when you tried to seduce Joseph?” They said, “God forbid! We knew of no evil committed by him.” The governor’s wife then said, “Now the truth is out. It was I who tried to seduce him, and he is telling the truth.”
— Allah 12:51
“This is that he may know that I did not betray him in secret, and that God does not guide the scheming of the betrayers.”
— Allah 12:52
“Yet I do not claim to be innocent. The soul commands evil, except those on whom my Lord has mercy. Truly my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.”
— Narrator 12:53
The king said, “Bring him to me, and I will reserve him for myself.” And when he spoke to him, he said, “This day you are with us established and secure.”
— Allah 12:54
He said, “Put me in charge of the storehouses of the land; I am honest and knowledgeable.”
— Yusuf 12:55
When he provided them with their provisions, he said, “Bring me a brother of yours from your father. Do you not see that I fill up the measure, and I am the best of hosts?”
— Yusuf 12:59
“But if you do not bring him to me, you will have no measure from me, and you will not come near me.”
— Unknown 12:60
They said, “We will solicit him from his father. We will surely do.”
— our father 12:61
When they returned to their father, they said, “O father, we were denied measure, but send our brother with us, and we will obtain measure. We will take care of him.”
— Unknown 12:63
He said, “Shall I trust you with him, as I trusted you with his brother before? God is the Best Guardian, and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
— Allah 12:64
He said, “I will not send him with you, unless you give me a pledge before God that you will bring him back to me, unless you get trapped.” And when they gave him their pledge, he said, “God is witness to what we say.”
— Allah 12:66
And he said, “O my sons, do not enter by one gate, but enter by different gates. I cannot avail you anything against God. The decision rests only with God. On Him I rely, and on Him let the reliant rely.”
— Narrator 12:67
And when they entered into the presence of Joseph, he embraced his brother, and said, “I am your brother; do not be saddened by what they used to do.”
— Allah 12:69
Then, when he provided them with their provisions, he placed the drinking-cup in his brother’s saddlebag. Then an announcer called out, “O people of the caravan, you are thieves.”
— Narrator 12:70
They said, as they came towards them, “What are you missing?”
— Unknown 12:71
They said, “We are missing the king’s goblet. Whoever brings it will have a camel-load; and I personally guarantee it.”
— Allah 12:72
They said, “By God, you know we did not come to cause trouble in the land, and we are not thieves.”
— Allah 12:73
They said, “What shall be his punishment, if you are lying?”
— Narrator 12:74
They said, “His punishment, if it is found in his bag: he will belong to you. Thus we penalize the guilty.”
— Unknown 12:75
They said, “If he has stolen, a brother of his has stolen before.” But Joseph kept it to himself, and did not reveal it to them. He said, “You are in a worse situation, and God is Aware of what you allege.”
— Allah 12:77
They said, “O noble prince, he has a father, a very old man, so take one of us in his place. We see that you are a good person.”
— Allah 12:78
And when they despaired of him, they conferred privately. Their eldest said, “Don’t you know that your father received a pledge from you before God, and in the past you failed with regard to Joseph? I will not leave this land until my father permits me, or God decides for me; for He is the Best of Deciders.”
— Narrator 12:80
“Ask the town where we were, and the caravan in which we came. We are being truthful.”
— Yaqub 12:82
He said, “Rather, your souls have contrived something for you. Patience is a virtue. Perhaps God will bring them all back to me. He is the Knowing, the Wise.”
— Yaqub 12:83
Then he turned away from them, and said, “O my bitterness for Joseph.” And his eyes turned white from sorrow, and he became depressed.
— Yaqub 12:84
They said, “By God, you will not stop remembering Joseph, until you have ruined your health, or you have passed away.”
— Narrator 12:85
He said, “I only complain of my grief and sorrow to God, and I know from God what you do not know.”
— Yaqub 12:86
“O my sons, go and inquire about Joseph and his brother, and do not despair of God's comfort. None despairs of God's comfort except the disbelieving people.”
— Narrator 12:87
Then, when they entered into his presence, they said, “Mighty governor, adversity has befallen us, and our family. We have brought scant merchandise. But give us full measure, and be charitable towards us—God rewards the charitable.”
— Narrator 12:88
He said, “Do you realize what you did with Joseph and his brother, in your ignorance?”
— Narrator 12:89
They said, “Is that you, Joseph?” He said, “I am Joseph, and this is my brother. God has been gracious to us. He who practices piety and patience—God never fails to reward the righteous.”
— Allah 12:90
They said, “By God, God has preferred you over us. We were definitely in the wrong.”
— Allah 12:91
“Take this shirt of mine, and lay it over my father’s face, and he will recover his sight. And bring your whole family to me.”
— ye 12:93
As the caravan set out, their father said, “I sense the presence of Joseph, though you may think I am senile.”
— Narrator 12:94
They said, “By God, you are still in your old confusion.”
— ye 12:95
Then, when the bearer of good news arrived, he laid it over his face, and he regained his sight. He said, “Did I not say to you that I know from God what you do not know?”
— the bearer of the good news 12:96
They said, “Father, pray for the forgiveness of our sins; we were indeed at fault.”
— ye 12:97
He said, “I will ask my Lord to forgive you. He is the Forgiver, the Most Merciful.”
— the bearer of the good news 12:98
Then, when they entered into the presence of Joseph, he embraced his parents, and said, “Enter Egypt, God willing, safe and secure.”
— the bearer of the good news 12:99
And he elevated his parents on the throne, and they fell prostrate before him. He said, “Father, this is the fulfillment of my vision of long ago. My Lord has made it come true. He has blessed me, when he released me from prison, and brought you out of the wilderness, after the devil had sown conflict between me and my brothers. My Lord is Most Kind towards whomever He wills. He is the All-knowing, the Most Wise.”
— the bearer of the good news 12:100
“My Lord, You have given me some authority, and taught me some interpretation of events. Initiator of the heavens and the earth; You are my Protector in this life and in the Hereafter. Receive my soul in submission, and unite me with the righteous.”
— Allah 12:101
Divine Address
And thus your Lord will choose you, and will teach you the interpretation of events, and will complete His blessing upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He has completed it before upon your forefathers Abraham and Isaac. Your Lord is Knowing and Wise.
12:6
This verse underscores the special relationship between Allah and the Children of Israel, highlighting that divine favor is not arbitrary but bestowed upon those whom Allah chooses. The term *aḥṣal* (
He said, “It worries me that you would take him away. And I fear the wolf may eat him while you are careless of him.”
12:13
Jacob’s lament reveals the human tension between fear (khauf) and trust (tawakkul). His words show that profound anxiety can motivate protective action, yet it also signals a need for deeper reliance
But if his shirt is torn from the back: then she has lied, and he is the truthful.”
12:27
In Yusuf’s story, the brothers claim that Joseph’s shirt is torn from the front, a lie that would justify their accusation of theft. Allah’s revelation, however, corrects them: the shirt is actually t
And when he saw that his shirt was torn from the back, he said, “This is a woman's scheme. Your scheming is serious indeed.”
12:28
The verse from Surah Yusuf (12:28) is a reminder that women possess a unique ability to perceive hidden truths. In the story, the wife of Yaqub notices that Yusuf’s shirt is torn from the back—a subtl
She said, “Here he is, the one you blamed me for. I did try to seduce him, but he resisted. But if he does not do what I tell him to do, he will be imprisoned, and will be one of the despised.”
12:32
Surah Yusuf 12:32 presents the wife of the chief judge who, after being rejected by Joseph, attempts to seduce him and then falsely accuses him of misconduct. The verse underscores the Qur’anic princi
He said, “My Lord, prison is more desirable to me than what they call me to. Unless You turn their scheming away from me, I may yield to them, and become one of the ignorant.”
12:33
Yusuf’s supplication is a profound reminder of the Islamic principle of *trust (tawakkul)* combined with *self‑discipline*. The metaphor of prison is not literal but signifies the self‑imposed restrai
Two youth entered the prison with him. One of them said, “I see myself pressing wine.” The other said, “I see myself carrying bread on my head, from which the birds are eating. Tell us their interpretation—we see that you are one of the righteous.”
12:36
Yusuf’s encounter in the prison exemplifies the Qur’anic principle that true service begins with listening. The two young men, representing the future ruler’s court, bring dreams that are not merely p
“O my fellow inmates! One of you will serve his master wine; while the other will be crucified, and the birds will eat from his head. Thus the matter you are inquiring about is settled.”
12:41
The Qur’an’s account of the two prisoners (12:41) is a vivid illustration of the interplay between divine decree (qadar) and human agency. Ibn Kathir explains that the righteous companion’s faith and
And he said to the one he thought would be released, “Mention me to your master.” But Satan caused him to forget mentioning him to his master, so he remained in prison for several years.
12:42
Surah Yusuf’s narrative, especially verse 12:42, illustrates the indispensable role of intention (niyyah) in every act of remembrance. Ibn Kathir explains that Joseph’s failure to mention the man befo
The king said, “I see seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, and seven green spikes, and others dried up. O elders, explain to me my vision, if you are able to interpret visions.”
12:43
The king’s dream, narrated in 12:43, juxtaposes fat and lean cows and green and dry grain—symbols that have long been interpreted in Islamic scholarship as representing prosperity, decline, abundance,
They said, “Jumbles of dreams, and we know nothing of the interpretation of dreams.”
12:44
The Pharaoh’s people, lacking scholarly insight into dream interpretation, dismissed Moses’ revelations as mere ‘false dreams.’ This illustrates the peril of rejecting divine signs due to ignorance or
The one who was released said, having remembered after a time, “I will inform you of its interpretation, so send me out.”
12:45
Verse 12:45 recounts the freed servant of Prophet Yusuf who, upon remembering the dream he had seen, declares his readiness to explain its meaning and requests permission to ‘send him forth.’ In class
“Joseph, O man of truth, inform us concerning seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, and seven green spikes, and others dried up, so that I may return to the people, so that they may know.”
12:46
The verse of Joseph is not merely a historical narrative; it is a theological blueprint for discerning divine signs. In the dream, the seven fat cows represent abundance, the seven lean cows represent
Then after that will come a year that brings relief to the people, and during which they will press.
12:49
Verse 12:49 follows the calamity described earlier in Surah Yunus, where the people of the city faced famine and hardship. Allah’s promise of a year of rain and abundant harvest is a divine reminder t
The king said, “Bring him to me.” And when the envoy came to him, he said, “Go back to your master, and ask him about the intentions of the women who cut their hands; my Lord is well aware of their schemes.”
12:50
Joseph’s counsel in this verse illustrates the profound principle that true wisdom lies not in human deliberation but in divine knowledge. By asking Allah to reveal the hidden motives of those who sou
He said, “What was the matter with you, women, when you tried to seduce Joseph?” They said, “God forbid! We knew of no evil committed by him.” The governor’s wife then said, “Now the truth is out. It was I who tried to seduce him, and he is telling the truth.”
12:51
In Surah Yusuf, the king’s wife confesses her attempt to seduce the Prophet, revealing the power of truth over deceit. The verse underscores that Allah knows all hidden hearts, and that truth cannot b
“This is that he may know that I did not betray him in secret, and that God does not guide the scheming of the betrayers.”
12:52
Al‑‘Azeez, the Mighty, declares that the betrayer’s scheme is futile because Allah’s knowledge surpasses all deception. Ibn Kathir explains that the verse reassures the innocent that the betrayer’s pl
The king said, “Bring him to me, and I will reserve him for myself.” And when he spoke to him, he said, “This day you are with us established and secure.”
12:54
Trust (amanah) in Islam is a divine test of character. The verse of Yusuf (12:54) shows the king entrusting a young man with the stewardship of the kingdom; Yusuf accepted the appointment with humilit
He said, “Shall I trust you with him, as I trusted you with his brother before? God is the Best Guardian, and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
12:64
In 12:64, Prophet Yusuf confronts a dilemma about entrusting a brother to a human guardian. He reminds himself that Allah is the best guardian—an affirmation of tawakkul, the Islamic principle of comp
He said, “I will not send him with you, unless you give me a pledge before God that you will bring him back to me, unless you get trapped.” And when they gave him their pledge, he said, “God is witness to what we say.”
12:66
The verse highlights the dual nature of promises: human commitment and divine witness. Jacob's insistence that Allah be the witness underscores that promises are not merely social contracts but are sa
And when they entered into the presence of Joseph, he embraced his brother, and said, “I am your brother; do not be saddened by what they used to do.”
12:69
In 12:69, Joseph’s words to his brother are a masterclass in divine‑inspired mercy. He acknowledges the pain inflicted by the brothers yet refuses to let despair dictate his response. Classical schola
They said, “We are missing the king’s goblet. Whoever brings it will have a camel-load; and I personally guarantee it.”
12:72
The brothers of Yusuf were told that the king’s measure was lost; the reward for finding it was a camel’s load. This imagery conveys the weight of divine accountability. In Arabic, ‘measure’ (thulth)
They said, “By God, you know we did not come to cause trouble in the land, and we are not thieves.”
12:73
In 12:73 the people of the city deny any role in the corruption they caused, proclaiming innocence before Allah who knows all. The verse is a stark reminder that Allah’s knowledge is complete, and hum
They said, “If he has stolen, a brother of his has stolen before.” But Joseph kept it to himself, and did not reveal it to them. He said, “You are in a worse situation, and God is Aware of what you allege.”
12:77
In Surah Yusuf (12:77), the Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him) faces a false accusation that a brother has stolen. Rather than retaliate or spread the rumor, he keeps the matter within himself, trusti
They said, “O noble prince, he has a father, a very old man, so take one of us in his place. We see that you are a good person.”
12:78
In Surah Yusuf (12:78), the people of Egypt flatter the king, claiming Joseph’s father is old and offering themselves in his place. Their words are a subtle deception, aiming to manipulate the wise ru
They said, “Is that you, Joseph?” He said, “I am Joseph, and this is my brother. God has been gracious to us. He who practices piety and patience—God never fails to reward the righteous.”
12:90
The verse of Joseph (12:90) encapsulates the Qur’anic principle that true success lies in the union of taqwa (fear of Allah) and sabr (patience). Scholars such as Ibn Kathir emphasize that Joseph’s pa
They said, “By God, God has preferred you over us. We were definitely in the wrong.”
12:91
The brothers of Prophet Yusuf (Yusuf, 12:91) openly confessed that Allah’s preference for them was a divine decree, not a moral superiority. Their words remind us that every success, wealth, or good h
“My Lord, You have given me some authority, and taught me some interpretation of events. Initiator of the heavens and the earth; You are my Protector in this life and in the Hereafter. Receive my soul in submission, and unite me with the righteous.”
12:101
In Surah Yusuf, the Prophet’s supplication encapsulates three profound gifts: sovereignty, the science of dream interpretation, and divine protection. Scholars such as Ibn Sirin and al-Majlisi view th
Character Dossier
Yusuf
prophet
named
Total mentions: 78
In sura: 75
Dominant need: Esteem
When Joseph said to his father, “O my father, I saw eleven planets, and the sun, and the moon; I saw them bowing down to me.”
12:4
Yaqub
familial
9 verses
Brothers of Yusuf
familial
20 verses
Allah
divine mission
15 verses
Ibrahim
prophetic lineage
2 verses
Ishaq
prophetic lineage
2 verses
First: Sura 6
· Last: Sura 40
· 3 suras
Allah
spiritual entity
Total mentions: 4187
In sura: 57
Dominant need: Transcendence
And thus your Lord will choose you, and will teach you the interpretation of events, and will complete His blessing upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He has completed it before upon your forefathers Abraham and Isaac. Your Lord is Knowing and Wise.
12:6
He said, “My Lord, prison is more desirable to me than what they call me to. Unless You turn their scheming away from me, I may yield to them, and become one of the ignorant.”
12:33
The king said, “Bring him to me.” And when the envoy came to him, he said, “Go back to your master, and ask him about the intentions of the women who cut their hands; my Lord is well aware of their schemes.”
12:50
Mankind
divinity
1 verses
Yusuf
divine mission
15 verses
Yaqub
divine mission
10 verses
Zulaykha
divine mission
1 verses
First: Sura 1
· Last: Sura 114
· 112 suras
Brothers of Yusuf
historical figure
Total mentions: 51
In sura: 51
Dominant need: Safety
Yusuf
familial
20 verses
Yaqub
familial
17 verses
Binyamin
adversarial
2 verses
Iblis
adversarial
1 verses
First: Sura 12
· Last: Sura 12
· 1 suras
Total characters in this sura: 16
Witness Testimony
Allah
spiritual entity
(28 statements)
And thus your Lord will choose you, and will teach you the interpretation of events, and will complete His blessing upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He has completed it before upon your forefathers Abraham and Isaac. Your Lord is Knowing and Wise.
12:6
He said, “It worries me that you would take him away. And I fear the wolf may eat him while you are careless of him.”
12:13
But if his shirt is torn from the back: then she has lied, and he is the truthful.”
12:27
And when he saw that his shirt was torn from the back, he said, “This is a woman's scheme. Your scheming is serious indeed.”
12:28
She said, “Here he is, the one you blamed me for. I did try to seduce him, but he resisted. But if he does not do what I tell him to do, he will be imprisoned, and will be one of the despised.”
12:32
He said, “My Lord, prison is more desirable to me than what they call me to. Unless You turn their scheming away from me, I may yield to them, and become one of the ignorant.”
12:33
Two youth entered the prison with him. One of them said, “I see myself pressing wine.” The other said, “I see myself carrying bread on my head, from which the birds are eating. Tell us their interpretation—we see that you are one of the righteous.”
12:36
“O my fellow inmates! One of you will serve his master wine; while the other will be crucified, and the birds will eat from his head. Thus the matter you are inquiring about is settled.”
12:41
And he said to the one he thought would be released, “Mention me to your master.” But Satan caused him to forget mentioning him to his master, so he remained in prison for several years.
12:42
The king said, “I see seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, and seven green spikes, and others dried up. O elders, explain to me my vision, if you are able to interpret visions.”
12:43
thou
(5 statements)
“Kill Joseph, or throw him somewhere in the land, and your father‘s attention will be yours. Afterwards, you will be decent people.”
12:9
One of them said, “Do not kill Joseph, but throw him into the bottom of the well; some caravan may pick him up—if you must do something.”
12:10
They said, “Father, why do you not trust us with Joseph, although we care for him?”
12:11
They said, “O father, we went off racing one another, and left Joseph by our belongings; and the wolf ate him. But you will not believe us, even though we are being truthful.”
12:17
And they brought his shirt, with fake blood on it. He said, “Your souls enticed you to do something. But patience is beautiful, and God is my Help against what you describe.”
12:18
ye
(4 statements)
Then after that will come seven difficult ones, which will consume what you have stored for them, except for the little that you have preserved.
12:48
“Take this shirt of mine, and lay it over my father’s face, and he will recover his sight. And bring your whole family to me.”
12:93
They said, “By God, you are still in your old confusion.”
12:95
They said, “Father, pray for the forgiveness of our sins; we were indeed at fault.”
12:97
Yaqub
prophet
(4 statements)
“Ask the town where we were, and the caravan in which we came. We are being truthful.”
12:82
He said, “Rather, your souls have contrived something for you. Patience is a virtue. Perhaps God will bring them all back to me. He is the Knowing, the Wise.”
12:83
Then he turned away from them, and said, “O my bitterness for Joseph.” And his eyes turned white from sorrow, and he became depressed.
12:84
He said, “I only complain of my grief and sorrow to God, and I know from God what you do not know.”
12:86
the bearer of the good news
(4 statements)
Then, when the bearer of good news arrived, he laid it over his face, and he regained his sight. He said, “Did I not say to you that I know from God what you do not know?”
12:96
He said, “I will ask my Lord to forgive you. He is the Forgiver, the Most Merciful.”
12:98
Then, when they entered into the presence of Joseph, he embraced his parents, and said, “Enter Egypt, God willing, safe and secure.”
12:99
And he elevated his parents on the throne, and they fell prostrate before him. He said, “Father, this is the fulfillment of my vision of long ago. My Lord has made it come true. He has blessed me, when he released me from prison, and brought you out of the wilderness, after the devil had sown conflict between me and my brothers. My Lord is Most Kind towards whomever He wills. He is the All-knowing, the Most Wise.”
12:100
Yusuf
prophet
(3 statements)
When Joseph said to his father, “O my father, I saw eleven planets, and the sun, and the moon; I saw them bowing down to me.”
12:4
He said, “Put me in charge of the storehouses of the land; I am honest and knowledgeable.”
12:55
When he provided them with their provisions, he said, “Bring me a brother of yours from your father. Do you not see that I fill up the measure, and I am the best of hosts?”
12:59
our father
(2 statements)
They said, “If the wolf ate him, and we are many, we would be good for nothing.”
12:14
They said, “We will solicit him from his father. We will surely do.”
12:61
a ( fine ) young man
(2 statements)
A caravan passed by, and they sent their water-carrier. He lowered his bucket, and said, “Good news. Here is a boy.” And they hid him as merchandise. But God was aware of what they did.
12:19
The Egyptian who bought him said to his wife, “Take good care of him; he may be useful to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” We thus established Joseph in the land, to teach him the interpretation of events. God has control over His affairs, but most people do not know.
12:21
thy wife
(2 statements)
As they raced towards the door, she tore his shirt from behind. At the door, they ran into her husband. She said, “What is the penalty for him who desired to dishonor your wife, except imprisonment or a painful punishment?”
12:25
He said, “It was she who tried to seduce me.” A witness from her household suggested: “If his shirt is torn from the front: then she has told the truth, and he is the liar.
12:26
the ( great ) ' Aziz
(2 statements)
Some ladies in the city said, “The governor's wife is trying to seduce her servant. She is deeply in love with him. We see she has gone astray.”
12:30
And when she heard of their gossip, she invited them, and prepared for them a banquet, and she gave each one of them a knife. She said, “Come out before them.” And when they saw him, they marveled at him, and cut their hands. They said, “Good God, this is not a human, this must be a precious angel.”
12:31
my two companions of the prison
(2 statements)
“And I have followed the faith of my forefathers, Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. It is not for us to associate anything with God. This is by virtue of God’s grace upon us and upon the people, but most people do not give thanks.
12:38
“You do not worship, besides Him, except names you have named, you and your ancestors, for which God has sent down no authority. Judgment belongs to none but God. He has commanded that you worship none but Him. This is the right religion, but most people do not know.
12:40
the father
(1 statements)
He said, “O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers, lest they plot and scheme against you. Satan is man's sworn enemy.
12:5
those who do wrong
(1 statements)
She in whose house he was living tried to seduce him. She shut the doors, and said, “I am yours.” He said, “God forbid! He is my Lord. He has given me a good home. Sinners never succeed.”
12:23
60 total quotes from 13 speakers
The Consequence Column
Al-Aziz
Yusuf
adversarial
12:21, 12:23, 12:28, 12:29, 12:35
Yusuf
Zulaykha
adversarial
12:23, 12:24, 12:25, 12:26, 12:27
Iblis
Yusuf
adversarial
12:42
Binyamin
Brothers of Yusuf
adversarial
12:63, 12:77
Brothers of Yusuf
Iblis
adversarial
12:100
War Correspondent
Combatants: Yusuf, Allah, Brothers of Yusuf, Yaqub, Binyamin
Battle Verses: 35
adversarial
Al-Aziz & Yusuf
adversarial
Yusuf & Zulaykha
adversarial
Iblis & Yusuf
alliance
King of Egypt & Yusuf
adversarial
Binyamin & Brothers of Yusuf
adversarial
Brothers of Yusuf & Iblis
12:5
Guarding the Sacred Vision: A Warning Against Revelation
Generic
· Tense
· Intimate
12:8
Confronting the Jealous Heart: Lessons from Joseph's Brothers
Palace
· Tense
· Communal
12:9
From Envy to Enrichment: The Moral Turning Point in Joseph’s Family
Generic
· Tense
· Intimate
12:14
The Wolf's Paradox: Trusting Allah Amid Fear of the Unseen
Wilderness
· Tense
· Communal
12:15
The Quiet Witness of Justice
Cave
· Tense
· Intimate
12:17
The Perils of Deceptive Confidence
Wilderness
· Tense
· Intimate
12:18
Patience Amid Perceived Falsehood: The Jacobian Test
Generic
· Tense
· Intimate
12:23
Guarding the Heart: Lessons from Yusuf’s Resolve
House
· Tense
· Intimate
12:25
Guarding the Heart: Shielding Loved Ones from Ill‑Will
Domestic
· Tense
· Intimate
12:26
Guarding the Truth: Lessons from Joseph’s Testimony
Household
· Tense
· Intimate
12:27
The Shirt of Truth: How Evidence Exposes Deception
Generic
· Tense
· Intimate
12:28
Listening to the Hidden Plan of Women
Domestic
· Tense
· Intimate
12:30
Guarding the Heart from Deceptive Longing
City
· Tense
· Communal
12:31
When Envy Turns to Reverence: Lessons from Joseph's Brothers
Palace
· Tense
· Intimate
12:32
The Test of Integrity: Lessons from the Judge’s Wife
Prison
· Tense
· Intimate
Science & Cosmos
Unveiling the Alif‑Lam‑Ra: Gateways to the Clear Book
Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the Verses of the Clear Book.
12:1
CreationKnowledge
The huruf muqatta‘at—Alif, Lam, Ra—are not arbitrary letters but divine signposts pointing to the Qur’an’s nature as a clear, revealed scripture. Scholars trace their appearance in 29 surahs,...
The Covenant of Divine Wisdom and Favor
And thus your Lord will choose you, and will teach you the interpretation of events, and will complete His blessing upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He has completed it before upon your forefathers Abraham and Isaac. Your Lord is Knowing and Wise.
12:6
— Allah
CreationKnowledge
This verse underscores the special relationship between Allah and the Children of Israel, highlighting that divine favor is not arbitrary but bestowed upon those whom Allah chooses. The term...
Guarding the Heart: Lessons from Yusuf’s Resolve
She in whose house he was living tried to seduce him. She shut the doors, and said, “I am yours.” He said, “God forbid! He is my Lord. He has given me a good home. Sinners never succeed.”
12:23
— those who do wrong
CreationKnowledge
Prophet Yusuf’s encounter with the wife of the chief of the household is a timeless illustration of the power of seeking divine refuge in moments of moral crisis. In the Qur’an, Yusuf’s reply—"I...
The One‑Name Reality of Worship
“You do not worship, besides Him, except names you have named, you and your ancestors, for which God has sent down no authority. Judgment belongs to none but God. He has commanded that you worship none but Him. This is the right religion, but most people do not know.
12:40
— my two companions of the prison
Creation
Surah Yusuf’s verse 12:40 reminds us that worship is not a function of the names we attach to the Divine but of the One who bestows those names. In classical theology, the *names* of Allah are...
Joseph’s Freedom: Mercy and Reward in Our Guidance
And thus We established Joseph in the land, to live therein wherever he wished. We touch with Our mercy whomever We will, and We never waste the reward of the righteous.
12:56
Creation
This verse reminds us that Allah’s mercy is not arbitrary; it is a deliberate settlement for those who earnestly seek good. In the story of Joseph, after enduring betrayal, imprisonment, and...
The Gateways of Trust: Yusuf’s Call to Tawakkul
And he said, “O my sons, do not enter by one gate, but enter by different gates. I cannot avail you anything against God. The decision rests only with God. On Him I rely, and on Him let the reliant rely.”
12:67
— Narrator
Knowledge
Yusuf’s words in 12:67 encapsulate the essence of tawakkul—reliance on Allah’s decree—while also illustrating the practical wisdom of diversifying our approaches. By telling his sons to "enter...
The Divine Blueprint of Joseph's Journey
So he began with their bags, before his brother's bag. Then he pulled it out of his brother’s bag. Thus We devised a plan for Joseph; he could not have detained his brother under the king’s law, unless God so willed. We elevate by degrees whomever We will; and above every person of knowledge, there is one more learned.
12:76
CreationKnowledge
Joseph’s story is a living testament to Allah’s meticulous planning. In 12:76, the Qur’an reveals that the search for the brothers’ bags—an apparently trivial act—was orchestrated by divine will....
The Quiet Resolve of Joseph
They said, “If he has stolen, a brother of his has stolen before.” But Joseph kept it to himself, and did not reveal it to them. He said, “You are in a worse situation, and God is Aware of what you allege.”
12:77
— Allah
Knowledge
In Surah Yusuf (12:77), the Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him) faces a false accusation that a brother has stolen. Rather than retaliate or spread the rumor, he keeps the matter within himself,...
The Dreamer's Covenant: Sovereignty, Interpretation, and Eternal Protection
“My Lord, You have given me some authority, and taught me some interpretation of events. Initiator of the heavens and the earth; You are my Protector in this life and in the Hereafter. Receive my soul in submission, and unite me with the righteous.”
12:101
— Allah
Knowledge
In Surah Yusuf, the Prophet’s supplication encapsulates three profound gifts: sovereignty, the science of dream interpretation, and divine protection. Scholars such as Ibn Sirin and al-Majlisi...
Guarding the Pure Path: The Peril of Shirk in Faith
And most of them do not believe in God unless they associate others.
12:106
Knowledge
The verse from Surah Yusuf (12:106) confronts the paradox of people who claim faith yet cling to shirk. The Qur’an repeatedly warns that “shirk”—the association of partners with Allah—remains the...
Guarding the Unseen Hour
Do they feel secure that a covering of God’s punishment will not come upon them, or that the Hour will not come upon them suddenly, while they are unaware?
12:107
Knowledge
Surah Yusuf’s verse 12:107 confronts the complacent who, after witnessing Allah’s miracles, feel immune to punishment and believe the Hour cannot surprise them. It reminds believers of the...
Path of Genuine Calling: Rejecting Idolatry in Our Outreach
Say, “This is my way; I invite to God, based on clear knowledge—I and whoever follows me. Glory be to God; and I am not of the polytheists.”
12:108
Knowledge
The verse from Yusuf reminds the Prophet—and us— that the essence of our invitation is a sincere, unmediated call to the One who alone is worthy of worship. In the early days of revelation, the...
70 relevant verses
Diplomatic Wire
Ibrahim ↔ Yaqub — grandfather_grandson
12:6
Allah:
And thus your Lord will choose you, and will teach you the interpretation of events, and will complete His blessing upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He has completed it before upon your forefathers Abraham and Isaac. Your Lord is Knowing and Wise.
Allah ↔ Mankind — divinity
12:2
We have revealed it an Arabic Quran, so that you may understand.
Mankind ↔ Muhammad — teacher
12:103
But most people, for all your eagerness, are not believers.
12:104
You ask them no wage for it. It is only a reminder for all mankind.
Yaqub ↔ Yusuf — familial
12:4
Yusuf:
When Joseph said to his father, “O my father, I saw eleven planets, and the sun, and the moon; I saw them bowing down to me.”
12:5
the father:
He said, “O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers, lest they plot and scheme against you. Satan is man's sworn enemy.
12:13
Allah:
He said, “It worries me that you would take him away. And I fear the wolf may eat him while you are careless of him.”
12:38
my two companions of the prison:
“And I have followed the faith of my forefathers, Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. It is not for us to associate anything with God. This is by virtue of God’s grace upon us and upon the people, but most people do not give thanks.
12:84
Yaqub:
Then he turned away from them, and said, “O my bitterness for Joseph.” And his eyes turned white from sorrow, and he became depressed.
Brothers of Yusuf ↔ Yusuf — familial
12:5
the father:
He said, “O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers, lest they plot and scheme against you. Satan is man's sworn enemy.
12:7
In Joseph and his brothers are lessons for the seekers.
12:8
When they said, “Joseph and his brother are dearer to our father than we are, although we are a whole group. Our father is obviously in the wrong.
12:9
thou:
“Kill Joseph, or throw him somewhere in the land, and your father‘s attention will be yours. Afterwards, you will be decent people.”
12:10
thou:
One of them said, “Do not kill Joseph, but throw him into the bottom of the well; some caravan may pick him up—if you must do something.”
Mankind ↔ Iblis — evil_whispering
12:5
the father:
He said, “O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers, lest they plot and scheme against you. Satan is man's sworn enemy.
Faction Map
Yusuf
prophet
75
Allah
spiritual entity
57
Brothers of Yusuf
historical figure
51
Yaqub
prophet
36
Binyamin
historical figure
20
Zulaykha
historical figure
14
King of Egypt
historical figure
8
Al-Aziz
historical figure
7
Muhammad
prophet
6
Mankind
group
6
Believers
group
4
Disbelievers
group
4
Iblis
spiritual entity
3
Ibrahim
prophet
2
Ishaq
prophet
2
Ibrahim
Yaqub
grandfather_grandson
Allah
Mankind
divinity
Mankind
Muhammad
teacher
Yaqub
Yusuf
familial
Brothers of Yusuf
Yusuf
familial
Mankind
Iblis
evil_whispering
Allah
Yusuf
divine_mission
Ibrahim
Yusuf
prophetic_lineage
Ishaq
Yusuf
prophetic_lineage
Brothers of Yusuf
Yaqub
familial
Binyamin
Yusuf
familial
Allah
Yaqub
divine_mission
Al-Aziz
Zulaykha
familial
Al-Aziz
Yusuf
adversarial
Yusuf
Zulaykha
adversarial
Iblis
Yusuf
adversarial
King of Egypt
Yusuf
alliance
Allah
Zulaykha
divine_mission
Binyamin
Brothers of Yusuf
adversarial
Binyamin
Yaqub
familial
Brothers of Yusuf
Iblis
adversarial
15 characters · 21 relationships
Audio Edition
111 segments
ye: 4
thou: 5
Allah: 28
Yaqub: 4
Yusuf: 3
Unknown: 4
Narrator: 47
thy wife: 2
our father: 2
the father: 1
those who do wrong: 1
a ( fine ) young man: 2
the ( great ) ' Aziz: 2
the bearer of the good news: 4
my two companions of the prison: 2
12:1
Narrator
12:2
Narrator
12:3
Narrator
12:4
Yusuf
Quote
12:5
the father
Quote
12:6
Allah
Quote
12:7
Narrator
12:8
Narrator
12:9
thou
Quote
12:10
thou
Quote
Editorial
CreationFaithKnowledgeUnityGuidance
Unveiling the Alif‑Lam‑Ra: Gateways to the Clear Book
The huruf muqatta‘at—Alif, Lam, Ra—are not arbitrary letters but divine signposts pointing to the Qur’an’s nature as a clear, revealed scripture. Scholars trace their appearance in 29 surahs, debating whether they encode meanings or simply invoke Allah’s presence. Their recurrence signals that the Qur’an is not a mere text but a living, dynamic revelation. Alif, the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, denotes the beginning; Lam, the second, the continuation; Ra, the third, the culmination. Together they mirror the Qur’an’s structure: introduction, development, and conclusion. By reciting these letters before reading, we acknowledge the Qur’an’s clarity and invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate its depths, reminding us that every verse, though simple on the surface, carries layers of divine wisdom awaiting our attentive heart.
12:1
The Covenant of Divine Wisdom and Favor
This verse underscores the special relationship between Allah and the Children of Israel, highlighting that divine favor is not arbitrary but bestowed upon those whom Allah chooses. The term *aḥṣal* (choose) signifies a deliberate selection, echoing the Qur’anic motif that Allah’s blessings are intentional and purposeful. Scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that the ‘interpretation of narratives’ refers to *fahm al‑akhbar*—the ability to discern the deeper moral and spiritual lessons embedded in prophetic stories. The continuation of favor from Abraham and Isaac to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ demonstrates the concept of *tawāba* (return) and *intiqāʿ* (inheritance of blessings). By recognizing our chosen status, we cultivate gratitude, humility, and a sincere pursuit of knowledge, aligning our hearts with the divine wisdom that governs all revelation. This awareness transforms passive belief into active engagement, inviting us to seek understanding and to embody the virtues exemplified by our forebears.
12:6
Guarding the Heart: Lessons from Yusuf’s Resolve
Prophet Yusuf’s encounter with the wife of the chief of the household is a timeless illustration of the power of seeking divine refuge in moments of moral crisis. In the Qur’an, Yusuf’s reply—"I seek refuge with Allah; He is my master, who has made my residence good. Wrongdoers will not succeed"—expresses a profound trust that the Creator safeguards the believer’s inner sanctum. Islamic scholars such as Ibn Kathir emphasize that this statement is not merely a plea but a declaration of *tawakkul* (complete reliance) and *ikhlas* (sincerity). The phrase ‘He is my master’ underscores the believer’s recognition of Allah’s sovereignty over all affairs, while ‘who has made my residence good’ reflects the idea that faith transforms the inner environment into a place of safety and moral clarity. The final assurance that wrongdoers will not succeed highlights the Qur’anic principle that divine justice ultimately prevails over human deceit. By internalizing this verse, Muslims learn to confront temptation with a heart anchored in Allah, turning every potential lapse into an opportunity for spiritual growth.
12:23
The Legacy of Monotheism: A Call to Grateful Faith
The verse of Surah Yusuf reminds us that the Abrahamic family—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—followed a pure monotheistic faith that forbids any association with Allah. In classical exegesis, scholars such as Ibn Kathir note that this lineage exemplifies ‘tawhid’ as an inherited legacy, not merely a personal choice. The phrase ‘that is from the favor of Allah upon us’ underscores the concept of ni‘ma: the divine grace that grants the ability to maintain pure monotheism. Yet, the verse laments that many people are ungrateful. This serves as a reminder that gratitude (shukr) is inseparable from faith; without it, the faith becomes stagnant. Thus, Muslims are urged to emulate the prophets’ steadfastness, maintain tawhid, and cultivate constant gratitude, recognizing that each act of worship is a response to Allah’s favor. The verse also warns against subtle shirk, such as over‑reliance on worldly comforts, and encourages us to seek true reliance on Allah.
12:38
The One‑Name Reality of Worship
Surah Yusuf’s verse 12:40 reminds us that worship is not a function of the names we attach to the Divine but of the One who bestows those names. In classical theology, the *names* of Allah are descriptors of His attributes—*Al‑Rahman* (the Most Merciful), *Al‑Quddus* (the Holy), *Al‑Khalil* (the Friend). They are labels, not independent powers. Ibn Taymiyyah stressed that ‘there is no worship beyond Allah’ (al‑Muqaddimah). Al‑Ghazali, in *Ihya al‑Umma*, warns against “name‑worship” where a believer may attribute acts of worship to a title rather than to Allah himself. The verse therefore calls for a conscious shift: we must see every name as a sign pointing to the reality behind it and re‑center our devotion solely on the One who created the names. This protects us from the subtle trap of idolatry disguised as reverence for titles.
12:40
Based on 5 verses
Word of the Edition
Faith
Appears 96 times (16.4% of themes)
587 total tag instances in this edition
Faith
96
Knowledge
56
Guidance
55
Prophets
45
Creation
35
Patience
30
Mercy
29
Worship
28
Justice
27
Afterlife
27
Accountability
26
Community
24
Family
21
Repentance
21
Unity
18
Gratitude
15
Humility
12
Provision
9
Covenant
8
Charity
5
12:2 The Language of Revelation: Why Arabic is the...
12:3 Unveiling Divine Narratives: The Quran’s Best Stories
12:4 The Prophet’s Dream: A Divine Message of Humility
Cross-Edition References
1, Ayah 6
26 citations
Unveiling Divine Narratives: The Quran’s Best Stories
2:6
26 citations
Unveiling Divine Narratives: The Quran’s Best Stories
Edition 2
2:7
26 citations
Unveiling Divine Narratives: The Quran’s Best Stories
Edition 2
2, Ayah 8
26 citations
Unveiling Divine Narratives: The Quran’s Best Stories
1:1
12 citations
Unveiling the Alif‑Lam‑Ra: Gateways to the Clear Book
Edition 1
1:2
12 citations
Unveiling the Alif‑Lam‑Ra: Gateways to the Clear Book
Edition 1
1:3
12 citations
Unveiling the Alif‑Lam‑Ra: Gateways to the Clear Book
Edition 1
1:4
12 citations
Unveiling the Alif‑Lam‑Ra: Gateways to the Clear Book
Edition 1
2:69
9 citations
Confronting the Jealous Heart: Lessons from Joseph's Brothers
Edition 2
7:115
9 citations
Confronting the Jealous Heart: Lessons from Joseph's Brothers
Edition 7
2:3
8 citations
The Language of Revelation: Why Arabic is the Gateway to Divine Truth
Edition 2
2:11
8 citations
The Language of Revelation: Why Arabic is the Gateway to Divine Truth
Edition 2
Sura:2:14
8 citations
The Language of Revelation: Why Arabic is the Gateway to Divine Truth
2:44
8 citations
The Language of Revelation: Why Arabic is the Gateway to Divine Truth
Edition 2
12:9
8 citations
Confronting the Jealous Heart: Lessons from Joseph's Brothers
Edition 12
20 total cross-references
Reader Action
Daily Actions
Each morning, pause, pronounce the Arabic letters Alif, Lam, Ra aloud, then silently read a verse from the Qur’an and note its clarity in a small notebook. 12:1
Today, consciously acknowledge your chosen status and actively seek to understand the Qur’an’s narratives by reflecting on a verse and asking for guidance. 12:6
Whenever you face temptation or a compromising situation, pause, recite the verse’s plea for refuge, and evaluate the moral implications before acting. 12:23
Weekly Challenge
For seven days, choose a different verse that begins with Alif, Lam, Ra (or any huruf muqatta‘at). 1️⃣ Read the verse aloud and write a one‑sentence reflection on its clarity. 2️⃣ Note any new insight or question that arises. 3️⃣ At the end of the week, compile your reflections into a short booklet and rate the overall clarity you experienced on a scale of 1‑10. 4️⃣ Share the booklet with a friend or mentor to discuss how the huruf muqatta‘at guided your understanding. This practice will help you track how often you engage with the Qur’an’s hidden signs and how they deepen your spiritual perception. 12:1
Duas
O Allah, open my heart to the hidden meanings within Your clear Book; guide me to see beyond the letters to the truth they convey, and grant me the humility to accept what I cannot fathom. 12:1
O Allah, You have chosen me and taught me the interpretation of Your signs. Grant me the humility to accept Your favor, the wisdom to comprehend Your revelations, and the steadfastness to carry Your blessings to my family as You did for Abraham and Isaac. 12:6
Reflection
When a verse feels opaque, do I seek its hidden clarity or dismiss it as mere text? How does the presence of Alif‑Lam‑Ra prompt me to look beyond the surface?
In what ways do I assume my choices are independent, and how can I remind myself that I am chosen and guided by a knowing, wise Lord?
The Revelation Transcript
1
Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the Verses of the Clear Book.
2
We have revealed it an Arabic Quran, so that you may understand.
3
We narrate to you the most accurate history, by revealing to you this Quran. Although, prior to it, you were of the unaware.
4
When Joseph said to his father, “O my father, I saw eleven planets, and the sun, and the moon; I saw them bowing down to me.”
[Yusuf]
5
He said, “O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers, lest they plot and scheme against you. Satan is man's sworn enemy.
[the father]
6
And thus your Lord will choose you, and will teach you the interpretation of events, and will complete His blessing upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He has completed it before upon your forefathers Abraham and Isaac. Your Lord is Knowing and Wise.
[Allah]
7
In Joseph and his brothers are lessons for the seekers.
8
When they said, “Joseph and his brother are dearer to our father than we are, although we are a whole group. Our father is obviously in the wrong.
9
“Kill Joseph, or throw him somewhere in the land, and your father‘s attention will be yours. Afterwards, you will be decent people.”
[thou]
10
One of them said, “Do not kill Joseph, but throw him into the bottom of the well; some caravan may pick him up—if you must do something.”
[thou]
11
They said, “Father, why do you not trust us with Joseph, although we care for him?”
[thou]
12
“Send him with us tomorrow, that he may roam and play; we will take care of him.”
13
He said, “It worries me that you would take him away. And I fear the wolf may eat him while you are careless of him.”
[Allah]
14
They said, “If the wolf ate him, and we are many, we would be good for nothing.”
[our father]
15
So they went away with him, and agreed to put him at the bottom of the well. And We inspired him, “You will inform them of this deed of theirs when they are unaware.”
16
And they came to their father in the evening weeping.
17
They said, “O father, we went off racing one another, and left Joseph by our belongings; and the wolf ate him. But you will not believe us, even though we are being truthful.”
[thou]
18
And they brought his shirt, with fake blood on it. He said, “Your souls enticed you to do something. But patience is beautiful, and God is my Help against what you describe.”
[thou]
19
A caravan passed by, and they sent their water-carrier. He lowered his bucket, and said, “Good news. Here is a boy.” And they hid him as merchandise. But God was aware of what they did.
[a ( fine ) young man]
20
And they sold him for a cheap price—a few coins—they considered him to be of little value.
21
The Egyptian who bought him said to his wife, “Take good care of him; he may be useful to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” We thus established Joseph in the land, to teach him the interpretation of events. God has control over His affairs, but most people do not know.
[a ( fine ) young man]
22
When he reached his maturity, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. We thus reward the righteous.
23
She in whose house he was living tried to seduce him. She shut the doors, and said, “I am yours.” He said, “God forbid! He is my Lord. He has given me a good home. Sinners never succeed.”
[those who do wrong]
24
She desired him, and he desired her, had he not seen the proof of his Lord. It was thus that We diverted evil and indecency away from him. He was one of Our loyal servants.
25
As they raced towards the door, she tore his shirt from behind. At the door, they ran into her husband. She said, “What is the penalty for him who desired to dishonor your wife, except imprisonment or a painful punishment?”
[thy wife]
26
He said, “It was she who tried to seduce me.” A witness from her household suggested: “If his shirt is torn from the front: then she has told the truth, and he is the liar.
[thy wife]
27
But if his shirt is torn from the back: then she has lied, and he is the truthful.”
[Allah]
28
And when he saw that his shirt was torn from the back, he said, “This is a woman's scheme. Your scheming is serious indeed.”
[Allah]
29
“Joseph, turn away from this. And you, woman, ask forgiveness for your sin; you are indeed in the wrong.”
30
Some ladies in the city said, “The governor's wife is trying to seduce her servant. She is deeply in love with him. We see she has gone astray.”
[the ( great ) ' Aziz]
31
And when she heard of their gossip, she invited them, and prepared for them a banquet, and she gave each one of them a knife. She said, “Come out before them.” And when they saw him, they marveled at him, and cut their hands. They said, “Good God, this is not a human, this must be a precious angel.”
[the ( great ) ' Aziz]
32
She said, “Here he is, the one you blamed me for. I did try to seduce him, but he resisted. But if he does not do what I tell him to do, he will be imprisoned, and will be one of the despised.”
[Allah]
33
He said, “My Lord, prison is more desirable to me than what they call me to. Unless You turn their scheming away from me, I may yield to them, and become one of the ignorant.”
[Allah]
34
Thereupon his Lord answered him, and diverted their scheming away from him. He is the Hearer, the Knower.
35
Then it occurred to them, after they had seen the signs, to imprison him for a while.
36
Two youth entered the prison with him. One of them said, “I see myself pressing wine.” The other said, “I see myself carrying bread on my head, from which the birds are eating. Tell us their interpretation—we see that you are one of the righteous.”
[Allah]
37
He said, “No food is served to you, but I have informed you about it before you have received it. That is some of what my Lord has taught me. I have forsaken the tradition of people who do not believe in God; and regarding the Hereafter, they are deniers.”
38
“And I have followed the faith of my forefathers, Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. It is not for us to associate anything with God. This is by virtue of God’s grace upon us and upon the people, but most people do not give thanks.
[my two companions of the prison]
39
“O My fellow inmates, are diverse lords better, or God, the One, the Supreme?”
40
“You do not worship, besides Him, except names you have named, you and your ancestors, for which God has sent down no authority. Judgment belongs to none but God. He has commanded that you worship none but Him. This is the right religion, but most people do not know.
[my two companions of the prison]
41
“O my fellow inmates! One of you will serve his master wine; while the other will be crucified, and the birds will eat from his head. Thus the matter you are inquiring about is settled.”
[Allah]
42
And he said to the one he thought would be released, “Mention me to your master.” But Satan caused him to forget mentioning him to his master, so he remained in prison for several years.
[Allah]
43
The king said, “I see seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, and seven green spikes, and others dried up. O elders, explain to me my vision, if you are able to interpret visions.”
[Allah]
44
They said, “Jumbles of dreams, and we know nothing of the interpretation of dreams.”
[Allah]
45
The one who was released said, having remembered after a time, “I will inform you of its interpretation, so send me out.”
[Allah]
46
“Joseph, O man of truth, inform us concerning seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, and seven green spikes, and others dried up, so that I may return to the people, so that they may know.”
[Allah]
47
He said, “You will farm for seven consecutive years. But whatever you harvest, leave it in its spikes, except for the little that you eat.”
48
Then after that will come seven difficult ones, which will consume what you have stored for them, except for the little that you have preserved.
[ye]
49
Then after that will come a year that brings relief to the people, and during which they will press.
[Allah]
50
The king said, “Bring him to me.” And when the envoy came to him, he said, “Go back to your master, and ask him about the intentions of the women who cut their hands; my Lord is well aware of their schemes.”
[Allah]
51
He said, “What was the matter with you, women, when you tried to seduce Joseph?” They said, “God forbid! We knew of no evil committed by him.” The governor’s wife then said, “Now the truth is out. It was I who tried to seduce him, and he is telling the truth.”
[Allah]
52
“This is that he may know that I did not betray him in secret, and that God does not guide the scheming of the betrayers.”
[Allah]
53
“Yet I do not claim to be innocent. The soul commands evil, except those on whom my Lord has mercy. Truly my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.”
54
The king said, “Bring him to me, and I will reserve him for myself.” And when he spoke to him, he said, “This day you are with us established and secure.”
[Allah]
55
He said, “Put me in charge of the storehouses of the land; I am honest and knowledgeable.”
[Yusuf]
56
And thus We established Joseph in the land, to live therein wherever he wished. We touch with Our mercy whomever We will, and We never waste the reward of the righteous.
57
But the reward of the Hereafter is better for those who believe and observed piety.
58
And Joseph's brothers came, and entered into his presence. He recognized them, but they did not recognize him.
59
When he provided them with their provisions, he said, “Bring me a brother of yours from your father. Do you not see that I fill up the measure, and I am the best of hosts?”
[Yusuf]
60
“But if you do not bring him to me, you will have no measure from me, and you will not come near me.”
[Unknown]
61
They said, “We will solicit him from his father. We will surely do.”
[our father]
62
He said to his servants, “Put their goods in their saddlebags; perhaps they will recognize them when they return to their families, and maybe they will come back.”
63
When they returned to their father, they said, “O father, we were denied measure, but send our brother with us, and we will obtain measure. We will take care of him.”
[Unknown]
64
He said, “Shall I trust you with him, as I trusted you with his brother before? God is the Best Guardian, and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
[Allah]
65
And when they opened their baggage, they found that their goods were returned to them. They said, “Father, what more do we want? Here are our goods, returned to us. We will provide for our family, and protect our brother, and have an additional camel-load. This is easy commerce.”
66
He said, “I will not send him with you, unless you give me a pledge before God that you will bring him back to me, unless you get trapped.” And when they gave him their pledge, he said, “God is witness to what we say.”
[Allah]
67
And he said, “O my sons, do not enter by one gate, but enter by different gates. I cannot avail you anything against God. The decision rests only with God. On Him I rely, and on Him let the reliant rely.”
68
And when they entered as their father had instructed them, it did not avail them anything against God; it was just a need in the soul of Jacob, which he carried out. He was a person of knowledge inasmuch as We had taught him, but most people do not know.
69
And when they entered into the presence of Joseph, he embraced his brother, and said, “I am your brother; do not be saddened by what they used to do.”
[Allah]
70
Then, when he provided them with their provisions, he placed the drinking-cup in his brother’s saddlebag. Then an announcer called out, “O people of the caravan, you are thieves.”
71
They said, as they came towards them, “What are you missing?”
[Unknown]
72
They said, “We are missing the king’s goblet. Whoever brings it will have a camel-load; and I personally guarantee it.”
[Allah]
73
They said, “By God, you know we did not come to cause trouble in the land, and we are not thieves.”
[Allah]
74
They said, “What shall be his punishment, if you are lying?”
75
They said, “His punishment, if it is found in his bag: he will belong to you. Thus we penalize the guilty.”
[Unknown]
76
So he began with their bags, before his brother's bag. Then he pulled it out of his brother’s bag. Thus We devised a plan for Joseph; he could not have detained his brother under the king’s law, unless God so willed. We elevate by degrees whomever We will; and above every person of knowledge, there is one more learned.
77
They said, “If he has stolen, a brother of his has stolen before.” But Joseph kept it to himself, and did not reveal it to them. He said, “You are in a worse situation, and God is Aware of what you allege.”
[Allah]
78
They said, “O noble prince, he has a father, a very old man, so take one of us in his place. We see that you are a good person.”
[Allah]
79
He said, “God forbid that we should arrest anyone except him in whose possession we found our property; for then we would be unjust.”
80
And when they despaired of him, they conferred privately. Their eldest said, “Don’t you know that your father received a pledge from you before God, and in the past you failed with regard to Joseph? I will not leave this land until my father permits me, or God decides for me; for He is the Best of Deciders.”
81
“Go back to your father, and say, ‘Our father, your son has stolen. We testify only to what we know, and we could not have prevented the unforeseen.’”
82
“Ask the town where we were, and the caravan in which we came. We are being truthful.”
[Yaqub]
83
He said, “Rather, your souls have contrived something for you. Patience is a virtue. Perhaps God will bring them all back to me. He is the Knowing, the Wise.”
[Yaqub]
84
Then he turned away from them, and said, “O my bitterness for Joseph.” And his eyes turned white from sorrow, and he became depressed.
[Yaqub]
85
They said, “By God, you will not stop remembering Joseph, until you have ruined your health, or you have passed away.”
86
He said, “I only complain of my grief and sorrow to God, and I know from God what you do not know.”
[Yaqub]
87
“O my sons, go and inquire about Joseph and his brother, and do not despair of God's comfort. None despairs of God's comfort except the disbelieving people.”
88
Then, when they entered into his presence, they said, “Mighty governor, adversity has befallen us, and our family. We have brought scant merchandise. But give us full measure, and be charitable towards us—God rewards the charitable.”
89
He said, “Do you realize what you did with Joseph and his brother, in your ignorance?”
90
They said, “Is that you, Joseph?” He said, “I am Joseph, and this is my brother. God has been gracious to us. He who practices piety and patience—God never fails to reward the righteous.”
[Allah]
91
They said, “By God, God has preferred you over us. We were definitely in the wrong.”
[Allah]
92
He said, “There is no blame upon you today. God will forgive you. He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
93
“Take this shirt of mine, and lay it over my father’s face, and he will recover his sight. And bring your whole family to me.”
[ye]
94
As the caravan set out, their father said, “I sense the presence of Joseph, though you may think I am senile.”
95
They said, “By God, you are still in your old confusion.”
[ye]
96
Then, when the bearer of good news arrived, he laid it over his face, and he regained his sight. He said, “Did I not say to you that I know from God what you do not know?”
[the bearer of the good news]
97
They said, “Father, pray for the forgiveness of our sins; we were indeed at fault.”
[ye]
98
He said, “I will ask my Lord to forgive you. He is the Forgiver, the Most Merciful.”
[the bearer of the good news]
99
Then, when they entered into the presence of Joseph, he embraced his parents, and said, “Enter Egypt, God willing, safe and secure.”
[the bearer of the good news]
100
And he elevated his parents on the throne, and they fell prostrate before him. He said, “Father, this is the fulfillment of my vision of long ago. My Lord has made it come true. He has blessed me, when he released me from prison, and brought you out of the wilderness, after the devil had sown conflict between me and my brothers. My Lord is Most Kind towards whomever He wills. He is the All-knowing, the Most Wise.”
[the bearer of the good news]
101
“My Lord, You have given me some authority, and taught me some interpretation of events. Initiator of the heavens and the earth; You are my Protector in this life and in the Hereafter. Receive my soul in submission, and unite me with the righteous.”
[Allah]
102
This is news from the past that We reveal to you. You were not present with them when they plotted and agreed on a plan.
103
But most people, for all your eagerness, are not believers.
104
You ask them no wage for it. It is only a reminder for all mankind.
105
How many a sign in the heavens and the earth do they pass by, paying no attention to them?
106
And most of them do not believe in God unless they associate others.
107
Do they feel secure that a covering of God’s punishment will not come upon them, or that the Hour will not come upon them suddenly, while they are unaware?
108
Say, “This is my way; I invite to God, based on clear knowledge—I and whoever follows me. Glory be to God; and I am not of the polytheists.”
109
We did not send before you except men, whom We inspired, from the people of the towns. Have they not roamed the earth and seen the consequences for those before them? The Home of the Hereafter is better for those who are righteous. Do you not understand?
110
Until, when the messengers have despaired, and thought that they were rejected, Our help came to them. We save whomever We will, and Our severity is not averted from the guilty people.
111
In their stories is a lesson for those who possess intelligence. This is not a fabricated tale, but a confirmation of what came before it, and a detailed explanation of all things, and guidance, and mercy for people who believe.
111 verses