About the Surah

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

       Alif-Lam-Ra. (Only Allah knows their meanings). These are the Verses of the Clear Book (i.e. it makes lawful and un-lawful things clear). 

       Indeed, We sent it down [to you (Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him))] as an Arabic Quran so that you understand it (first, then others understand it through you).

       We describe to you [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] the best of the stories, since We have revealed to you this Quran, and before this you knew nothing about it (the Quran).

       (Remember) when Yusuf ( )  said to his father: “O my father! Indeed, I saw (in a dream) that eleven stars and the sun and the moon are prostrating to me.”

       The father said: “O my son! Don’t reveal your dream to your brothers, lest they make a plot against you. Indeed, Satan is an open enemy of man.

       “And thus your Creator will honour you (with Prophethood) and will teach you the interpretations of  events, and will bestow upon you and on the children of Yaqub ( )  His favours as He did on your forefathers, Ibrahim ( )  and Ishaq ( )  before this. Indeed, your Creator is All-Knowing, All-Wise.”

       Indeed, in (the story of) Yusuf ( )  and his brothers there are proofs (of Allah’s Power and Muhammad’s (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) Prophethood) for those people who ask you (about this story).

       Indeed, in (the story of) Yusuf ( )  and his brothers there are proofs (of Allah’s Power and Muhammad’s (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) Prophethood) for those people who ask you (about this story).

       “Kill Yusuf ( )  or throw him in an (unknown) land so that your father’s full attention is focused on you. And become righteous people after that.”

       One of them said: “Do not kill Yusuf ( )  (since it is a big crime). If you must do, throw him in (the bottom of) a dead well, some caravan of the travellers will pick him up.”

       They said: “O our father! Why do you not trust us with Yusuf ( )  although we are definitely his well-wishers?

       “Send him with us tomorrow to eat, drink and play around. And, indeed, we are responsible for his safety.”

       Yaqub ( )  said: “Indeed, it will grieve me, if you take him with you. And I shall also be worried lest a wolf eat him up due to your negligence.”

       They said: “If a wolf eats him while we are a strong group (to protect him), then surely, we are totally useless persons.”

       So, when they took him away, they all agreed to throw him in (the bottom of) a dead well. (They acted upon their plan). Allah informed Yusuf ( )  (for his satisfaction): “Indeed, one day you shall inform them of their (evil) deed when they will not even recognize you.”

       And they came to their father in the early part of the night weeping.

       They said: “O our father! We were racing to overtake one another and we left Yusuf ( )  near our belongings, then a wolf ate him up. And you are not going to believe us even if we are truthful.”

       And they brought his shirt with false blood on it. (Yaqub ( )  saw the shirt, it was not torn at all – Tabari). Yaqub ( )  said: “[The wolf did not eat Yusuf ( ) ] in fact, you have made up this story on your own. I better adhere to patience. I seek the help of Allah regarding your made up story.”

       And a caravan of travellers came there. So they sent their water-drawer. Then he lowered his bucket (into the well). [Yusuf ( )  got hold of the bucket. When the bucket came out he saw Yusuf ( ) ]. He said: “O! Good luck! Here is a (fine) boy.” And the people of the caravan hid him [Yusuf ( ) ] to be used as merchandise (i.e. for selling him as a slave). And Allah was All-Knower of what they were doing.

       And they (brothers or the people of the Caravan) sold Yusuf ( )  for a petty price – for a few Dirhams. And they displayed indif-ference (i.e. attached no value) to Yusuf ( ) . 

       And the Egyptian who bought Yusuf ( ) , said to his wife: “Keep him with comfort and respect. Maybe we will benefit from him or we can adopt him as our son.” Thus We did establish Yusuf ( )  in the land in order to teach him the interpretation of the events. And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs but most of the people don’t know.

       And when Yusuf ( )  became mature, We gave him wisdom and knowledge (i.e. Prophethood or wisdom before the Prophethood). And thus We reward the good-doers.

       And the lady, in whose house he was, tried to seduce him (to do a sinful act), and she closed the doors and said to him: “You come on.” Yusuf ( )  replied: “I seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, my master (your husband) has provided me a very comfortable life (I will not betray him). The evil-doers are never successful.”

       And, indeed, she desired him. And Yusuf ( )  would have inclined to her desire if he had not seen the reasoning (or evidence) of his Creator. (He did see the evidence of his Creator) thus We turned away the evil and indecency from him. Indeed, he was one of Our chosen slaves.

       And both ran towards the door and she pulled his shirt from the back and tore it. They both met her husband at the door. She said: “What else could be the punishment for a person who has bad intention for your wife except that he be put in a prison or have a painful torment.”

       Yusuf ( )  said: “Actually, she was trying to seduce me towards herself.” And a (sensible) person from her tribe bore witness (i.e. gave decision:) “If his shirt is torn from the front, then she is speaking the truth and he is a liar.

       “And if his shirt is torn from the back, then she is telling a lie and he is speaking the truth.”

       So when her husband saw Yusuf’s ( )  shirt torn at the back, he said: “Indeed, it is an (evil) plot of you women! Certainly your plot is very big.

       “O Yusuf ( ) ! Ignore this incident. And (O Woman!) you better ask forgiveness for your sin. Indeed, you are one of the sinful people.”

       (It became a town talk among the women). And the women in the city said: “The wife of Aziz is trying to seduce her slave-boy. Indeed, she loves him deeply. Indeed, we see her in an obvious error.”

       When she heard about their blame she sent for them for a banquet. And she gave each of them a knife (to cut fruit etc.), and she said [to Yusuf ( ) ]: “Come out before these ladies.” When they saw Yusuf ( ) , they were amazed (at his beauty) and (in their astonishment) they cut their hands. They said: “How perfect is Allah! He does not look like a man. He is rather a noble angel.”

       She said (to the ladies): “You blamed me about this man. True, I did try to seduce him but he abstained. If he does not agree to my instruction, he shall certainly be put in prison and will be one of those who are disgraced.”

       (Yusuf ( )  made the fol-low-ing supplication): “O my Cre-ator! I prefer prison to what these ladies invite me to. Unless You foil their plot against me, I will be inclined towards them and will be-come one of the ignorant people.”

       So his Creator answered his supplication and foiled their plot against him. Indeed, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

       Even after seeing the proofs [of the innocence of Yusuf ( ) ] they felt it is better to imprison Yusuf ( )  for the time being.

       And two young men also entered with him in the prison. One of them said: “Indeed, I saw (in a dream) that I am squeezing (grapes etc) to make wine.” The other said: “I saw (in a dream) that I am carrying bread on my head and birds were eating that bread.” (They said:) “(Please) give us the inter-pretation of this. Indeed, we think you are one of the good people.”

       Yusuf ( )  said: “I shall give you the interpretation of this before your meals come to you. This is due to the knowledge which my Creator has bestowed upon me. I did quit the religion of the people who do not believe in Allah and they are also disbelievers of the Hereafter.

       “And I have followed the religion of my forefathers Ibrahim ( ) , Ishaq ( )  and Yaqub ( ) . It is not befitting for us to ascribe partners in worship with Allah. This is due to the Grace of Allah to us and to mankind but most of the people don’t give thanks (for this favour).

       “O two fellow prisoners! Are many different gods better or Allah, the One, the Supreme?

       “Those whom you worship besides Allah are merely names which you and your forefathers have forged for which Allah has sent down no authority. Indeed, the sovereignty belongs to none but Allah. He has commanded that you don’t worship anybody besides Him. That is the (true) straight religion but most of the men don’t know. (Also Surah Yusuf:103)

       “O two fellow prisoners! One of you will serve wine to his master and the other will be crucified and birds will eat from his head. Thus matter has been decided about which both of you inquired.”

       (When both of them were about to leave the prison), Yusuf ( )  said to the one who was expected to be saved from them: “Remind your master about me (i.e. there is a person in prison without any crime on his part, the prisoner promised).” But Satan made him forget to mention to his master. Hence, Yusuf ( )  stayed in prison for several more years.

       And the king said: “Indeed, I saw (in dream) seven fat cows whom seven lean cows were eating, and there were seven green ears of corn and seven dry ones. O advisors! Explain to me my dream if you are capable of interpreting the dreams.”

       They said: “These are con-fusing dreams. We are not inter-preters of such confusing dreams.” (We are only skilled in the affairs of the country).

       And the one (of the two prisoners), who was released, remem--bered after a long time and he said: “I shall give you the inter-pretation of this dream. So send me.”

       (This ex-prisoner said): “O Yusuf ( )  the truthful man! (Please) give us the interpretation (of the following dream). Seven fat cows whom seven lean cows were eating. And seven green ears of corn, and seven dry ones. (Please explain) so that I may return to the people, and that they may know (its meanings).”

       Yusuf ( )  said: “For seven consecutive years you will cultivate as usual and when you reap you should leave it in the ears except a little that you use for your eating.

       “Then after that will come seven difficult (years), during which you will consume what you have stored in advance for them except a little of that which you preserve (for reseeding).

       “After this will come a year in which there will be plenty of rain and in which people will squeeze (to make wine and oil).”

       And the king said: “Bring Yusuf ( )  to me.” But when the messenger came to him, Yusuf ( )  said: “Go back to your master and ask him: ‘What was the (real story) of the women who cut their hands? Surely my Creator is fully aware of their plot.’”

       The king said (to the women:) “What is the real story when you tried to seduce Yusuf ( ) ?” The women said: “Dignity is for Allah! We did not find any evil in Yusuf ( ) .” (At this point) The wife of Aziz said: “The truth is now revealed. I was the one who tried to seduce Yusuf ( )  and he is, indeed, from the truthful (people).”

       [Yusuf ( )  said]: “This enquiry was to let the king know that I did not cheat him in his absence and Allah does not let the plot of the cheaters work.

       “I [Yusuf ( )  or wife of Aziz] don’t profess the piety of my inner self. Indeed, the inner self of a human-being motivates him/her to commit an evil act, except when my Creator shower His Mercy (on whom He wills). Indeed, my Creator is very Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 

       And the king said: “Bring him to me so that I appoint him as my personal advisor.” So when the king spoke to Yusuf ( ) , the king said: “From now on, you have high honour with us and you are fully trusted.”

       Yusuf ( )  said: “Appoint me as a supervisor of the treasures of the earth. I am, Indeed, a knowledgeable supervisor.

       And thus We established Yusuf ( )  in the land with full authority and to live with full freedom wherever he liked. We bestow Our Mercy on whom We will and We don’t waste the reward of the good-doers.

       And the reward of the Hereafter is far superior for those who believe and always fear Allah.

       And Yusuf’s ( )  brothers came to him and Yusuf ( )  recognized them as they entered there but they did not recognize him.

       And after he supplied them with their provisions, Yusuf ( )  said (to them): “Bring me your brother who is from your father (i.e. Binyameen). Don’t you see that I give full measure and I am the best of the hosts?

       “But if you fail to bring him to me, there shall be no measure (of corn) for you from me and don’t even try to get near me.”

       They said: “We shall try to persuade his father, and, we feel, we shall be successful.”

       And [Yusuf ( ) ] told his workers to put their money (with which they had bought the corn) into their bags so that they discover it as they return to their family. This will motivate them to come back.

       So when they returned to their father, they said: “O our father! The supply of corn has been stopped for us. So send with us our brother so that we bring a full load of corn and we will be responsible about his safety.”

       [Yaqub ( ) ] Said: “Should I entrust you with him just as I entrusted his brother [Yusuf ( ) ] to you before this? In fact, Allah is the Best protector and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.”

       And when they opened their bags, they discovered their money which was returned to them. They said: “O our father! What else can we expect? Look! Even our money has been returned to us. We will bring supply of corn for our family and we will guard our brother and we will bring an additional camel-load of corn. It is an easy way to receive this load (of corn).”

       [Yaqub ( )  said]: “I will not send him with you until you give me a solemn oath in Allah’s Name, that you will bring him back to me unless you are yourself entrapped (by enemies).” So when they had sworn their solemn oath, Yaqub ( )  said: “Allah is Witness to what we have said.”

       And [Yaqub ( ) ] said: “O my sons! Don’t enter from one gate, but enter from different gates. And I cannot benefit you a bit against Allah’s command. Indeed, only Allah’s Command works. I put my full trust in Him and all those who trust, should put their trust in Him.”

       And they entered as their father had advised them. However, it had no power to save them from what Allah has destined for them. This was only a thought which flashed his mind and he fulfilled it (by advising his sons). Indeed, Yaqub ( )  had knowledge which We had taught him, but most of the people do not know it.

       And when they appeared before Yusuf ( ) , he made his brother (Binyameen) sit with him and said: “I am your brother. Don’t be sad what your brethren have been doing.”

       So after he had provided them with their provisions, he put the drinking cup in his brother’s bag. Then an announcer announced: “O you (the people) of the caravan! You are, definitely, thieves.”

       They [Yusuf’s ( )  brothers], turned towards the announcers and said: “What is it that you have lost?”

       They (the announcers) said: “We have lost the (golden) bowl of the king. There will be a reward of one camel load for the one who finds it, and I personally guarantee you this.” 

       They [Yusuf’s ( )  brothers] said: “By Allah! Indeed you know that we did not come to spread mischief in the land, and we are not thieves.”

       They (the announcers) said: “Well, what shall be the punishment of a thief, if you turned out to be liars.”

       They [Yusuf’s ( )  brothers] replied [according to the religious law of Yaqub ( ) ]: “The culprit, in whose bag it is found, should become the slave of the owner of the bowl. Thus we punish the wrong-doers (in our land).”

       Hence, Yusuf ( )  started searching the bags of his brethren before searching the bags of his brother. Then, he discovered the lost bowl from the bag of his brother. We taught this plan to Yusuf ( )  (through revelation). According to the king’s law, it was not possible for him to retain his brother (without this plan), except that Allah willed it. (Although Yusuf ( )  had plenty of knowledge but he needed help of Allah for such a sound plan). We raise the (scholarly) level of whom We will. And Allah’s Knowledge is far above the knowledge of all mankind.

       Yusuf’s ( )  brethren said: “(It is not surprising that) you (Binyameen) stole (the golden bowl), your brother was a thief too.” Yusuf ( )  kept his reaction in his mind and did not express to them (verbally). Yusuf ( )  said (within himself :) “You are in worst situation (i.e. you are worst thieves since you stole persons rather than property. And regarding the blame you are putting on us). Allah is the Best Knower of what you are describing.”

       The brethren said: “O ruler of the land! His father is a very old man. Please retain one of us in his place. Indeed, we consider you one of the very kind persons.”

       Yusuf ( )  said: “We seek refuge of Allah for retaining a person other than that with whom we found our property. (If we do that) we shall be a wrong-doer.”

       When they lost all hope from Yusuf ( ) , they sat in privacy for consultation. The eldest among them said: “Don’t you know that your father took an oath from you in Allah’s Name, and before this you did fail in your duty regarding Yusuf ( ) ? Hence, I will not leave this land until my father permits me, or Allah decides my case (by freeing Binyameen), and He is the Best of the judges.

       “Go back to your father and say: ‘O our father! Indeed, your son (Binyameen) has stolen (hence, he is retained). And we gave you solemn oath about what we knew (at the time of our oath). And we did not know the unseen.

       ‘And (Please feel free to) ask the people of the town where we have been, and the caravan in which we returned, and indeed, we are telling the truth.’”

       Yaqub ( )  said: “(Binyameen did not steal). In fact, you have made up a story on your own. (Well, like before) it is better for me to adhere to patience. Maybe Allah will bring all of them (back) to me since He Knows (the real situation) and He is All-Wise (to plan it for us).”

       And he turned away from them (due to his grief) and said: “Alas, my grief for Yusuf ( ) !” And he lost his eyesight due to the grief he was suppressing. 

       They said: “By Allah! You will never stop remembering Yusuf ( )  until you become extremely ill or until you die.”

       Yaqub ( )  said: “I am only complaining to Allah for my misery and grief. (I am not saying anything to you). And I know from Allah what you know not (i.e. how kind Allah is and the dream of Yusuf ( )  is not yet fulfilled).

       (Allah brings about everything. However, Allah helps those who help themselves. Hence, make another journey) “O my sons! Go and look for Yusuf ( )  and his brother, and don’t give up hope of Allah’s Mercy. Indeed, no one despairs of Allah’s Mercy except the disbelieving people.” (Also Surah Al-Hijr:156)

       So when they (brethren) reached Yusuf ( )  they said: “O ruler of the land! A misfortune has struck us and our family, and we have brought very little money. Please grant us full measure and bestow charity on us since Allah rewards those who are charitable.”

       Yusuf ( )  said: “Do you remember what you did to Yusuf ( )  and his brother when you were ignorant?”

       They said: “Are you really Yusuf ( ) ?” He said: “I am Yusuf ( )  and this is my brother. Allah has been very gracious to us. Indeed, he who fears Allah and has patience (in adversity), then Allah does not let the reward of the good-doers to be lost.”

       They said: “By Allah! Allah has indeed, honoured you above us (which you deserved) and we certainly have been the sinners.”

       Yusuf ( )  said: “No blame is on you (from me) today. May Allah forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.

       “Go with my shirt and put it on the face of my father, he will regain his eyesight and bring all your family here.” 

       And when the caravan departed (from Egypt) their father said: “If you don’t consider me a demented person (i.e. behaving crazy due to old age, I would like to tell you that) I do feel the smell of Yusuf ( ) .”

       They (people around him) said: “By Allah! Indeed, you are in your old confusion.”

       When the bearer of the glad tidings arrived, he put the shirt on his face, and Yaqub ( )  regained his eyesight. Yaqub ( )  said: “Did I not say to you, ‘I know from Allah that which you know not’.”

       They said: “O our father! Pray for us (to Allah) for forgiveness of our sins. Indeed, we have been sinners.”

       He said: “(Well,) I will soon pray to my Creator for your forgiveness. Indeed, He! Only He is the Very Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”

       [Yusuf ( )  went out of Egypt to receive his family]. When all the family met Yusuf ( ) , he made his parents sit with him. [Yusuf ( )  invited them to move to Egypt] Yusuf ( )  said: “Welcome to Egypt. If Allah wills, live there in security (without fear of separation or famine).”

       (Finally all the family reached Egypt). And Yusuf ( )  honoured his parents on the throne. [At that time the nobility of Yusuf ( )  touched everybody’s hearts] and they fell down prostrate before him. And Yusuf ( )  said: “O my father! This is the interpretation of my earlier dream. My Creator has made it come true. And He did me a great favour when He brought me out of the prison (and gave me a high position in this land), and He brought you all here from the bedouin-life after Satan had created the misunderstanding between me and my brothers. Indeed, my Creator makes a very subtle plan for what He wills. He is the All Knowing, the All-Wise.

       “My Creator! You have, indeed, granted me the sovereignty (of the land) and taught me the interpretation of events. O Creator of the heavens and earth! You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Please make me die as a Muslim and join me with the righteous people.”

       This is the news from the Unseen which We reveal to you [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)]. You were not present there when they firmed up their plan (to throw Yusuf ( )  in the well) and while they were plotting [against Yusuf ( ) ].

       (In spite of the above proofs of your Prophethood) most of the people will not believe even if you desire it very strongly.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] You are not asking them any (financial) reward for it. Indeed, this Quran is a Reminder for the mankind and jinn.

       (Just like they don’t believe in your Prophethood, similarly they don’t believe in the Oneness of Allah) And how many signs in the heavens and the earth they come across, but they don’t pay any attention to them (i.e. don’t ponder over them).

       And most of the people, even though they believe in Allah, they also ascribe partners in worship with Him.

       Do they feel secure from some torment coming against them from the torments of Allah, or from the coming of the Day of Judgement all of a sudden while they are not aware of it?

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “This is my way. I and my followers invite you to Allah with firm Faith and confidence. And Allah is above all that they ascribe partners with Him and I am not one who associates partners in worship with Allah.

       And We did not send before you in any community (as messengers) but they were men and We sent revelations to them. Have they not travelled in the land and observed what was the (bad) end of those who were (disbelievers) before them? (This worldly life is temporary) and, indeed, the home of the Hereafter is much superior for those who fear Allah. Don’t you understand (this difference between the two lives)?

       When messengers were about to lose hope and thought that they have been denied, then Our help reached them suddenly. We saved whom We willed (i.e. believers). And Our punishment cannot be removed from the criminals (i.e. disbelievers). (Hence, it will come to the disbelievers of Makkah too).

       Indeed, in these stories (of Prophets and previous communities) there is a great lesson for the people of understanding. It (this Quran) is not a fabricated statement but it confirms (the Books) revealed before it, and there is detail of every important matter in it and it is a guidance and a mercy for the  people who believe. (Hence, it is a must to seek advice from such a fantastic Book).