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Chapter 12

JosephYūsuf ( يوسف )

111 verses • revealed at Meccan

»The surah that narrates the edifying and enthralling life experience of the noble prophet and interpreter of dreams, Joseph—son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham—calling it “the fairest of stories,” an inspirational triumph of morality and faith. “Yūsuf” is the Arabic for “Joseph”, whose well-known story is told in this surah. Even though the surah primarily deals with the story of Joseph, it is framed by a three-verse introduction about the Quran and a ten-verse epilogue about the Meccans” response, the punishment met by earlier disbelievers, and encouragement for the Prophet.«

بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ

Yusuf Ali: In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

1
الر ۚ تِلكَ آياتُ الكِتابِ المُبينِ

Yusuf Ali

A.L.R.1 These are the Symbols2 (or Verses) of the perspicuous Book.3
  • For the meaning of these mystic letters, see Introduction to S. 10.
  • Ayat Signs, Symbols, verses of the Qur-ān. The Symbolic meaning is particularly appropriate here, as the whole of Joseph’s story is a Sign or a Miracle? a working exposition of the Plan and Purpose of God.
  • Cf. 5:15, n. 716. The predominant meaning of Mubin here is: one that explains or makes things clear.