12:1  Alif Lam Ra: These are the Signs (Verses) of the Book that is (pure and) clear

12:2  Verily, We have sent it down as Arabic Quran, in order for you to (learn and) understand

12:3  We relate to you the most beautiful of stories; From these (stories) We make it known to you this (part of) Quran: And before this, you were also from those who did not know it

12:4  Remember, when Yusuf (Joseph) said to his father: "O my father! For sure, I saw (in my dream) eleven stars and the sun and the moon: I saw them prostrate themselves to me!"

12:5  (His father) said: "O my son! Do not tell your dream (vision) to your brothers in case, they make up a plot against you: Verily, Satan is an avowed enemy to man

12:6  "This way your Lord will choose you and teach you the interpretations of stories (and events) and complete His blessing to you and to (all) the children of Yaqoub (Jacob)— Like He had completed it (His blessing) to your fathers Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isaac before! Verily your Lord is All Knowing (Aleem), All Wise (Hakeem)."

12:7  Surely, in Yusuf (Joseph) and his brothers are Signs for those who ask (and search for Truth)

12:8  When they (his older half-brothers) said: "Truly Yusuf, (Joseph) and his (full) brother are loved more by our father than we are: But we have a strong group! True our father is clearly swaying (in his mind)

12:9  "You kill Yusuf (Joseph) or throw him (away) into some (unknown) land, so that your father’s favor (love) will be given to you alone: After that, you become righteous!"

12:10  One of them (his half brothers said): "Do not kill Yusuf (Joseph) but if you must do something, throw him down to the bottom of a well: He will be taken by some group of travelers."

12:11  They said: "O our father! Why don't you trust us with Yusuf (Joseph)— Seeing we are truly his sincere well wishers

12:12  "Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and surely we shall take every care of him."

12:13  Yaqoub (Jacob) said: "Really it makes me sad that you should take him away: I am afraid that the wolf may eat him when you are not attending to him."

12:14  They said: "If the wolf were to eat him when we are (so large) a party, then truly we should be the losers!"

12:15  So when they did take him away, and they all agreed to throw him down to the bottom of the well: And We put into his heart (the foretelling): "Surely, you will tell them (one day) the truth of this their affair while they do not know (you)."

12:16  And they came crying to their father in the early part of the night

12:17  They said: "O our father! We went racing with one another, and left Yusuf (Joseph) with our things; And the wolf ate (devoured) him... But you will never believe us even though we tell the truth."

12:18  And they brought his shirt stained with false blood. He said: "No, only (you) yourselves have made up a story (that may sound alright) for you. (As for me) patience is most suitable: And against (the lie) what you keep saying, it is Allah Whose help can be prayed for..."

12:19  And there came a group of travelers: They sent their water-bearer (for water), and he let down his bucket (in the well)... He (the bearer) said: "Oh there! Good news! Here is a (handsome) boy!" So they kept him hidden like a treasure! But Allah knew well all that they did

12:20  And the (travelers) sold him for a low price— For a few dirhams (that were) counted out: They were those who held him in such a low value

12:21  And he (the man) in Egypt who bought him, said to his wife: "Make his stay (respectful and) honorable: Maybe he will bring us a lot of good, or we shall make him an adopted-son." Like this We made a place for Yusuf (Joseph) in the land, so that We might teach him the interpretations (the true meaning) of the stories (and events). And Allah has full power and control on His affairs; But most of mankind do not know it

12:22  And when he [Yusuf, (Joseph)] reached his full manhood, We gave him power and knowledge: Like this We reward those who do right

12:23  But she (the wife) in whose house he was, wanted to (wrongfully mislead and) seduce him from his (noble and true) self: She closed the doors, and said: "Come on (to me), O you (dear one)!" He said: "I seek Allah’s help: (Allah forbid)! Truly he (your husband) is my lord! He made my stay (with you) comfortable! Truly, nothing good comes to those who do wrong!"

12:24  And she wanted to have him (very much), and he would have fallen to her (desire), but that he clearly saw the Presence of his Lord: Like this (We planned) that We turn away from him (all) evil and shameful acts: Surely, he was one of Our servants, sincere and purified

12:25  So they both outran each other to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back: They both found her lord (the husband) by the door. She said: "What is the (suitable) punishment for one who has made an evil plan against your wife, except prison or a severe punishment?"

12:26  He (Yusuf) said: "It was she who tried to seduce me— From my (true) self." And one of (the members of) her household saw and told what happened, (like this):— "If it is that his shirt is torn from the front, then what she says is true, and he is the liar

12:27  "But if it is that his shirt is torn from the back, then is she the liar, and he is telling the truth!"

12:28  So when he (the husband) saw his (Yusuf’s) shirt— That it was torn at the back— (Her husband) said: "Surely! It is a plot of you women! Truly, your plot is strong (and large)

12:29  "O Yusuf (Joseph), forget this event! (O wife! Now you), ask forgiveness for your sin; Verily, you have been at fault!"

12:30  And the (other) ladies from the city, said: "The wife of the (great lord) ‘Aziz is trying to seduce her young man (the slave) from his (true and noble) self: Truly he must have aroused strong love in her: Surely, we see clearly that she is going astray."

12:31  So when she heard of their harmful talk, she invited them and invited them for a banquet (and held a gathering) for them: She gave each of them a knife (for the fruits): And she said (to Yusuf), "Come out before them." When they saw him, they praised him much (for his looks and beauty), and (in their amazement, they had) cut their hands: They said, "Allah is Perfect! This is not a mortal (man)! This is no one except a noble angel!"

12:32  She said: "Before you, there is the man about whom you blamed me! I wanted to seduce him from his (true) self but he refused (himself by being guiltless)! And now, if he does not act by my command, he will certainly be thrown into prison, and (he will) be from the lowliest!"

12:33  He said: "O my Lord (Allah)! The prison is more to my liking than to what they invite me: Unless You (Almighty Allah) turn away their plot from me, I may (in my youth) feel inclined towards them and be of those people who do not know (ignorant)."

12:34  So his Lord listened to him (in his prayer), and turned away their plot from him: Surely, He is the Listener and Knower (of all things)

12:35  Then it came to the minds of the men, after they had seen all the proof (of his innocence), (that they should) send him to the prison for a while

12:36  And there two (other) young men (also) came with him into the prison. One of them said: "I see me (in a dream) pressing (grapes for) wine." The other one said: "I see me (in a dream) carrying bread on my head, and birds are eating from it." (They both said): "Tell us the truth and meaning of it (all): Verily, we see that you are the one who does good (for everyone)."

12:37  He (Yusuf) said: "Before any food comes (in due course) to feed either of you, I will reveal to you the truth and meaning of this before it (actually) happens to you: That is part of the (things) that my Lord has taught me. (I assure you that,) I have given up the way of a people who do not believe in Allah and who deny the Hereafter

12:38  "And I follow the religion of my fathers— Ibrahim (Abraham), Ishaq (Isaac), and Yaqoub (Jacob); And we could never attribute any partners to Allah: Those (ways that come because) of the Grace of Allah to us and to mankind: Still most men are not grateful

12:39  "O, the two companions of prison! Are many different lords (gods, who differ among themselves) better or Allah, the One Supreme and Irresistible

12:40  "You do not worship besides Him, except (those false) names that you have named— You and your fathers— For which Allah has not sent down any authority: The Command is for none but Allah: He has commanded that you worship none but Him: That is the right religion, but most men do not understand

12:41  "O the two companions of prison! As to one of you, he will pour out the wine for his lord (the king) to drink: As for the other, he will be hung (crucified) on the cross, and the birds will eat from off his head. (So) has been ordered regarding matter about which the two of you ask"..

12:42  And of the two, to the one whom he considered ready to be saved, he (Yusuf) said: "Tell your lord (the king) about me." But Satan made him forget to talk about him (Yusuf) to his lord (the king): And (Yusuf) stayed in prison for a few years

12:43  And the king (of Egypt) said: "Verily, I saw (a dream in which) seven fat cows, whom seven lean ones eat up— And seven green ears of corn, and seven (others) dried up. O you chiefs! Explain to me my dream if you can tell the meanings of dreams."

12:44  They (the chiefs) said: "A confused mixture of false dreams: And we are not skilled in interpreting the meaning of dreams."

12:45  Then one of the two (men from the prison) who was set free, and who now thought of him (Yusuf) after a long time, said: "I will tell you the truth of its meaning: So you send me."

12:46  (The man from the prison said:) "O Yusuf (Joseph)! O man of truth! Explain to us (the dream) of seven fat cows whom seven lean ones eat up, and of seven green ears of corn and others dry: That I may go back to the people, and that they may know (and understand the meaning of the dream)."

12:47  (Yusuf) said: "For seven consecutive years you shall carefully sow (and grow) as you are used to (doing): And the crops that you reap, you will leave them in the ear— Except a little, from which you will eat

12:48  Then after that will come (a period of) seven terrible (and hard years), which will eat (away) what you will have saved before for them— (All) except a little which you will have saved (specially for seed)

12:49  "Then after that will come a year in which the people will have plenty of water, and in this (year) they will press (wine and oil)."

12:50  And the king said: "You bring him (Yusuf) to me," but when the messenger came to him, (Yusuf) said: "You go back to your king and ask him, ‘What is the state of mind of the ladies who cut their hands?’, For my Lord (Allah) is Well-Aware of their plot.’"

12:51  (The king) said (to the ladies): "What was your affair when you wanted to seduce Yusuf (Joseph) from his (true) self?" The ladies said: "Allah save us! We know of no evil against him! The ‘Aziz's wife said: "Now the truth is clear (to all): It was I who wanted to seduce him from his (true) self: He is surely from those who are (always) true (and noble)

12:52  "(I say) this, so that he may know that I have never been false to him in his absence, and that Allah will never help the plots set by the false ones

12:53  "And I will not forgive my own self (of the sin): True, the soul is likely to fall into evil, unless my Lord grants His Mercy: But surely my Lord is Often Forgiving (Ghafoor), Most Merciful (Raheem)."

12:54  And the king said: "Bring him (Yusuf) to me; That I will take him only to serve around me personally." Therefore when he (the king) had spoken to him, he (the king) said: "Be sure that in our presence today you are, firmly placed with position (and honor) and truthfulness fully proved!"

12:55  (Yusuf) said: "Place me to (care for) the store-houses of the land: I will truly guard like one who knows (their importance)."

12:56  This way We gave full authority to Yusuf (Joseph) in the land, to take possession in there as, when, or where he wanted. We give from Our Mercy to whom We please, and We make not the reward of those who do good to be lost

12:57  And surely, the reward of the hereafter is the best for those who believe, and are constant in (their) righteousness

12:58  And Yusuf (Joseph)’s brothers came: They entered his presence, and he knew them but they did not know him

12:59  And when he had given them the supplies for them, he said: "Bring to me a brother that you have from the same father as yourselves, (but a different mother): Do you not see that I give out full measure and that I give the best hospitality (for you)

12:60  "But if you do not bring him to me, you will have no measure (of supplies) from me, and you cannot (even) come near me."

12:61  They said: "We will really try our wish to get him from his father: Indeed we will do it."

12:62  And (Yusuf) told his servants to put their money used to trade (for the supplies) into their saddle bags, so that they would know it only after they returned to their people, (and) so that they might come back (again)

12:63  So when they returned to their father, they said: "O our father! We will not get any more measure of grain (unless we take our brother): So send our brother with us, that we may get our measure; And we will really take every care of him."

12:64  He (Jacob) said: "Shall I trust you with him with any result different from when I trusted you with his brother before? But Allah is the best to take care (of him), and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!"

12:65  Then when they opened their baggage, they found their money (used to trade for grain) had been returned to them. They said: "O our Father! What (more) could we want? This, the money (used to our trade) has been returned to us: So we will get (more) food for our family; We will take care of our brother; And add a full camel's load (of grain of food). This is a small quantity (for the king to give to us)."

12:66  (Yaqoub, (Jacob), their father) said: "I will never send him with you until you swear a sincere promise to me, in the Name of Allah, that you will be sure to bring him back to me unless you are yourselves surrounded (and powerless)." And when they had sworn their truest promise, he said: "To all that we say, let Allah be the Witness and Guardian!"

12:67  And he said: "O my sons! All of you do not enter by one gate: (But) you enter by different gates. (It is) not that I can help you by the least against (the Will of) Allah: Verily, no one can command except Allah: On Him do I have my trust: And let all who trust have their trust in Him."

12:68  And when they entered in the way their father had told, it did not help them in the least against (the Plan of) Allah: It was only a need for Yaqoub's (Jacob's) soul, which he had fulfilled. Because by Our instruction, he was full of knowledge (and wisdom): But most men know not

12:69  And when they came in Yusuf's (Joseph's) presence, he invited his (full) brother (Benjamin) to stay with him. He (Yusuf) said (to his brother): "Verily! I am your (own) brother: So do not feel sad because of their doing."

12:70  At the end, after he gave them the provisions (suitable) for them, he put the drinking cup into his brother’s saddle-bag. Then (one of) the announcers shouted: "O you (in) the Caravan! Surely! Without doubt, you are thieves!"

12:71  They (the brothers) said, turning towards them: "What is it that you miss?"

12:72  They said: "We miss the great drinking cup of the king; For him who produces it, is (the reward of) a camel load (of grain); I will be bound by it."

12:73  (The brothers) said: "By Allah! Indeed you know well that we did not come to make mischief in the land, and we are not thieves!"

12:74  (The Egyptians) said: "Then what will be the penalty for this, if you are (shown) to have lied?"

12:75  They said: "The penalty should be that he in whose saddle-bag it (the drinking cup) is found, should be held to make up for the (crime). It is like this that we punish the wrongdoers!"

12:76  So he (Yusuf) began (the search) through their bags, before (he came to) the bag of his (full) brother: At the end, he brought it out of his (full) brother’s bag. Thus did We plan for Yusuf (Joseph). He could not take his brother by the law of the king except that Allah willed it (so). We raise to (different) levels (of wisdom) whom We please: But above all blessed with knowledge is One, the All Knowing (Aleem)

12:77  They (the brothers) said: "If he steals, there was a brother of his who did steal before (him)." But Yusuf (Joseph) kept these things locked in his heart, without telling the secrets to them. He said (to himself): "You are in worse position; And Allah knows best the truth of whatever you say!"

12:78  They said (to the king): "O high one! Verily! He has an old and respected father, (who will feel very sad without him); So take (and keep) one of us in his place; Indeed, we see that you are (kind) in doing good."

12:79  He (Yusuf) said: "Allah forbid that we take other than him with whom we found our property: Truly (by that), we should be acting wrongfully."

12:80  Now when they saw (that there was) no hope of his (keeping one of them), they met together in private. The eldest among them said: "Do you not know that your father took an oath from you in Allah’s Name, and (also) before this, how you had failed in your duty with Yusuf (Joseph)? Therefore I will not leave this land (Egypt) until my father permits me, or Allah decides for me; And He is the best of all the judges

12:81  "You return back to your father, and say, ‘O our father! Verily! Your son has stolen, and we only bear witness to (and say) what we know, and we could not protect against the unseen

12:82  " ‘Ask (those from the town) where we have been and the caravan in which we returned, and surely, (you know) we are really telling the truth.’ "

12:83  He [Yaqoub (Jacob)] said: "Nay! But you have yourselves made up a story (good) for you. So patience is most suited (for me). May be, Allah will bring them (again) all to me. For He is indeed full of Knowledge and Wisdom."

12:84  And he turned away from them, and said: "How great is my sadness for Yusuf (Joseph)!" And his eyes became white with sorrow, and he lost his sight overcome by unspoken sorrow

12:85  They said: "By Allah! (Never) will you stop to remember Yusuf (Joseph), until you reach the final end of illness, or until you die!"

12:86  He said: "I only complain of my (extreme) sorrow and pain to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know

12:87  "O my sons! You go and inquire about Yusuf (Joseph) and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah’s (gift of) Mercy: Truly, no one feels sad for Allah’s (gift of) Mercy, except those who have no faith."

12:88  Then when they came into (Yusuf's) presence, they said: "O mighty one! (Extreme) suffering has come upon us and our family: And we have (now) brought only little capital: So do give us full measure (of grain, we request you) and treat it as charity to us: Truly, Allah does reward the charitable."

12:89  He (Yusuf) said: "Do you know how you dealt with Yusuf (Joseph), and his brother, while you were ignorant?"

12:90  They said: "Are you truly Yusuf (Joseph)?” He said: "I am Yusuf (Joseph), and this is my brother (Benjamin): Allah has truly been Gracious to us (all). He who is righteous and patient— Then surely, Allah will never make the reward to be lost, for those who do right."

12:91  They said: "By Allah! Truly, Allah has chosen you over us, and we certainly have been guilty of sin!"

12:92  He (Yusuf) said: "This day let there be no blame on you: May Allah forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy

12:93  "(Now you) go with this, my shirt; And put it over the face of my father: He will start to see (clearly again). Then you come (back here) to me together with your entire family."

12:94  And when the caravan left (Egypt to come to Jacob), their father said: "I truly scent the presence of Yusuf (Joseph): Do not think me as a feeble (old man)."

12:95  They said: "By Allah! Truly, you are in your old wandering mind."

12:96  Then when the bearer of the good news came, he put (the shirt) over his (Jacobs) face, and he right away regained clear sight. He said: "Did I not tell you, ‘I know from Allah what you do not know?’"

12:97  They said: "O our father! Ask for us forgiveness (from Allah) for our sins, indeed, we were truly at fault."

12:98  He said: "Soon I will ask my Lord for forgiveness for you: Truly! He, Only He is Often Forgiving (Ghafoor), Most Merciful (Raheem)."

12:99  Then when they (all) came in the presence of Yusuf (Joseph), he gave a home for his parents with himself, and said: "May you (all) enter Egypt, if Allah wills, in security (and safety)."

12:100  And he placed his parents high on the throne (of dignity) where he sat, and they fell down in prostration before him. And he said: "O my father! This is the completion of my old dream! Allah has made it come true! He was indeed good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you (here) out of the desert, (even) after Satan had caused (big) hate between me and my brothers. Surely, my Lord is the Most Gentle and Kind to those whom He chooses. Surely, He (and Only He,) is All Knowing (Aleem) and All Wise (Hakeem)

12:101  "My Lord! You have truly given me some power, and taught me some of the meanings of dreams and events— You! The Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Protector in this world and in the Hereafter. You (Almighty!) take my soul (at death) as (one who bows down to Your Will) as a Muslim and join me with the righteous."

12:102  That is one of the stories of what happened unseen, which We make it known to you (O Prophet,) by revelation: And you were not with them when they made up their plans together and while coming up with their plots

12:103  Still the larger part of mankind will not have any Faith: However much you may like it (for them)

12:104  And you ask no reward from them for this: It (the Quran) is nothing less than a (Clear) reminder for all creatures (and a Message to all the jinns' and men)

12:105  And how many (of Our) Signs in the heavens and the earth do they pass by? Yet they turn (themselves) away from them

12:106  And most of them do not believe in Allah without associating (others) with Him

12:107  Do they then feel safe from the approach against them of the covering curtain of the Anger of Allah— Or from the approach against them of the Final Hour— Suddenly, while they are not (even) aware

12:108  Say (to them): "This is my way: I invite to Allah— On evidence clear as the sight of one's eyes— I and those who follow me (invite you), and Glorified and Supreme is Allah! And never will I join gods with Allah!"

12:109  And before you, We did not send any except men (as messengers, men) whom We inspired— Living in human homes (and groups). Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those before them? And verily, the home of the Hereafter is the best, for those who do right. Then, will you not understand

12:110  (Time will be given to them) until, when the messengers (of Allah) give up hope and think that they were treated as liars, then Our help reaches them and those whom We want are taken into safety. And Our punishment is never taken away from those who are in sin

12:111  Indeed, in their stories, there is guidance for men blessed with understanding. It (the Quran) is not a story made up, but a affirmation of what went on before it— And a detailed statement of all things, and a Guide and a Mercy for any of those who believe