12:1  Alif. Lam. Ra. These are the verses of the ‘Insightful Book’,(the Glorious Qur'ân).

12:2  Absolutely, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'ân, so that you may be able to perceive the intended meaning (of its message).

12:3  For lo! We do narrate to you the best of narratives, in that We have inspired in you this ‘Qur'ân’, although you were, before it, among the oblivious.

12:4  Behold! ‘Joseph’ said unto his father: "O’ my father, Indeed, I saw (in a dream) eleven planets, the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating themselves to me.

12:5  His father said: “Narrate not your vision to your brethren, lest they machinate against you a machination. Indeed, ‘Satan’ is a perspicuous enemy to the man.

12:6  Thus, your Lord will prefer you, will teach you the interpretation of visions, and will perfect His grace upon you and upon the family of ‘Jacob’ as He perfected it upon your forefathers, ‘Abraham’ and ‘Isaac’. Indeed, your Lord is All-Knowing, All-Wise."

12:7  Definitely, in ‘Joseph’ and his brethren are signs (of Allâh’s power & glory) for those who seek for answers.

12:8  Behold! They said: “(‘Joseph’) and his brother (‘Benjamin’) are truly loved more by our father than we, while we are a strong group. Indeed, our father is in manifest error:

12:9  Slay ‘Joseph’ or cast him forth into some land, so that the graceful bounty of your father may be given to you alone, and thereafter you will be righteous people."

12:10  One among them said: "Slay not ‘Joseph’, but, if you intend to do something, throw him down to the bottom of the well. Some caravan of travelers may pick him up.”

12:11  They said, "O’ our father, why do you not entrust us with ‘Joseph’? Verily, we are to him sincere mentors.

12:12  Send him with us tomorrow so that he may enjoy himself and play. We will be indeed his (trustful) guardians.”

12:13  (‘Jacob’) said:” It would sadden me that you would take him with you as I fear that a wolf would eat him while you are inattentive to him.”

12:14  They said: “If it happens that the wolf eat him while we are a strong group, then we will defiantly be (big) losers!”

12:15  Then, When they took him out and decided to throw him into the bottom of the well, We inspired him: “Definitely, you will inform them (one day) of this issue of theirs without them knowing.”

12:16  Early at night, they came back to their father weeping.

12:17  They said: “O’ our father, we went off racing one with another and left ‘Joseph’ by our belongings, so the wolf (came and) devoured him. You may not believe us although we are speaking the truth."

12:18  They came with false blood on his shirt. He said:” Nay, but your minds have beguiled you into something. Nay, your own selves enticed you to do something (evil). So perseverance in patience and constancy is the most appropriate (thing to do now). And Allâh is the One whose help can be sought against that which you made out."

12:19  There came a caravan of travelers, and they sent their water drawer. As soon as he let down his bucket (into the well). He said: “What great news! Here is a boy."

12:20  They sold him for a relatively low price, a few silver coins, as they were ardent to get rid of him.

12:21  The man who bought him was from Egypt. He said to his wife: "Make his stay honorable. Maybe he will be beneficial to us, or we may adopt him to be our son.” This is how We did establish ‘Joseph’ in the land so as to teach him the interpretation of the events (i.e. dreams and visions). Unfortunately, most of the people do lack knowledge (Allâh)

12:22  When he attained his maturity, we endowed him with wisdom and (divine) knowledge. This is how we remunerate those who attain perfection in righteousness /and in Faith.

12:23  She, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. She closed the doors and said: "Come on, O’ you." He said: “God forbid! Lo! (The one who bought me) is my master. He made me stay honorable. Indeed, those who are grossly unfair and morally wrong will never achieve a blissful life/or gain eternal salvation."

12:24  Verily, as she was completely unable to resist him, he was about to capitulate to her desires if it were not that he saw the manifest evidence of his Lord. This is how We turn away evil and obscenity from him. Absolutely he was one of Our faithful servants.

12:25  As they raced with one another to the door, she grabbed him from behind, and tore off his shirt. They found her husband at the door. She said: “What is the penalty for the one who intended to do evil to your wife, except imprisonment or a painful punishment?"

12:26  He said: “She is the one who sought to seduce me." A witness of her own family testified: “If his shirt is torn in front, she speaks the truth and he is of the liars.

12:27  But if his shirt is torn from behind, then she is lying while he is one of the truthful."

12:28  Thus, when he saw his shirt torn from behind, he said: “This is one of the machinations of women. Indeed, their machination is great!"

12:29  O’ ‘Joseph’, turn aside from this. As for you (-my wife-), you should ask forgiveness for your sin. You were definitely of the sinners."

12:30  Some women in the city said: "The wife of the governor tried to seduce her servant. She is deeply in love with him. Indeed, we see her in a manifest deception.”

12:31  So she heard of their gossip. Thus, she invited them to her house, prepared a banquet and gave a knife to each of them, asking him (-’Joseph’ -) to appear before them. As soon as they saw him, (his physical attractiveness left them totally flabbergasted) that they cut their hands. They said: “God forbid! He is not a mortal being but a courteous ‘Angel’."

12:32  She said: "This is the one whom you blamed me. I sought to seduce and (to conquer) him, but he refrained. If it should happen that he refused to do what I commanded him to do, he would definitely be imprisoned, and he would definitely be of those who are dishonored.”

12:33  He said: "O’ my Lord, prison is more favorable to me than that to which they invite me. Unless you turn away their machination from me, I will fall into their temptation, becoming of the ignorant."

12:34  Thus, his Lord answered his supplication and diverted their machination away from him. Indeed, He is the All- Hearer, the All-Knowing.

12:35  Then it occurred to them after they had seen the proofs (of his innocence) to imprison him for a while.

12:36  Two men entered the prison with him. One of them said: “lo! I saw myself in dream squeezing wine." The other said: “lo! I saw myself in dream carrying bread on my head and birds were eating thereof." (They said): "Inform us of the interpretation of this. Indeed, we see you of those who pursue righteousness.”

12:37  "If any food is provided to you, I can inform you about it before coming to you. This is of what my Lord has taught me. Verily, I renounce the faith of a people who refuse to accept Allâh into their Life ; and they are , in the ‘Hereafter’, disbelievers.

12:38  I have followed the creed of my fathers, ‘Abraham’, ‘Isaac’ and ‘Jacob’. We are not quite prepared to attribute any partners whatsoever to Allâh. This is of the Bounty of Allâh's blessings on us and on mankind. But most of the people are ungrateful (to Allâh for His endless blessings).

12:39  O’ my two fellow-prisoners, are various (mythological) lords better or Allâh the One, the Omnipotent?

12:40  Those whom you worship ( & venerate), beside Him, are (nothing) but names which you have named, you and your fathers. Allâh has not sent down for them any authority. Legislation is not but for Allâh. He has commanded that you should worship none but Him. This is the upright (faith), but most of the people do lack knowledge (of the truth).

12:41  O’ my two fellow-prisoners, as for one of you, he will serve wine for his master to drink; and as for the other, he will be crucified and birds will eat from his head. The matter is decreed concerning which you sought for clarification.”

12:42  He then said to the one to be saved: “Mention me (and my story) in the presence of your master." But ‘Satan’ caused him to forget to mention (the story of ‘Joseph’) to his master. Thus, ‘Joseph’ remained in the prison a few more years.

12:43  The king (of Egypt) said:" Verily, I saw (in a dream) seven fat cows being devoured by seven scrawny cows and seven green wheat stalks and other (seven) dry. O’ Notable men (of Egypt), advise me concerning my dream if you are capable of interpreting the dreams."

12:44  They said: “Senseless dreams and we are not skilled in the interpretation of dreams."

12:45  The one who was released, now that he finally remembered and said: "I am going to inform you of its interpretation, so send me forth.

12:46  ‘Joseph’, O’ truthful one, inform us of seven fat cows being devoured by seven scrawny cows and seven green wheat stalks and other (seven) dry, so I can return to the people and let them know (the interpretation of this dream).”

12:47  He said: "You shall sow for seven years as usual, then what you reap, leave it in its ears, save a little which you may eat.

12:48  Then after, seven hard years will come, which will devour all that you have prepared for them, except a little of that which you have stored.

12:49  After that, a year will come in which people will have abundant rain and in which they will squeeze ( oil and wine ).”

12:50  The king said: "Bring him to me!" But when the messenger came to him, (‘Joseph’) said: "Return to your master and ask him about (the case of) those women who cut their hand. Indeed, my Lord is Well-Aware of their machination.”

12:51  (The king) asked ( the women): “What was your intention when you sought to seduce ‘Joseph’?" They answered: "God forbid! We knew no evil of his part. The wife of the governor said: “Now, since the truth has prevailed, (I must confess that) I am the one who tried to seduce him. He is absolutely a truthful man."

12:52  Then (‘Joseph’) said: "(I asked for this investigation) so that my master will come to know that I betrayed him not in secret. Indeed, Allâh guides not the machination of the betrayers.

12:53  I claim not that I am free from sin. Indeed, ‘Human self’ is naturally inclined to sin, except for those on whom my Lord bestows His Mercy. Absolutely, my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

12:54  The king said: "Bring him unto me!. I will appoint him to be one of my advisers. So when he talked with him, he said: "From this day forward, you will be an honorable and trustful person among us".

12:55  ‘Joseph’ said: "Appoint me as a treasurer to manage the storehouses of the land. Indeed, I am skilled custodian.”

12:56  This is how We established Joseph on the earth and made him settle therein wherever he willed; and We definitely will not let the reward of those whose heart is perfect towards Allâh be lost.

12:57  Yet the reward of the Hereafter is far better for those who adhere to Islamic monotheism and act piously (or guard themselves against falling into temptation or sin).

12:58  The brothers of ‘Joseph’ came and presented themselves before him. He knew them but they recognized him not.

12:59  When he had furnished them with their food supplies, he said: ”(Next time you come here), bring to me a brother of yours from your father. Do you not see that I give full measure and that I am the best of hosts?

12:60  If it happens that you do not bring him to me, then ( be sure) there will be no measure for you from my part; neither will you come near me."

12:61  They said: "We shall use our efforts to persuade his father to send him with us. Indeed we shall do so."

12:62  Then ‘Joseph’ said unto his servants: "Put their merchandise into their saddlebags in order that they may be bale to recognize it when they have gone back to their family, and may come again.”

12:63  So when they returned to their father, they said: "O’ our father, (unless we bring our brother with us), they will refuse to give us any food supplies. Therefore, send your brother with us so that we may be able to obtain food supplies. We will definitely guard him.”

12:64  He said: "Should I entrust you with him, except as I entrusted you with his brother aforetime? Allâh is the Best Guardian and He is the Most Merciful of all the ones who show clemency."

12:65  When they opened their baggage, they found that their merchandise had been returned unto them. They said: "O’ our father, what more could we desire? This is our merchandise returned to us. We shall get food supplies for our family and guard our brother. We shall get also an extra load of a camel. This is a small quantity."

12:66  He said: "Never will I send him with you until you swear a solemn oath to me in the name of Allâh that you will definitely bring him back to me unless you are surrounded (or attacked by enemy).” Thus, when they had brought him their solemn pledge, he said: “Allâh, over all that we say, is the witness and guardian!"

12:67  He added: "O’ my sons, enter not by one gate, (but) enter by different gates. I cannot avail you aught against (the decree of) Allâh . Judgment belongs only unto Allâh. In Him, I do place my trust, thus, let all those who trust place their trust in Him."

12:68  As soon as they entered from where their father had ordered them, it availed them nothing against (the decree of) Allâh as ( it was only) a desire that ‘Jacob’ sought to fulfill. Indeed, he had spiritual gift of knowledge because of the fact that We had taught him, but most of the people do lack knowledge ( of Allâh).

12:69  When they entered upon ‘Joseph’, he lodged his brother with himself, saying: "I am your brother, thus grieve not over what they used to do."

12:70  When he had furnished them with their food supplies, he put his golden chalice in the saddlebag of his brother. Then a crier cried out: " O’ you in the caravan, you are absolutely thieves!”

12:71  They said while they were approaching them, "What is it that you are missing?"

12:72  They said: "We have lost the golden chalice of the king. As for the one who brings it will receive a load of a camel (as a reward). I guarantee that. “

12:73  They said: "By Allâh! Verily, you know well that we came not to spread corruption in the land. We are not thieves!"

12:74  (The Egyptians) said: "What then will be the penalty of him, if you are liars?”

12:75  They said: "The penalty is that he in whose saddlebag the chalice is found, he will be held (as bondsman). This is how we chastise those who are grossly unfair and morally wrong ( in our law).”

12:76  Then (‘Joseph’) began the search with their bags before searching the bag of his brother, and then he extracted it from the bag of his brother. This is how we planned for him (to obtain what he sought). He could not have taken his brother according to the law of the king unless Allâh had willed. We raise the degrees of whomsoever We will. Lo! Over every endued with knowledge is one, the All-Knowing.

12:77  They said: "If he stole, there was a brother of his who did it before (him)." But ‘Joseph’ kept it within himself and disclosed it not to them. He said ( within himself ): "You are in worst situation, and Allâh knows best the truth of what you allege."

12:78  They said: "O’ mighty prince, he has a very aged father, so take one of us in his place. We see you one of those who pursue righteousness.”

12:79  He said: "God forbid! If it should happen that we took any other but him with whom we found our chalice, then we would definitely be of those who are grossly unfair and morally wrong.”

12:80  Thus, when they despaired of him, they retired, conferring privately together. The eldest among them said: "Do you not know that your father took an oath from you in the name of Allâh, and before this you failed in your duty with Joseph? Therefore I am not going to leave this land until my father gives me permission to leave or Allâh judges for me. He is the Best of (all) Judges.”

12:81  Return to your father and say (to him): "O’ our father, your son (‘Benjamin’) stole, we testify not except that we know. We were not guardians over the unseen.

12:82  You can ask the people of the town where we were and the caravan in which we returned. We are absolutely telling the truth."

12:83  Jacob said: "Nay, your own selves enticed you to do something (evil). So perseverance in patience and constancy is the most appropriate (thing to do now). It may be that Allâh will bring them all to me. He is the All-knowing, the All-wise."

12:84  He turned away from them saying, "Woe is me for ‘Joseph’!' His eyes became white because of sorrow that he was suppressing.

12:85  They said: "By Allâh! You will never cease remembering ‘Joseph’ until you become seriously ill, or die."

12:86  He said: "I only complain of my distraction and my sorrow to Allâh, and I know from Allâh that which you have no knowledge.

12:87  O’ my sons, go, try to find out about Joseph and his brother, and despair not of the Mercy of Allâh. Definitely no one should despair of the Mercy of Allâh, except for a people who lack faith in Allâh."

12:88  So when they entered upon Joseph, they said: "O’ mighty prince, misfortune has touched us and our family. We come with merchandise of scant worth. But we (hope you can) give us full measure and you will be charitable to us. Indeed, Allâh remunerates those who give alms."

12:89  He said: "Do you know what you did with Joseph and his brother, when you were ignorant?"

12:90  They said: "Are you indeed Joseph?" He said: "I am Joseph and this is my brother. Allâh has definitely favored us. Indeed, whosoever acts piously, and seeks help through perseverance in patience and constancy (needs to know that) Allâh will not let the reward of those who pursue righteousness be lost.”

12:91  They said: "By Allâh! Definitely Allâh has preferred you over us, and we were obviously sinners.”

12:92  He said: “No reproof will be upon you today. Allâh will forgive you. He is the Most Merciful of all those who show clemency ."

12:93  Go, take this shirt of mine, and do you cast it on the face of my father, he will regain his sight. Bring your whole family and come back to me."

12:94  So, when the caravan set forth, their father said: ”I can clearly smell the scent of ‘Joseph’ (in the air) unless you think of me infatuated.”

12:95  They said: "By Allâh! Definitely, you are in your old deception."

12:96  As soon as the bearer of good tidings came to him and cast it (-the shirt-) over his face, he regained his sight. He said: “Did I not tell you that I know from Allâh that which you have no knowledge?"

12:97  They said: "O’ our father, ask for us forgiveness of our sins. Definitely we have been sinners."

12:98  He said: “I shall ask my Lord for forgiveness for you. Indeed, He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful."

12:99  When they entered upon Joseph, he lodged his parents with himself and said: "Enter Egypt, if Allâh wills, safely."

12:100  He raised his parents on the throne and they prostrated themselves before him. He said: "O’ my father, this is the interpretation of my dream aforetime. My Lord has made it true. He was indeed generous to me when He brought me forth from the prison, and brought you here from Bedouin lifestyle after having ended the antagonism which ‘Satan’ disseminated between my brothers and me. Absolutely, my Lord is the Most Amiable to whom He wills. Indeed, He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

12:101  O’ My Lord, You have given me of the sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of dreams, the Creator of the heavens and earth. You are my Guardian in this world and in the Hereafter. Make me die as the one who submitted (himself to the authority of Allâh) and join me with the righteous."

12:102  That is of the tidings of the Unseen that We reveal unto you. You were not with them when they agreed on devising their evil plans.

12:103  Most of the people, no matter how hard you strive, are inclined to disbelieve (in Allâh’s power & glory)

12:104  You ask of them no wage for (your efforts to guide them into all the truth) . It is nothing except a reminder for all the worlds.

12:105  So many signs ( of Allâh’s power & glory) in the heavens and on the earth, do they pass by. Yet they give no heed to them.

12:106  Most of them believe not in Allâh without attributing partners unto Him.

12:107  Do they then feel safe that there will not come unto them a sweeping chastisement from Allâh or that the (Inevitable) ‘Hour’ will come upon them suddenly while they perceive not?

12:108  Say: "This is my way; I invite to Allâh with awareness (and certainty), I and those who follow me. Exalted is Allâh! I am not one of the ‘Polytheists’."

12:109  We sent not before you (as Messengers) any except men, whom We revealed from among the people of townships. Thus, have they not traveled through the earth and observed the dreadful outcome of those who were before them? Indeed, the home of the Hereafter is the best for those who act piously. Do you not possess self- awareness that allows you to understand?

12:110  (They were given respite) until, when the ‘Messengers’ despaired, becoming certain that they were completely rejected (by their people), then came to them Our Help, and whomsoever We willed was saved. Our Strength (i.e. punishment ) cannot be averted from the ungodly sinners.

12:111  There was certainly in their stories a lesson for the people who possess self-awareness. Never was the Qur'ân a narration mythologized, but a verification of what was before it and a distinct explanation of all things, as well as a guide ( into all the truth ) and a mercy to the people who believe (in the Unity & Oneness of Allâh).