As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection is from Surah 12, Yüsuf or Joseph, verses 1-20. These verses begin the story of Prophet Joseph, who was sent on a hunting trip with his evil stepbrothers, who threw him into a dark well. He was eventually rescued but sold as a slave in Egypt.
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Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
Alif L’ãm Rã. These are the verses of the Book that make things clear.[1] We have revealed this Qur’an in the Arabic language so that you (Arabs) may understand.[2] We relate to you the best of stories through this Qur’an by Our revelation to you (O Muhammad), though before this you were one of those who did not know.[3] 12:[1-3]
This is the narrative of that time, when Yüsuf (Joseph) said to his father: “O my father! In a dream I saw eleven stars, the sun and the moon – I saw them prostrate themselves before me!”[4] He replied: “My dear little son! Do not say any thing about this dream to your brothers, lest they plot an evil scheme against you; for Shaitãn is an open enemy to human beings.[5] It will happen, as you have seen in your dream, that you will be chosen by your Lord for His work. He will teach you how to interpret visions, and will perfect His favor upon you and the children of Ya’qoob (Jacob), as He perfected it upon your forefathers Ibrãhïm (Abraham) and Ishãq (Isaac) before you. Surely your Lord is Knowledgeable, Wise.[6] 12:[4-6]
Indeed in the story of Yüsuf and his brothers, there are signs for inquirers.[7] This is how the story begins: his step brothers held a meeting and said to one another: “This Yüsuf and his brother (Benjamin) are loved more by our father than us, even though we are a group of ten and can help him more than them. In fact, our father is clearly mistaken.[8] Let us kill Yüsuf or throw him out to some far-off land so that the attention of our father turns exclusively towards us, after that, we may again become righteous people!”[9] At this one of them said: “Do not kill Yüsuf, but if you must, throw him into some dark well, so that he may be picked up by some passing by caravan.”[10] 12:[7-10]
After this meeting, they asked their father: “O our father! Why is it that you do not trust us with Yüsuf, though we are his sincere well-wishers?[11] Send him with us tomorrow, that he may play and enjoy himself. We shall take good care of him.”[12] Their father said: “I will be worried if you take him away, for I fear lest a wolf should eat him up while you are off your guard .”[13] They said: “If a wolf could eat him despite our number, then surely we would be worthless people!”[14] When after such persistence they were able to take him away, they resolved to throw him into a dark well. We revealed this (to Yüsuf) : “A time will come when you will admonish them about this act of theirs, now they do not perceive its
consequences.”[15] 12:[11-15]At nightfall they return to their father, weeping.[16] They said: “Father! We went off to compete in racing with one another, and left Yüsuf by our belongings, and a wolf ate him! But you will not believe us even though we are telling the truth.”[17] As proof they brought his shirt stained with false blood. “No!” He cried, “Your souls have tempted you to evil. I need good patience! Allah Alone can help me bear the loss you are speaking of.”[18] 12:[16-18]
On the other side, a caravan passed by, and sent a water carrier who let down his bucket into the well. Seeing Yüsuf in it, he shouted with joy: “Good news! I found a young boy.” They concealed him like trade merchandise. But Allah knew what they did.[19] They (brought him to Egypt and) sold him for a petty price, a few dirhams (silver coins), they had such a low estimation of him.[20] 12:[19-20]
Ameen.
This concludes today’s episode of the 17 Verses Podcast. I hope that this selection has helped increase your understanding of the holy Qur’an just a little bit.
Thank you and be well.