As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection concludes Surah 12, Yüsuf or Joseph, verses 94-111. These verses tell the story of how Joseph’s father, Jacob, received the news that Joseph was alive and his family’s relocation from Ken’ãn to Egypt and Joseph’s prayer that he live and die as one who submits to the will of God. It ends with the affirmation that Joseph’s story is confirmation of previous scriptures.
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Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.When the caravan started (from Egypt) their father (who was in Ken’ãn) said: “Certainly I feel the scent of Joseph, even though you may think I am out of my mind.”[94] The people, who heard him, said: “By Allah! You are still suffering from your old illusion.”[95] But when the bearer of the good news arrived, he cast the shirt of Joseph over his face and he regained his sight. Then he said: “Didn’t I tell you that I know from Allah what you do not know?”[96] They said: “Father! Pray for the forgiveness for our sins. We have indeed done wrong.”[97] He replied: “Soon I will ask my Lord for forgiveness for you; surely He is the One who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”[98] 12:[94-98]
When they came to Joseph, he asked his parents to lodge with himself, and said: “Now enter the city. Allah willing, you will live here in peace.”[99] After entering the city he helped his parents to seats on the throne, and they all fell down in prostration before him. “This,” said Joseph to his father, “is the interpretation of my dream which I dreamt long before. My Lord has really made it come true. It was His grace that He took me out of prison and brought you all here from the desert even though Shaitãn had stirred up strife between me and my brothers. For sure my Lord fulfills His plan in mysterious ways. Surely He is the One Who is the Knowledgeable, the Wise.[100] O Lord! You have indeed given me a kingdom and taught me the interpretation of dreams. O, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, You are my Protector in this world and in the hereafter, make me die as a Muslim and admit me among the righteous.”[101] O Muhammad, this story which We have revealed to you is a tale of the unseen; for you were not there with (the brothers of Joseph) when they collectively conspired and schemed against him.[102] Yet strive as you may, most men are not going to become believers,[103] even though You do not demand any recompense for this information. This Qur’an is nothing but a reminder for all the people of the worlds.[104] 12:[99-104]
There are many signs in the heavens and the earth which they pass by; yet they pay no attention to them! [105] As a result most of them who believe in Allah also commit shirk.[106] Do they feel secure that Allah’s scourge will not fall on them, or that the Hour of Doom will not come upon them suddenly while they do not suspect it?[107] Tell them plainly: “This is my way. I invite you to Allah with sure knowledge which I and my followers possess. Glory be to Allah, and I am not one of the mushrikïn (those who associate others with God).”[108] 12:[105-108]
All the Messengers that We sent before you, O Muhammad, were human beings, to whom We sent Our Revelations after choosing them from the people of their town. Have these unbelievers not traveled through the land and seen what was the end of those who passed away before them? From their destiny you should know that the home of the hereafter is better for those who are righteous. Why don’t you understand?[109] Respite was granted until the Messengers gave up hope of their people and realized that they were being treated as liars, Our help came to them and We delivered those whom We pleased; and Our scourge was not averted from the criminal people.[110] There is a lesson in these stories of former people for the men of common sense. This story of Joseph revealed in the Qur’an is not an invented tale, but a confirmation of previous scriptures – a detailed exposition of all things, and is a guidance and blessing for the people who believe.[111] 12:[109-111]
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.