12. Surah Yusuf Joseph

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّح۪يمِ

Bismi Allahi arrahmani arraheem

In the name of Allah, All-Merciful, Most Merciful

الٓـرٰ۠ تِلْكَ اٰيَاتُ الْـكِتَابِ الْمُب۪ينِ۠

Alif-lam-ra tilka ayatualkitabi almubeen

Alif Lam Ra Those are the Signs of the Clear Book.

اِنَّٓا اَنْزَلْنَاهُ قُرْءٰناً عَرَبِياًّ لَعَلَّـكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

Inna anzalnahu qur-ananAAarabiyyan laAAallakum taAAqiloon

We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an so that hopefully you will use your intellect.

نَحْنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ اَحْسَنَ الْقَصَصِ بِمَٓا اَوْحَيْنَٓا اِلَيْكَ هٰذَا الْقُرْاٰنَۗ وَاِنْ كُنْتَ مِنْ قَبْلِه۪ لَمِنَ الْغَافِل۪ينَ

Nahnu naqussu AAalayka ahsanaalqasasi bima awhayna ilayka hathaalqur-ana wa-in kunta min qablihi lamina alghafileen

We tell you the best of stories in revealing this Qur’an to you, even though you were unaware of it before it came.

اِذْ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِاَب۪يهِ يَٓا اَبَتِ اِنّ۪ي رَاَيْتُ اَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوْكَباً وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ رَاَيْتُهُمْ ل۪ي سَاجِد۪ينَ

Ith qala yoosufu li-abeehi yaabati innee raaytu ahada AAashara kawkaban washshamsawalqamara raaytuhum lee sajideen

When Yusuf told his father, ‘Father! I saw eleven bright stars, and the sun and moon as well. I saw them all prostrate in front of me.’

قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تَقْصُصْ رُءْيَاكَ عَلٰٓى اِخْوَتِكَ فَيَك۪يدُوا لَكَ كَيْداًۜ اِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لِلْاِنْسَانِ عَدُوٌّ مُب۪ينٌ

Qala ya bunayya la taqsusru/yaka AAala ikhwatika fayakeedoo laka kaydan innaashshaytana lil-insani AAaduwwun mubeen

He said, ‘My son, don’t tell your brothers your dream lest they devise some scheme to injure you, Shaytan is a clear-cut enemy to man.

وَكَذٰلِكَ يَجْتَب۪يكَ رَبُّكَ وَيُعَلِّمُكَ مِنْ تَأْو۪يلِ الْاَحَاد۪يثِ وَيُتِمُّ نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلٰٓى اٰلِ يَعْقُوبَ كَمَٓا اَتَمَّهَا عَلٰٓى اَبَوَيْكَ مِنْ قَبْلُ اِبْرٰه۪يمَ وَاِسْحٰقَۜ اِنَّ رَبَّكَ عَل۪يمٌ حَك۪يمٌ۟

Wakathalika yajtabeeka rabbukawayuAAallimuka min ta/weeli al-ahadeethi wayutimmuniAAmatahu AAalayka waAAala ali yaAAqooba kamaatammaha AAala abawayka min qablu ibraheemawa-ishaqa inna rabbaka AAaleemun hakeem

Accordingly your Lord will pick you out and teach you the true meaning of events and perfectly fulfil His blessing on you as well as on the family of Ya‘qub as He fulfilled it perfectly before upon your forebears, Ibrahim and Ishaq. Most certainly your Lord is Knowing, Wise.’

لَقَدْ كَانَ ف۪ي يُوسُفَ وَاِخْوَتِه۪ٓ اٰيَاتٌ لِلسَّٓائِل۪ينَ

Laqad kana fee yoosufa wa-ikhwatihi ayatunlissa-ileen

In Yusuf and his brothers there are Signs for every one of those who wants to ask.

اِذْ قَالُوا لَيُوسُفُ وَاَخُوهُ اَحَبُّ اِلٰٓى اَب۪ينَا مِنَّا وَنَحْنُ عُصْبَةٌۜ اِنَّ اَبَانَا لَف۪ي ضَلَالٍ مُب۪ينٍۚ

Ith qaloo layoosufu waakhoohu ahabbuila abeena minna wanahnu AAusbatuninna abana lafee dalalin mubeen

When they declared, ‘Why! Yusuf and his brother are dearer to our father than we are although we constitute a powerful group. Our father is clearly making a mistake.

اُقْتُلُوا يُوسُفَ اَوِ اطْرَحُوهُ اَرْضاً يَخْلُ لَكُمْ وَجْهُ اَب۪يكُمْ وَتَكُونُوا مِنْ بَعْدِه۪ قَوْماً صَالِح۪ينَ

Oqtuloo yoosufa awi itrahoohuardan yakhlu lakum wajhu abeekum watakoonoo min baAAdihiqawman saliheen

Kill Yusuf or expel him to some land so that your father will look to you alone and then you can be people who do right. ’

قَالَ قَٓائِلٌ مِنْهُمْ لَا تَقْتُلُوا يُوسُفَ وَاَلْقُوهُ ف۪ي غَيَابَتِ الْجُبِّ يَلْتَقِطْهُ بَعْضُ السَّيَّارَةِ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ فَاعِل۪ينَ

Qala qa-ilun minhum lataqtuloo yoosufa waalqoohu fee ghayabati aljubbi yaltaqithubaAAdu assayyarati in kuntum faAAileen

One of them said, ‘Do not take Yusuf’s life but throw him to the bottom of the well, so that some travellers may discover him, if this is something that you have to do. ’

قَالُوا يَٓا اَبَانَا مَا لَكَ لَا تَأْمَنَّۭۖا عَلٰى يُوسُفَ وَاِنَّا لَهُ لَنَاصِحُونَ

Qaloo ya abana malaka la ta/manna AAala yoosufa wa-innalahu lanasihoon

They said, ‘Our father! What is wrong with you that you refuse to trust us with Yusuf when in truth we only wish him well?

اَرْسِلْهُ مَعَنَا غَداً يَرْتَعْ وَيَلْعَبْ وَاِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ

Arsilhu maAAana ghadan yartaAAwayalAAab wa-inna lahu lahafithoon

Why don’t you send him out with us tomorrow so he can enjoy himself and play about? All of us will make sure that he is safe. ’

قَالَ اِنّ۪ي لَيَحْزُنُن۪ٓي اَنْ تَذْهَبُوا بِه۪ وَاَخَافُ اَنْ يَأْكُلَهُ الذِّئْبُ وَاَنْتُمْ عَنْهُ غَافِلُونَ

Qala innee layahzununee an thathhaboobihi waakhafu an ya/kulahu aththi/buwaantum AAanhu ghafiloon

He said, ‘It grieves me to let him go with you I fear a wolf might come and eat him up while you are heedless, not attending him. ’

قَالُوا لَئِنْ اَكَلَهُ الذِّئْبُ وَنَحْنُ عُصْبَةٌ اِنَّٓا اِذاً لَخَاسِرُونَ

Qaloo la-in akalahu aththi/buwanahnu AAusbatun inna ithan lakhasiroon

They said, ‘If a wolf does come and eat him up when together we make up a powerful group in that case we would truly be in loss!’

فَلَمَّا ذَهَبُوا بِه۪ وَاَجْمَعُٓوا اَنْ يَجْعَلُوهُ ف۪ي غَيَابَتِ الْجُبِّۚ وَاَوْحَيْنَٓا اِلَيْهِ لَتُنَبِّئَنَّهُمْ بِاَمْرِهِمْ هٰذَا وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

Falamma thahaboo bihiwaajmaAAoo an yajAAaloohu fee ghayabati aljubbi waawhaynailayhi latunabi-annahum bi-amrihim hatha wahum layashAAuroon

But when, in fact, they did go out with him and gathered all together and agreed to put him at the bottom of the well, We then revealed to him that: ‘You will inform them of this deed they perpetrate at a time when they are totally unaware. ’

وَجَٓاؤُٓ۫ اَبَاهُمْ عِشَٓاءً يَبْكُونَۜ

Wajaoo abahum AAishaanyabkoon

That night they came back to their father in tears,

قَالُوا يَٓا اَبَانَٓا اِنَّا ذَهَبْنَا نَسْتَبِقُ وَتَرَكْنَا يُوسُفَ عِنْدَ مَتَاعِنَا فَاَكَلَهُ الذِّئْبُۚ وَمَٓا اَنْتَ بِمُؤْمِنٍ لَنَا وَلَوْ كُنَّا صَادِق۪ينَ

Qaloo ya abanainna thahabna nastabiqu wataraknayoosufa AAinda mataAAina faakalahu aththi/buwama anta bimu/minin lana walaw kunna sadiqeen

saying, ‘Father, we went out to run a race and left Yusuf together with our things and then a wolf appeared and ate him up but you are never going to believe us now, not even though we really tell the truth. ’

وَجَٓاؤُ۫ عَلٰى قَم۪يصِه۪ بِدَمٍ كَذِبٍۜ قَالَ بَلْ سَوَّلَتْ لَكُمْ اَنْفُسُكُمْ اَمْراًۜ فَصَبْرٌ جَم۪يلٌۜ وَاللّٰهُ الْمُسْتَعَانُ عَلٰى مَا تَصِفُونَ

Wajaoo AAala qameesihibidamin kathibin qala bal sawwalat lakum anfusukumamran fasabrun jameelun wallahu almustaAAanuAAala ma tasifoon

They then produced his shirt with false blood on it. He said, ‘It is merely that your lower selves have suggested something to you which you did; but beauty lies in showing steadfastness. It is Allah alone who is my Help in face of the event that you describe.’

وَجَٓاءَتْ سَيَّارَةٌ فَاَرْسَلُوا وَارِدَهُمْ فَاَدْلٰى دَلْوَهُۜ قَالَ يَا بُشْرٰى هٰذَا غُلَامٌۜ وَاَسَرُّوهُ بِضَاعَةًۜ وَاللّٰهُ عَل۪يمٌ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ

Wajaat sayyaratun faarsaloo waridahumfaadla dalwahu qala ya bushra hathaghulamun waasarroohu bidaAAatan wallahuAAaleemun bima yaAAmaloon

Some travellers came that way and then dispatched their water-drawer who let his bucket down. He said, ‘Good news for me, I’ve found a boy!’ They then hid him away among their goods. Allah knew very well what they were doing.

وَشَرَوْهُ بِثَمَنٍ بَخْسٍ دَرَاهِمَ مَعْدُودَةٍۚ وَكَانُوا ف۪يهِ مِنَ الزَّاهِد۪ينَ۟

Washarawhu bithamanin bakhsin darahimamaAAdoodatin wakanoo feehi mina azzahideen

They sold him for a pittance, a few small coins, considering him to be of little worth.

وَقَالَ الَّذِي اشْتَرٰيهُ مِنْ مِصْرَ لِامْرَاَتِه۪ٓ اَكْرِم۪ي مَثْوٰيهُ عَسٰٓى اَنْ يَنْفَعَنَٓا اَوْ نَتَّخِذَهُ وَلَداًۜ وَكَذٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي الْاَرْضِۘ وَلِنُعَلِّمَهُ مِنْ تَأْو۪يلِ الْاَحَاد۪يثِۜ وَاللّٰهُ غَالِبٌ عَلٰٓى اَمْرِه۪ وَلٰكِنَّ اَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

Waqala allathee ishtarahumin misra limraatihi akrimee mathwahu AAasaan yanfaAAana aw nattakhithahu waladan wakathalikamakkanna liyoosufa fee al-ardi walinuAAallimahu minta/weeli al-ahadeethi wallahu ghalibunAAala amrihi walakinna akthara annasila yaAAlamoon

The Egyptian who had bought him told his wife, ‘Look after him with honour and respect. It’s possible he will be of use to us or perhaps we might adopt him as a son.’ And thus We established Yusuf in the land to teach him the true meaning of events. Allah is in control of His affair. However, most of mankind do not know.

وَلَمَّا بَلَغَ اَشُدَّهُٓ اٰتَيْنَاهُ حُكْماً وَعِلْماًۜ وَكَذٰلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِن۪ينَ

Walamma balagha ashuddahu ataynahuhukman waAAilman wakathalika najzee almuhsineen

And then when he became a full-grown man, We gave him knowledge and right judgement too. That is how We reward all doers of good.

وَرَاوَدَتْهُ الَّت۪ي هُوَ ف۪ي بَيْتِهَا عَنْ نَفْسِه۪ وَغَلَّقَتِ الْاَبْوَابَ وَقَالَتْ هَيْتَ لَكَۜ قَالَ مَعَاذَ اللّٰهِ اِنَّهُ رَبّ۪ٓي اَحْسَنَ مَثْوَايَۜ اِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الظَّالِمُونَ

Warawadat-hu allatee huwa fee baytihaAAan nafsihi waghallaqati al-abwaba waqalat haytalaka qala maAAatha Allahi innahu rabbee ahsanamathwaya innahu la yuflihu aththalimoon

The woman whose house it was solicited him. She barred the doors and said, ‘Come over here!’ He said, ‘Allah is my refuge! He is my lord and has been good to me with where I live. Those who do wrong will surely not succeed.’

وَلَقَدْ هَمَّتْ بِه۪ۗ وَهَمَّ بِهَاۚ لَوْلَٓا اَنْ رَاٰ بُرْهَانَ رَبِّه۪ۜ كَذٰلِكَ لِنَصْرِفَ عَنْهُ السُّٓوءَ وَالْفَحْشَٓاءَۜ اِنَّهُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا الْمُخْلَص۪ينَ

Walaqad hammat bihi wahamma biha lawlaan raa burhana rabbihi kathalika linasrifaAAanhu assoo-a walfahshaa innahumin AAibadina almukhlaseen

She wanted him and he would have wanted her, had he not seen the Clear Proof of his Lord. That happened so We might avert from him all evil and lust. He was Our chosen slave.

وَاسْتَبَقَا الْبَابَ وَقَدَّتْ قَم۪يصَهُ مِنْ دُبُرٍ وَاَلْفَيَا سَيِّدَهَا لَدَا الْبَابِۜ قَالَتْ مَا جَزَٓاءُ مَنْ اَرَادَ بِاَهْلِكَ سُٓوءاً اِلَّٓا اَنْ يُسْجَنَ اَوْ عَذَابٌ اَل۪يمٌ

Wastabaqa albabawaqaddat qameesahu min duburin waalfaya sayyidahalada albabi qalat ma jazao manarada bi-ahlika soo-an illa an yusjana aw AAathabunaleem

They raced to the door. She tore his shirt at the back. They met her husband by the door. She said, ‘How should a man whose intention was to harm your family be punished for what he did except with prison or painful punishment?’

قَالَ هِيَ رَاوَدَتْن۪ي عَنْ نَفْس۪ي وَشَهِدَ شَاهِدٌ مِنْ اَهْلِهَاۚ اِنْ كَانَ قَم۪يصُهُ قُدَّ مِنْ قُبُلٍ فَصَدَقَتْ وَهُوَ مِنَ الْكَاذِب۪ينَ

Qala hiya rawadatnee AAannafsee washahida shahidun min ahliha in kanaqameesuhu qudda min qubulin fasadaqat wahuwa minaalkathibeen

He said, ‘It was she who tried to seduce me. ’ A witness from her people then declared, ‘If his shirt is torn in front, she speaks the truth and he has clearly told a shameless lie.

وَاِنْ كَانَ قَم۪يصُهُ قُدَّ مِنْ دُبُرٍ فَكَذَبَتْ وَهُوَ مِنَ الصَّادِق۪ينَ

Wa-in kana qameesuhu qudda minduburin fakathabat wahuwa mina assadiqeen

If his shirt is torn at the back, then she has lied and he has clearly told the simple truth. ’

فَلَمَّا رَاٰ قَم۪يصَهُ قُدَّ مِنْ دُبُرٍ قَالَ اِنَّهُ مِنْ كَيْدِكُنَّۜ اِنَّ كَيْدَكُنَّ عَظ۪يمٌ

Falamma raa qameesahuqudda min duburin qala innahu min kaydikunna innakaydakunna AAatheem

He saw the shirt torn at the back and said, ‘The source of this is women’s deviousness. Without a doubt your guile is very great.

يُوسُفُ اَعْرِضْ عَنْ هٰذَا وَاسْتَغْفِر۪ي لِذَنْبِكِۚ اِنَّكِ كُنْتِ مِنَ الْخَاطِـ۪ٔينَ۟

Yoosufu aAArid AAan hatha wastaghfireelithanbiki innaki kunti mina alkhati-een

Yusuf, ignore all this, and you, my wife, should ask forgiveness for your evil act. There is no doubt that you are in the wrong.’

وَقَالَ نِسْوَةٌ فِي الْمَد۪ينَةِ امْرَاَتُ الْعَز۪يزِ تُرَاوِدُ فَتٰيهَا عَنْ نَفْسِه۪ۚ قَدْ شَغَفَهَا حُباًّۜ اِنَّا لَنَرٰيهَا ف۪ي ضَلَالٍ مُب۪ينٍ

Waqala niswatun fee almadeenatiimraatu alAAazeezi turawidu fataha AAannafsihi qad shaghafaha hubban inna lanarahafee dalalin mubeen

Some city women said, ‘The governor’s wife solicited her slave. He’s fired her heart with love. We see that she’s the one to blame.’

فَلَمَّا سَمِعَتْ بِمَكْرِهِنَّ اَرْسَلَتْ اِلَيْهِنَّ وَاَعْتَدَتْ لَهُنَّ مُتَّكَـٔاً وَاٰتَتْ كُلَّ وَاحِدَةٍ مِنْهُنَّ سِكّ۪يناً وَقَالَتِ اخْرُجْ عَلَيْهِنَّۚ فَلَمَّا رَاَيْنَهُٓ اَكْبَرْنَهُ وَقَطَّعْنَ اَيْدِيَهُنَّ وَقُلْنَ حَاشَ لِلّٰهِ مَا هٰذَا بَشَراًۜ اِنْ هٰذَٓا اِلَّا مَلَكٌ كَر۪يمٌ

Falamma samiAAat bimakrihinna arsalatilayhinna waaAAtadat lahunna muttakaan waatat kulla wahidatinminhunna sikkeenan waqalati okhruj AAalayhinna falammaraaynahu akbarnahu waqattaAAna aydiyahunna waqulna hashalillahi ma hatha basharan in hathailla malakun kareem

But when she heard of their malicious talk, she sent for them and made a sumptuous meal and then she gave a knife to each of them. She said, ‘Go out to them.’ When they saw him, they were amazed by him and cut their hands. They said, ‘Allah preserve us! This is no man. What can this be but a noble angel here!’

قَالَتْ فَذٰلِكُنَّ الَّذ۪ي لُمْتُنَّن۪ي ف۪يهِۜ وَلَقَدْ رَاوَدْتُهُ عَنْ نَفْسِه۪ فَاسْتَعْصَمَۜ وَلَئِنْ لَمْ يَفْعَلْ مَٓا اٰمُرُهُ لَيُسْجَنَنَّ وَلَيَكُوناً مِنَ الصَّاغِر۪ينَ

Qalat fathalikunna allatheelumtunnanee feehi walaqad rawadtuhu AAan nafsihi fastAAsamawala-in lam yafAAal ma amuruhu layusjanannawalayakoonan mina assaghireen

She said, ‘You see! It’s him you blamed me for. I tried seducing him but he refused. If he does not do what I order him, he will be put in prison and brought low.’

قَالَ رَبِّ السِّجْنُ اَحَبُّ اِلَيَّ مِمَّا يَدْعُونَن۪ٓي اِلَيْهِۚ وَاِلَّا تَصْرِفْ عَنّ۪ي كَيْدَهُنَّ اَصْبُ اِلَيْهِنَّ وَاَكُنْ مِنَ الْجَاهِل۪ينَ

Qala rabbi assijnu ahabbuilayya mimma yadAAoonanee ilayhi wa-illa tasrifAAannee kaydahunna asbu ilayhinna waakun mina aljahileen

He said, ‘My Lord, the prison is preferable to me than what they call on me to do. Unless You turn their guile away from me, it may well be that I will fall for them and so become a man of ignorance.’

فَاسْتَجَابَ لَهُ رَبُّهُ فَصَرَفَ عَنْهُ كَيْدَهُنَّۜ اِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّم۪يعُ الْعَل۪يمُ

Fastajaba lahu rabbuhu fasarafaAAanhu kaydahunna innahu huwa assameeAAu alAAaleem

His Lord replied to him and turned away from him their female guile and deviousness. He is the One Who Hears, the One Who Knows.

ثُمَّ بَدَا لَهُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا رَاَوُا الْاٰيَاتِ لَيَسْجُنُنَّهُ حَتّٰى ح۪ينٍ۟

Thumma bada lahum min baAAdi maraawoo al-ayati layasjununnahu hatta heen

Then, after they had seen the Signs, they thought that they should still imprison him for a time.

وَدَخَلَ مَعَهُ السِّجْنَ فَتَيَانِۜ قَالَ اَحَدُهُمَٓا اِنّ۪ٓي اَرٰين۪ٓي اَعْصِرُ خَمْراًۚ وَقَالَ الْاٰخَرُ اِنّ۪ٓي اَرٰين۪ٓي اَحْمِلُ فَوْقَ رَأْس۪ي خُبْزاً تَأْكُلُ الطَّيْرُ مِنْهُۜ نَبِّئْنَا بِتَأْو۪يلِه۪ۚ اِنَّا نَرٰيكَ مِنَ الْمُحْسِن۪ينَ

Wadakhala maAAahu assijna fatayaniqala ahaduhuma innee aranee aAAsirukhamran waqala al-akharu innee aranee ahmilufawqa ra/see khubzan ta/kulu attayru minhu nabbi/nabita/weelihi inna naraka mina almuhsineen

Two servants entered prison along with him. One said, ‘I dreamt that I was pressing grapes.’ The other said, ‘I dreamt I carried bread upon my head and birds were eating it. Tell us the true meaning of these dreams. We see that you’re one of the righteous.’

قَالَ لَا يَأْت۪يكُمَا طَعَامٌ تُرْزَقَانِه۪ٓ اِلَّا نَبَّأْتُكُمَا بِتَأْو۪يلِه۪ قَبْلَ اَنْ يَأْتِيَكُمَاۜ ذٰلِكُمَا مِمَّا عَلَّمَن۪ي رَبّ۪يۜ اِنّ۪ي تَرَكْتُ مِلَّةَ قَوْمٍ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللّٰهِ وَهُمْ بِالْاٰخِرَةِ هُمْ كَافِرُونَۙ

Qala la ya/teekuma taAAamunturzaqanihi illa nabba/tukuma bita/weelihiqabla an ya/tiyakuma thalikuma mimmaAAallamanee rabbee innee taraktu millata qawmin layu/minoona billahi wahum bil-akhiratihum kafiroon

He said, ‘No meal to feed you will arrive before I have informed you what they mean. That is part of what my Lord taught me. For I have left the religion of a people who clearly have no iman in Allah and are kuffar about the world to come.

وَاتَّبَعْتُ مِلَّةَ اٰبَٓاء۪ٓي اِبْرٰه۪يمَ وَاِسْحٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَۜ مَا كَانَ لَـنَٓا اَنْ نُشْرِكَ بِاللّٰهِ مِنْ شَيْءٍۜ ذٰلِكَ مِنْ فَضْلِ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى النَّاسِ وَلٰكِنَّ اَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَشْكُرُونَ

WattabaAAtu millata aba-eeibraheema wa-ishaqa wayaAAqooba ma kanalana an nushrika billahi min shay-in thalikamin fadli Allahi AAalayna waAAala annasiwalakinna akthara annasi layashkuroon

I hold fast to the creed of my forebears Ibrahim and Ishaq and Ya‘qub. We don’t associate anything with Allah. And that is how Allah has favoured us and all mankind, but most do not give thanks.

يَا صَاحِبَيِ السِّجْنِ ءَاَرْبَابٌ مُتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيْرٌ اَمِ اللّٰهُ الْوَاحِدُ الْقَهَّارُۜ

Ya sahibayi assijniaarbabun mutafarriqoona khayrun ami Allahu alwahidualqahhar

My fellow-prisoners, are many lords better, or Allah, the only One, the Conqueror?

مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِه۪ٓ اِلَّٓا اَسْمَٓاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَٓا اَنْتُمْ وَاٰبَٓاؤُ۬كُمْ مَٓا اَنْزَلَ اللّٰهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍۜ اِنِ الْحُكْمُ اِلَّا لِلّٰهِۜ اَمَرَ اَلَّا تَعْبُدُٓوا اِلَّٓا اِيَّاهُۜ ذٰلِكَ الدّ۪ينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلٰكِنَّ اَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

Ma taAAbudoona min doonihi illaasmaan sammaytumooha antum waabaokumma anzala Allahu biha min sultaninini alhukmu illa lillahi amara allataAAbudoo illa iyyahu thalika addeenualqayyimu walakinna akthara annasi layaAAlamoon

What you serve apart from Him are only names which you and your forefathers have made up There is no mandate for them from Allah. Allah alone is qualified to judge. His order is to worship none but Him. That is in truth the straight and upright deen, but most of mankind simply do not know.

يَا صَاحِبَيِ السِّجْنِ اَمَّٓا اَحَدُكُمَا فَيَسْق۪ي رَبَّهُ خَمْراًۚ وَاَمَّا الْاٰخَرُ فَيُصْلَبُ فَتَأْكُلُ الطَّيْرُ مِنْ رَأْسِه۪ۜ قُضِيَ الْاَمْرُ الَّذ۪ي ف۪يهِ تَسْتَفْتِيَانِۜ

Ya sahibayi assijniamma ahadukuma fayasqee rabbahu khamranwaamma al-akharu fayuslabu fata/kulu attayrumin ra/sihi qudiya al-amru allathee feehi tastaftiyan

My fellow-captives, one of you will serve his lord with wine, the other of you will be crucified and birds will eat his head. The thing you asked about is foreordained.’

وَقَالَ لِلَّذ۪ي ظَنَّ اَنَّهُ نَاجٍ مِنْهُمَا اذْكُرْن۪ي عِنْدَ رَبِّكَۘ فَاَنْسٰيهُ الشَّيْطَانُ ذِكْرَ رَبِّه۪ فَلَبِثَ فِي السِّجْنِ بِضْعَ سِن۪ينَۜ ۟

Waqala lillathee thannaannahu najin minhuma othkurnee AAindarabbika faansahu ashshaytanu thikrarabbihi falabitha fee assijni bidAAa sineen

He said to the one of them he knew was saved, ‘Please mention me when you are with your lord,’ but Shaytan made him forget to remind his lord, and so he stayed in prison for several years.

وَقَالَ الْمَلِكُ اِنّ۪ٓي اَرٰى سَبْعَ بَقَرَاتٍ سِمَانٍ يَأْكُلُهُنَّ سَبْعٌ عِجَافٌ وَسَبْعَ سُنْبُلَاتٍ خُضْرٍ وَاُخَرَ يَابِسَاتٍۜ يَٓا اَيُّهَا الْمَلَأُ اَفْتُون۪ي ف۪ي رُءْيَايَ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ لِلرُّءْيَا تَعْبُرُونَ

Waqala almaliku innee arasabAAa baqaratin simanin ya/kuluhunna sabAAun AAijafunwasabAAa sunbulatin khudrin waokhara yabisatinya ayyuha almalao aftoonee fee ru/yaya inkuntum lirru/ya taAAburoon

The King declared, ‘I dreamt of seven fat cows which seven thin ones ate and seven green ears of wheat and seven others which were dry. O counsellors! Explain my dream to me if you are those who can interpret visions!’

قَالُٓوا اَضْغَاثُ اَحْلَامٍۚ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِتَأْو۪يلِ الْاَحْلَامِ بِعَالِم۪ينَ

Qaloo adghathu ahlaminwama nahnu bita/weeli al-ahlami biAAalimeen

They said, ‘A jumbled mass of mixed-up dreams! We do not know the meaning of such things. ’

وَقَالَ الَّذ۪ي نَجَا مِنْهُمَا وَادَّكَرَ بَعْدَ اُمَّةٍ اَنَا۬ اُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِتَأْو۪يلِه۪ فَاَرْسِلُونِ

Waqala allathee najaminhuma waddakara baAAda ommatin anaonabbi-okum bita/weelihi faarsiloon

The one of them who had been saved then said, remembering after a period, ‘I will tell you what it signifies, so send me out. ’

يُوسُفُ اَيُّهَا الصِّدّ۪يقُ اَفْتِنَا ف۪ي سَبْعِ بَقَرَاتٍ سِمَانٍ يَأْكُلُهُنَّ سَبْعٌ عِجَافٌ وَسَبْعِ سُنْبُلَاتٍ خُضْرٍ وَاُخَرَ يَابِسَاتٍۙ لَعَلّ۪ٓي اَرْجِعُ اِلَى النَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ

Yoosufu ayyuha assiddeequaftina fee sabAAi baqaratin simaninya/kuluhunna sabAAun AAijafun wasabAAi sunbulatinkhudrin waokhara yabisatin laAAallee arjiAAuila annasi laAAallahum yaAAlamoon

‘O truthful Yusuf, tell us of seven fat cows which seven thin ones ate and seven green ears of wheat and seven others which were dry so that I can return to them and let them know. ’

قَالَ تَزْرَعُونَ سَبْعَ سِن۪ينَ دَاَباًۚ فَمَا حَصَدْتُمْ فَذَرُوهُ ف۪ي سُنْبُلِه۪ٓ اِلَّا قَل۪يلاً مِمَّا تَأْكُلُونَ

Qala tazraAAoona sabAAa sineenadaaban fama hasadtum fatharoohu feesunbulihi illa qaleelan mimma ta/kuloon

He said, ‘Sow for seven years in the normal way and leave that which you harvest in the ear except for a small amount from which you eat.

ثُمَّ يَأْت۪ي مِنْ بَعْدِ ذٰلِكَ سَبْعٌ شِدَادٌ يَأْكُلْنَ مَا قَدَّمْتُمْ لَهُنَّ اِلَّا قَل۪يلاً مِمَّا تُحْصِنُونَ

Thumma ya/tee min baAAdi thalikasabAAun shidadun ya/kulna ma qaddamtum lahunna illaqaleelan mimma tuhsinoon

Then after that seven hard years will arrive in which you can eat from what you set aside for them, except for a little which you store.

ثُمَّ يَأْت۪ي مِنْ بَعْدِ ذٰلِكَ عَامٌ ف۪يهِ يُغَاثُ النَّاسُ وَف۪يهِ يَعْصِرُونَ۟

Thumma ya/tee min baAAdi thalika AAamunfeehi yughathu annasu wafeehi yaAAsiroon

Then after that another year will come in which the people will be helped by rain in plenty and when they once more will press. ’

وَقَالَ الْمَلِكُ ائْتُون۪ي بِه۪ۚ فَلَمَّا جَٓاءَهُ الرَّسُولُ قَالَ ارْجِعْ اِلٰى رَبِّكَ فَسْـَٔلْهُ مَا بَالُ النِّسْوَةِ الّٰت۪ي قَطَّعْنَ اَيْدِيَهُنَّۜ اِنَّ رَبّ۪ي بِكَيْدِهِنَّ عَل۪يمٌ

Waqala almaliku i/toonee bihi falammajaahu arrasoolu qala irjiAA ilarabbika fas-alhu ma balu anniswatiallatee qattaAAna aydiyahunna inna rabbeebikaydihinna AAaleem

The King said, ‘Bring him to me straight away!’ but when the envoy came to him, he said, ‘Go back to your master and enquire of him what happened about the women who cut their hands. My Lord has knowledge of their cunning guile.’

قَالَ مَا خَطْبُكُنَّ اِذْ رَاوَدْتُنَّ يُوسُفَ عَنْ نَفْسِه۪ۜ قُلْنَ حَاشَ لِلّٰهِ مَا عَلِمْنَا عَلَيْهِ مِنْ سُٓوءٍۜ قَالَتِ امْرَاَتُ الْعَز۪يزِ الْـٰٔنَ حَصْحَصَ الْحَقُّۘ اَنَا۬ رَاوَدْتُهُ عَنْ نَفْسِه۪ وَاِنَّهُ لَمِنَ الصَّادِق۪ينَ

Qala ma khatbukunna ithrawadtunna yoosufa AAan nafsihi qulna hasha lillahima AAalimna AAalayhi min soo-in qalatiimraatu alAAazeezi al-ana hashasa alhaqquana rawadtuhu AAan nafsihi wa-innahu lamina assadiqeen

He said, ‘What was this past affair of yours when you solicited Yusuf?’ Then they said ‘Allah forbid! We know no bad of him. ’ The governor’s wife then said, ‘The truth has now emerged. Indeed I tried to seduce him then and he has simply told the honest truth.

ذٰلِكَ لِيَعْلَمَ اَنّ۪ي لَمْ اَخُنْهُ بِالْغَيْبِ وَاَنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يَهْد۪ي كَيْدَ الْخَٓائِن۪ينَ

Thalika liyaAAlama annee lam akhunhubilghaybi waanna Allaha la yahdee kaydaalkha-ineen

In this way he may know at last that I did not dishonour him behind his back and that Allah most surely does not guide the deviousness of the dishonourable.

وَمَٓا اُبَرِّئُ نَفْس۪يۚ اِنَّ النَّفْسَ لَاَمَّارَةٌ بِالسُّٓوءِ اِلَّا مَا رَحِمَ رَبّ۪يۜ اِنَّ رَبّ۪ي غَفُورٌ رَح۪يمٌ

Wama obarri-o nafsee inna annafsalaammaratun bissoo-i illa ma rahimarabbee inna rabbee ghafoorun raheem

I do not say my self was free from blame. The self indeed commands to evil acts – except for those my Lord has mercy on. My Lord, He is Forgiving, Merciful.’

وَقَالَ الْمَلِكُ ائْتُون۪ي بِه۪ٓ اَسْتَخْلِصْهُ لِنَفْس۪يۚ فَلَمَّا كَلَّمَهُ قَالَ اِنَّكَ الْيَوْمَ لَدَيْنَا مَك۪ينٌ اَم۪ينٌ

Waqala almaliku i/toonee bihiastakhlishu linafsee falamma kallamahu qalainnaka alyawma ladayna makeenun ameen

The King said, ‘Bring him to me straight away! so I may draw him very close to me. ’ When he had spoken with him, he declared, ‘Today you are trusted, established in our sight.’

قَالَ اجْعَلْن۪ي عَلٰى خَزَٓائِنِ الْاَرْضِۚ اِنّ۪ي حَف۪يظٌ عَل۪يمٌ

Qala ijAAalnee AAala khaza-inial-ardi innee hafeethun AAaleem

He said, ‘Entrust the country's stores to me. In truth I am a knowing guardian.’

وَكَذٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي الْاَرْضِۚ يَتَبَوَّاُ مِنْهَا حَيْثُ يَشَٓاءُۜ نُص۪يبُ بِرَحْمَتِنَا مَنْ نَشَٓاءُ وَلَا نُض۪يعُ اَجْرَ الْمُحْسِن۪ينَ

Wakathalika makanna liyoosufafee al-ardi yatabawwao minha haythu yashaonuseebu birahmatina man nashao walanudeeAAu ajra almuhsineen

And thus We established Yusuf in the land so he could live in any place he pleased. We grant Our grace to anyone We will and We do not allow to go to waste the wage of any people who do good.

وَلَاَجْرُ الْاٰخِرَةِ خَيْرٌ لِلَّذ۪ينَ اٰمَنُوا وَكَانُوا يَتَّقُونَ۟

Walaajru al-akhirati khayrun lillatheenaamanoo wakanoo yattaqoon

But the wages of the akhira are the best for people who have iman and fear their Lord.

وَجَٓاءَ اِخْوَةُ يُوسُفَ فَدَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ فَعَرَفَهُمْ وَهُمْ لَهُ مُنْكِرُونَ

Wajaa ikhwatu yoosufa fadakhalooAAalayhi faAAarafahum wahum lahu munkiroon

The brothers of Yusuf came into his presence and he knew them but they did not know him.

وَلَمَّا جَهَّزَهُمْ بِجَهَازِهِمْ قَالَ ائْتُون۪ي بِاَخٍ لَكُمْ مِنْ اَب۪يكُمْۚ اَلَا تَرَوْنَ اَنّ۪ٓي اُو۫فِي الْكَيْلَ وَاَنَا۬ خَيْرُ الْمُنْزِل۪ينَ

Walamma jahhazahum bijahazihimqala i/toonee bi-akhin lakum min abeekum alatarawna annee oofee alkayla waana khayru almunzileen

Then, having supplied their needs, he said to them, ‘Bring me your brother, your father’s youngest son. Do you not see that I dispense full measure and am the most hospitable of hosts?

فَاِنْ لَمْ تَأْتُون۪ي بِه۪ فَلَا كَيْلَ لَكُمْ عِنْد۪ي وَلَا تَقْرَبُونِ

Fa-in lam ta/toonee bihi fala kaylalakum AAindee wala taqraboon

But if you do not bring him here to me, your measure from me then will be denied and you will not come near to me at all. ’

قَالُوا سَنُرَاوِدُ عَنْهُ اَبَاهُ وَاِنَّا لَفَاعِلُونَ

Qaloo sanurawidu AAanhu abahuwa-inna lafaAAiloon

They said, ‘We will request our father for him. That is something we will surely do.’

وَقَالَ لِفِتْيَانِهِ اجْعَلُوا بِضَاعَتَهُمْ ف۪ي رِحَالِهِمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَعْرِفُونَـهَٓا اِذَا انْقَلَـبُٓوا اِلٰٓى اَهْلِهِمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

Waqala lifityanihi ijAAaloo bidaAAatahumfee rihalihim laAAallahum yaAArifoonaha ithainqalaboo ila ahlihim laAAallahum yarjiAAoon

He told his serving men, ‘Put back their goods into their saddlebags for them to find when they arrive back to their families so that perhaps they will return again. ’

فَلَمَّا رَجَعُٓوا اِلٰٓى اَب۪يهِمْ قَالُوا يَٓا اَبَانَا مُنِـعَ مِنَّا الْكَيْلُ فَاَرْسِلْ مَعَنَٓا اَخَانَا نَكْتَلْ وَاِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ

Falamma rajaAAoo ila abeehim qalooya abana muniAAa minna alkaylufaarsil maAAana akhana naktal wa-innalahu lahafithoon

Then when they got back to their father’s house, they said, ‘Father! Our measure will be denied. Please send our brother with us so we may obtain our measure. We will take care of him.’

قَالَ هَلْ اٰمَنُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ اِلَّا كَمَٓا اَمِنْتُكُمْ عَلٰٓى اَخ۪يهِ مِنْ قَبْلُۜ فَاللّٰهُ خَيْرٌ حَافِظاًۖ وَهُوَ اَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِم۪ينَ

Qala hal amanukum AAalayhi illakama amintukum AAala akheehi min qablu fallahukhayrun hafithan wahuwa arhamu arrahimeen

He said, ‘How will my trusting him to your care be different from entrusting his brother before? The Best of Guardians, however, is Allah. He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.’

وَلَمَّا فَتَحُوا مَتَاعَهُمْ وَجَدُوا بِضَاعَتَهُمْ رُدَّتْ اِلَيْهِمْۜ قَالُوا يَٓا اَبَانَا مَا نَبْغ۪يۜ هٰذِه۪ بِضَاعَتُنَا رُدَّتْ اِلَيْنَاۚ وَنَم۪يرُ اَهْلَنَا وَنَحْفَظُ اَخَانَا وَنَزْدَادُ كَيْلَ بَع۪يرٍۜ ذٰلِكَ كَيْلٌ يَس۪يرٌ

Walamma fatahoo mataAAahumwajadoo bidaAAatahum ruddat ilayhim qaloo yaabana ma nabghee hathihi bidaAAatunaruddat ilayna wanameeru ahlana wanahfathuakhana wanazdadu kayla baAAeerin thalikakaylun yaseer

Then when they opened up their saddlebags and found their merchandise returned to them, they said, ‘Our father! What more could we ask! Here is our merchandise returned to us. We can provide our families with food, and guard our brother and get an extra load. That is an easy measure to obtain.’

قَالَ لَنْ اُرْسِلَهُ مَعَكُمْ حَتّٰى تُؤْتُونِ مَوْثِقاً مِنَ اللّٰهِ لَتَأْتُنَّن۪ي بِه۪ٓ اِلَّٓا اَنْ يُحَاطَ بِكُمْۚ فَلَمَّٓا اٰتَوْهُ مَوْثِقَهُمْ قَالَ اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مَا نَقُولُ وَك۪يلٌ

Qala lan orsilahu maAAakum hattatu/tooni mawthiqan mina Allahi lata/tunnanee bihi illaan yuhata bikum falamma atawhu mawthiqahum qalaAllahu AAala ma naqoolu wakeel

He said, ‘I will not send him out with you until you make a covenant with Allah to bring him home unless you are overwhelmed. ’ When they had made their covenant, he said, ‘Allah is Guardian over what we say.’

وَقَالَ يَا بَنِيَّ لَا تَدْخُلُوا مِنْ بَابٍ وَاحِدٍ وَادْخُلُوا مِنْ اَبْوَابٍ مُتَفَرِّقَةٍۜ وَمَٓا اُغْن۪ي عَنْكُمْ مِنَ اللّٰهِ مِنْ شَيْءٍۜ اِنِ الْحُكْمُ اِلَّا لِلّٰهِۜ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُۚ وَعَلَيْهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُتَوَكِّلُونَ

Waqala ya baniyya latadkhuloo min babin wahidin wadkhuloo minabwabin mutafarriqatin wama oghnee AAankum mina Allahimin shay-in ini alhukmu illa lillahiAAalayhi tawakkaltu waAAalayhi falyatawakkali almutawakkiloon

He said, ‘My sons! You must not enter through a single gate. Go in through different gates. But I cannot save you from Allah at all, for judgement comes from no one but Allah. In Him I put my trust, and let all those who put their trust, put it in Him alone.’

وَلَمَّا دَخَلُوا مِنْ حَيْثُ اَمَرَهُمْ اَبُوهُمْۜ مَا كَانَ يُغْن۪ي عَنْهُمْ مِنَ اللّٰهِ مِنْ شَيْءٍ اِلَّا حَاجَةً ف۪ي نَفْسِ يَعْقُوبَ قَضٰيهَاۜ وَاِنَّهُ لَذُو عِلْمٍ لِمَا عَلَّمْنَاهُ وَلٰكِنَّ اَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ۟

Walamma dakhaloo min haythuamarahum aboohum ma kana yughnee AAanhum mina Allahimin shay-in illa hajatan fee nafsi yaAAqooba qadahawa-innahu lathoo AAilmin lima AAallamnahuwalakinna akthara annasi layaAAlamoon

But when they entered as their father said, it did not save them from Allah at all, yet a need in Ya‘qub’s soul was satisfied. He had knowledge which We had taught him, but most of mankind simply do not know.

وَلَمَّا دَخَلُوا عَلٰى يُوسُفَ اٰوٰٓى اِلَيْهِ اَخَاهُ قَالَ اِنّ۪ٓي اَنَا۬ اَخُوكَ فَلَا تَبْتَئِسْ بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

Walamma dakhaloo AAala yoosufaawa ilayhi akhahu qala innee anaakhooka fala tabta-is bima kanoo yaAAmaloon

Then when they entered into Yusuf’s presence, he drew his brother close to him and said, ‘I am your brother. Do not be distressed concerning all the things they used to do.’

فَلَمَّا جَهَّزَهُمْ بِجَهَازِهِمْ جَعَلَ السِّقَايَةَ ف۪ي رَحْلِ اَخ۪يهِ ثُمَّ اَذَّنَ مُؤَذِّنٌ اَيَّتُهَا الْع۪يرُ اِنَّكُمْ لَسَارِقُونَ

Falamma jahhazahum bijahazihimjaAAala assiqayata fee rahli akheehi thummaaththana mu-aththinun ayyatuha alAAeeruinnakum lasariqoon

Then when he had supplied them with their needs, he put the goblet in his brother’s bag. A herald called out, ‘Caravan! You are thieves!’

قَالُوا وَاَقْبَلُوا عَلَيْهِمْ مَاذَا تَفْقِدُونَ

Qaloo waaqbaloo AAalayhim mathatafqidoon

They turned to them and said, ‘What are you missing?’

قَالُوا نَفْقِدُ صُوَاعَ الْمَلِكِ وَلِمَنْ جَٓاءَ بِه۪ حِمْلُ بَع۪يرٍ وَاَنَا۬ بِه۪ زَع۪يمٌ

Qaloo nafqidu suwaAAaalmaliki waliman jaa bihi himlu baAAeerin waanabihi zaAAeem

They said, ‘We’re missing the goblet of the king. The man who brings it will get a camel’s load. Regarding that I stand as guarantor.’

قَالُوا تَاللّٰهِ لَقَدْ عَلِمْتُمْ مَا جِئْنَا لِنُفْسِدَ فِي الْاَرْضِ وَمَا كُنَّا سَارِق۪ينَ

Qaloo tallahi laqadAAalimtum ma ji/na linufsida fee al-ardi wamakunna sariqeen

They said, ‘By Allah, you know we did not come to corrupt the land and that we are not thieves. ’

قَالُوا فَمَا جَزَٓاؤُ۬هُٓ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ كَاذِب۪ينَ

Qaloo fama jazaohu inkuntum kathibeen

They said, ‘What is the reparation for it if it in fact transpires that you are liars?’

قَالُوا جَزَٓاؤُ۬هُ مَنْ وُجِدَ ف۪ي رَحْلِه۪ فَهُوَ جَزَٓاؤُ۬هُۜ كَذٰلِكَ نَجْزِي الظَّالِم۪ينَ

Qaloo jazaohu man wujida feerahlihi fahuwa jazaohu kathalika najzee aththalimeen

They said, ‘Its reparation shall be him in the saddlebags of whom it is discovered. With us that is how wrongdoers are repaid.’

فَبَدَاَ بِاَوْعِيَتِهِمْ قَبْلَ وِعَٓاءِ اَخ۪يهِ ثُمَّ اسْتَخْرَجَهَا مِنْ وِعَٓاءِ اَخ۪يهِۜ كَذٰلِكَ كِدْنَا لِيُوسُفَۜ مَا كَانَ لِيَأْخُذَ اَخَاهُ ف۪ي د۪ينِ الْمَلِكِ اِلَّٓا اَنْ يَشَٓاءَ اللّٰهُۜ نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَاتٍ مَنْ نَشَٓاءُۜ وَفَوْقَ كُلِّ ذ۪ي عِلْمٍ عَل۪يمٌ

Fabadaa bi-awAAiyatihim qabla wiAAa-iakheehi thumma istakhrajaha min wiAAa-i akheehi kathalikakidna liyoosufa ma kana liya/khuthaakhahu fee deeni almaliki illa an yashaa AllahunarfaAAu darajatin man nashao wafawqa kulli theeAAilmin AAaleem

He started with their bags before his brother’s. and then produced it from his brother’s bag. In that way We devised a cunning scheme for Yusuf. He could not have held his brother according to the statutes of the King – only because Allah had willed it so. We raise the rank of anyone We will. Over everyone with knowledge is a Knower.

قَالُٓوا اِنْ يَسْرِقْ فَقَدْ سَرَقَ اَخٌ لَهُ مِنْ قَبْلُۚ فَاَسَرَّهَا يُوسُفُ ف۪ي نَفْسِه۪ وَلَمْ يُبْدِهَا لَهُمْ قَالَ اَنْتُمْ شَرٌّ مَكَاناًۚ وَاللّٰهُ اَعْلَمُ بِمَا تَصِفُونَ

Qaloo in yasriq faqad saraqa akhunlahu min qablu faasarraha yoosufu fee nafsihi walam yubdihalahum qala antum sharrun makanan wallahuaAAlamu bima tasifoon

They said, ‘If he steals now, his brother stole before. ’ But Yusuf kept it to himself and still did not disclose it to them, saying, ‘The plight that you are in is worse than that. Allah knows best the matter you describe.’

قَالُوا يَٓا اَيُّهَا الْعَز۪يزُ اِنَّ لَـهُٓ اَباً شَيْخاً كَب۪يراً فَخُذْ اَحَدَنَا مَكَانَهُۚ اِنَّا نَرٰيكَ مِنَ الْمُحْسِن۪ينَ

Qaloo ya ayyuhaalAAazeezu inna lahu aban shaykhan kabeeran fakhuth ahadanamakanahu inna naraka mina almuhsineen

They said, ‘Your Eminence! He has an old and venerable father, so take one of us instead of him. We see without a doubt that you are of the people who do good.’

قَالَ مَعَاذَ اللّٰهِ اَنْ نَأْخُذَ اِلَّا مَنْ وَجَدْنَا مَتَاعَنَا عِنْدَهُٓۙ اِنَّٓا اِذاً لَظَالِمُونَ۟

Qala maAAatha Allahi anna/khutha illa man wajadna mataAAanaAAindahu inna ithan lathalimoon

He said, ‘Allah forbid that we should take anyone but him with whom our goods were found. In that case we would clearly be wrongdoers.’

فَلَمَّا اسْتَيْـَٔسُوا مِنْهُ خَلَصُوا نَجِياًّۜ قَالَ كَب۪يرُهُمْ اَلَمْ تَعْلَمُٓوا اَنَّ اَبَاكُمْ قَدْ اَخَذَ عَلَيْكُمْ مَوْثِقاً مِنَ اللّٰهِ وَمِنْ قَبْلُ مَا فَرَّطْتُمْ ف۪ي يُوسُفَۚ فَلَنْ اَبْرَحَ الْاَرْضَ حَتّٰى يَأْذَنَ ل۪ٓي اَب۪ٓي اَوْ يَحْكُمَ اللّٰهُ ل۪يۚ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الْحَاكِم۪ينَ

Falamma istay-asoo minhu khalasoonajiyyan qala kabeeruhum alam taAAlamoo anna abakumqad akhatha AAalaykum mawthiqan mina Allahi waminqablu ma farrattum fee yoosufa falan abrahaal-arda hatta ya/thana lee abee aw yahkumaAllahu lee wahuwa khayru alhakimeen

When they despaired of him, they went apart to talk alone. The eldest of them said, ‘You know full well your father had you make a covenant with Allah concerning this, and how before you failed him with Yusuf. I will not leave this land until I have permission from my father, or Allah decides about the case on my behalf. Truly He is the justest Judge of all.

اِرْجِعُٓوا اِلٰٓى اَب۪يكُمْ فَقُولُوا يَٓا اَبَانَٓا اِنَّ ابْنَكَ سَرَقَۚ وَمَا شَهِدْنَٓا اِلَّا بِمَا عَلِمْنَا وَمَا كُنَّا لِلْغَيْبِ حَافِظ۪ينَ

IrjiAAoo ila abeekum faqooloo yaabana inna ibnaka saraqa wama shahidnailla bima AAalimna wama kunnalilghaybi hafitheen

Return now to your father and say to him, "Your son stole, father. We can do no more than testify to what we know and we are not the guardians of the Unseen.

وَسْـَٔلِ الْقَرْيَةَ الَّت۪ي كُنَّا ف۪يهَا وَالْع۪يرَ الَّت۪ٓي اَقْبَلْنَا ف۪يهَاۜ وَاِنَّا لَصَادِقُونَ

Was-ali alqaryata allatee kunnafeeha walAAeera allatee aqbalna feehawa-inna lasadiqoon

Ask questions of the town in which we were and of the caravan in which we came for we are surely telling you the truth. "’

قَالَ بَلْ سَوَّلَتْ لَكُمْ اَنْفُسُكُمْ اَمْراًۜ فَصَبْرٌ جَم۪يلٌۜ عَسَى اللّٰهُ اَنْ يَأْتِيَن۪ي بِهِمْ جَم۪يعاًۜ اِنَّهُ هُوَ الْعَل۪يمُ الْحَك۪يمُ

Qala bal sawwalat lakum anfusukumamran fasabrun jameelun AAasa Allahu anya/tiyanee bihim jameeAAan innahu huwa alAAaleemu alhakeem

He said, ‘It’s merely that your lower selves suggested something to you which you did. But beauty lies in having steadfastness. Perhaps Allah will bring them all together. He is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise.’

وَتَوَلّٰى عَنْهُمْ وَقَالَ يَٓا اَسَفٰى عَلٰى يُوسُفَ وَابْيَضَّتْ عَيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْحُزْنِ فَهُوَ كَظ۪يمٌ

Watawalla AAanhum waqala yaasafa AAala yoosufa wabyaddat AAaynahumina alhuzni fahuwa katheem

He turned himself away from them and said, ‘What anguish is my sorrow for Yusuf!’ And then his eyes turned white from hidden grief.

قَالُوا تَاللّٰهِ تَفْتَؤُ۬ا تَذْكُرُ يُوسُفَ حَتّٰى تَكُونَ حَرَضاً اَوْ تَكُونَ مِنَ الْهَالِك۪ينَ

Qaloo tallahi taftaotathkuru yoosufa hatta takoona haradanaw takoona mina alhalikeen

They said, ‘By Allah, you will not ever cease to mention Yusuf, till you waste away or are among the people of the grave!’

قَالَ اِنَّـمَٓا اَشْكُوا بَثّ۪ي وَحُزْن۪ٓي اِلَى اللّٰهِ وَاَعْلَمُ مِنَ اللّٰهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

Qala innama ashkoo baththee wahuzneeila Allahi waaAAlamu mina Allahi ma lataAAlamoon

He said, ‘I make complaint about my grief and sorrow to Allah alone because I know things from Allah you do not know.

يَا بَنِيَّ اذْهَبُوا فَتَحَسَّسُوا مِنْ يُوسُفَ وَاَخ۪يهِ وَلَا تَايْـَٔسُوا مِنْ رَوْحِ اللّٰهِۜ اِنَّهُ لَا يَايْـَٔسُ مِنْ رَوْحِ اللّٰهِ اِلَّا الْقَوْمُ الْكَافِرُونَ

Ya baniyya ithhaboo fatahassasoomin yoosufa waakheehi wala tay-asoo min rawhi Allahiinnahu la yay-asu min rawhi Allahi illaalqawmu alkafiroon

My sons! Seek news of Yusuf and his brother. Do not despair of solace from Allah. No one despairs of solace from Allah except for people who are kafirun.’

فَلَمَّا دَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ قَالُوا يَٓا اَيُّهَا الْعَز۪يزُ مَسَّنَا وَاَهْلَنَا الضُّرُّ وَجِئْنَا بِبِضَاعَةٍ مُزْجٰيةٍ فَاَوْفِ لَنَا الْكَيْلَ وَتَصَدَّقْ عَلَيْنَاۜ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ يَجْزِي الْمُتَصَدِّق۪ينَ

Falamma dakhaloo AAalayhi qalooya ayyuha alAAazeezu massana waahlanaaddurru waji/na bibidaAAatin muzjatinfaawfi lana alkayla watasaddaq AAalayna innaAllaha yajzee almutasaddiqeen

So when they came into his presence, they said, ‘Your Eminence! Hardship has hit us and our families. We bring scant merchandise, but fill the measure for us generously. Allah always rewards a generous giver.’

قَالَ هَلْ عَلِمْتُمْ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ بِيُوسُفَ وَاَخ۪يهِ اِذْ اَنْتُمْ جَاهِلُونَ

Qala hal AAalimtum mafaAAaltum biyoosufa waakheehi ith antum jahiloon

He said, ‘Are you aware of what you did to Yusuf and his brother in ignorance?’

قَالُٓوا ءَاِنَّكَ لَاَنْتَ يُوسُفُۜ قَالَ اَنَا۬ يُوسُفُ وَهٰذَٓا اَخ۪يۘ قَدْ مَنَّ اللّٰهُ عَلَيْنَاۜ اِنَّهُ مَنْ يَتَّقِ وَيَصْبِرْ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يُض۪يعُ اَجْرَ الْمُحْسِن۪ينَ

Qaloo a-innaka laanta yoosufa qalaana yoosufu wahatha akhee qad manna AllahuAAalayna innahu man yattaqi wayasbir fa-inna Allahala yudeeAAu ajra almuhsineen

They said, ‘Are you Yusuf?’ He said, ‘I am indeed Yusuf, and this here is my brother. Allah has acted graciously to us. As for those who fear Allah and are steadfast, Allah does not allow to go to waste the wage of any people who do good.’

قَالُوا تَاللّٰهِ لَقَدْ اٰثَرَكَ اللّٰهُ عَلَيْنَا وَاِنْ كُنَّا لَخَاطِـ۪ٔينَ

Qaloo tallahi laqad atharakaAllahu AAalayna wa-in kunna lakhati-een

They said, ‘By Allah, Allah has favoured you above us. Clearly we were in the wrong.’

قَالَ لَا تَثْر۪يبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْيَوْمَۜ يَغْفِرُ اللّٰهُ لَكُمْۘ وَهُوَ اَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِم۪ينَ

Qala la tathreeba AAalaykumualyawma yaghfiru Allahu lakum wahuwa arhamu arrahimeen

He said, ‘No blame at all will fall on you. Today you have forgiveness from Allah. He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.

اِذْهَبُوا بِقَم۪يص۪ي هٰذَا فَاَلْقُوهُ عَلٰى وَجْهِ اَب۪ي يَأْتِ بَص۪يراًۚ وَأْتُون۪ي بِاَهْلِكُمْ اَجْمَع۪ينَ۟

Ithhaboo biqameesee hathafaalqoohu AAala wajhi abee ya/ti baseeran wa/tooneebi-ahlikum ajmaAAeen

Go with this shirt of mine and cast it on my father’s face and he will see again. Then come to me with all your families.’

وَلَمَّا فَصَلَتِ الْع۪يرُ قَالَ اَبُوهُمْ اِنّ۪ي لَاَجِدُ ر۪يحَ يُوسُفَ لَوْلَٓا اَنْ تُفَنِّدُونِ

Walamma fasalati alAAeeru qalaaboohum innee laajidu reeha yoosufa lawla antufannidoon

And when the caravan went on its way, their father said, ‘I can smell Yusuf’s scent! You probably think I have become senile. ’

قَالُوا تَاللّٰهِ اِنَّكَ لَف۪ي ضَلَالِكَ الْقَد۪يمِ

Qaloo tallahi innakalafee dalalika alqadeem

They said, ‘By Allah! Your mind is still astray. ’

فَلَمَّٓا اَنْ جَٓاءَ الْبَش۪يرُ اَلْقٰيهُ عَلٰى وَجْهِه۪ فَارْتَدَّ بَص۪يراًۚ قَالَ اَلَمْ اَقُلْ لَكُمْ اِنّ۪ٓي اَعْلَمُ مِنَ اللّٰهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

Falamma an jaa albasheeru alqahuAAala wajhihi fartadda baseeran qalaalam aqul lakum innee aAAlamu mina Allahi ma lataAAlamoon

But when the bringer of the good news came, he cast it on his face and sight returned. He said, ‘Did I not say to you before, I know things from Allah you do not know?’

قَالُوا يَٓا اَبَانَا اسْتَغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَٓا اِنَّا كُنَّا خَاطِـ۪ٔينَ

Qaloo ya abanaistaghfir lana thunoobana inna kunnakhati-een

They said, ‘Our father, may we be forgiven for all the many wrongs that we have done. We were indeed greatly mistaken men.’

قَالَ سَوْفَ اَسْتَغْفِرُ لَكُمْ رَبّ۪يۜ اِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّح۪يمُ

Qala sawfa astaghfiru lakum rabbeeinnahu huwa alghafooru arraheem

He said, ‘I will ask my Lord to pardon you. He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’

فَلَمَّا دَخَلُوا عَلٰى يُوسُفَ اٰوٰٓى اِلَيْهِ اَبَوَيْهِ وَقَالَ ادْخُلُوا مِصْرَ اِنْ شَٓاءَ اللّٰهُ اٰمِن۪ينَۜ

Falamma dakhaloo AAala yoosufaawa ilayhi abawayhi waqala odkhuloo misrain shaa Allahu amineen

Then when they entered into Yusuf’s presence, he drew his parents close to him and said, ‘Enter Egypt safe and sound, if Allah wills. ’

وَرَفَعَ اَبَوَيْهِ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ وَخَرُّوا لَهُ سُجَّداًۚ وَقَالَ يَٓا اَبَتِ هٰذَا تَأْو۪يلُ رُءْيَايَ مِنْ قَبْلُۘ قَدْ جَعَلَهَا رَبّ۪ي حَقاًّۜ وَقَدْ اَحْسَنَ ب۪ٓي اِذْ اَخْرَجَن۪ي مِنَ السِّجْنِ وَجَٓاءَ بِكُمْ مِنَ الْبَدْوِ مِنْ بَعْدِ اَنْ نَزَغَ الشَّيْطَانُ بَيْن۪ي وَبَيْنَ اِخْوَت۪يۜ اِنَّ رَبّ۪ي لَط۪يفٌ لِمَا يَشَٓاءُۜ اِنَّهُ هُوَ الْعَل۪يمُ الْحَك۪يمُ

WarafaAAa abawayhi AAala alAAarshiwakharroo lahu sujjadan waqala ya abati hathata/weelu ru/yaya min qablu qad jaAAalaha rabbee haqqanwaqad ahsana bee ith akhrajanee mina assijniwajaa bikum mina albadwi min baAAdi an nazagha ashshaytanubaynee wabayna ikhwatee inna rabbee lateefun limayashao innahu huwa alAAaleemu alhakeem

He raised his parents up onto the throne. The others fell prostrate in front of him. He said, ‘My father, truly this is now the interpretation of the dream I had. My Lord has made it all come true; and He was kind to me by letting me out of prison and brought you from the desert when Shaytan had caused dissent between me and my brothers. My Lord is kind to anyone He wills. He is indeed All-Knowing and All-Wise.

رَبِّ قَدْ اٰتَيْتَن۪ي مِنَ الْمُلْكِ وَعَلَّمْتَن۪ي مِنْ تَأْو۪يلِ الْاَحَاد۪يثِۚ فَاطِرَ السَّمٰوَاتِ وَالْاَرْضِ اَنْتَ وَلِيّ۪ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْاٰخِرَةِۚ تَوَفَّن۪ي مُسْلِماً وَاَلْحِقْن۪ي بِالصَّالِح۪ينَ

Rabbi qad ataytanee mina almulkiwaAAallamtanee min ta/weeli al-ahadeethi fatira assamawatiwal-ardi anta waliyyee fee addunyawal-akhirati tawaffanee musliman waalhiqneebissaliheen

My Lord, You have granted power to me on earth and taught me the true meaning of events. Originator of the heavens and earth, You are my Friend in this world and the Next. So take me as a Muslim at my death and join me to the people who are righteous.’

ذٰلِكَ مِنْ اَنْبَٓاءِ الْغَيْبِ نُوح۪يهِ اِلَيْكَۚ وَمَا كُنْتَ لَدَيْهِمْ اِذْ اَجْمَعُٓوا اَمْرَهُمْ وَهُمْ يَمْكُرُونَ

Thalika min anba-i alghaybinooheehi ilayka wama kunta ladayhim ithajmaAAoo amrahum wahum yamkuroon

This is news of the Unseen which We reveal to you. You were not with them when they decided what to do and devised their scheme.

وَمَٓا اَكْثَرُ النَّاسِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتَ بِمُؤْمِن۪ينَ

Wama aktharu annasiwalaw harasta bimu/mineen

But most people, for all your eagerness, are not muminun.

وَمَا تَسْـَٔلُهُمْ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ اَجْرٍۜ اِنْ هُوَ اِلَّا ذِكْرٌ لِلْعَالَم۪ينَ۟

Wama tas-aluhum AAalayhi min ajrinin huwa illa thikrun lilAAalameen

You do not ask them for any wage for it. It is only a reminder to all beings.

وَكَاَيِّنْ مِنْ اٰيَةٍ فِي السَّمٰوَاتِ وَالْاَرْضِ يَمُرُّونَ عَلَيْهَا وَهُمْ عَنْهَا مُعْرِضُونَ

Wakaayyin min ayatin fee assamawatiwal-ardi yamurroona AAalayha wahum AAanhamuAAridoon

How many Signs there are in the heavens and earth! Yet they pass them by, turning away from them.

وَمَا يُؤْمِنُ اَكْثَرُهُمْ بِاللّٰهِ اِلَّا وَهُمْ مُشْرِكُونَ

Wama yu/minu aktharuhum billahiilla wahum mushrikoon

Most of them do not have iman in Allah without associating others with Him.

اَفَاَمِنُٓوا اَنْ تَأْتِيَهُمْ غَاشِيَةٌ مِنْ عَذَابِ اللّٰهِ اَوْ تَأْتِيَهُمُ السَّاعَةُ بَغْتَةً وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

Afaaminoo an ta/tiyahum ghashiyatunmin AAathabi Allahi aw ta/tiyahumu assaAAatubaghtatan wahum la yashAAuroon

Do they feel secure that the all-enveloping punishment of Allah will not come upon them, or that the Last Hour will not come upon them all of a sudden when they least expect it?

قُلْ هٰذِه۪ سَب۪يل۪ٓي اَدْعُٓوا اِلَى اللّٰهِ عَلٰى بَص۪يرَةٍ اَنَا۬ وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَن۪يۜ وَسُبْحَانَ اللّٰهِ وَمَٓا اَنَا۬ مِنَ الْمُشْرِك۪ينَ

Qul hathihi sabeelee adAAoo ilaAllahi AAala baseeratin ana wamaniittabaAAanee wasubhana Allahi wama anamina almushrikeen

Say: ‘This is my way. I call to Allah with inner sight, I and all who follow me. Glory be to Allah! I am not one of the idolaters!’

وَمَٓا اَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ قَبْلِكَ اِلَّا رِجَالاً نُوح۪ٓي اِلَيْهِمْ مِنْ اَهْلِ الْقُرٰىۜ اَفَلَمْ يَس۪يرُوا فِي الْاَرْضِ فَيَنْظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الَّذ۪ينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْۜ وَلَدَارُ الْاٰخِرَةِ خَيْرٌ لِلَّذ۪ينَ اتَّقَوْاۜ اَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ

Wama arsalna min qablika illarijalan noohee ilayhim min ahli alquraafalam yaseeroo fee al-ardi fayanthurookayfa kana AAaqibatu allatheena min qablihimwaladaru al-akhirati khayrun lillatheenaittaqaw afala taAAqiloon

We sent none before you but men inspired with revelation from among the people of the cities. Have they not travelled in the land and seen the final fate of those before them? The abode of the Next World is better for those who have taqwa. So will you not use your intellect?

حَتّٰٓى اِذَا اسْتَيْـَٔسَ الرُّسُلُ وَظَنُّٓوا اَنَّهُمْ قَدْ كُذِبُوا جَٓاءَهُمْ نَصْرُنَاۙ فَنُجِّيَ مَنْ نَشَٓاءُۜ وَلَا يُرَدُّ بَأْسُنَا عَنِ الْقَوْمِ الْمُجْرِم۪ينَ

Hatta itha istay-asa arrusuluwathannoo annahum qad kuthiboo jaahumnasruna fanujjiya man nashao walayuraddu ba/suna AAani alqawmi almujrimeen

Then when the Messengers despaired and thought themselves denied, Our help came to them, and those We willed were saved. Our violent force cannot be averted from people who are evildoers.

لَقَدْ كَانَ ف۪ي قَصَصِهِمْ عِبْرَةٌ لِاُو۬لِي الْاَلْبَابِۜ مَا كَانَ حَد۪يثاً يُفْتَرٰى وَلٰكِنْ تَصْد۪يقَ الَّذ۪ي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَتَفْص۪يلَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ

Laqad kana fee qasasihimAAibratun li-olee al-albabi ma kana hadeethanyuftara walakin tasdeeqa allatheebayna yadayhi watafseela kulli shay-in wahudan warahmatanliqawmin yu/minoon

There is instruction in their stories for people of intelligence. This is not a narration which has been invented but confirmation of all that came before, a clarification of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for people who have iman.