In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
(1) Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the verses from the Book that make things clear.
(2) We sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an so you can easily understand it.
(3) We're sharing the best of stories through this Qur'an, stories you probably haven't heard before.
(4) Once, Joseph told his father, "Father, I had this dream! I saw eleven stars, the sun, and the moon, and they were all bowing to me!"
(5) His father said, "O my son! Don't tell your brothers about this dream. They might get jealous and make a plan against you. Trust me, Satan is a sworn enemy of humankind. He loves stirring up trouble.
(6) Your Lord has big plans for you, Joseph. He will teach you the meaning of dreams and bless you and the family of Jacob, just as He did with your forefathers, Abraham and Isaac. Indeed, your Lord is All-Knowing, All-Wise."
(7) The story of Joseph and his brothers has some valuable lessons for curious people.
(8) Joseph's brothers once said, "Our father likes Joseph and his brother more than us, even though we're all family. Indeed, he's wrong about this!
(9) Let's kill Joseph or get rid of him or just leave him somewhere far away. Our father will finally pay attention to us, and we'll become righteous people after that."
(10) One suggested, "How about we don't kill Joseph? Let's just put him at the bottom of a well if necessary. Maybe someone will find him."
(11) They asked, "Father, why don't you believe in us regarding Joseph? We care about him, you know?
(12) Send him with us tomorrow so he can have fun and play. We'll make sure he's safe and taken care of.”
(13) He replied, "It would make me sad if you took him with you, and I'm worried that a wolf might harm him when you're not paying attention."
(14) They said, "If a wolf manages to hurt him while we're all here, then we would certainly be losers!”
(15) So, when they took him away and decided to throw him into the bottom of the well, God inspired him: "One day, you will remind them of what they did, and they won't even realize it was you."
(16) Later that evening, they returned to their father, tears streaming down their faces.
(17) They explained, "O our Father, we were playing and left Joseph with our stuff, but a wolf attacked and ate him. Even if we told the truth, you wouldn't believe us."
(18) They showed their father Joseph's shirt, which they had stained with fake blood. Their father sighed, "You have been tempted to do something evil, but patience is the best way, and God is my source of strength against your claims."
(19) Eventually, a caravan passed by, and they sent their water carrier to investigate. "Good news!" he shouted, lowering his bucket. "I've found a boy." They decided to disguise Joseph as merchandise, but God knew their secret plan.
(20) They sold him for a low price, just a few silver coins, only because they wanted to get rid of him.
(21) The person from Egypt who bought him said to his wife, "Let's treat him well. Maybe he can help us, or we can adopt him as our son." That's how things worked out for Joseph in that place. We wanted to teach him how to understand dreams. God's plans always happen, but most folks don't realize it.
(22) And as Joseph grew older, he was blessed with wisdom and knowledge. This is how We reward the good-doers.
(23) And there was this woman where he stayed, and she tried to seduce him. She closed the doors tightly and said, "Come here!" But he said, "God is my refuge! It's wrong to betray my master, who has been good to me. Indeed, wrongdoers never succeed."
(24) She walked up to him, and he would have done the same, but he saw a sign from God. We kept evil and immorality away from him because he was indeed one of Our chosen servants.
(25) They rushed to the door, and she pulled and tore his shirt from behind, only to discover her husband standing there. She exclaimed, "What's the punishment for someone who tries to harm your wife, except for going to jail or facing a painful punishment?"
(26) Joseph explained, "It was she who tried to seduce me." A witness from her household confirmed, "If his shirt is torn from the front, she's telling the truth, and he's lying.
(27) But if his shirt is torn from the back, she's lying, and he is truthful.
(28) When her husband noticed Joseph's shirt was ripped from the back, he said to her, "Indeed, this plan of you women is serious.
(29) Joseph, forget about this incident. And it would be best if you, my wife, asked for forgiveness for your actions. You made a mistake."
(30) Some women in the town began to say, “The governor's wife is trying to get romantic with her servant. She is in love with him. Indeed, we see that she’s lost.”
(31) And when she found out about their gossip, she called them over, prepared a feast, gave each of them a knife, and said to Joseph, "Come out in front of them." When they saw him, they were so amazed that they accidentally cut their hands and said, "Good God! This isn't just a man; he's like a noble angel."
(32) She said, "This is what you accused me of. I did try to seduce him, but he turned me down. He'll be imprisoned and humiliated if he doesn't do what I want."
(33) He replied, "My Lord, I'd rather be in prison than do what they ask. If You don't protect me from their plan, I might make a mistake and act like the ignorant ones."
(34) God answered his prayer and saved him from their scheme. God, indeed, hears and knows everything.
(35) After they saw these signs, they decided to imprison him for a while.
(36) In prison, he met two other young men. One said, "I dreamt of squeezing grapes to make wine." The other said, "I dreamt of carrying bread on my head, and the birds ate it. Can you tell us what these dreams mean? We believe you're a good person."
(37) Joseph replied, "I will explain your dreams before your food is served. This is what my Lord has taught me. I've turned away from the beliefs of people who don't believe in God and the afterlife.
(38) And I follow the faith of my ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We worship only God. This is God's favor upon us and everyone, but most people don't show gratitude.
(39) O my two buddies in prison! What's better: having many different lords or just one God—the One and Only Supreme?
(40) The things you worship instead of God are just made-up names that you and your ancestors came up with. God never approved of this. God is the Only One Who decides. He has commanded that He is the Only One you should worship. This is the Right Way to believe, but most people don't realize it.
(41) O my two buddies in prison! The first one of you will serve wine to his master, and the other will be hanged, and birds will eat from his head. The thing you asked about is resolved."
(42) He told the person he thought would get out soon, "Tell your master about me." Unfortunately, Satan made the one who got out forget to tell his master about him, and as a result, Joseph stayed in jail for many years.
(43) But the King shared a dream with his advisors one day. He said, " I dreamt of seven skinny cows eating seven fat cows, seven green ears of grain, and seven dried ones. O advisors, can you help me understand what this dream means? If you're good at that sort of thing?"
(44) They replied, "These dreams are mixed up, and we're not sure what they mean."
(45) After a while, the prisoner who got out remembered Joseph and said, "I will tell you the meaning of this dream, so send me to Joseph."
(46) He said, "Joseph, O man of truth! Explain the dream about seven skinny cows eating seven fat cows, seven fresh corn ears, and seven dried ones. I need to go back and tell everyone."
(47) Joseph said, "You'll grow crops for seven years. Keep the grains in the husk when you harvest them, except for a bit you can eat.
(48) After that, seven tough years will use up everything you've saved, except for a small amount you keep for planting.
(49) Later, there will be a year with lots of rain, and people will make plenty of oil and wine.”
(50) The king said, "Bring Joseph to me." Then, when the messenger came to him, Joseph said, "Go back to your master and ask him what those women who cut their hands were up to. My Lord knows all about their plan."
(51) The King asked the women, "What happened when you tried to seduce Joseph?" They said, "God forbid! We don't know anything bad about him." Then, the governor's wife admitted, "Now the truth is out. I'm the one who tried to seduce him, and he told the truth.
(52) From this, Joseph should understand that I didn't talk bad about him when he wasn't around because God doesn't reward those who aren't loyal with success.
(53) But I'm not saying I'm not to blame. Indeed, everyone is tempted to do wrong things except those whom my Lord has shown mercy to. Indeed, my Lord is truly Forgiving and Merciful."
(54) The King said, "Bring him to me. I want him to work only for me." And when Joseph talked to him, the King said, "Today, you are highly respected and completely trusted by us."
(55) Joseph said, "Put me in charge of the land's storehouses. I am honest, and I know how to distribute their supplies."
(56) This is how We settled Joseph in the land, letting him live wherever he wanted. We shower Our mercy on whoever We wish to and consistently reward those who do good.
(57) The reward for those who believe and are mindful of God will be even better in the afterlife.
(58) And one day, Joseph's brothers came to him to trade their merchandise for grain and other supplies. He knew them, but they didn't realize who he indeed was.
(59) After giving them their supplies, he said, "Bring me a brother from your father's side if you want more supplies. Can't you see I'm fair at giving measure and a great host?
(60) But if you don't bring him to me, you won't get any more supplies from me, and I won't let you come near me again."
(61) They said, "We'll try to convince his father. We will certainly do that. We promise!"
(62) Joseph told his servants, "Put their merchandise back in their bags; maybe they'll notice it when they get back home, and maybe they'll return."
(63) When they returned to their father, they said, "O our father! We couldn't get more grain and supplies, but if you let our brother come with us, we'll get what we need. We'll take good care of him."
(64) Their father asked, "Can I trust you with him like I trusted you with his brother before? God is the Best Protector, and He's the Most Merciful of the merciful."
(65) And when they unpacked their bags, they discovered all their merchandise was back. They exclaimed, "O our father! What else could we ask for? Our things are back, and now we can help our family, look after our brother, and even get an extra camel load. That would be an easy thing!"
(66) He said, "I won't let him go with you unless you promise me, in front of God, that you'll bring him back — unless something unexpected happens." When they made the promise, he said, "God is a Witness over what we agreed on."
(67) And he said to his sons, "O my sons! When you enter the town, don't all go through the same door; use different doors. I can't protect you from what God has planned. The decision rests only with God. I trust in Him, and let the faithful also trust in Him."
(68) So, when they did what their father told them to do, it didn't change anything in God's plan. It was just something their father wanted, and he got what he wanted. God gave their father a lot of wisdom because of what He taught him, but most people don't have that kind of understanding.
(69) When they met Joseph, he took his brother aside and said, "I'm indeed your brother; don't worry about what they did."
(70) And after giving them what they needed, he put a cup in his brother's bag. Then someone yelled, "You guys are thieves!"
(71) "What's missing?" they asked as they approached.
(72) They said, "We lost the King's measuring cup. Whoever finds it will get a whole load of grain—a camel's worth. I promise!"
(73) Joseph’s brothers replied, "We swear, we didn't come here to mess things up or steal anything.”
(74) The accusers asked, "What should happen to the one lying?"
(75) The brothers explained, "Well, if the cup turns up in someone's bag, that person is yours. That's how they deal with wrongdoers."
(76) Then they started searching everyone's bags, eventually finding the cup in their brother's bag. It seemed like a tricky situation for Joseph, but he couldn't have done anything without God's plan. Sometimes, God elevates people, and there's always someone wiser.
(77) They said, "If he's stolen, so did his real brother before." But Joseph didn't show his anger. He kept it to himself and thought, "You're in a terrible spot, and God knows the truth about what you're saying."
(78) They pleaded, "O great ruler! His dad is old, so please take one of us instead. We think you're a good person for doing so."
(79) Joseph said, "God forbid we take anyone other than the person we found our stuff with. That would be unfair."
(80) Then, when they felt hopeless, they talked in private. The oldest one said, "Don't you remember that you promised your father before God and let him down with Joseph? I won't leave this place until my father permits or God guides me. God is the Best of Judges."
(81) They returned to their father and said, "O our father! Your son stole a cup. We only tell you what we know; we didn't see what happened.
(82) Ask the town where we were and the people who traveled with us; they'll tell the truth."
(83) He said, "No way! Your soul probably led you to do something wrong, so I'll be patient and trust that God will return them to me. He is the All-Knowing, All-Wise.
(84) He turned away from them, saying, "Oh, my heartache for Joseph." The sadness he was holding back made his eyes turn white.
(85) They said, "We swear, you won't stop thinking about Joseph until you lose your health or die."
(86) He said, "I only talk to God about my pain and sadness, and I know things from God that you don't.
(87) My sons try to find out about Joseph and his brother. Don't ever lose hope in God. Only those who don't believe give up on God's mercy."
(88) So, when they got to Joseph, they said, "O great ruler, we've been through some tough times, and we have brought merchandise that isn't the best, but please give us fair supplies in return and be kind. Indeed, God rewards the generous."
(89) Joseph asks, "Do you realize what you did to Joseph and his brother because you didn't know better?"
(90) "Is it you, Joseph?" they asked. "Yes, I'm Joseph, and this is my brother," he said. "God has been good to us. He always rewards the people who do right and are patient."
(91) They confessed, "By God! God has chosen you over us, and we've made mistakes."
(92) He said, "You won't be blamed today. God will forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of all.
(93) Take this shirt of mine and put it on my father's face; he'll regain his sight. And bring the whole family to me."
(94) Their father said as the caravan left Egypt, "I feel like Joseph is nearby because I can sense his smell, even though you might think I'm very old and forgetful."
(95) They said, "By God, you're really delusional and still stuck in your old way of thinking."
(96) When the messenger with good news arrived, he covered his face with Joseph’s shirt, and suddenly, he could see again. He said, "Didn't I tell you I knew from God that you didn't know?"
(97) They admitted, "O our father! Please ask for forgiveness for our sins; we've messed up."
(98) He replied, "I will pray to God to forgive you. Indeed, He's Forgiving and Merciful."
(99) And when Joseph's parents came in, he warmly welcomed them and said, "Come to Egypt, if God allows, and you'll be safe."
(100) He raised his parents to the throne, and everyone bowed down to Joseph. He said, "O my dear father! This is what my dream meant. God made it real. He was good to me when He got me out of jail and brought you all here from the desert. Satan tried to cause problems between my brothers and me, but God is Kind and makes things happen as He wants. Indeed, He's the All-Knowing, All-Wise.
(101) My Lord, You have given me authority and taught me the meaning of dreams. You created the heavens and the earth, and You're my Protector in this life and the next. Let me pass away as a Muslim, submissive to You, and unite me with the good-hearted people."
(102) These stories are things you did not know about that We reveal to you, O Prophet, and you weren't there when they were planning against Joseph.
(103) Most people won't believe no matter how much you wish.
(104) You are not asking them for anything in return for this Quran. This is just a reminder for everyone.
(105) And how many amazing things do they see but ignore?
(106) Most believe in God only when they associate others with Him.
(107) Do they think they're safe from God's punishment or that the Day of Judgment won't catch them by surprise?
(108) Say, “I follow this path—I invite people to believe in God with wisdom. I don't mix God with anything else. Glory be to God, and I'm not one of those who worship idols.”
(109) We sent messengers to people in the past, and they were regular folks from cities like yours. Haven't you traveled and seen how those who came before you met their end? The afterlife is the best place for those who fear God. Think about it!
(110) When the messengers thought all hope was lost and people had turned them away, suddenly, We helped them succeed and saved the ones We wanted to save. Those who did wrong couldn't escape Our punishment.
(111) These stories hold essential lessons for those who think. They're not just made-up tales; they confirm what happened before and explain things clearly. They offer guidance and mercy to those who believe in them.