Revealed during the late Makkan period in the midst of the "Year of Sorrow," Surah Yusuf was sent down as a source of divine comfort to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) following the tragic deaths of his beloved wife Khadijah and his protective uncle Abu Talib, and during his peak persecution. Prompted by a challenge from his detractors to explain how the Children of Israel ended up in Egypt, this chapter is uniquely distinct as the only Surah in the Quran dedicated entirely to a single, flawlessly detailed, chronological narrative from beginning to end, explicitly described by God as "the best of stories." It vividly chronicles the incredibly turbulent life of Prophet Joseph (Yusuf), detailing his heartbreaking betrayal by his jealous brothers, his terrifying descent into the well, his life in Egyptian slavery, the intense trial of temptation by a powerful woman, and his unjust, years-long imprisonment. Beyond the historical events, the Surah operates as a masterclass in the psychology of beautiful patience (*Sabr Jameel*), unwavering moral purity, and the reality of unseen divine providence. It serves to reassure the Prophet—and all believers facing overwhelming adversity—that even when human beings plot malicious betrayal in secret, God is subtly executing His own master plan, ultimately demonstrating that righteous perseverance through the darkest of trials will inevitably lead to worldly and spiritual elevation.
Transliteration
Aliflamra tilka ayatu alkitabi almubeenu
Translation
Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the Verses of the Clear Book
These disjointed letters ('Alif-Lam-Ra') are Huruf Muqatta'at, whose ultimate secrets belong to Allah. Surah Yusuf was revealed in late Meccan years when Jewish rabbis in Medina prompted the Quraysh to test the Prophet ﷺ by asking how the family of Jacob moved from Canaan to Egypt—a story unknown to Arabian polytheists.
Transliteration
Inna anzalnahu quranan AAarabiyyan laAAallakum taAAqiloona
Translation
We have revealed it an Arabic Quran, so that you may understand
Transliteration
Nahnu naqussu AAalayka ahsana alqasasi bima awhayna ilayka hatha alqurana wain kunta min qablihi lamina alghafileena
Translation
We narrate to you the most accurate history, by revealing to you this Quran. Although, prior to it, you were of the unaware
Transliteration
Ith qala yoosufu liabeehi ya abati innee raaytu ahada AAashara kawkaban waalshshamsa waalqamara raaytuhum lee sajideena
Translation
When Joseph said to his father, “O my father, I saw eleven planets, and the sun, and the moon; I saw them bowing down to me.”
Joseph's (Yusuf) prophetic childhood dream: eleven stars symbolized his eleven brothers, while the sun and the moon represented his father Jacob (Ya'qub) and mother/stepmother.
Transliteration
Qala ya bunayya la taqsus ruyaka AAala ikhwatika fayakeedoo laka kaydan inna alshshaytana lilinsani AAaduwwun mubeenun
Translation
He said, “O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers, lest they plot and scheme against you. Satan is man's sworn enemy
Transliteration
Wakathalika yajtabeeka rabbuka wayuAAallimuka min taweeli alahadeethi wayutimmu niAAmatahu AAalayka waAAala ali yaAAqooba kama atammaha AAala abawayka min qablu ibraheema waishaqa inna rabbaka AAaleemun hakeemun
Translation
And thus your Lord will choose you, and will teach you the interpretation of events, and will complete His blessing upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He has completed it before upon your forefathers Abraham and Isaac. Your Lord is Knowing and Wise
Transliteration
Laqad kana fee yoosufa waikhwatihi ayatun lilssaileena
Translation
In Joseph and his brothers are lessons for the seekers
Transliteration
Ith qaloo layoosufu waakhoohu ahabbu ila abeena minna wanahnu AAusbatun inna abana lafee dalalin mubeenin
Translation
When they said, “Joseph and his brother are dearer to our father than we are, although we are a whole group. Our father is obviously in the wrong
Transliteration
Oqtuloo yoosufa awi itrahoohu ardan yakhlu lakum wajhu abeekum watakoonoo min baAAdihi qawman saliheena
Translation
“Kill Joseph, or throw him somewhere in the land, and your father‘s attention will be yours. Afterwards, you will be decent people.”
Transliteration
Qala qailun minhum la taqtuloo yoosufa waalqoohu fee ghayabati aljubbi yaltaqithu baAAdu alssayyarati in kuntum faAAileena
Translation
One of them said, “Do not kill Joseph, but throw him into the bottom of the well; some caravan may pick him up—if you must do something.”
Transliteration
Qaloo ya abana ma laka la tamanna AAala yoosufa wainna lahu lanasihoona
Translation
They said, “Father, why do you not trust us with Joseph, although we care for him?”
Transliteration
Arsilhu maAAana ghadan yartaAA wayalAAab wainna lahu lahafithoona
Translation
“Send him with us tomorrow, that he may roam and play; we will take care of him.”
Transliteration
Qala innee layahzununee an thathhaboo bihi waakhafu an yakulahu alththibu waantum AAanhu ghafiloona
Translation
He said, “It worries me that you would take him away. And I fear the wolf may eat him while you are careless of him.”
Transliteration
Qaloo lain akalahu alththibu wanahnu AAusbatun inna ithan lakhasiroona
Translation
They said, “If the wolf ate him, and we are many, we would be good for nothing.”
Transliteration
Falamma thahaboo bihi waajmaAAoo an yajAAaloohu fee ghayabati aljubbi waawhayna ilayhi latunabiannahum biamrihim hatha wahum la yashAAuroona
Translation
So they went away with him, and agreed to put him at the bottom of the well. And We inspired him, “You will inform them of this deed of theirs when they are unaware.”
Transliteration
Wajaoo abahum AAishaan yabkoona
Translation
And they came to their father in the evening weeping
Transliteration
Qaloo ya abana inna thahabna nastabiqu watarakna yoosufa AAinda mataAAina faakalahu alththibu wama anta bimuminin lana walaw kunna sadiqeena
Translation
They said, “O father, we went off racing one another, and left Joseph by our belongings; and the wolf ate him. But you will not believe us, even though we are being truthful.”
Transliteration
Wajaoo AAala qameesihi bidamin kathibin qala bal sawwalat lakum anfusukum amran fasabrun jameelun waAllahu almustaAAanu AAala ma tasifoona
Translation
And they brought his shirt, with fake blood on it. He said, “Your souls enticed you to do something. But patience is beautiful, and God is my Help against what you describe.”
The brothers presented Joseph's tunic stained with sheep's blood to pretend a wolf devoured him. However, in their haste, they failed to tear or shred the garment, which alerted Jacob to their fabricated story.
Transliteration
Wajaat sayyaratun faarsaloo waridahum faadla dalwahu qala ya bushra hatha ghulamun waasarroohu bidaAAatan waAllahu AAaleemun bima yaAAmaloona
Translation
A caravan passed by, and they sent their water-carrier. He lowered his bucket, and said, “Good news. Here is a boy.” And they hid him as merchandise. But God was aware of what they did
Transliteration
Washarawhu bithamanin bakhsin darahima maAAdoodatin wakanoo feehi mina alzzahideena
Translation
And they sold him for a cheap price—a few coins—they considered him to be of little value
Sold into slavery for a trivial sum of silver coins (dirhams) by the desert travelers who pulled him from the well, showing how little they realized his true spiritual and historical worth.
Transliteration
Waqala allathee ishtarahu min misra liimraatihi akrimee mathwahu AAasa an yanfaAAana aw nattakhithahu waladan wakathalika makkanna liyoosufa fee alardi walinuAAallimahu min taweeli alahadeethi waAllahu ghalibun AAala amrihi walakinna akthara alnnasi la yaAAlamoona
Translation
The Egyptian who bought him said to his wife, “Take good care of him; he may be useful to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” We thus established Joseph in the land, to teach him the interpretation of events. God has control over His affairs, but most people do not know
Transliteration
Walamma balagha ashuddahu ataynahu hukman waAAilman wakathalika najzee almuhsineena
Translation
When he reached his maturity, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. We thus reward the righteous
Transliteration
Warawadathu allatee huwa fee baytiha AAan nafsihi waghallaqati alabwaba waqalat hayta laka qala maAAatha Allahi innahu rabbee ahsana mathwaya innahu la yuflihu alththalimoona
Translation
She in whose house he was living tried to seduce him. She shut the doors, and said, “I am yours.” He said, “God forbid! He is my Lord. He has given me a good home. Sinners never succeed.”
The wife of the Egyptian chief minister ('Aziz') attempted to seduce Joseph in private by locking the palace doors, but he firmly refused and sought refuge in God's moral boundaries.
Transliteration
Walaqad hammat bihi wahamma biha lawla an raa burhana rabbihi kathalika linasrifa AAanhu alssooa waalfahshaa innahu min AAibadina almukhlaseena
Translation
She desired him, and he desired her, had he not seen the proof of his Lord. It was thus that We diverted evil and indecency away from him. He was one of Our loyal servants
Transliteration
Waistabaqa albaba waqaddat qameesahu min duburin waalfaya sayyidaha lada albabi qalat ma jazao man arada biahlika sooan illa an yusjana aw AAathabun aleemun
Translation
As they raced towards the door, she tore his shirt from behind. At the door, they ran into her husband. She said, “What is the penalty for him who desired to dishonor your wife, except imprisonment or a painful punishment?”
Transliteration
Qala hiya rawadatnee AAan nafsee washahida shahidun min ahliha in kana qameesuhu qudda min qubulin fasadaqat wahuwa mina alkathibeena
Translation
He said, “It was she who tried to seduce me.” A witness from her household suggested: “If his shirt is torn from the front: then she has told the truth, and he is the liar
Forensic proof in the palace: a wise member of the royal household pointed out that if Joseph's shirt was torn from behind, it proved he was attempting to escape while she pursued him.
Transliteration
Wain kana qameesuhu qudda min duburin fakathabat wahuwa mina alssadiqeena
Translation
But if his shirt is torn from the back: then she has lied, and he is the truthful.”
Transliteration
Falamma raa qameesahu qudda min duburin qala innahu min kaydikunna inna kaydakunna AAatheemun
Translation
And when he saw that his shirt was torn from the back, he said, “This is a woman's scheme. Your scheming is serious indeed.”
Transliteration
Yoosufu aAArid AAan hatha waistaghfiree lithanbiki innaki kunti mina alkhatieena
Translation
“Joseph, turn away from this. And you, woman, ask forgiveness for your sin; you are indeed in the wrong.”
Transliteration
Waqala niswatun fee almadeenati imraatu alAAazeezi turawidu fataha AAan nafsihi qad shaghafaha hubban inna lanaraha fee dalalin mubeenin
Translation
Some ladies in the city said, “The governor's wife is trying to seduce her servant. She is deeply in love with him. We see she has gone astray.”
Transliteration
Falamma samiAAat bimakrihinna arsalat ilayhinna waaAAtadat lahunna muttakaan waatat kulla wahidatin minhunna sikkeenan waqalati okhruj AAalayhinna falamma raaynahu akbarnahu waqattaAAna aydiyahunna waqulna hasha lillahi ma hatha basharan in hatha illa malakun kareemun
Translation
And when she heard of their gossip, she invited them, and prepared for them a banquet, and she gave each one of them a knife. She said, “Come out before them.” And when they saw him, they marveled at him, and cut their hands. They said, “Good God, this is not a human, this must be a precious angel.”
Elite Egyptian noblewomen criticized the governor's wife for desiring her servant. To show them why she was captivated, she invited them to a banquet and gave them fruit with sharp knives. When Joseph entered, his stunning, God-given beauty left them so transfixed that they unknowingly cut their own fingers.
Transliteration
Qalat fathalikunna allathee lumtunnanee feehi walaqad rawadtuhu AAan nafsihi faistAAsama walain lam yafAAal ma amuruhu layusjananna walayakoonan mina alssaghireena
Translation
She said, “Here he is, the one you blamed me for. I did try to seduce him, but he resisted. But if he does not do what I tell him to do, he will be imprisoned, and will be one of the despised.”
Transliteration
Qala rabbi alssijnu ahabbu ilayya mimma yadAAoonanee ilayhi wailla tasrif AAannee kaydahunna asbu ilayhinna waakun mina aljahileena
Translation
He said, “My Lord, prison is more desirable to me than what they call me to. Unless You turn their scheming away from me, I may yield to them, and become one of the ignorant.”
Joseph's noble prayer: when threatened with imprisonment unless he submitted to court corruption and temptation, he willingly chose wrongful imprisonment over betraying his creator.
Transliteration
Faistajaba lahu rabbuhu fasarafa AAanhu kaydahunna innahu huwa alssameeAAu alAAaleemu
Translation
Thereupon his Lord answered him, and diverted their scheming away from him. He is the Hearer, the Knower
Transliteration
Thumma bada lahum min baAAdi ma raawoo alayati layasjununnahu hatta heenin
Translation
Then it occurred to them, after they had seen the signs, to imprison him for a while
Transliteration
Wadakhala maAAahu alssijna fatayani qala ahaduhuma innee aranee aAAsiru khamran waqala alakharu innee aranee ahmilu fawqa rasee khubzan takulu alttayru minhu nabbina bitaweelihi inna naraka mina almuhsineena
Translation
Two youth entered the prison with him. One of them said, “I see myself pressing wine.” The other said, “I see myself carrying bread on my head, from which the birds are eating. Tell us their interpretation—we see that you are one of the righteous.”
In prison, two royal servants (the king's chief cupbearer and chief baker) sought Joseph's interpretation of their dreams, recognizing his profound spiritual wisdom and integrity.
Transliteration
Qala la yateekuma taAAamun turzaqanihi illa nabbatukuma bitaweelihi qabla an yatiyakuma thalikuma mimma AAallamanee rabbee innee taraktu millata qawmin la yuminoona biAllahi wahum bialakhirati hum kafiroona
Translation
He said, “No food is served to you, but I have informed you about it before you have received it. That is some of what my Lord has taught me. I have forsaken the tradition of people who do not believe in God; and regarding the Hereafter, they are deniers.”
Transliteration
WaittabaAAtu millata abaee ibraheema waishaqa wayaAAqooba ma kana lana an nushrika biAllahi min shayin thalika min fadli Allahi AAalayna waAAala alnnasi walakinna akthara alnnasi la yashkuroona
Translation
“And I have followed the faith of my forefathers, Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. It is not for us to associate anything with God. This is by virtue of God’s grace upon us and upon the people, but most people do not give thanks
Transliteration
Ya sahibayi alssijni aarbabun mutafarriqoona khayrun ami Allahu alwahidu alqahharu
Translation
“O My fellow inmates, are diverse lords better, or God, the One, the Supreme?”
Transliteration
Ma taAAbudoona min doonihi illa asmaan sammaytumooha antum waabaokum ma anzala Allahu biha min sultanin ini alhukmu illa lillahi amara alla taAAbudoo illa iyyahu thalika alddeenu alqayyimu walakinna akthara alnnasi la yaAAlamoona
Translation
“You do not worship, besides Him, except names you have named, you and your ancestors, for which God has sent down no authority. Judgment belongs to none but God. He has commanded that you worship none but Him. This is the right religion, but most people do not know
Transliteration
Ya sahibayi alssijni amma ahadukuma fayasqee rabbahu khamran waamma alakharu fayuslabu fatakulu alttayru min rasihi qudiya alamru allathee feehi tastaftiyani
Translation
“O my fellow inmates! One of you will serve his master wine; while the other will be crucified, and the birds will eat from his head. Thus the matter you are inquiring about is settled.”
Transliteration
Waqala lillathee thanna annahu najin minhuma othkurnee AAinda rabbika faansahu alshshaytanu thikra rabbihi falabitha fee alssijni bidAAa sineena
Translation
And he said to the one he thought would be released, “Mention me to your master.” But Satan caused him to forget mentioning him to his master, so he remained in prison for several years
Transliteration
Waqala almaliku innee ara sabAAa baqaratin simanin yakuluhunna sabAAun AAijafun wasabAAa sunbulatin khudrin waokhara yabisatin ya ayyuha almalao aftoonee fee ruyaya in kuntum lilrruya taAAburoona
Translation
The king said, “I see seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, and seven green spikes, and others dried up. O elders, explain to me my vision, if you are able to interpret visions.”
The King of Egypt's prophetic dream of seven fat cows being devoured by seven emaciated cows, along with seven green ears of grain and seven dry ones, foreshadowing seven abundant harvest years followed by seven devastating years of famine.
Transliteration
Qaloo adghathu ahlamin wama nahnu bitaweeli alahlami biAAalimeena
Translation
They said, “Jumbles of dreams, and we know nothing of the interpretation of dreams.”
Transliteration
Waqala allathee naja minhuma waiddakara baAAda ommatin ana onabbiokum bitaweelihi faarsilooni
Translation
The one who was released said, having remembered after a time, “I will inform you of its interpretation, so send me out.”
Transliteration
Yoosufu ayyuha alssiddeequ aftina fee sabAAi baqaratin simanin yakuluhunna sabAAun AAijafun wasabAAi sunbulatin khudrin waokhara yabisatin laAAallee arjiAAu ila alnnasi laAAallahum yaAAlamoona
Translation
“Joseph, O man of truth, inform us concerning seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean ones, and seven green spikes, and others dried up, so that I may return to the people, so that they may know.”
Transliteration
Qala tazraAAoona sabAAa sineena daaban fama hasadtum fatharoohu fee sunbulihi illa qaleelan mimma takuloona
Translation
He said, “You will farm for seven consecutive years. But whatever you harvest, leave it in its spikes, except for the little that you eat.”
Transliteration
Thumma yatee min baAAdi thalika sabAAun shidadun yakulna ma qaddamtum lahunna illa qaleelan mimma tuhsinoona
Translation
Then after that will come seven difficult ones, which will consume what you have stored for them, except for the little that you have preserved
Transliteration
Thumma yatee min baAAdi thalika AAamun feehi yughathu alnnasu wafeehi yaAAsiroona
Translation
Then after that will come a year that brings relief to the people, and during which they will press
Transliteration
Waqala almaliku itoonee bihi falamma jaahu alrrasoolu qala irjiAA ila rabbika faisalhu ma balu alnniswati allatee qattaAAna aydiyahunna inna rabbee bikaydihinna AAaleemun
Translation
The king said, “Bring him to me.” And when the envoy came to him, he said, “Go back to your master, and ask him about the intentions of the women who cut their hands; my Lord is well aware of their schemes.”
Transliteration
Qala ma khatbukunna ith rawadtunna yoosufa AAan nafsihi qulna hasha lillahi ma AAalimna AAalayhi min sooin qalati imraatu alAAazeezi alana hashasa alhaqqu ana rawadtuhu AAan nafsihi wainnahu lamina alssadiqeena
Translation
He said, “What was the matter with you, women, when you tried to seduce Joseph?” They said, “God forbid! We knew of no evil committed by him.” The governor’s wife then said, “Now the truth is out. It was I who tried to seduce him, and he is telling the truth.”
Transliteration
Thalika liyaAAlama annee lam akhunhu bialghaybi waanna Allaha la yahdee kayda alkhaineena
Translation
“This is that he may know that I did not betray him in secret, and that God does not guide the scheming of the betrayers.”
Transliteration
Wama obarrio nafsee inna alnnafsa laammaratun bialssooi illa ma rahima rabbee inna rabbee ghafoorun raheemun
Translation
“Yet I do not claim to be innocent. The soul commands evil, except those on whom my Lord has mercy. Truly my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.”
Transliteration
Waqala almaliku itoonee bihi astakhlishu linafsee falamma kallamahu qala innaka alyawma ladayna makeenun ameenun
Translation
The king said, “Bring him to me, and I will reserve him for myself.” And when he spoke to him, he said, “This day you are with us established and secure.”
Transliteration
Qala ijAAalnee AAala khazaini alardi innee hafeethun AAaleemun
Translation
He said, “Put me in charge of the storehouses of the land; I am honest and knowledgeable.”
Joseph actively volunteered to manage Egypt's national food storehouses during the impending drought, illustrating that offering oneself for public leadership is commendable when one possesses unique expertise and moral responsibility.
Transliteration
Wakathalika makanna liyoosufa fee alardi yatabawwao minha haythu yashao nuseebu birahmatina man nashao wala nudeeAAu ajra almuhsineena
Translation
And thus We established Joseph in the land, to live therein wherever he wished. We touch with Our mercy whomever We will, and We never waste the reward of the righteous
Transliteration
Walaajru alakhirati khayrun lillatheena amanoo wakanoo yattaqoona
Translation
But the reward of the Hereafter is better for those who believe and observed piety
Transliteration
Wajaa ikhwatu yoosufa fadakhaloo AAalayhi faAAarafahum wahum lahu munkiroona
Translation
And Joseph's brothers came, and entered into his presence. He recognized them, but they did not recognize him
Transliteration
Walamma jahhazahum bijahazihim qala itoonee biakhin lakum min abeekum ala tarawna annee oofee alkayla waana khayru almunzileena
Translation
When he provided them with their provisions, he said, “Bring me a brother of yours from your father. Do you not see that I fill up the measure, and I am the best of hosts?”
Transliteration
Fain lam tatoonee bihi fala kayla lakum AAindee wala taqrabooni
Translation
“But if you do not bring him to me, you will have no measure from me, and you will not come near me.”
Transliteration
Qaloo sanurawidu AAanhu abahu wainna lafaAAiloona
Translation
They said, “We will solicit him from his father. We will surely do.”
Transliteration
Waqala lifityanihi ijAAaloo bidaAAatahum fee rihalihim laAAallahum yaAArifoonaha itha inqalaboo ila ahlihim laAAallahum yarjiAAoona
Translation
He said to his servants, “Put their goods in their saddlebags; perhaps they will recognize them when they return to their families, and maybe they will come back.”
Transliteration
Falamma rajaAAoo ila abeehim qaloo ya abana muniAAa minna alkaylu faarsil maAAana akhana naktal wainna lahu lahafithoona
Translation
When they returned to their father, they said, “O father, we were denied measure, but send our brother with us, and we will obtain measure. We will take care of him.”
Transliteration
Qala hal amanukum AAalayhi illa kama amintukum AAala akheehi min qablu faAllahu khayrun hafithan wahuwa arhamu alrrahimeena
Translation
He said, “Shall I trust you with him, as I trusted you with his brother before? God is the Best Guardian, and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
Transliteration
Walamma fatahoo mataAAahum wajadoo bidaAAatahum ruddat ilayhim qaloo ya abana ma nabghee hathihi bidaAAatuna ruddat ilayna wanameeru ahlana wanahfathu akhana wanazdadu kayla baAAeerin thalika kaylun yaseerun
Translation
And when they opened their baggage, they found that their goods were returned to them. They said, “Father, what more do we want? Here are our goods, returned to us. We will provide for our family, and protect our brother, and have an additional camel-load. This is easy commerce.”
Transliteration
Qala lan orsilahu maAAakum hatta tutooni mawthiqan mina Allahi latatunnanee bihi illa an yuhata bikum falamma atawhu mawthiqahum qala Allahu AAala ma naqoolu wakeelun
Translation
He said, “I will not send him with you, unless you give me a pledge before God that you will bring him back to me, unless you get trapped.” And when they gave him their pledge, he said, “God is witness to what we say.”
Transliteration
Waqala ya baniyya la tadkhuloo min babin wahidin waodkhuloo min abwabin mutafarriqatin wama oghnee AAankum mina Allahi min shayin ini alhukmu illa lillahi AAalayhi tawakkaltu waAAalayhi falyatawakkali almutawakkiloona
Translation
And he said, “O my sons, do not enter by one gate, but enter by different gates. I cannot avail you anything against God. The decision rests only with God. On Him I rely, and on Him let the reliant rely.”
Transliteration
Walamma dakhaloo min haythu amarahum aboohum ma kana yughnee AAanhum mina Allahi min shayin illa hajatan fee nafsi yaAAqooba qadaha wainnahu lathoo AAilmin lima AAallamnahu walakinna akthara alnnasi la yaAAlamoona
Translation
And when they entered as their father had instructed them, it did not avail them anything against God; it was just a need in the soul of Jacob, which he carried out. He was a person of knowledge inasmuch as We had taught him, but most people do not know
Transliteration
Walamma dakhaloo AAala yoosufa awa ilayhi akhahu qala innee ana akhooka fala tabtais bima kanoo yaAAmaloona
Translation
And when they entered into the presence of Joseph, he embraced his brother, and said, “I am your brother; do not be saddened by what they used to do.”
Transliteration
Falamma jahhazahum bijahazihim jaAAala alssiqayata fee rahli akheehi thumma aththana muaththinun ayyatuha alAAeeru innakum lasariqoona
Translation
Then, when he provided them with their provisions, he placed the drinking-cup in his brother’s saddlebag. Then an announcer called out, “O people of the caravan, you are thieves.”
Joseph discreetly arranged for the royal grain measuring cup to be concealed in the saddlebag of his full brother Benjamin, setting up a peaceful legal strategy to keep him in Egypt without revealing his own identity prematurely.
Transliteration
Qaloo waaqbaloo AAalayhim matha tafqidoona
Translation
They said, as they came towards them, “What are you missing?”
Transliteration
Qaloo nafqidu suwaAAa almaliki waliman jaa bihi himlu baAAeerin waana bihi zaAAeemun
Translation
They said, “We are missing the king’s goblet. Whoever brings it will have a camel-load; and I personally guarantee it.”
Transliteration
Qaloo taAllahi laqad AAalimtum ma jina linufsida fee alardi wama kunna sariqeena
Translation
They said, “By God, you know we did not come to cause trouble in the land, and we are not thieves.”
Transliteration
Qaloo fama jazaohu in kuntum kathibeena
Translation
They said, “What shall be his punishment, if you are lying?”
Transliteration
Qaloo jazaohu man wujida fee rahlihi fahuwa jazaohu kathalika najzee alththalimeena
Translation
They said, “His punishment, if it is found in his bag: he will belong to you. Thus we penalize the guilty.”
Transliteration
Fabadaa biawAAiyatihim qabla wiAAai akheehi thumma istakhrajaha min wiAAai akheehi kathalika kidna liyoosufa ma kana liyakhutha akhahu fee deeni almaliki illa an yashaa Allahu narfaAAu darajatin man nashao wafawqa kulli thee AAilmin AAaleemun
Translation
So he began with their bags, before his brother's bag. Then he pulled it out of his brother’s bag. Thus We devised a plan for Joseph; he could not have detained his brother under the king’s law, unless God so willed. We elevate by degrees whomever We will; and above every person of knowledge, there is one more learned
Transliteration
Qaloo in yasriq faqad saraqa akhun lahu min qablu faasarraha yoosufu fee nafsihi walam yubdiha lahum qala antum sharrun makanan waAllahu aAAlamu bima tasifoona
Translation
They said, “If he has stolen, a brother of his has stolen before.” But Joseph kept it to himself, and did not reveal it to them. He said, “You are in a worse situation, and God is Aware of what you allege.”
When the missing cup was found with Benjamin, the older half-brothers callously accused him, claiming that Benjamin's full brother (Joseph) had also stolen in the past—an old, untrue family slight that Joseph quietly bore without retaliating.
Transliteration
Qaloo ya ayyuha alAAazeezu inna lahu aban shaykhan kabeeran fakhuth ahadana makanahu inna naraka mina almuhsineena
Translation
They said, “O noble prince, he has a father, a very old man, so take one of us in his place. We see that you are a good person.”
Transliteration
Qala maAAatha Allahi an nakhutha illa man wajadna mataAAana AAindahu inna ithan lathalimoona
Translation
He said, “God forbid that we should arrest anyone except him in whose possession we found our property; for then we would be unjust.”
Transliteration
Falamma istayasoo minhu khalasoo najiyyan qala kabeeruhum alam taAAlamoo anna abakum qad akhatha AAalaykum mawthiqan mina Allahi wamin qablu ma farrattum fee yoosufa falan abraha alarda hatta yathana lee abee aw yahkuma Allahu lee wahuwa khayru alhakimeena
Translation
And when they despaired of him, they conferred privately. Their eldest said, “Don’t you know that your father received a pledge from you before God, and in the past you failed with regard to Joseph? I will not leave this land until my father permits me, or God decides for me; for He is the Best of Deciders.”
Transliteration
IrjiAAoo ila abeekum faqooloo ya abana inna ibnaka saraqa wama shahidna illa bima AAalimna wama kunna lilghaybi hafitheena
Translation
“Go back to your father, and say, ‘Our father, your son has stolen. We testify only to what we know, and we could not have prevented the unforeseen.’”
Transliteration
Waisali alqaryata allatee kunna feeha waalAAeera allatee aqbalna feeha wainna lasadiqoona
Translation
“Ask the town where we were, and the caravan in which we came. We are being truthful.”
Transliteration
Qala bal sawwalat lakum anfusukum amran fasabrun jameelun AAasa Allahu an yatiyanee bihim jameeAAan innahu huwa alAAaleemu alhakeemu
Translation
He said, “Rather, your souls have contrived something for you. Patience is a virtue. Perhaps God will bring them all back to me. He is the Knowing, the Wise.”
Transliteration
Watawalla AAanhum waqala ya asafa AAala yoosufa waibyaddat AAaynahu mina alhuzni fahuwa katheemun
Translation
Then he turned away from them, and said, “O my bitterness for Joseph.” And his eyes turned white from sorrow, and he became depressed
Jacob's grief over losing both Joseph and Benjamin caused his eyesight to fail through severe cataracts brought on by decades of suppressed, silent sorrow.
Transliteration
Qaloo taAllahi taftao tathkuru yoosufa hatta takoona haradan aw takoona mina alhalikeena
Translation
They said, “By God, you will not stop remembering Joseph, until you have ruined your health, or you have passed away.”
Transliteration
Qala innama ashkoo baththee wahuznee ila Allahi waaAAlamu mina Allahi ma la taAAlamoona
Translation
He said, “I only complain of my grief and sorrow to God, and I know from God what you do not know.”
Transliteration
Ya baniyya ithhaboo fatahassasoo min yoosufa waakheehi wala tayasoo min rawhi Allahi innahu la yayasu min rawhi Allahi illa alqawmu alkafiroona
Translation
“O my sons, go and inquire about Joseph and his brother, and do not despair of God's comfort. None despairs of God's comfort except the disbelieving people.”
Transliteration
Falamma dakhaloo AAalayhi qaloo ya ayyuha alAAazeezu massana waahlana alddurru wajina bibidaAAatin muzjatin faawfi lana alkayla watasaddaq AAalayna inna Allaha yajzee almutasaddiqeena
Translation
Then, when they entered into his presence, they said, “Mighty governor, adversity has befallen us, and our family. We have brought scant merchandise. But give us full measure, and be charitable towards us—God rewards the charitable.”
Transliteration
Qala hal AAalimtum ma faAAaltum biyoosufa waakheehi ith antum jahiloona
Translation
He said, “Do you realize what you did with Joseph and his brother, in your ignorance?”
Transliteration
Qaloo ainnaka laanta yoosufa qala ana yoosufu wahatha akhee qad manna Allahu AAalayna innahu man yattaqi wayasbir fainna Allaha la yudeeAAu ajra almuhsineena
Translation
They said, “Is that you, Joseph?” He said, “I am Joseph, and this is my brother. God has been gracious to us. He who practices piety and patience—God never fails to reward the righteous.”
Transliteration
Qaloo taAllahi laqad atharaka Allahu AAalayna wain kunna lakhatieena
Translation
They said, “By God, God has preferred you over us. We were definitely in the wrong.”
Transliteration
Qala la tathreeba AAalaykumu alyawma yaghfiru Allahu lakum wahuwa arhamu alrrahimeena
Translation
He said, “There is no blame upon you today. God will forgive you. He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
Transliteration
Ithhaboo biqameesee hatha faalqoohu AAala wajhi abee yati baseeran watoonee biahlikum ajmaAAeena
Translation
“Take this shirt of mine, and lay it over my father’s face, and he will recover his sight. And bring your whole family to me.”
Joseph instructed his brothers to take his shirt back to Canaan and place it over their father's face, miraculously restoring Jacob's sight by God's permission as a physical sign of reconciliation.
Transliteration
Walamma fasalati alAAeeru qala aboohum innee laajidu reeha yoosufa lawla an tufannidooni
Translation
As the caravan set out, their father said, “I sense the presence of Joseph, though you may think I am senile.”
Transliteration
Qaloo taAllahi innaka lafee dalalika alqadeemi
Translation
They said, “By God, you are still in your old confusion.”
Transliteration
Falamma an jaa albasheeru alqahu AAala wajhihi fairtadda baseeran qala alam aqul lakum innee aAAlamu mina Allahi ma la taAAlamoona
Translation
Then, when the bearer of good news arrived, he laid it over his face, and he regained his sight. He said, “Did I not say to you that I know from God what you do not know?”
Transliteration
Qaloo ya abana istaghfir lana thunoobana inna kunna khatieena
Translation
They said, “Father, pray for the forgiveness of our sins; we were indeed at fault.”
Transliteration
Qala sawfa astaghfiru lakum rabbee innahu huwa alghafooru alrraheemu
Translation
He said, “I will ask my Lord to forgive you. He is the Forgiver, the Most Merciful.”
Transliteration
Falamma dakhaloo AAala yoosufa awa ilayhi abawayhi waqala odkhuloo misra in shaa Allahu amineena
Translation
Then, when they entered into the presence of Joseph, he embraced his parents, and said, “Enter Egypt, God willing, safe and secure.”
Transliteration
WarafaAAa abawayhi AAala alAAarshi wakharroo lahu sujjadan waqala ya abati hatha taweelu ruyaya min qablu qad jaAAalaha rabbee haqqan waqad ahsana bee ith akhrajanee mina alssijni wajaa bikum mina albadwi min baAAdi an nazagha alshshaytanu baynee wabayna ikhwatee inna rabbee lateefun lima yashao innahu huwa alAAaleemu alhakeemu
Translation
And he elevated his parents on the throne, and they fell prostrate before him. He said, “Father, this is the fulfillment of my vision of long ago. My Lord has made it come true. He has blessed me, when he released me from prison, and brought you out of the wilderness, after the devil had sown conflict between me and my brothers. My Lord is Most Kind towards whomever He wills. He is the All-knowing, the Most Wise.”
Fulfillment of Joseph's childhood dream: his parents and brothers bowed before him. In ancient patriarchal custom, this bowing was an honorable prostration of respect and greeting, not divine worship, which is strictly prohibited in Islamic monotheism.
Transliteration
Rabbi qad ataytanee mina almulki waAAallamtanee min taweeli alahadeethi fatira alssamawati waalardi anta waliyyee fee alddunya waalakhirati tawaffanee musliman waalhiqnee bialssaliheena
Translation
“My Lord, You have given me some authority, and taught me some interpretation of events. Initiator of the heavens and the earth; You are my Protector in this life and in the Hereafter. Receive my soul in submission, and unite me with the righteous.”
Transliteration
Thalika min anbai alghaybi nooheehi ilayka wama kunta ladayhim ith ajmaAAoo amrahum wahum yamkuroona
Translation
This is news from the past that We reveal to you. You were not present with them when they plotted and agreed on a plan
Transliteration
Wama aktharu alnnasi walaw harasta bimumineena
Translation
But most people, for all your eagerness, are not believers
Transliteration
Wama tasaluhum AAalayhi min ajrin in huwa illa thikrun lilAAalameena
Translation
You ask them no wage for it. It is only a reminder for all mankind
Transliteration
Wakaayyin min ayatin fee alssamawati waalardi yamurroona AAalayha wahum AAanha muAAridoona
Translation
How many a sign in the heavens and the earth do they pass by, paying no attention to them
Transliteration
Wama yuminu aktharuhum biAllahi illa wahum mushrikoona
Translation
And most of them do not believe in God unless they associate others
Transliteration
Afaaminoo an tatiyahum ghashiyatun min AAathabi Allahi aw tatiyahumu alssaAAatu baghtatan wahum la yashAAuroona
Translation
Do they feel secure that a covering of God’s punishment will not come upon them, or that the Hour will not come upon them suddenly, while they are unaware
Transliteration
Qul hathihi sabeelee adAAoo ila Allahi AAala baseeratin ana wamani ittabaAAanee wasubhana Allahi wama ana mina almushrikeena
Translation
Say, “This is my way; I invite to God, based on clear knowledge—I and whoever follows me. Glory be to God; and I am not of the polytheists.”
Transliteration
Wama arsalna min qablika illa rijalan noohee ilayhim min ahli alqura afalam yaseeroo fee alardi fayanthuroo kayfa kana AAaqibatu allatheena min qablihim waladaru alakhirati khayrun lillatheena ittaqaw afala taAAqiloona
Translation
We did not send before you except men, whom We inspired, from the people of the towns. Have they not roamed the earth and seen the consequences for those before them? The Home of the Hereafter is better for those who are righteous. Do you not understand
Transliteration
Hatta itha istayasa alrrusulu wathannoo annahum qad kuthiboo jaahum nasruna fanujjiya man nashao wala yuraddu basuna AAani alqawmi almujrimeena
Translation
Until, when the messengers have despaired, and thought that they were rejected, Our help came to them. We save whomever We will, and Our severity is not averted from the guilty people
Transliteration
Laqad kana fee qasasihim AAibratun liolee alalbabi ma kana hadeethan yuftara walakin tasdeeqa allathee bayna yadayhi watafseela kulli shayin wahudan warahmatan liqawmin yuminoona
Translation
In their stories is a lesson for those who possess intelligence. This is not a fabricated tale, but a confirmation of what came before it, and a detailed explanation of all things, and guidance, and mercy for people who believe