Explore Surah 12: Yusuf (Joseph) with full text, introduction, and commentary. Discover the timeless story of Prophet Yusuf, his trials, patience, and triumph, presented in clear and fine English for deeper understanding.
Upon delving into the verses of Surah Yusuf, one is enveloped in a narrative rich with profound teachings and allegorical depth. The story of Prophet Joseph unfolds with intricate details, offering invaluable lessons of patience, faith, and divine wisdom. Engaging with the verses of Surah Yusuf provides an opportunity for reflection, guidance, and spiritual enlightenment, resonating with timeless truths that transcend generations.
Surah 12: Yusuf (Joseph)
Introduction
Surah Yusuf is the 12th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. It was revealed in Makkah and contains 111 verses. This Surah tells the complete and detailed story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph, peace be upon him), making it the only Surah in the Qur’an that presents the full life of a prophet in a continuous, story-like manner.
The story is filled with lessons about faith, patience, trust in Allah, forgiveness, and the victory of truth over falsehood. It shows how Prophet Yusuf was thrown into a well by his jealous brothers, sold as a slave, wrongly imprisoned, and later rose to power in Egypt — all because of his honesty, wisdom, and firm belief in Allah.
The Surah also highlights the painful struggles of his father, Prophet Ya‘qub (Jacob), who never lost hope in Allah, even when separated from his beloved son for many years.
This Surah was revealed to comfort the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during a time of sadness and hardship, known as the Year of Sorrow. Through Yusuf’s life, Allah showed the Prophet and all of us that even after the darkest trials, light and success come with patience and trust in Allah.
The Surah ends by reminding us that these are not just stories, but real lessons for people who reflect. It teaches that the Qur’an is a source of guidance and mercy for those who believe.
Surah 12: Yusuf (Joseph): Text (English Translation)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the verses of a clear Book.
2. We have sent it down as a Qur’an in clear Arabic so that you may understand.
3. We narrate to you the best of stories through this Qur’an We have revealed to you, even though before this you were unaware of it.
4. When Yusuf said to his father, “O my father! I saw eleven stars, the sun, and the moon — I saw them all prostrating to me in a dream.”
5. He said, “My dear son, do not tell your dream to your brothers, or they may plot against you. Surely, Satan is a clear enemy to mankind.”
6. “And so your Lord will choose you and teach you how to interpret dreams and complete His favor upon you and the family of Ya’qub (Jacob) — just as He did for your forefathers Ibrahim (Abraham) and Ishaq (Isaac). Surely, your Lord is All-Knowing, All-Wise.”
7. Indeed, in the story of Yusuf and his brothers, there are signs for those who ask.
8. When they said, “Surely Yusuf and his brother are more loved by our father than we are, even though we are a strong group. Our father is clearly mistaken.”
9. “Kill Yusuf or throw him somewhere far away, so that your father’s attention will turn to you alone. Then, after that, you can become righteous people.”
10. One of them said, “Do not kill Yusuf. Rather, throw him into the bottom of a well. Some travelers may pick him up — if you must do something.”
11. They said, “O our father! Why don’t you trust us with Yusuf? We truly want what is best for him.”
12. “Send him with us tomorrow so he can enjoy himself and play. We will surely take good care of him.”
13. He said, “It truly saddens me that you should take him away. And I fear a wolf might eat him while you are unaware.”
14. They said, “If a wolf eats him while we are a strong group, then we would surely be losers.”
15. So when they took him away and agreed to throw him into the bottom of the well, We revealed to him, “You will surely inform them of this matter one day — while they do not realize who you are.”
16. And they returned to their father at night, weeping.
17. They said, “O our father! We went racing with one another and left Yusuf with our belongings, and a wolf ate him. But you won’t believe us, even though we are telling the truth.”
18. And they brought false blood on his shirt. He said, “No! Your souls have made this seem right to you. So I will be patient with beautiful patience. And Allah is the One I seek for help against what you describe.”
19. Then a caravan came by, and they sent their water-drawer who let down his bucket. He said, “Good news! Here is a boy!” And they hid him like a piece of merchandise. But Allah was fully aware of what they were doing.
20. They sold him for a cheap price — just a few silver coins — for they did not see much value in him.
21. The man from Egypt who bought him said to his wife, “Take good care of him. He may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son.” This is how We established Yusuf in the land and taught him the interpretation of dreams. Allah is in full control of His affairs, but most people do not understand.
22. When Yusuf reached maturity, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. This is how We reward those who do good.
23. The woman in whose house he lived tried to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, “Come to me!” He replied, “I seek refuge in Allah! He is my Master and has treated me well. Wrongdoers never succeed.”
24. She really desired him, and he would have felt the same if he had not seen a sign from his Lord. This is how We turned evil and indecency away from him. He was truly one of Our sincere servants.
25. They both ran to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back. They found her husband at the door. She said, “What should be the punishment for someone who wanted to harm your wife, except prison or a painful punishment?”
26. He said, “It was she who tried to seduce me!” A member of her household testified: “If his shirt is torn from the front, then she is telling the truth and he is lying.”
27. “But if his shirt is torn from the back, then she is lying and he is telling the truth.”
28. When her husband saw that his shirt was torn from the back, he said, “This is surely a trick of you women! Your tricks are truly great!”
29. “Yusuf, ignore this. And you, woman, ask forgiveness for your sin. You were truly at fault.”
30. Some women in the city said, “The wife of the governor is trying to seduce her slave boy! She is deeply in love with him. We see that she is clearly in the wrong.”
31. When she heard of their gossip, she invited them, prepared a banquet for them, and gave each of them a knife. Then she said to Yusuf, “Come out before them.” When they saw him, they were so amazed that they cut their hands and said, “Goodness! This is no human being. This is a noble angel!”
32. She said, “This is the one you blamed me for. Yes, I tried to seduce him, but he refused. And if he does not do what I tell him, he will surely be imprisoned and humiliated.”
33. Yusuf said, “My Lord! Prison is more beloved to me than what they are inviting me to. If You do not turn their plot away from me, I might give in to them and become one of the ignorant.”
34. So his Lord responded to him and turned their plot away from him. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
35. Even after seeing the signs of his innocence, they thought it best to imprison him for a time.
36. Two young men entered the prison with him. One of them said, “I saw myself pressing wine.” The other said, “I saw myself carrying bread on my head, and birds were eating from it. Tell us the meaning of these dreams, for we see you as a righteous man.”
37. He said, “No food will come to you except that I can tell you what it means before it arrives. This knowledge is from what my Lord has taught me. I have left the religion of a people who do not believe in Allah and deny the Hereafter.”
38. “I follow the religion of my fathers — Ibrahim, Ishaq, and Ya’qub. We could never associate anything with Allah. This is a grace from Allah to us and to humanity — but most people are not grateful.”
39. “O my fellow prisoners! Are different lords better, or is Allah — the One, the Almighty — better?”
40. “You only worship names that you and your forefathers have made up — names for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command belongs only to Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him. That is the straight path, but most people do not know.”
41. “O my fellow prisoners! As for one of you, he will serve wine to his master. But as for the other, he will be crucified, and birds will eat from his head. The matter about which you asked has been decided.”
42. Yusuf said to the one he knew would be saved, “Mention me to your master.” But Satan made him forget to mention it to his master, so Yusuf remained in prison for several more years.
43. The king said, “I saw in a dream seven fat cows being eaten by seven thin ones, and seven green ears of grain and seven others that were dry. O my chiefs, explain my dream if you can interpret dreams.”
44. They said, “These are mixed-up dreams, and we do not know how to interpret such dreams.”
45. Then the one who had been released and remembered Yusuf after all that time said, “I will tell you its meaning. Just send me.”
46. He went to Yusuf and said, “Yusuf, O man of truth! Explain to us the meaning of seven fat cows eaten by seven thin ones, and seven green ears of grain and seven dry ones, so I may return to the people and let them know.”
47. Yusuf said, “You will plant for seven years as usual. Whatever you harvest, leave it in its ear, except for a little which you will eat.”
48. “Then after that will come seven hard years, which will consume what you stored earlier — except for a little that you have saved.”
49. “Then after that will come a year in which people will have rain, and in which they will press (juice or oil).”
50. The king said, “Bring him to me!” But when the messenger came to Yusuf, he said, “Go back to your master and ask him about the women who cut their hands. Surely my Lord knows all about their plot.”
51. The king asked the women, “What was your affair when you tried to seduce Yusuf?” They said, “Allah forbid! We know nothing wrong about him.” Then the wife of the governor said, “Now the truth has come to light — it was I who tried to seduce him. He is surely one of the truthful.”
52. Yusuf said, “I did this so that he (the governor) may know that I did not betray him in secret. Surely Allah does not guide the plans of those who betray.”
53. “I do not claim that I am free from weakness. The soul constantly urges to evil — except for the one whom my Lord shows mercy to. Surely, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.”
54. The king said, “Bring him to me so I may appoint him for myself.” When he spoke to him, he said, “Indeed, you are today trusted and honoured in our presence.”
55. Yusuf said, “Put me in charge of the storehouses of the land. I am truly trustworthy and knowledgeable.”
56. This is how We established Yusuf in the land. He could settle wherever he wished. We give Our mercy to whom We will, and We never waste the reward of those who do good.
57. And surely the reward of the Hereafter is better for those who believe and are mindful of Allah.
58. Yusuf’s brothers came and entered upon him, and he recognized them, but they did not recognize him.
59. When he had given them their supplies, he said, “Bring me your brother from your father’s side (Benjamin/ Yusuf’s younger brother from the same mother). Don’t you see that I give full measure and am the best of hosts?”
60. “But if you do not bring him to me, then there will be no more supplies for you from me, and do not come near me again.”
61. They said, “We will try to convince his father to let him go, and we will surely do it.”
62. Yusuf told his servants to put their goods (the money they had paid) back into their bags so they might recognize it when they returned home, and perhaps they would come back.
63. When they returned to their father, they said, “O our father! We have been denied any more grain. Send our brother with us so we may get our supplies. We will certainly guard him well.”
64. He said, “Should I trust you with him like I trusted you with his brother before? But Allah is the best protector, and He is the most merciful of the merciful.”
65. When they opened their bags, they found that their money had been returned to them. They said, “O our father! What more can we ask for? Look, our money has been returned. We will bring more food for our family, take care of our brother, and gain an extra load of grain. That is easy to get.”
66. He said, “I will never send him with you until you swear by Allah that you will bring him back to me, unless you are surrounded and unable to do so.” When they gave their promise, he said, “Allah is a witness to what we say.”
67. He also said, “O my sons! Do not enter (the city) all through one gate. Instead, enter from different gates. I cannot protect you against anything that Allah has planned. The decision belongs only to Allah. I put my trust in Him. And all who trust should rely on Him alone.”
68. And when they entered as their father had advised, it did not help them against Allah’s decree. It was only a desire in Ya’qub’s soul that he fulfilled. He had knowledge because We had taught him, but most people do not understand.
69. When they entered upon Yusuf, he welcomed his brother (Benjamin) and said, “Indeed, I am your brother. So do not be sad about what they have been doing.”
70. When he had given them their supplies, he placed the king’s drinking cup in his brother’s bag. Then a caller shouted, “O people of the caravan! You are surely thieves!”
71. They turned and asked, “What have you lost?”
72. The officials replied, “We have lost the king’s cup. Whoever finds it will receive a camel’s load of grain — I guarantee it.”
73. They said, “By Allah! You know that we did not come to cause trouble in the land, and we are not thieves.”
74. The officials asked, “What should be the punishment if you are lying?”
75. They replied, “The punishment is that whoever’s bag it is found in — he will be held as the penalty. That is how we punish wrongdoers.”
76. So Yusuf began searching their bags before his brother’s, and then he pulled it out from his brother’s bag. That is how We planned for Yusuf. He could not have taken his brother under the king’s law, unless Allah had so willed. We raise in rank whom We please. And above everyone who has knowledge is One who knows all.
77. They said, “If he has stolen, then a brother of his stole before.” But Yusuf kept it to himself and did not reveal it to them. He said silently, “You are in a worse position. And Allah knows best about what you say.”
78. They said, “O governor! He has an old father, so take one of us instead. We see that you are a kind man.”
79. He said, “Allah forbid that we take anyone except the one with whom we found our item. Otherwise, we would be wrongdoers.”
80. When they lost all hope in convincing him, they stepped aside to speak privately. The eldest said, “Don’t you remember that your father made you swear an oath before Allah — and before that you failed with Yusuf? So I will not leave this land until my father permits me or Allah decides something for me. He is the best of judges.”
81. (The eldest brother said:) “Go back to your father and say, ‘O our father! Your son has stolen. We only speak of what we know. We could not have guarded against the unseen.’”
82. “You may ask the people of the town where we were, and the caravan with which we traveled. We are telling the truth.”
83. He (Ya’qub) said, “No! Your souls have made this matter seem easy to you. So I will remain patient with beautiful patience. Perhaps Allah will bring them all back to me. Truly, He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”
84. He turned away from them and said, “How deeply I grieve for Yusuf!” And his eyes turned white with sorrow, and he was suppressing his pain.
85. They said, “By Allah, you will keep remembering Yusuf until you become seriously ill or even die.”
86. He said, “I only complain of my sorrow and sadness to Allah, and I know from Allah what you do not know.”
87. “O my sons, go and search for Yusuf and his brother. Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy. Indeed, no one loses hope in Allah’s mercy except those who disbelieve.”
88. So when they entered upon Yusuf, they said, “O governor! Hardship has touched us and our family. We have come with little goods. But please give us full measure and be charitable to us. Allah rewards those who give in charity.”
89. He said, “Do you know what you did to Yusuf and his brother when you were ignorant?”
90. They said, “Are you truly Yusuf?” He said, “I am Yusuf, and this is my brother. Allah has certainly been kind to us. Whoever fears Him and is patient — Allah never lets the reward of those who do good be lost.”
91. They said, “By Allah! Truly Allah has preferred you over us, and we were definitely in the wrong.”
92. He said, “There is no blame on you today. May Allah forgive you — and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.”
93. “Take this shirt of mine and cast it over my father’s face — he will regain his sight. Then come back to me with all your family.”
94. When the caravan departed (from Egypt), their father said, “Indeed, I sense the smell of Yusuf — if only you don’t think I’ve gone mad.”
95. They said, “By Allah, you are still lost in your old confusion.”
96. But when the bearer of good news arrived and placed the shirt over his face, he regained his vision. He said, “Did I not tell you that I know from Allah what you do not know?”
97. They said, “O our father! Ask forgiveness for our sins — we were truly wrong.”
98. He said, “I will ask my Lord to forgive you. He is the All-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”
99. When they entered upon Yusuf, he brought his parents close to him and said, “Enter Egypt, Allah willing, in safety.”
100. And he raised his parents to the throne, and they all fell down before him in prostration. He said, “O my father! This is the fulfillment of my dream from before. My Lord has made it come true. He was good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you from the desert after Satan had caused trouble between me and my brothers. Truly, my Lord is Most Kind in whatever He wills. Surely, He is the All-Knowing, the Wise.”
101. He (Yusuf) said, “My Lord! You have given me a share of power and taught me how to interpret dreams. Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Guardian in this world and the Hereafter. Let me die as one who submits to You, and join me with the righteous.”
102. That is from the stories of the unseen which We reveal to you, (O Prophet). You were not with them when they agreed upon their plan and plotted together.
103. Even though you try hard, most people will not believe.
104. You ask no reward from them for this. It is only a reminder for the whole world.
105. And how many signs there are in the heavens and the earth that they pass by, yet they turn away from them.
106. Most of them do not believe in Allah except while associating others with Him.
107. Do they feel safe that a covering punishment from Allah may not come upon them, or that the Last Hour may not come suddenly while they are unaware?
108. Say, “This is my way: I call to Allah with clear knowledge — I and those who follow me. And glory be to Allah! I am not one of those who associate partners with Him.”
109. We did not send messengers before you except men from among the people of the towns, to whom We gave revelation. Have they not traveled through the earth and seen what happened to those before them? The home of the Hereafter is better for those who are mindful of Allah. Will you not understand?
110. When the messengers lost hope and thought they were denied, Our help came to them. And We saved whom We willed. Our punishment cannot be turned away from the sinful people.
111. Indeed, in their stories is a lesson for people of reason. This (Qur’an) is not a tale invented, but a confirmation of what came before it, a detailed explanation of all things, a guide and a mercy for people who believe. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah Yusuf is one of the most beautiful and powerful Surahs in the Qur’an. It is not just a historical story — it is a deep lesson in human emotion, divine wisdom, and spiritual strength.
One of the most striking things about this Surah is how patience (ṣabr) is shown through every stage of Yusuf’s life. As a young boy betrayed by his own brothers, as a slave resisting temptation, as a prisoner forgotten for years — Yusuf never loses his faith in Allah. He shows that even when people wrong us, we should not respond with hatred, but with forgiveness and trust in Allah’s plan.
Another central theme is trust in Allah’s wisdom (tawakkul). Sometimes, things may look hopeless — like when Yusuf was thrown into the well or locked in prison — but each hardship was preparing him for something greater. This teaches us that our trials are not the end of the story, but a step toward a better future that Allah is shaping for us.
The Surah also teaches the importance of purity and resisting sin, especially when Yusuf refuses the temptation of the governor’s wife. He says, “I prefer prison over what they are calling me to.” This shows how a true believer chooses what pleases Allah, even when it is hard.
The relationship between Yusuf and his father Ya‘qub is also full of love, longing, and faith. Ya‘qub’s tears, prayers, and unwavering hope remind us that a believer never gives up hope in Allah’s mercy, even when everything seems lost.
Surah Yusuf ends with a powerful reminder that these stories are not just for entertainment, but they are full of wisdom and guidance. They are meant to strengthen our hearts, help us understand life’s trials, and inspire us to be patient, honest, and faithful in all situations.
In a world full of injustice and sorrow, Surah Yusuf gives us light, comfort, and deep spiritual healing. It is a Surah that speaks gently to the hearts of those who are hurting — and lifts them with hope. 0 0 0
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Surah Yusuf: Additional Study
Frequently Asked Questions on Surah Yusuf:
Q. What is Surah Yusuf about?
Surah Yusuf tells the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), highlighting his childhood dreams, betrayal by his brothers, patience in trials, and eventual rise to power in Egypt.
Q. Why is Surah Yusuf important in the Quran?
It is the only surah in the Quran that narrates a complete story of a prophet in a continuous sequence, teaching lessons of patience, trust in Allah, and forgiveness.
Q. How many verses are there in Surah Yusuf?
Surah Yusuf has 111 verses and is the 12th chapter of the Quran.
Q. Where was Surah Yusuf revealed?
Surah Yusuf was revealed in Makkah during a time of great hardship for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers, offering comfort and reassurance.
Q. What are the main lessons from Surah Yusuf?
The Surah Yusuf teaches patience in adversity, the importance of resisting temptation, the power of forgiveness, and the certainty of Allah’s plan.
Q. What is the main theme of Surah Yusuf?
The main theme is that truth and patience ultimately prevail, and that Allah’s wisdom governs all events, even when they seem difficult.
Q. Why is Surah Yusuf called “the best of stories”?
Allah Himself calls it “the best of stories” because of its perfect blend of human emotions, divine wisdom, and moral guidance for believers. 0 0 0
Surah Yusuf: The Story
Surah Yusuf tells a tale so bright,
Of dreams and trials through darkest night.
A boy betrayed by brothers near,
Yet Allah’s plan was always clear.
Thrown in a well, yet hope did stay,
Patience and trust lit up his way.
In prison walls, his faith was strong,
He knew with Allah, he’d not go wrong.
Surah Yusuf speaks of hearts so pure,
Of strength in trials we must endure.
Temptation came, yet he stood tall,
For truth with Allah will never fall.
From chains to throne, his journey rose,
A story of wisdom the Quran chose.
Forgiving brothers with gentle tone,
He showed true mercy that shone alone.
Surah Yusuf shines, the best of stories,
Guiding souls to Allah’s glories.
It teaches patience, faith, and light,
That every trial will end in right. 0 0 0
