The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

12. JOSEPH
A Meccan sura dealing primarily with the story of Joseph, but framed
by a three-verse introduction about the Quran and a ten-verse epilogue
about the Meccans’ response, the punishment met by earlier disbelievers, and
encouragement for the Prophet.
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 Alif Lam Ra
These are the verses of the Scripture that makes things clear––2 We
have sent it down as an Arabic Quran so that you [people] may
understand.
3 We tell you [Prophet] the best of stories in revealing this Quran
to you. a Before this b you were one of those who knew nothing about
them. 4 Joseph said to his father, ‘Father, I dreamed of eleven stars
and the sun and the moon: I saw them all bow down before me,’ 5 and
he replied, ‘My son, tell your brothers nothing of this dream, or they
may plot to harm you––Satan is man’s sworn enemy. 6 This is about
how your Lord will choose you, teach you to interpret dreams, and
perfect His blessing on you and the House of Jacob, just as He
perfected it earlier on your forefathers Abraham and Isaac: your
Lord is all knowing and wise.’
7 There are lessons in the story of Joseph and his brothers for all
who seek them. 8 The brothers said [to each other], ‘Although we are
many, Joseph and his brother are dearer to our father than we are––
our father is clearly in the wrong.’ 9 [One of them said], ‘Kill Joseph
or banish him to another land, and your father’s attention will be free
to turn to you. After that you can be righteous.’ 10 [Another of them]
said, ‘Do not kill Joseph, but, if you must, throw him into the hidden
depths of a well where some caravan may pick him up.’
11 They said to their father, ‘Why do you not trust us with Joseph?
We wish him well. 12 Send him with us tomorrow and he will enjoy
a Many translators add ‘though’ (‘. . . to you, though before this . . .’), thinking that
in is conditional, when in fact it is for emphasis here, as confirmed by the emphatic lam
following it.
b Cf. 11: 49 and 42: 52.