وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ

6. There is no moving creature on the earth, but its sustenance lies with Allah. He knows its dwelling place and its (final) resting place. Everything is (recorded) in a manifest Book.

7. He is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in six periods, while His Throne was upon the waters—that He may test you which of you is best in conduct. Yet (O Prophet), if you say (to them): ‘You will be resurrected after death’, the disbelievers will surely say: ‘This is nothing but clear magic.’

8. If We defer their punishment until a determined time, they will surely say: ‘What is holding it back?’ Beware! The Day it comes upon them shall not be averted from them. And whatever they used to ridicule will besiege them.

9. If We cause human being to taste mercy from Us, and then We withdraw it from him, he surely becomes desperate (and) ungrateful.

10. And if We cause him to taste (Our) blessings after adversity has afflicted him, he will surely say: ‘All misfortunes have left me.’ He surely becomes exultant (and) boastful,

11. except those who are patient and perform righteous deeds. For such, there shall be forgiveness and a great reward.

12. How can it be possible that (on the disbelievers’ ridiculous demand) you will abandon some part of what is revealed to you and let your heart be constrained because they say: ‘Why is no treasure sent down to him, or why has no angel come down with him?’ (Tell them that) you are only a warner, and Allah is the Guardian over everything.

13. Do they say: ‘He has fabricated it?’ Say: ‘Then produce ten fabricated chapters like it. And call upon whomsoever you can—other than Allah, if you are truthful.’

14. But (O believers!) if they do not answer you, then you should know that it has been revealed with Allah’s Knowledge and that there is no god except Him. So will you then submit (to Allah)?

15. Whosoever desires the life of this world and its luxury, We shall pay them in full for their deeds therein, and they will not be underpaid in this (world).

16. They are the ones for whom there shall be nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire. And whatever they accomplished in this world would be fruitless (in the Hereafter), and whatever they used to do would be void.

17. The one who stands upon a clear proof from his Lord, and a witness (i.e. the Qur’an) has come from Him (in his support)? And before him, the Book of Musa (Moses had also come), as a guide and mercy. It is those who believe in it (i.e. the Qur’an), and the one who disbelieves in it from among the groups, and the Fire will be his destiny (can both be equal in comparison)? So do not be in doubt about it. Verily, it is the truth from your Lord, but most people do not believe.

18. Who is more unjust than him who fabricates a lie against Allah? They shall be presented before their Lord, and the witnesses will say: ‘These are the ones who lied against their Lord.’ Now, surely the curse of Allah is upon the unjust.

19. Those who turn away from the path of Allah and try to make it crooked—it is they who deny the Hereafter.

20. They shall never be able to escape on the earth, nor shall they have helpers besides Allah. The punishment will be multiplied for them, for they could neither listen nor did they use to see.

21. They are the ones who have lost their souls, and what they used to fabricate has deserted them.

22. There is no doubt that in the Hereafter, they shall be the greatest losers.

23. Indeed, those who believe, perform righteous deeds and are humble before their Lord—they shall be the residents of Paradise (and) they shall remain in it forever.

24. The example of two groups is like that of one blind and deaf, and the other seeing and hearing—can they be equal in comparison? Will you not then be mindful of advice?

25. Indeed, We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people, (declaring:) ‘I am a clear warner to you,

26. that you shall worship none but Allah. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a painful day.’

27. But the influential disbelievers among his people said: ‘We do not consider you but a human being like us. And we do not see anyone following you except those who are the most ignoble among us, as is clear to find. And we do not see you having any merit over us. Instead, we think that you are liars.’

28. He said: ‘O my people! Tell me: If I stand upon a clear proof from my Lord, and He has granted me mercy from Himself, and it has been made invisible to you, shall we force it upon you while you are unwilling to accept it?

29. And, O my people, I do not ask you any wealth in return for it. My reward lies only with Allah. And I will not drive away those (poor) who believe. They are surely going to meet their Lord. But I see that you are a people acting ignorantly.

30. And, O my people! Who would help me against Allah if I drove these (believers) away? Will you not then become mindful of advice?

31. And I do not say to you that I possess the treasures of Allah, neither do I know the Unseen (of my own accord), nor do I say that I am an angel, nor do I say about those upon whom your eyes look down lowly that Allah will never grant them goodness. Allah knows best what is in their hearts. (If I say this,) for then, most surely, I should be among the unjust.’

32. They said: ‘O Nuh (Noah), you have disputed with us (already) and have disputed with us for too long. So bring us (the punishment) that you have threatened us with if you are among the truthful.’

33. He said: ‘Allah will indeed bring it upon you if He wishes, and you will not be able to escape.

34. My sincere advice will not benefit you, no matter how sincerely I advise you, while Allah intends to leave you to stray. He is your Lord, and to Him, you shall be brought back.’

35. Do they say: ‘He has fabricated it?’ Say: ‘If I have fabricated it, then my guilt will be upon me. But I am clear of the wrongs you commit.’

36. It was revealed to Nuh (Noah): ‘None of your people will believe except those who have already believed. So do not grieve for what they used to do.

37. And make the Ark under Our (watchful) Eyes and by Our revelation, and do not plead with Me for those who are wrongdoers. Indeed, they shall be drowned?’

38. So he set himself to build the Ark, and whenever the notables of his people passed by him, they would ridicule him. He said: ‘If you ridicule us (today), we shall ridicule you (tomorrow) just as you are ridiculing (us now).

39. Soon you shall know whom the punishment that will disgrace him will overtake, and upon whom an everlasting punishment will descend.’

40. Till when Our command came, and the oven gushed up (a stream of water), We said: ‘Carry in it a pair of every kind (of bird and animal), along with your family—except those against whom the decree (to drown) has already been given—and those who have believed.’ And none believed along with him but a few.

41. And he said: ‘Embark on it—in the Name of Allah be its sailing and its anchoring. Indeed, my Lord is Most-Forgiving, All-Merciful.’

42. And it sailed with them through waves (rising) like mountains. And Nuh (Noah) called out to his son, who stood aloof: ‘O my son! Board with us, and do not be with the disbelievers.’

43. He said: ‘I will take refuge on a mountain; it will protect me from the flood.’ He said: ‘There is no protector today from Allah’s punishment, except someone upon whom He has mercy.’ Then the waves came between them, and he was among the drowned.

44. (When all the disbelievers drowned,) then it was said: ‘O earth, swallow your water! O sky, hold back (from raining)!’ The flood water was made to recede, the command was fulfilled, and it (i.e. the Ark) settled on (Mount) Judi. Then it was said: ‘Away with the wrongdoing people!’

45. And Nuh (Noah) called out to his Lord and said: ‘My Lord, indeed my son (too) was from my family, and Your promise is surely true, and You are the most just of all judges. (Then what happened to him?)’

46. He said: ‘Nuh (Noah)! Indeed, he was not from your family; he had entirely unrighteous conduct. So, do not question Me about things you do not know. I advise you lest you may be among the ignorant.’

47. He said: ‘My Lord! I seek Your protection from questioning You about something I do not know. And if You do not forgive me and have mercy upon me, I shall be among the losers.’

48. It was said: ‘O Nuh (Noah)! Disembark with peace from Us and blessings upon you and the communities (that will arise) from those with you. And there shall be communities (afterwards) whom We will grant provision, then a painful punishment from Us shall befall them.’

49. These are the accounts of the Unseen which We reveal to you. Neither you knew them nor your people before this (revelation). So be patient. Indeed, the ultimate end belongs to the God-conscious.

50. And to (the people of) ‘Ad, (We sent) their (fellow) brother Hud. He said: ‘O my people! Worship Allah. You have no god other than Him. You are nothing but fabricators (of lies).

51. O my people! I do not ask for any reward from you. My reward lies only with Him Who originated me. Do you not understand?

52. O my people! Seek forgiveness from your Lord, then turn to Him in repentance. He will send clouds upon you with abundant rain and add (more) strength to your present strength. So do not turn away, becoming sinners.’

53. They said: ‘O Hud! You have not brought us any clear proof. We are not going to abandon our gods for your word alone. And we are not going to believe you.

54. All we can say is that some of our gods may have inflicted some harm on you.’ He said: ‘I call Allah to witness, and you too be (my) witness, that I disown what you ascribe as partners,

55. besides Him. So scheme against me all together, then do not grant me any respite.

56. I have put my trust in Allah—my Lord and your Lord. No moving creature is on the earth, but He holds it by its forelock. Indeed, (the way of) my Lord is (to be) on the straight path (of truth and justice).

57. But if you turn away, I have already conveyed to you the message with which I was sent to you. And my Lord will cause other people to succeed you, and you cannot harm Him in the least. Indeed, my Lord is Watcher over everything.’

58. And when Our command came, We saved Hud and those who believed along with him by a mercy from Us. And We saved them from harsh punishment.

59. Such were the (people of) ‘Ad: they denied the signs of their Lord, disobeyed His messengers and followed the command of every tyrant opposer of truth.

60. They were pursued by a curse in this world as on the Day of Resurrection. Yes! The ‘Ad surely denied their Lord. So away with the ‘Ad, the people of Hud!

61. And to (the people of) Thamud, (We sent) their (fellow) brother Salih. He said: ‘O my people! Worship Allah. You have no god other than Him. He brought you into being from the earth and settled you in it. So, seek forgiveness from Him and turn to Him in repentance. My Lord is indeed Ever Near, All-Responsive.’

62. They said: ‘O Salih! You were a source of hope among us before this. Do you (now) forbid us to worship what our fathers have been worshipping? Indeed, we are in grave doubt about what you are calling us to.’

63. He said: ‘O my people! Just tell me: If I did have clear proof from my Lord, and He had granted me mercy from Himself, then who would protect me from Allah if I disobeyed Him? For then, you would increase me in nothing but loss.

64. O my people! This She-camel of Allah is a sign for you. So leave her free to graze in Allah’s land. And do not cause her any harm. For then, a prompt punishment will overtake you.’

65. But they slew her, and he said: ‘Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a warning not to be proved false.’

66. So, when Our command (of punishment) came, We saved Salih and those who believed along with him by a mercy from Us, and (We saved them) from the disgrace of that day. Your Lord is indeed the All-Strong, the All-Mighty.

67. The dreadful Blast overtook those who were wrongdoers. And they became lifeless bodies in their abodes,

68. as if they had never lived there. Yes! The Thamud disbelieved in their Lord. So away with the Thamud!

69. Indeed, Our messengers came to Ibrahim (Abraham) with glad tidings (and) said: ‘Peace (be on you).’ He replied: ‘Peace (be on you).’ Then, without any delay, he brought in a roasted calf (for them).

70. When he saw their hands not reaching towards it, he became suspicious about them and conceived a fear of them (on account of them not having the meal). They said: ‘Do not be afraid. We have been sent to the people of Lut (Lot).’

71. His wife (Sara) was standing (nearby), and she laughed.* Then We gave her glad tidings of (the birth of) Ishaq (Isaac), and after Ishaq (Isaac), (glad tidings) of Ya‘qub (Jacob).

* Prophet Ibrahim’s wife Sara laughed out of joy after receiving assurance that the angel guests did not cause any threat to them. Her laughter may also denote her happiness when she received the news regarding the destruction of the sinful people of Lot.

72. She said: ‘Amazing! Shall I bear a child when I am an extremely old woman, and this husband of mine is an extremely older man? That would indeed be an astonishing thing!’*

* Prophet Ibrahim was said to be 120 years old at the time, and his wife Sara was 99.

73. They said: ‘Are you astonished at the command of Allah? The mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you, O People of the House! Indeed, He is the Praiseworthy, the Glorious.’

74. So when the fear had left Ibrahim (Abraham), and the glad tidings had come to him, he began to plead with Us for the people of Lut (Lot).

75. Ibrahim (Abraham) was forbearing, highly plaintive and devoutly repentant.

76. (The angels said:) ‘O Ibrahim (Abraham)! Turn away from this (pleading). Indeed, the command of your Lord has come, and an irrevocable punishment shall overtake them.’

77. And when Our messengers came to Lut (Lot), he was distressed for them and felt himself in a difficult situation for their sake. And he said: ‘This is a terrible day!’

78. Then his people came to him, running towards him, and they had already been committing evil deeds. He said: ‘O my people! These are my (people’s) daughters. They are purer (i.e. lawful) for you (through marriage). So be wary of Allah and do not disgrace me regarding my guests. Is there not a sensible man among you?’

79. They said: ‘You surely know that we have no claim to your (people’s) daughters. And you very well know what we desire.’

80. He said: ‘If only I had the strength to resist you, or I could seek refuge in some mighty support!’

81. They said: ‘O Lut (Lot)! We are the messengers of your Lord. They shall never reach you. Travel with your family (and followers) in the dark of the night (leaving the town), and none of you shall turn back except your wife. The same (disaster) will afflict her as will afflict the others. Indeed, their appointed time (for the punishment) is the dawn. Is not the dawn (already) near?’

82. So when Our command came, We turned their town upside down and rained down upon them stones of baked clay, layer upon layer,

83. marked by your Lord. And this (town) is not far from the wrongdoers (of Mecca).

84. And to Madyan (Midian), (We sent) their (fellow) brother Shu‘ayb. He said: ‘O my people! Worship Allah. You have no god other than Him. And do not give short measure nor less weight. Indeed, I see you prospering, but I fear the punishment of an encompassing day for you.

85. O my people! Give full measure and weigh justly. And do not curtail people’s goods. And do not act wickedly on the earth, causing corruption.

86. Whatever lasts with Allah is better for you if you are believers, and I am not a keeper over you.’

87. They said: ‘O Shu‘ayb! Does your prayer tell you that we should abandon what our forefathers have been worshipping or not manage our properties as we wish? Indeed, you are a gentle and sensible person.’

88. He said: ‘O my people! Just tell me: If I stand upon a clear proof from my Lord, and He has provided me with sound means of livelihood from Himself (then why should I hesitate to convey the truth to you)? I do not want to follow you (by doing the same thing), which I forbid you to do. I only desire to reform (the matters) as far as I can. And my success lies only with Allah. In Him, I put my trust, and to Him, I turn penitently.

89. O my people! Do not let your defiance towards me lead you to a fate similar to what afflicted the people of Nuh (Noah), or the people of Hud, or the people of Salih. And the people of Lut (Lot) are (also) not far from you.

90. Seek forgiveness from your Lord, then turn to Him in repentance. My Lord is indeed All-Merciful, All-Affectionate.’

91. They said: ‘O Shu‘ayb! We do not understand much of what you say. Indeed, we find you very weak among us. And were it not for your tribe, we would have stoned you. For you are not strong against us.’

92. He said: ‘O my people, is my tribe more esteemed in your sight than Allah? Yet you have put Him behind you with disregard. Indeed, my Lord comprehends whatever you do.

93. O my people! Do whatever is in your ability for I am doing (in accordance with my ability). You will soon know who is the one whom the punishment overtakes, which will disgrace him, and who is a liar. And keep watch; I am (also) watching along with you.’

94. And when Our command came, We saved Shu‘ayb and those who believed with him by a mercy from Us. And a dreadful blast overtook those who were wrongdoers. So they became lifeless bodies in their homes,

95. as if they had never lived there. So, away with (the people of) Madyan, just as the (people of) Thamud were done away!

96. Indeed, We sent Musa (Moses) with Our signs and a manifest authority,

97. to Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they followed the command of Pharaoh, although Pharaoh’s command was not right-directing.

98. He will lead his people on the Day of Resurrection and bring them down into the Fire. Evil indeed is the place they will be led into!

99. And they were pursued by a curse in this (world) and on the Day of Resurrection. Evil indeed is the gift which shall be awarded (to them)!

100. (O Prophet!) These are the stories of the towns (and their fate), which we relate to you. Among them are some which are still standing (barren), while (others) have been eliminated.

101. We did not wrong them, but they wronged themselves. And their gods whom they would worship besides Allah did not avail them at all when the command of your Lord came. And they increased them in nothing but ruin.

102. Such is the seizing of your Lord when He seizes the towns while they are doing wrong. Indeed, his seizing is painful (and) severe.

103. There is indeed a sign for those who fear the punishment of the Hereafter. That is a day when all humankind will be assembled. And that is a day witnessed (by all creatures).

104. We are not delaying it but only for a determined period.

105. When that Day comes, no soul shall (be able to) speak except by His leave. Some of them shall be unfortunate and (others) fortunate.

106. As for those who are unfortunate, they shall be in the Fire. For them shall be groaning and wailing in it.

107. They shall remain in it as long as the heavens and the earth exist, except what your Lord may wish. Indeed, your Lord is a Mighty Doer of whatever He wills.

108. And as for those destined for joy, they shall be in Paradise. They will remain in it as long as the heavens and the earth exist, except what your Lord may wish. A (generous) gift never to be withdrawn.

109. So, (O listener) do not be in doubt regarding (the idols) these (pagans) worship. They worship nothing except what their forefathers worshipped before. We will most surely pay them their portion (of punishment) in full, without any reduction.

110. Indeed, We gave the Book to Musa (Moses), but differences arose regarding it. And had not a Word gone forth from your Lord, the matter would have been decided between them. Indeed, they are in confounding doubt about it.

111. Your Lord will indeed recompense them all for their deeds in full. Indeed, He is All-Aware of what they do.

112. So remain steadfast, just as you have been commanded, along with those who have returned (to Allah) with you, and do not transgress. Indeed, He is All-Seeing of whatever you do.

113. And (O people!) do not incline towards the wrongdoers, lest the Fire should touch you. And you will have no protectors besides Allah. Then you shall not be helped.

114. And establish the prayer at both ends of the day (i.e. dawn and sunset) and during the early hours of the night. Indeed, good deeds wipe out evil deeds (i.e. virtue effaces vice). That is a reminder for the mindful.

115. And be patient, for surely Allah does not waste the reward of the virtuously excellent.

116. So why were there not among the generations before you, those possessing the right understanding, who could have forbidden corruption on the earth? (There was none) except a few of those whom We saved among them (from the punishment). And the wrongdoers pursued only the (worldly) luxuries they had been given, and they were guilty.

117. And your Lord would never have destroyed the towns unjustly while their people were reforming (themselves).

118. And had your Lord pleased, He would have made all humankind one community. But they continue to have their differences,

119. except those upon whom your Lord shows mercy, for He has created them to be this way. And the Word of your Lord is fulfilled: ‘I shall surely fill Hell with (the unjust and corrupt) jinn and men all together.’

120. And (O Prophet!) whatever We relate to you from the stories of the messengers is that by which We strengthen your heart. There has come to you in this (revelation) the truth, an advice and a reminder to the believers.

121. And say to those who do not believe: ‘Act according to your position; we are also acting (according to ours).

122. And wait! Surely we (too) are waiting.’

123. To Allah belongs (the knowledge of) the Unseen of the heavens and the earth. And to Him, all matters are returned. So worship Him and trust in Him. And your Lord is not heedless of what you do.

1. Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the Verses of the Manifest Book.

2. We have revealed it as an Arabic Qur’an so that you may understand (it easily).

3. We recount to you the most beautiful stories through what We have revealed to you in (the form of) this Qur’an. And before it, you were among those who were unaware (of this information).

4. And (recall) when Yusuf (Joseph) said to his father: ‘O my father! I have seen eleven stars, the sun and the moon. I saw them prostrating before me.’

5. He said: ‘O my son, do not relate your dream to your brothers, lest they devise some scheme against you. Surely, Satan is an open enemy of humankind.

6. That is how your Lord will choose you and teach you the interpretation of dreams, and He will complete His blessing upon you and upon the House of Ya‘qub (Jacob), just as He completed it earlier for your fathers Ibrahim (Abraham) and Ishaq (Isaac). Indeed, your Lord is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

7. Certainly, in Yusuf (Joseph) and his brothers, there are signs for the seekers.

8. And (recall) when they said: ‘Certainly, Yusuf (Joseph) and his brother (Benjamin) are more beloved to our father than us, though we are a (more powerful) group (comprising ten members). Surely, our father is openly lost (in his love).

9. ‘Kill Yusuf (Joseph), or banish him to some (distant) land, so that your father’s attention may become exclusively yours. After that, you can (repent and) become righteous people.

10. One of them said: ‘Do not kill Yusuf (Joseph) but throw him into the depths of some well so that some caravan might pick him up if you are to do anything.’

11. They said: ‘Our father! Why do you not trust us with Yusuf (Joseph)? We are most surely his well-wishers.

12. Send him with us tomorrow so that he may enjoy himself and play. And we shall surely take good care of him.’

13. He said: ‘It saddens me that you should take him away, and I fear a wolf may eat him while you are careless of him.’

14. They said: ‘If the wolf were to eat him while we are a powerful group, then we would surely be losers.’

15. So when they took him away and agreed to put him in the hidden depths of a well, We revealed to him: ‘(O Yusuf! One day,) you will surely tell them this affair of theirs, while they will not be aware (of your identity).’

16. Then they came to their father crying in the late evening.

17. They said: ‘Our father! We had gone racing with one another and left Yusuf (Joseph) with our belongings, and the wolf ate him. And you will not believe us though we are telling the truth.’

18. Then they produced his shirt (stained) with false blood. He said: ‘Rather your (sinful) souls have seduced you to this (evil) matter. Yet patience is graceful. And Allah is the One Whose help is sought against what you allege.’

19. Then a caravan came along, and they sent their water carrier, who lowered his bucket (into the well). ‘Great news!’ He said, ‘There is a young boy!’ So they hid him as (a piece of) merchandise. And Allah was All-Knowing of what they were doing.

20. And they (Joseph’s brothers) sold him (to the travellers) for a low price, just a few silver coins—because they were not interested in (buying) him.

21. The man from Egypt (Potiphar, the chief minister of Egypt), who had bought him, said to his wife (Zulaykha): ‘Make his stay honourable. He could be useful to us, or we could adopt him as a son.’ That is how We established Yusuf (Joseph) in the land (of Egypt) so that We might teach him the interpretation of dreams. And Allah has (complete) control over His affairs, but most people do not know.

22. When he reached his age of maturity, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. And in this way do We reward the virtuously excellent.

23. And the lady (Zulaykha) in whose house he was living demanded him to surrender himself (to her desire). She locked the doors and said: ‘Come forward quickly!’ He said: ‘Allah be my refuge! Indeed, he (i.e. your husband) is my master. He has kept me in a very respectable manner. Indeed, the wrongdoers do not prosper.’

24. She (Zulaykha) certainly lusted for him, and he also might have inclined towards her if he had not seen the manifest evidence of his Lord.* We did this to keep evil and indecency away from him. He was indeed one of Our chosen servants.

* It may also mean: ‘He might have inclined towards repelling her by force if he had not seen the manifest sign of his Lord.’ Had he reacted physically in his defence, it was likely that his shirt would have been torn from the front in the struggle, later causing him trouble by serving as evidence against him. So Allah’s sign stopped him from using force.

25. They raced to the door while she tore his shirt from behind. And they encountered her husband (the ‘Aziz of Egypt) at the door. She said: ‘What should be the punishment for someone who intends evil for your wife, except being imprisoned or a painful punishment?’

26. He (Yusuf) said: ‘She is the one who demanded me to surrender myself (to her desire).’ Then a witness from her family testified, (saying:) ‘If his shirt is torn from the front, then she is telling the truth, and he is among the liars.

27. But if his shirt is torn from behind, then she is lying, and he is among the truthful.’

28. So, when he (the ‘Aziz of Egypt) saw his shirt torn from behind, he said: ‘Surely this is among the (cunning) schemes of you (women)! Your scheming is indeed very smart.

29. Yusuf (Joseph)! Just forget about this matter. And (O Zulaykha!) you seek forgiveness for your sin. Surely, you are among those at fault.’

30. Some women of the town said: ‘The chief minister’s wife has demanded her slave-boy to surrender himself (to her desire). He has captivated her (heart) with (his) love. Indeed, we see her in clear error.’

31. So when she heard about their malicious whispers, she sent for them, and prepared a banquet for them, and gave each of them a knife and said (to Yusuf): ‘Come out before them.’ So when they saw him, they exalted him and cut their hands (instead of the fruit in awe of his beauty). They (spontaneously) said: ‘Allah be praised! This is not a human. This is but a noble angel!’

32. She said: ‘That’s the one you blamed me for. Certainly, I demanded him to surrender himself (to my desire), but he remained chaste. However, if he does not do what I tell him (to do), he shall be imprisoned, and he will be among the disgraceful.’

33. He said: ‘My Lord! Prison is dearer to me than what they call me to do.’ (Then he turned to Allah in humility, seeking His refuge, saying:) ‘If You do not turn their schemes away from me (then without Your protection), I might incline towards them and become among the ignorant.’

34. So his Lord responded to him and turned away their scheme from him. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

35. Then it occurred to them, even after they had seen the signs (of his innocence), that they should imprison him for some time.

36. And two young men entered the prison with him. One of them said: ‘I saw myself (in a dream) pressing wine (from grapes).’ The other said: ‘I saw myself carrying bread on my head, of which the birds were eating.’ ‘(Joseph!) Inform us of its interpretation,’ (they said:) ‘Surely, we see you among the virtuously excellent.’

37. He said: ‘Not a single meal served to you will reach you, but I will inform you about its (detailed) description before it comes to you. That is among the things my Lord has taught me. Indeed, I have renounced the faith of (those) people who do not believe in Allah and are (also) disbelievers in the Hereafter.

38. Instead, I follow the faith of my fathers, Ibrahim (Abraham), Ishaq (Isaac) and Ya‘qub (Jacob). And it is not for us to ascribe any partners to Allah. That is by Allah’s grace upon us and upon all humankind, but most people do not give thanks.

39. O my fellow prisoners! (Tell me:) Are different gods better, or Allah, the One, the Supreme?

40. All those (whom) you worship besides Him are only names you and your fathers have coined; Allah has not sent down any authority for them. Authority belongs to Allah alone. He has commanded that you shall worship none but Him. That is the right religion. But most people do not know.

41. O my fellow prisoners! As for one of you, he will serve wine to his master (i.e. the king of Egypt). As for the other, he will be crucified, and the birds will eat from his head. The matter about which you inquired has been (already) decided.’

42. He told the one he thought would be released from among the two: ‘Mention me to your master.’ But Satan made him forget to mention him to his master. So, he remained in prison for several years.

43. And (one day) the king said: ‘I saw (in a dream) seven fat cows, and that seven skinny ones were eating them. Moreover, (I saw) seven green ears (of corn) and (seven) others (that were) dry. O chiefs (of my council)! Give me your opinion on my dream if you can interpret dreams.’

44. They said: ‘(These are) confused nightmares, and we are not experts in interpreting the dreams.’

45. Said one of the two (prisoners) who was released, remembering (Joseph’s words) after a long time: ‘I will inform you of its interpretation, so let me go (to meet Joseph in prison).’

46. (Reaching the prison, he said:) ‘Yusuf (Joseph)! O truthful one! Interpret for us (the dream of) seven fat cows that seven skinny ones are eating them. Also, seven green ears of corn and (seven) others dry so that I may return to the people. Perhaps they may know (the truth of the matter).’

47. He said: ‘You shall sow for seven consecutive years as usual. Then leave whatever (grain) you reap in its ear (as storage), apart from the little you eat.

48. Then after that, there shall come seven hard (years of drought) which will consume whatever you have stored in advance for them, except a little which you have preserved (for seed).

49. Then, after that, there will come a year in which people will be granted relief (i.e. abundant rain), and people will press (wines, oils and juices).’

50. The king said (hearing this interpretation): ‘Bring him to me.’ So when the envoy (of the king) came to him, he said: ‘Go back to your master and ask him: What happened to those women who cut their hands? My Lord is indeed All-Knowing of their scheme.’

51. The king said (to the women, including Zulaykha): ‘What was your business when you sought Yusuf (Joseph) to surrender himself?’ They said: ‘Allah forbid! We know nothing bad about him.’ The chief minister’s wife (Zulaykha) said: ‘Now the truth has become evident. I sought him to surrender himself (to my desire), and he is most surely among the truthful.’

52. (Joseph said:) ‘This was (the purpose of the inquiry) so that he (the ‘Aziz of Egypt) should know that I did not betray him in his absence. And indeed, Allah does not guide the scheming of the treacherous.