[1]. See footnote to Qur’an chapter2: Verse1.
[2]. The clear Book is the Qur’an whose verses are clear with regards to its language and rulings, and all its meanings. A Book whose Truth is evident and which clears up that which is indefinite and inexact.
[3]. I.e., Judah.
[4]. They had stained Joseph's shirt with the blood of a lamb but had forgotten to tear it, thereby arousing their father's suspicion.
[6]. Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials.
[7]. While he was running away from sin.
[8]. i.e., Potiphar, the captian of Pharaoh’s guard
[10]. As well as the interpretation of the dreams and events.
[11]. Here is an explanation of the reason behind this great favour: by way of calling them to Islamic Monotheism.
[12]. The favour of guidance to worshipping none but Almighty Allāh without associating any partners with Him in worship.
[13]. That is, they are heedless of this great favour and do not believe and worship only Allāh and Him Alone.
[14]. Peoples’ utter ignorance leads to associating partners with Allāh in worship.
[15]. Joseph was able to interpret it correctly while all the notables failed to do so was of singular importance and effectively played into his coming to prominence. Allāh had prepared him all along for this.
[16]. To create such pure character.
[17]. Allāh tells us here the lesson to be learned and heeded from Joseph’s life.
[18]. They came from Canaan to buy grain as places around Egypt started suffering the drought.
[19]. I.e., be placed in servitude to the one from whom he had stolen.
[20]. Until the knowledge ends with Allāh, the All-Knowing.
[21]. I.e, Joseph — he stole a golden idol from his maternal grandfather and smashed it, lest it be taken for worship.
[22]. I.e., Reuben
[24]. That of greeting and respect, not of worship, which was permissible before the time of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
[25]. Allāh led many Prophets to the desert. Abraham, Ishmael, Jacob, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad all had desert experiences. It was in the desert that Allāh prepared Moses, Jesus and Muhammed. In the desert, we learn to rely on Allāh and trust Him. True safety isn’t determined by our location. It comes with trust in Allāh who goes with us regardless of where we are.
[26]. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“A person who leads others to doing what is good will earn the same reward as those who do it.”
[27]. Of the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, etc.