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RationalWiki:Annotated Qur'an/Joseph

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Annotated Qur'an
Sura 12: Joseph
Word-by-word translation
Alternate translations and related tafsirs
Alternate translations
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Qur'an 12:1[edit]

Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the Verses of the Clear Book.

Qur'an 12:1 Notes[edit]

The first three Arabic letters in this verse, one of "the Verses of the Clear Book" according to this verse, are so unclear in their meaning that nobody actually knows that they mean. A total of 29 chapters in this book start with random letters followed by some baseless praise for this book. Why are they there? What do they mean? Some "Clear Book" this is supposed to be...

Qur'an 12:2[edit]

We have revealed it an Arabic Quran, so that you may understand.

Qur'an 12:2 Notes[edit]

Native Arabic speakers who studied the Quran their whole lives often disagree on what this book is actually saying. The very first verse in this chapter (as well as 28 other chapters) proves this point. Then again, according to various sources, less than 20% of all Muslims around the world even speak Arabic. God chose "an Arabic Quran" purely because he was the imaginary friend of a cult leader who spoke Arabic and preached in an Arabic-speaking part of the world.

Qur'an 12:3[edit]

We narrate to you the most accurate history, by revealing to you this Quran. Although, prior to it, you were of the unaware.

Qur'an 12:3 Notes[edit]

Why do historians consistently disagree with much of "the most accurate history" as many stories in "the Clear Book" state?

Qur'an 12:4[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:4 Notes[edit]

Kids have such wild imaginations. Planets in the vast expanses of outer space bowing down to a human on some random dust speck?

Qur'an 12:5[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:5 Notes[edit]

He just believed his son just like that?

Qur'an 12:6[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:6 Notes[edit]

This entire story is high as a kite.

Qur'an 12:7[edit]

In Joseph and his brothers are lessons for the seekers.

Qur'an 12:7 Notes[edit]

What is the lesson? Believe someone who claims to see celestial objects bowing to them?

Qur'an 12:8[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:8 Notes[edit]

To be fair, they're not wrong. He immediately believed his son's tall tale and jumped to the outlandish assumption that his son was actually a prophet? The bigger issue is that fathers aren't supposed to play favorites with their children, but everything about this story so far is ridiculous. To quote the first verse in this chapter, "these are the Verses of the Clear Book" and should thus be taken seriously.

Qur'an 12:9[edit]

“Kill Joseph, or throw him somewhere in the land, and your father‘s attention will be yours. Afterwards, you will be decent people.”

Qur'an 12:9 Notes[edit]

Apparently, being a bad father is okay when most of your kids are so much worse. This chapter is at least less cookie-cutter in its awful writing than other chapters in this book.

Qur'an 12:10[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:10 Notes[edit]

I understand that Joseph made his brothers jealous by saying that the planets bow to him, but this story just seems utterly ridiculous all the same.

Qur'an 12:11[edit]

They said, “Father, why do you not trust us with Joseph, although we care for him?”

Qur'an 12:11 Notes[edit]

They seriously have the audacity to ask that while clearly wanting him dead. Who do they think they're fooling?

Qur'an 12:12[edit]

“Send him with us tomorrow, that he may roam and play; we will take care of him.”

Qur'an 12:12 Notes[edit]

Only an awful father would agree to this.

Qur'an 12:13[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:13 Notes[edit]

So just say no and demand to keep Joseph in your company at all times for his safety! It's not that hard!

Qur'an 12:14[edit]

They said, “If the wolf ate him, and we are many, we would be good for nothing.”

Qur'an 12:14 Notes[edit]

That doesn't sound reassuring at all.

Qur'an 12:15[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:15 Notes[edit]

Is this really the best that an all-powerful all-knowing God can do?

Qur'an 12:16[edit]

And they came to their father in the evening weeping.

Qur'an 12:16 Notes[edit]

They wept because they found themselves in this awfully-written story.

Qur'an 12:17[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:17 Notes[edit]

Joseph's father could have kept him safe and not let this happen.

Qur'an 12:18[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:18 Notes[edit]

Patience is necessary to deal with this awful writing while sober.

Qur'an 12:19[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:19 Notes[edit]

God doesn't need to keep stating that he's aware of what people do. He stated multiple times in this book that he's all-knowing and doesn't need to be so redundant.

Qur'an 12:20[edit]

And they sold him for a cheap price—a few coins—they considered him to be of little value.

Qur'an 12:20 Notes[edit]

So... does this mean that the Quran is against treating people like property?

Qur'an 12:21[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:21 Notes[edit]

Most people do not even think that God or Joseph even exist as described in this book.

Qur'an 12:22[edit]

When he reached his maturity, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. We thus reward the righteous.

Qur'an 12:22 Notes[edit]

What exactly made him righteous other than surviving some awful circumstances and sincerely believing that celestial objects bow down to him in particular.

Qur'an 12:23[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:23 Notes[edit]

God has given him a home where this older lady tried seducing him.

Qur'an 12:24[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:24 Notes[edit]

God could simply have never created that "evil and indecency" in the first place.

Qur'an 12:25[edit]

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?”

Qur'an 12:25 Notes[edit]

The punishment is being stuck in this story.

Qur'an 12:26[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:26 Notes[edit]

There was a witness this entire time?

Qur'an 12:27[edit]

But if his shirt is torn from the back: then she has lied, and he is the truthful.”

Qur'an 12:27 Notes[edit]

That being said, the witness isn't wrong.

Qur'an 12:28[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:28 Notes[edit]

The phrasing of this verse is downright misogynistic. The translation captured that accurately enough.

Qur'an 12:29[edit]

“Joseph, turn away from this. And you, woman, ask forgiveness for your sin; you are indeed in the wrong.”

Qur'an 12:29 Notes[edit]

So... now Joseph is homeless again?

Qur'an 12:30[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:30 Notes[edit]

He was in a governor's house? That seems like a detail that this book could have clarified sooner.

Qur'an 12:31[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:31 Notes[edit]

Is this verse saying that Egyptian women in general are lustful? In any case, this story didn't have enough misogyny before.

Qur'an 12:32[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:32 Notes[edit]

Her husband may be a governor, but he would be an awful governor if he approves of this. He sees his wife lusting over a significantly younger guy who resisted her advances.

Qur'an 12:33[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:33 Notes[edit]

This guy can't catch a break despite being a prophet.

Qur'an 12:34[edit]

Thereupon his Lord answered him, and diverted their scheming away from him. He is the Hearer, the Knower.

Qur'an 12:34 Notes[edit]

God could have just let him stay free from both an unjust legal system and an abusive adult.

Qur'an 12:35[edit]

Then it occurred to them, after they had seen the signs, to imprison him for a while.

Qur'an 12:35 Notes[edit]

Which signs exactly did they see?

Qur'an 12:36[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:36 Notes[edit]

Apparently, they assume that a fellow prisoner is righteous for reasons that this story does not bother explaining. They also assume that a very righteous man can interpret dreams and visions for other reasons that this story does not bother explaining.

Qur'an 12:37[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:37 Notes[edit]

Is that answer meant for both of them?

Qur'an 12:38[edit]

“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.

Qur'an 12:38 Notes[edit]

God explicitly stated in multiple verses that he doesn't want most people to even believe in him.

Qur'an 12:39[edit]

“O My fellow inmates, are diverse lords better, or God, the One, the Supreme?”

Qur'an 12:39 Notes[edit]

The answer to this loaded question is certainly not the same God who predestines people to infinite torture.

Qur'an 12:40[edit]

“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.

Qur'an 12:40 Notes[edit]

He has yet to prove that any command to "worship none but Him" is actually a command from a god. Then again, he has yet to prove that he is a god or even exists for that matter.

Qur'an 12:41[edit]

“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.”

Qur'an 12:41 Notes[edit]

Of course, as this is a fictional story, Joseph interprets their dreams correctly.

Qur'an 12:42[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:42 Notes[edit]

Joseph clearly wanted to be released from prison, but God chose not to give him what he wanted that time for some reason. Also, people can forget without Satan being the reason.

Qur'an 12:43[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:43 Notes[edit]

Of course this religion believes in interpreting visions.

Qur'an 12:44[edit]

They said, “Jumbles of dreams, and we know nothing of the interpretation of dreams.”

Qur'an 12:44 Notes[edit]

This is an honest response.

Qur'an 12:45[edit]

The one who was released said, having remembered after a time, “I will inform you of its interpretation, so send me out.”

Qur'an 12:45 Notes[edit]

Convenient plot timing is convenient.

Qur'an 12:46[edit]

“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.”

Qur'an 12:46 Notes[edit]

God could just communicate this message to the guy more clearly so that he needs nobody to interpret a vision that could just mean nothing.

Qur'an 12:47[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:47 Notes[edit]

Did Joseph know how to interpret that vision or did God give him the answer when asked?

Qur'an 12:48[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:48 Notes[edit]

Also, considering how many people struggle due to food insecurity, why does God not do things like this today to keep people prepared?

Qur'an 12:49[edit]

Then after that will come a year that brings relief to the people, and during which they will press.

Qur'an 12:49 Notes[edit]

Also, why is this interpretation not just in a single verse? Why is it broken up like this?

Qur'an 12:50[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:50 Notes[edit]

This plot point happened years ago. Is it still relevant to any of them?

Qur'an 12:51[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:51 Notes[edit]

I have to wonder if any of these women tried to seduce other younger guys this entire time.

Qur'an 12:52[edit]

“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.”

Qur'an 12:52 Notes[edit]

God seems to "guide the scheming of the betrayers" an awful lot and let these schemes succeed up until the schemers (whom God has deliberately set up) face the punishment for doing precisely what God has predestined them to do.

Qur'an 12:53[edit]

“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.”

Qur'an 12:53 Notes[edit]

Why would a "Forgiving and Merciful" deity even create souls that can command evil in the first place?

Qur'an 12:54[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:54 Notes[edit]

Joseph finally gets something good to happen to him.

Qur'an 12:55[edit]

He said, “Put me in charge of the storehouses of the land; I am honest and knowledgeable.”

Qur'an 12:55 Notes[edit]

Even assuming that Joseph is as "honest and knowledgeable" as he claims to be, how would the king know that from now? Joseph's interpretation would need several years to be proven right or wrong. Plus, what qualifications does Joseph have to manage a storehouse for an entire nation?

Qur'an 12:56[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:56 Notes[edit]

Also, since Joseph was given actual power and respect, does this mean that any historical records actually point to his existence?

Qur'an 12:57[edit]

But the reward of the Hereafter is better for those who believe and observed piety.

Qur'an 12:57 Notes[edit]

So why, then, does God choose to keep the majority of humans to ever exist from believing in the first place?

Qur'an 12:58[edit]

And Joseph's brothers came, and entered into his presence. He recognized them, but they did not recognize him.

Qur'an 12:58 Notes[edit]

Joseph's brothers were older and presumably didn't age as much as he did in the same amount of time, but they would have aged enough that Joseph would have had some difficulty recognizing them, right? Also, how many years has Joseph gone without even seeing them?

Qur'an 12:59[edit]

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?”

Qur'an 12:59 Notes[edit]

Joseph's brothers don't recognize that they're talking to Joseph right now or that Joseph got this position because of his honesty. Why would they immediately accept that this stranger is "the best of hosts" while giving them fair provisions as anybody in this position is expected to do naturally?

Qur'an 12:60[edit]

“But if you do not bring him to me, you will have no measure from me, and you will not come near me.”

Qur'an 12:60 Notes[edit]

As a reminder, the story states that Joseph is an honest man of God.

Qur'an 12:61[edit]

They said, “We will solicit him from his father. We will surely do.”

Qur'an 12:61 Notes[edit]

They actually take that idea seriously? Presumably, they only do that because they have no other way of getting food provisions, but still!

Qur'an 12:62[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:62 Notes[edit]

Spoiler alert: They come back because the people at the storehouse let them return with the things that rightfully belong to them.

Qur'an 12:63[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:63 Notes[edit]

That worked out so well last time.

Qur'an 12:64[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:64 Notes[edit]

He said this after "the Best Guardian" took good care of the only one in this family to even get a name. Either way, he shouldn't trust them with anything, food or family.

Qur'an 12:65[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:65 Notes[edit]

Why does Joseph's father himself not travel with the younger brothers to keep an eye on everyone?

Qur'an 12:66[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:66 Notes[edit]

Joseph's father seriously trusts them again? They were evil enough to want Joseph dead and actually went through with separating him from the family for years. Surely those same people aren't above lying in God's name.

Qur'an 12:67[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:67 Notes[edit]

He relied on a being whose existence has yet to be demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt.

Qur'an 12:68[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:68 Notes[edit]

Most people have seen zero evidence that this story is anything more than just that.

Qur'an 12:69[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:69 Notes[edit]

This is why other people in the family need to be named. Why is Joseph the only member of this family whose name is mentioned in this chapter?

Qur'an 12:70[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:70 Notes[edit]

Joseph dishonestly set them up to be accused of theft because he is an honest man of God.

Qur'an 12:71[edit]

They said, as they came towards them, “What are you missing?”

Qur'an 12:71 Notes[edit]

A reason to believe anything in this book, for starters

Qur'an 12:72[edit]

They said, “We are missing the king’s goblet. Whoever brings it will have a camel-load; and I personally guarantee it.”

Qur'an 12:72 Notes[edit]

Technically speaking, Joseph was the one who stole it with the intention of pinning it on his brothers.

Qur'an 12:73[edit]

They said, “By God, you know we did not come to cause trouble in the land, and we are not thieves.”

Qur'an 12:73 Notes[edit]

How would anybody know that for sure?

Qur'an 12:74[edit]

They said, “What shall be his punishment, if you are lying?”

Qur'an 12:74 Notes[edit]

Being in an awfully written story like this is already a punishment.

Qur'an 12:75[edit]

They said, “His punishment, if it is found in his bag: he will belong to you. Thus we penalize the guilty.”

Qur'an 12:75 Notes[edit]

The punishment for stealing a cup is... owning a human being like property? What?

Qur'an 12:76[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:76 Notes[edit]

Ah... so Joseph wasn't the dishonest prick in this story. It was God because of course it was God.

Qur'an 12:77[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:77 Notes[edit]

God is supposedly aware of who is lying and who is saying the truth. Honesty matters, right?

Qur'an 12:78[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:78 Notes[edit]

They seriously believe that the prince was a good person after this incident? Also, when did he become a prince?

Qur'an 12:79[edit]

He said, “God forbid that we should arrest anyone except him in whose possession we found our property; for then we would be unjust.”

Qur'an 12:79 Notes[edit]

What does justice even mean here?

Qur'an 12:80[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:80 Notes[edit]

Why is God so insecure that he needs to litter this story with vapid platitudes?

Qur'an 12:81[edit]

“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.’”

Qur'an 12:81 Notes[edit]

This was because some supposedly honest man decided to do something highly dishonest.

Qur'an 12:82[edit]

“Ask the town where we were, and the caravan in which we came. We are being truthful.”

Qur'an 12:82 Notes[edit]

The irony here is downright cruel.

Qur'an 12:83[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:83 Notes[edit]

This serving of vapid platitudes comes with a side of hopeful thinking.

Qur'an 12:84[edit]

Then he turned away from them, and said, “O my bitterness for Joseph.” And his eyes turned white from sorrow, and he became depressed.

Qur'an 12:84 Notes[edit]

God could have achieved any positives in this story without causing so much heartbreak in the meanwhile.

Qur'an 12:85[edit]

They said, “By God, you will not stop remembering Joseph, until you have ruined your health, or you have passed away.”

Qur'an 12:85 Notes[edit]

A grieving father misses one of his sons. Of course he won't stop remembering!

Qur'an 12:86[edit]

He said, “I only complain of my grief and sorrow to God, and I know from God what you do not know.”

Qur'an 12:86 Notes[edit]

What does he know from God that others don't? Is he also a prophet now despite not being named in this story?

Qur'an 12:87[edit]

“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.”

Qur'an 12:87 Notes[edit]

What comfort? Is it that someone has a slim chance of making it to a beautiful heaven after dying and a much larger chance of suffering forever? Is it that life can be anywhere near as painful as it is for Joseph's father? In any case, this verse is disingenuous by assuming that a disbeliever "despairs of God's comfort" in any sense.

Qur'an 12:88[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:88 Notes[edit]

Adversity has befallen them in a way that should be obvious by now.

Qur'an 12:89[edit]

He said, “Do you realize what you did with Joseph and his brother, in your ignorance?”

Qur'an 12:89 Notes[edit]

Ignorance paired with deliberate deception, of course.

Qur'an 12:90[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:90 Notes[edit]

God has made his life presumably awful until he stepped out of prison, but yeah...

Qur'an 12:91[edit]

They said, “By God, God has preferred you over us. We were definitely in the wrong.”

Qur'an 12:91 Notes[edit]

Why would a gracious, just deity prefer anyone over anyone else?

Qur'an 12:92[edit]

He said, “There is no blame upon you today. God will forgive you. He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”

Qur'an 12:92 Notes[edit]

God could actually prove that by forgiving everybody. Many people are merciful enough to sincerely want everybody to be forgiven. Many people are utterly horrified at the infinite hell described in this book and don't want anybody to suffer through it. Many people would not even want to create evil in the first place. Those people are all more merciful than "the Most Merciful of the merciful" apparently.

Qur'an 12:93[edit]

“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.”

Qur'an 12:93 Notes[edit]

Some people laud this as a scientific miracle of the Quran. The idea is that Joseph would sweat a lot while wearing his shirt. Sweat contains some chemicals that can treat white-eye cataracts, so rubbing a sweaty shirt on affected eyes somehow acts as a cure? Either way, this is a relatively uncommon scientific miracle, but several people do still believe it.

Qur'an 12:94[edit]

As the caravan set out, their father said, “I sense the presence of Joseph, though you may think I am senile.”

Qur'an 12:94 Notes[edit]

Is this smell that distinct or did God just intervene again in a mysterious way?

Qur'an 12:95[edit]

They said, “By God, you are still in your old confusion.”

Qur'an 12:95 Notes[edit]

That is rude. The man lost his son and misses him dearly.

Qur'an 12:96[edit]

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?”

Qur'an 12:96 Notes[edit]

So wait, did the guy know that rubbing a shirt on his eyes would restore his eyes? Would this have worked with any worn garments?

Qur'an 12:97[edit]

They said, “Father, pray for the forgiveness of our sins; we were indeed at fault.”

Qur'an 12:97 Notes[edit]

Why don't the guys pray for their own forgiveness? Why do they need their dad to act as a middleman?

Qur'an 12:98[edit]

He said, “I will ask my Lord to forgive you. He is the Forgiver, the Most Merciful.”

Qur'an 12:98 Notes[edit]

Why does God insist on repeating this specific praise more than any other?

Qur'an 12:99[edit]

Then, when they entered into the presence of Joseph, he embraced his parents, and said, “Enter Egypt, God willing, safe and secure.”

Qur'an 12:99 Notes[edit]

Parents? He has a mother too? Why was she not mentioned until she was unceremoniously lumped in with the parent who got the attention up until now?

Qur'an 12:100[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:100 Notes[edit]

Joseph could say a word to acknowledge that his mother even exists, especially since this story has entirely neglected her for some inexplicable reason.

Qur'an 12:101[edit]

“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.”

Qur'an 12:101 Notes[edit]

Joseph's "Protector in this life" did a terrible job for years, but whatever...

Qur'an 12:102[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:102 Notes[edit]

This seems more like a tall tale than "news from the past" as this book claims again.

Qur'an 12:103[edit]

But most people, for all your eagerness, are not believers.

Qur'an 12:103 Notes[edit]

Because God doesn't want most people to believe and thus presents no real evidence for any of it.

Qur'an 12:104[edit]

You ask them no wage for it. It is only a reminder for all mankind.

Qur'an 12:104 Notes[edit]

Muhammad has, in many verses, ordered people to obey his every word.

Qur'an 12:105[edit]

How many a sign in the heavens and the earth do they pass by, paying no attention to them?

Qur'an 12:105 Notes[edit]

These signs are only really signs if they point to the truth regardless of who believes or not. Otherwise, they are confirmation bias at best.

Qur'an 12:106[edit]

And most of them do not believe in God unless they associate others.

Qur'an 12:106 Notes[edit]

Because God has no evidence for his existence that doesn't apply to other gods. Asinine assertions in an awful book? Other gods have those. Millions of believers worldwide? Other gods have those as well. Fascinating natural phenomena? Other gods don't have those, but neither does the God mentioned in this book.

Qur'an 12:107[edit]

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?

Qur'an 12:107 Notes[edit]

God states in no uncertain terms that he prevents most people from ever believing that such a punishment is ever going to come.

Qur'an 12:108[edit]

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.”

Qur'an 12:108 Notes[edit]

This "clear knowledge" is incredibly unclear to the vast majority of humans who have ever existed and will ever exist.

Qur'an 12:109[edit]

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?

Qur'an 12:109 Notes[edit]

God claims to prevent most people from understanding. For this reason, the ruins of civilizations past don't point to the wild stories mentioned in this book.

Qur'an 12:110[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:110 Notes[edit]

This means little when "the guilty people" are only guilty because God created them that way, predestined every thought and action in their lives, and created a moral system in which they would be deemed "guilty" of anything.

Qur'an 12:111[edit]

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.

Qur'an 12:111 Notes[edit]

This reads so much like "a fabricated tale" and lacks so much detail that it doesn't belong near "those who possess intelligence" or anybody ever for that matter.