Tafsir of Yusuf 12:1-2

Surah Yusuf (1-2)

Alif. Lam. Ra. These are the verses of the Wise Book.

We have previously explained the interpretation of: {Alif. Lam. Ra. These are the verses of the Wise Book} (Yusuf: 1) in the beginning of Surah Yunus.

The phrase {These} refers to the verses of this Surah. That is, these verses revealed to you in this Surah, designated by {Alif. Lam. Ra.}, are {the Clear Book}, which is the Qur'an.

The Qur'an is described as Clear (Mubin) for several reasons:

1. The Qur'an is an overwhelming miracle and a clear sign for Muhammad (peace be upon him).
2. It clearly delineates guidance and righteousness, lawful and unlawful matters. Since these things are made clear within it, the Book is clear regarding them.
3. The stories of past peoples and the conditions of those who came before are explained within it.

Then He said: {Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an that you may understand.}

Regarding this, there are several issues:

It is narrated that the Jewish scholars said to the chiefs of the polytheists: Ask Muhammad why the family of Jacob moved from Sham to Egypt, and about the details of the story of Joseph. Then, Allah revealed this verse, mentioning that He conveyed this story in Arabic words so that they could comprehend it and attain knowledge through it.

The meaning is: Indeed, We sent down this Book, which contains the story of Joseph, while it was an Arabic Qur'an. Some parts of the Qur'an are named "Qur'an" because Qur'an is a generic noun applicable to the whole and to parts.

Al-Jubba'i used this verse as evidence for the created nature of the Qur'an based on three points:

1. His statement: {Indeed, We have sent it down} indicates this, as the Eternal cannot be sent down, revealed, or changed from one state to another.
2. He described it as Arabic, and the Eternal cannot be Arabic or Persian.
3. When He said: {Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an}, it indicates that Allah was capable of sending it down in a non-Arabic form, which points to its created nature (huduth).
4. His statement: {These are the verses of the Book} indicates that it is composed of verses and words, and everything composed is created.

The response to all these points: We say that they indicate that what is composed of letters, words, phrases, and expressions is created, and this is undisputed. However, what we claim to be Eternal is something else. Therefore, this line of reasoning fails.

Al-Jubba'i argued using the phrase: {that you may understand} (la'allakum ta'qilun). He claimed that the word la'alla (that/perhaps) must be interpreted as definitive certainty. The meaning is: Indeed, We sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an so that you may understand its meanings regarding the religion. It is impossible for la'alla to imply doubt, as doubt concerning Allah is impossible. Thus, it is established that the intent was that Allah sent it down so that they would recognize its proofs. This indicates that Allah intended for all servants to comprehend His Oneness and the commands of His religion—those who understood, and those who did not—unlike the position of the Jabriyyah (fatalists).

The response: Even if what you mentioned is true, it only indicates that Allah sent down this Surah and intended for them to know the manner of this story. But why do you claim that it indicates Allah intended belief and righteous action from everyone?

7 < { We relate to you the best of stories by what We have revealed to you of this Qur'an, although you were, before it, among the heedless. } >