“Alif-Lām-Ra. These are the verses of the clear Book. Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qurʾān so that you may understand. We relate to you ˹O Prophet˺ the best of stories through Our revelation of this Quran, though before this you were totally unaware ˹of them˺.”

The “Clear Book” here is in reference to the Qurʾān being a compelling miracle, and a clear sign for the Prophet, may God’s peace and blessing be upon him. It is clear in providing right guidance, from what is permissible and impermissible. It is clear in mentioning the stories of previous generations, and what became of them. The Qurʾān is described as being Arabic because its immediate audience was the Arabs though it now extends to entire humanity. The Arabic word for stories here is qaṣṣas which implies telling something gradually so that one can memorise it over time, learn gradually and reflect. Stories are to be narrated, and a good story, one that is to have an impact on the reader is told well. The beauty of this story lies in the fact it is narrated with eloquence and distinctiveness not found elsewhere: it contains warnings; reminders, wisdom, captivating insights not found elsewhere.

The story shows of God’s complete power over our destiny and that one cannot change it; when it is decreed that a slave of His will receive a bounty, no power on this earth can prevent it. It reminds of the harm of jealousy and envy which is a cause misguidance and harm to oneself and others. Recall, God offers rectification of both the self and of society; they are never separate. The story reveals that beautiful patience is the key to one’s freedom from difficulty. We will see this in both the father, Prophet Yaʾkūb, May God’s peace and blessings be upon him, and his son Yūsuf, May God’s peace and blessings be upon him. When this chapter was revealed, the Prophet, May God’s peace and blessings be upon him, was not aware of this story, and it was by way of revelation that it came to him. This is part of the miracle of his Prophethood.