Surah 12. Yusuf, Ayah 111

Lit., "in their stories" - i.e., the stories of the prophets.

I.e., the Qur'an as a whole (Baghawi and Zamakhshari). The passage that follows connects with verses {102-105}.

Lit., "but" - denoting here the impossibility of its having been invented by Muhammad.

I.e., everything that man may need for his spiritual welfare. See also 10:37 and the corresponding note [60]

Their stories, i.e., the stories of Prophets or of the wicked; for the two threads inter-twine, as in Joseph's story.

A story like that of Joseph is not a purely imaginary fable. The People of the Book have it in their sacred literature. It is confirmed here in its main outline, but here there is a detailed spiritual exposition that will be found nowhere in earlier literature. The exposition covers all sides of human life. If properly understood it gives valuable lessons to guide our conduct,-an instance of Allah's grace and mercy to people who will go to Him in faith and put their affairs in His hands.