*12:1 The Quranic initials constitute a major component of a great miracle (App. 1).

*12:2 Why was the Quran revealed in Arabic? See 41:44 and Appendix 4.

*12:9 We learn from Joseph's dream that he was destined for a bright future. Thus, while his brothers met to decide his fate, his fate was already decided by God. Everything is done by God ( 8:17 ), and is already recorded ( 57:22 ).

*12:23 Joseph worded this statement in such a way that the governor's wife thought that he was talking about her husband, when in fact he was talking about God.

*12:31 This is the same word used in 5:38 regarding the hand of the thief, and the sum of sura and verse numbers (12+31 and 5+38) are the same. Therefore, the thief's hand should be marked, not severed as practiced by the corrupted Islam (see Footnote 5:38 ).

*12:42 When Joseph begged his companion to intercede with the king on his behalf, he exhibited dependence on other than God to be saved from the prison. This does not befit a true believer, and such a serious slip cost Joseph a few years in the prison. We learn from the Quran that only God can relieve any hardship that might befall us. A true believer trusts in God and depends totally on Him alone ( 1:5 , 6:17 , 8:17 , 10:107 ).

*12:93 This marks the beginning of the Children of Israel in Egypt. Moses led them out of Egypt a few centuries later.