Surah Yusuf: Verse 3 - نحن نقص عليك أحسن القصص... - English

Tafsir of Verse 3, Surah Yusuf

نَحْنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ أَحْسَنَ ٱلْقَصَصِ بِمَآ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْكَ هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ وَإِن كُنتَ مِن قَبْلِهِۦ لَمِنَ ٱلْغَٰفِلِينَ

Aya Number 3 in Surah "Surah Yusuf" in Quran

The third verse of Surah Yusuf in the Quran begins with "نحن نقص عليك أحسن القصص بما..." which translates to "We relate to you, [O Muhammad], the best of stories in what We have revealed to you of this Quran although you were, before it, among the unaware."

This verse is the beginning of the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) and is significant in several ways. It introduces the narrative as one of the best stories, indicating its importance and relevance for the believers. The phrase "We relate to you" emphasizes the divine origin of the story, as it is being revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Quran.

The verse also highlights the transformation of the Prophet Muhammad from being unaware of the details of this story to becoming informed through the revelation of the Quran. This transformation serves as a reminder of the power and guidance of the Quran in enlightening and educating the believers.

Furthermore, the use of the term "best of stories" suggests that the story of Prophet Yusuf contains valuable lessons, wisdom, and guidance for the believers. It encourages reflection and contemplation on the events and characters within the story, as they hold profound meanings and insights for the readers.

Overall, the third verse of Surah Yusuf sets the stage for a captivating and instructive narrative, inviting the readers to delve into the story with an open heart and mind, seeking to benefit from its profound teachings and timeless wisdom.

English Translation

We relate to you, [O Muhammad], the best of stories in what We have revealed to you of this Qur\'an although you were, before it, among the unaware.

English Transliteration

Nahnu naqussu AAalayka ahsana alqasasi bima awhayna ilayka hatha alqurana wain kunta min qablihi lamina alghafileena

Tafsir of Verse 3

We will relate to thee the fairest of stories in that We have revealed to thee this Koran, though before it thou wast one of the heedless.

We do relate unto thee the most beautiful of stories, in that We reveal to thee this (portion of the) Qur'an: before this, thou too was among those who knew it not.

In the third verse, it was said: نَحْنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ أَحْسَنَ الْقَصَصِ بِمَا أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ هَـٰذَا الْقُرْ‌آنَ وَإِن كُنتَ مِن قَبْلِهِ لَمِنَ الْغَافِلِین (We narrate to you the best narrative by revealing this Qur'an to you, and surely before this, you were among the unaware).

This is to chasten the Jews that they had tried to test the Messenger of Allah ﷺ which proved to be in vain, for its effect turned out to be just the reverse of what they had intended. It only went on to prove the excellence and authenticity of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in a far more evident manner. From this it became clear that he was already an Ummiyy and had no knowledge of world history. Now that he came to know of this needs an explanation and there can be no explanation for this except that he was Divinely educated and blessed with revelation as a prophet of Allah Ta’ ala.

Verse 3 - Surah Yusuf: (نحن نقص عليك أحسن القصص بما أوحينا إليك هذا القرآن وإن كنت من قبله لمن الغافلين...) - English