Surah Yusuf (12) — Ayah 39
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
➋ { ءَاَرْبَابٌ مُّتَفَرِّقُوْنَ۠ خَيْرٌ … :} The religion of the people of Egypt, in most eras, was polytheism, that is, the worship of multiple deities, as is evident from history and the ancient relics of Egypt. And even if, as some say, they believed in one Lord, like all other polytheistic nations, they also worshipped many lords under Him, each having authority over different matters, because their minds could not think beyond the royal system and the feudal system imposed upon them, just as among the Greeks, there was a separate goddess for every task. The people of Iraq, along with the king, also worshipped the sun, moon, stars, and idols, which Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) encountered. Therefore, Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) first shook the intellect of his fellow prisoners by asking this very question: Tell me, are these separate lords better, or Allah, the One, the All-Powerful, and the Dominant, whom no one can challenge, nor can anyone do anything against His will? See also Surah Az-Zumar (29), Al-Anbiya (22), and Bani Isra'il (42). It is clear that if the intellect is sound, it will consider the One, All-Powerful, and Dominant Lord to be better.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
39. 2. The distinction is in terms of essence, attributes, and number. That is, are those lords, who are distinct from each other in essence, different from each other in attributes, and mutually opposed in number, better, or Allah, who is unique in His essence and attributes, has no partner, and is dominant and sovereign over all?
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
[38] Since both of these prisoners were previously servants, he presented an argument to them according to their circumstances, and they could well understand that serving one master is, in any case, better than serving many masters—especially when that one master is the most powerful and dominant over all others.
