ter (Surah XII—Mecca). In reprinting part of this particular chapter, it is the intention to induce the reader to compare the Mohammedan story with that recorded in the Old Testament (Genesis XXXVII—L). In a similar manner the Koran has taken over the stories of Abraham, of Isaac, of Moses and the Golden Calf, of Solomon, and of some of the other characters of the Jewish records.
Those are the signs of the perspicuous Book. Verily, we have revealed it, an Arabic Koran; haply ye may understand. We tell thee the best of stories, in inspiring thee with this Koran, though thou wert before this among the heedless.
When Joseph said to his father, "O my sire! verily I saw eleven stars and the sun and the moon—I saw them adoring me!"
"He said, "O my boy! tell not thy vision to thy brethren, for they will plot a plot against thee; verily the devil is to man an open foe."
Thus does thy Lord choose thee and teach thee the interpretation of sayings, and fulfil His favor upon thee, and upon Jacob's people, as He fulfilled it upon thy two forefathers before thee, Abraham and Isaac,—verily, thy Lord is knowing, wise!
In Joseph and his brethren were signs to those who inquire.
When they said, "Surely, Joseph and his brother are dearer to our father than we, a band although we be; verily our father is in obvious error. Slay Joseph, or cast him in some land; that your father's face may be free for you, and ye may be, after he is gone, a people who do right."
A speaker from amongst them spake, "Slay
