Ghurar al-Bayan min Surat Yusuf fi al-Quran
- Author died
- -
- Editions
- Dar al-Faruq lil-Nashr wal-Tawzi'
Ghurar al-Bayan min Surat Yusuf fi al-Quran (The Prominent Clarification from Surat Yusuf in the Quran) is a contemporary study of Surat Yusuf by the Jordanian author Ahmad Mahmud al-Shawabkeh, focusing on the narrative structure, rhetorical subtleties, and moral and legal lessons of the Quranic chapter.
Background and Publication
The work carries the subtitle Dirasah Qasasiyyah wa-Lamasat Bayaniyyah (A Narrative Study and Rhetorical Touches). It was published in its first edition in 1431 AH / 2010 CE by Dar al-Faruq in Amman, Jordan. The book was prefaced and reviewed by Ahmad Nawfal, a professor of Tafsir and Quranic studies at the University of Jordan; Mahmud al-Sartawi, a professor of comparative jurisprudence; and Salah al-Khalidi.
Scope and Content
The author compiled the work from established classical and traditional commentaries of the Quran (tafasir), aiming to draw out the guidance, spiritual solace, and eloquence embedded in the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph). The book explores:
- Thematic and structural aspects of the surah: including the merits of its opening (husn al-matla'), the reasons for its naming, its Meccan classification, and its placement within the Quranic codex.
- Principles of Islamic da'wah: highlighting the qualities required of callers to God—such as knowledge, forbearance, patience, wisdom, and trustworthiness—and illustrating the power of the Quranic narrative style in engaging audiences.
- Societal and governance values: deriving principles such as mutual consultation (shura), justice, and proper standards of adjudication (usul al-taqadi) from the events of the narrative.
Method and Reception
Reviewers noted several methodological features of the book:
- Purification from Isra'iliyyat: Ahmad Nawfal commended the author's strict avoidance of unverified biblical and extra-canonical lore (Isra'iliyyat), observing that the book filters out these extraneous narratives while maintaining an accessible and refined literary style.
- Defense of prophetic integrity: Mahmud al-Sartawi highlighted the author's linguistic analysis in refuting interpretations that compromise prophetic infallibility, such as clarifying the Arabic phrasing of verse 24 ( وَلَقَدْ هَمَّتْ بِهِ وَهَمَّ بِهَا لَوْلَا أَنْ رَأَى بُرْهَانَ رَبِّهِ ) to refute claims that Yusuf harbored any intent toward wrongdoing.
- Contextualization: The work draws connections between the trials faced by Prophet Yusuf and those experienced by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, exploring the historical occasion of the surah's revelation as an encouragement for the steadfast.
Answer updated