Surah 12 "Yousuf" - Rhetoric Analysis (global view)

[Iyyaka]

Salam,

I share with you the general layout of Sura 12 (Source "The composition of the Quran", by Michel Cuypers, page 92.)
Beautiful proof of the exact division of the text units which respond in symmetry.

1. Overview

A- PROLOGUE
..B- VISION OF JOSEPH
... C- JOSEPH IN TROUBLE WITH HIS BROTHERS THE TRICK OF THE BROTHERS AGAINST JOSEPH
.... D- PROMOTION RELATIVE DE JOSEPH
..... E- ATTEMPT OF JOSEPH SEDUCTION BY A WOMAN
...... F- JOSEPH IN PRISON, INTERPRETER OF VISIONS OF THE TWO PRISONERS, PROPHET OF MONOTHEISM

...... F'- JOSEPH IN PRISON, INTERPRETER OF THE VISION OF THE KING
..... E'- RESOLUTION OF WOMEN'S SEDUCTION JOSEPH REHABILITATED
.... D'- DEFINITIVE PROMOTION OF JOSEPH
... C'- JOSEPH IN TROUBLE WITH HIS BROTHERS JOSEPH'S TRICK TOWARDS HIS BROTHERS
..B'- ACCOMPLISHMENT OF JOSEPH'S VISION
A'- EPILOG(UE)

The rigor of this mirror construction, a new case of binarity, is entirely consistent with Semitic rhetoric/Rhetoric Analysis principles.

2. THE CENTER (V.37-40), KEY TO THE INTERPRETATION OF THE SURAH

It is remarkable that in the quasi-center of the sura, in the middle of the inquiry/response dialogue between the two prisoners and Joseph (episode F), there is a little speech by Joseph that is not found in the Bible. Joseph preached mono-theism there to the two pagan prisoners. More than any other episode of the Surah, this speech reveals the figure of Muhammad. Joseph clearly appears as a prophet of monotheism, which is not at first sight in the Bible. God deliberately placed this speech at the heart of the Surah, at the time when Joseph is in dire need, deep in his prison.
The text of section F (35-42) constitutes a passage made up of three parts concentric arranged in an AxA' schema

A = the request for interpretation of the dream (35-37)
x = the monotheistic discourse (37-40)
A’= the interpretation of the dream (41-42).

The central part (x) is in turn concentric, with, in its center, and therefore in the center of the whole sura, a question which is at the heart of Muhammad's monotheistic preaching "are various master better, or God, the One, the Supreme Dominant? ”. Placed in the quasi-center of the sura, this speech also constitutes the key to interpretation Joseph, prophet of monotheism, is a figure of Muhammad.

Additionnal comment

The Monotheist Group (The Quran A Monotheist Translation)
11120 And We tell to you from the news of the messengers with which We strengthen your heart .
In this has come to you the truth and a lesson and a reminder for the believers .

Surah 11 (closely linked with surah 12), which precedes 12, tells precisely a series of stories of prophets/messengers, some Biblical, others purely Arab, including Houd, who gave his title to Surah. It is well known that all these stories, beyond specific features specific to each messenger, are built on the same schema

(1) A prophet is sent to an unbelieving population (polytheist) to preach the true faith, monotheist, and to warn them of the Day of judgment /retribution;
(2) People do not obey him, except a few;
(3) The rebels are punished by God while the messenger is saved, along with those who followed him.

We recognize here the path of Muhammad's career. All Quranic messengers are actually, in some ways, figures of Muhammad.

Peace be upon you.