"There was certainly in their stories," meaning Joseph and his brothers, "a lesson," an object of reflection, "for those of understanding," meaning those with intellect, who are the believers.

"It was not a narrative invented," meaning fabricated or forged; this is a response to the statement of the polytheists: (159b) "This is nothing but a lie he invented," meaning a falsehood Muhammad fabricated.

"But a confirmation of what was before it," from the Torah and the Gospel, "and a detailed explanation," meaning an elucidation, "of all things," from the lawful, the forbidden, and the rulings.

Muhammad said: Whoever reads "tasdiq" in the accusative case (nasb), it is based on the meaning of 'it was not a narrative invented, but it was a confirmation of what was before it.'

"And guidance and mercy," meaning the Quran, "for a people who believe," who verify.