The “Tribes” are the various clans of the Children of Israel and the prophets who were raised among them and upon whom revelation descended from Heaven. Allah knows best.

One of the strongest indications that Joseph, peace be upon him, was the only one among his brothers who was entrusted with messengership and prophethood is that the Qur’an explicitly singles out one of his brothers besides him, which corroborates what we have stated. The following report from Imām Aḥmad also supports this view:

ʿAbd al-Ṣamad narrated to us; ʿAbd al-Raḥmān narrated to us, from ʿAbd Allāh ibn Dīnār, from his father, from Ibn ʿUmar, that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said,

“The noble son of the noble, son of the noble, son of the noble—Joseph son of Jacob son of Isaac son of Abraham.” (1)

This wording is unique to al-Bukhārī, who transmitted it from ʿAbd Allāh ibn Muḥammad and ʿAbdah, from ʿAbd al-Ṣamad ibn ʿAbd al-Wārith with this chain. We have already cited its various routes in the story of Abraham, so there is no need to repeat them here—praise and favor belong to Allah. (2)

The exegetes and others have said: While Joseph, peace be upon him, was still a child, before reaching puberty, he saw in a dream “eleven stars” (Yūsuf 4)—a reference to his remaining brothers—and “the sun and the moon” (Yūsuf 4)—a reference to his father and mother—prostrating before him. Startled, he related the dream to his father, who understood that Joseph would attain a lofty rank and great honor in this world and the next, to the point that his parents and brothers would bow to him. He therefore instructed him to conceal it and not to recount it to his brothers lest they envy him, contrive calamities for him (3), and plot against him with every manner of trick and deceit. This reinforces what we have mentioned.

For this reason some reports state: “Seek to accomplish your needs through secrecy, for everyone blessed with a favor is envied.” (4)

The People of the Book, however, claim that he related the dream to both his father and his brothers; this is an error on their part.

“And thus will your Lord choose you…”—that is, just as He has shown you this great vision, if you keep it concealed “your Lord will choose you,” meaning He will single you out with all kinds of kindness and mercy; “and teach you the interpretation of events,” that is, He will grant you insight into the meanings of speech and the interpretation of dreams in a way that others do not possess; “and perfect His favor upon you,” namely, by revealing Scripture to you; “and upon the family of Jacob,” meaning that, through you, they will obtain the good of this world and the Hereafter; “just as He perfected it earlier upon your forefathers Abraham and Isaac,” that is, He will bless you and honor you with prophethood just as He bestowed it upon your father Jacob, your grandfather Isaac, and your great-grandfather Abraham, the Intimate Friend. “Indeed, your Lord is All-Knowing, All-Wise,” as He, exalted is He, says: “Allah knows best where to place His message.” (al-Anʿām 124).