(21) “The man from Egypt who bought him said to his wife, ‘Treat him well. Perhaps he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son.’ Thus We established Joseph in the land, and so that We might teach him the interpretation of dreams. Allah always prevails in His purpose, but most people do not know.”

That is, when the caravan took him to Egypt and sold him there, the chief minister of Egypt bought him. He was impressed by Joseph and instructed his wife to take good care of him, saying, “Treat him well. Perhaps he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son.” That is, either he might benefit them as slaves do by performing various kinds of service, or they might delight in him as they would in their own children. Perhaps the reason for this was that they had no child.

“Thus We established Joseph in the land.” That is, just as We facilitated his purchase by the chief minister of Egypt and caused him to be treated with such honor, We made this a prelude to establishing him in the land by this means.

“And so that We might teach him the interpretation of dreams.” As he had no occupation or concern other than learning, this became one of the means by which he acquired abundant knowledge, including knowledge of religious rulings, dream interpretation, and other matters. “Allah always prevails in His purpose.” That is, His command is invariably carried out: no one can thwart it, and no contender can overcome Him. “But most people do not know.” Thus they do whatever they do in an attempt to contend against Allah’s decrees, though they are far too helpless and weak to do so.