12:56
Thus did We give established power to Joseph in the land, to take possession therein as, when, or where he pleased. We bestow of our Mercy on whom We please, and We suffer not, to be lost, the reward of those who do good.
In his commentary, Abul Aʿla Mawdūdī explains that the Qur’anic description of Joseph’s authority indicates that he was granted extensive control over the land of Egypt. According to this interpretation, Joseph’s administrative authority was so comprehensive that he could manage any region of the country and exercise full discretion in its affairs. In effect, the verse suggests that Egypt’s resources and territories were placed under his supervision, allowing him to administer the land according to his judgment.
Early Qur’anic commentators expressed similar interpretations. For example, the exegete Ibn Jarīr al-Ṭabarī, citing the report of Ibn Zayd, explains that the verse signifies that Joseph was given authority over the resources and affairs of Egypt and that he possessed the freedom to act wherever necessary within that domain. This interpretation emphasizes the breadth of Joseph’s administrative responsibility and influence during that period. Al-Ṭabarī also cites a statement attributed to the commentator Mujāhid, who suggested that the king of Egypt eventually accepted the message of monotheism through Joseph’s influence. These interpretations collectively highlight the significant role attributed to Joseph in the governance and religious environment of Egypt according to classical Islamic exegesis (Mawdūdī, n.d.; al-Ṭabarī, n.d.).
References:
Maududi, Abul Ala (2010). Tafhimul