Ta'wil Of Some Verses In Surat Yusuf

  Ta'wil, as you know, refers to the process of interpretation, but it literally denotes the idea of taking something back to its origin. Thus in Islamic sources, it is often understood to refer to esoteric scriptural exegesis, that is, the uncovering of the original and inner dimension of the outward form of the Holy Qur'an.

Let us see some examples in chapter 12 of the Holy Qur'an, Surat Yusuf, alaihi Salaam. In the story of Prophet Yusuf, alaihi Salaam, consider when his brothers desired to get rid of him, so that "YOUR FATHER's CONCERN MIGHT BE FOR YOU. AND BE, THEREAFTER, A RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE" (12:9)

This can be read as the false promises that that the human being, qua nafs, gives to itself that it will come under the purview of good and live a righteous life once the nafs reigns supreme and gratifies its wants.

Again, in the story Prophet Yakub, alaihi Salaam, tha father of Yusuf, said that he was not sending Yusuf along with his brothers out,  as they suggested, "TO FROLIC AND PLAY" (12:12) because Yakub feared that "LEST THE WOLF MAY DEVOUR HIM WHILE YOU ARE HEEDLESS OF HIM" (12:13)

As something that devours what stands in its path, the wolf represents the world as such, or the dunya. In other words, if the soul is in a state of being heedless (12:13) of its true nature (symbolized by the brothers taking charge of Yusuf), this worldly life will devour it, leaving it in ruin.