It is narrated from Sayyiduna Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him), regarding this saying of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic: "We relate to you the best of stories" [Surah Yusuf: 3] , that he said: When the Qur'an was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), he (peace and blessings be upon him) recited it to them for a period of time. The Companions said: "O Messenger of Allah! If only you would narrate some stories to us." So Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, revealed these verses: from "Alif Lam Ra. These are the verses of the clear Book" up to "We relate to you the best of stories". Then he (peace and blessings be upon him) related (this story) to them for a period of time. They said: "O Messenger of Allah! If only you would tell us some accounts." So Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, revealed this verse: "Allah has sent down the best of speech, a Book consistent in its parts" [Surah al-Zumar: 23] . Through all of this they were directed to the Qur'an itself. This hadith has a sahih (authentic) chain, but the two Shaykhs (Bukhari and Muslim) did not record it.