78 They said: O chief, he has a father, a very old man, so take one of us in his place. Surely we see thee to be of the doers of good. |
79 He said: Allāh forbid that we should seize other than him with whom we found our property, for then surely we should be unjust! |
80 So when they despaired of him, they conferred together privately. The eldest of them said: Know you not that your father took from you a covenant in Allāh’s name, and how you fell short of your duty about Joseph before? So I shall not leave this land, until my father permits me or Allāh decides for me; and He is the Best of the judges. |
81 Go back to your father and say: O our father, thy son committed theft. And we bear witness only to what we know, and we could not keep watch over the unseen. |
82 And ask the town where we were, and the caravan with which we proceeded. And surely we are truthful. |
83 He said: Nay, your souls have contrived an affair for you, so patience is good. Maybe Allāh will bring them together to me. Surely He is the Knowing, the Wise. |
84 And he turned away from them, and said: O my sorrow for Joseph! And his eyes were filled (with tears) on account of the grief, then he repressed (grief). |
85 They said: By Allāh! Thou wilt not cease remembering Joseph till thou art a prey to disease or thou art of those who perish. |
86 He said: I complain of my grief and sorrow only to Allāh, and I know from Allāh what you know not. |
87 O my sons, go and inquire about Joseph and his brother, and despair not of Allāh’s mercy. Surely none despairs of Allāh’s mercy except the disbelieving people. |
88 So when they came to him, they said: O chief, distress has afflicted us and our family, and we have brought scanty money, so give us full measure and be charitable to us. Surely Allāh rewards the charitable. |
89 He said: Do you know how you treated Joseph and his brother, when you were ignorant? |
90 They said: Art thou indeed Joseph? He said: I am Joseph and this is my brother; Allāh has indeed been gracious to us. Surely he who |