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