One of the 240 subdivisions of the Quran (quarter of a Hizb)
There are lessons in the story of Joseph and his brothers for all who seek them
Translation 1260
The brothers said [to each other], ‘Although we are many, Joseph and his brother are dearer to our father than we are–– our father is clearly in the wrong.’
Translation 1260
[One of them said], ‘Kill Joseph or banish him to another land, and your father’s attention will be free to turn to you. After that you can be righteous.’
Translation 1260
[Another of them] said, ‘Do not kill Joseph, but, if you must, throw him into the hidden depths of a well where some caravan may pick him up.’
Translation 1260
They said to their father, ‘Why do you not trust us with Joseph? We wish him well
Translation 1260
Send him with us tomorrow and he will enjoy himself and play- we will take good care of him.’
Translation 1260
He replied, ‘The thought of you taking him away with you worries me: I am afraid a wolf may eat him when you are not paying attention.’
Translation 1260
They said, ‘If a wolf were to eat him when there are so many of us, we would truly be losers!’
Translation 1260
Then they took him away with them, resolved upon throwing him into the hidden depths of a well- We inspired him, saying, ‘You will tell them of all this [at a time] when they do not realize [who you are]!’
Translation 1260
and at nightfall they returned to their father weeping
Translation 1260
They said, ‘We went off racing one another, leaving Joseph behind with our things, and a wolf ate him. You will not believe us, though we are telling the truth!’
Translation 1260
and they showed him his shirt, deceptively stained with blood. He cried, ‘No! Your souls have prompted you to do wrong! But it is best to be patient: from God alone I seek help to bear what you are saying.’
Translation 1260
Some travellers came by. They sent someone to draw water and he let down his bucket. ‘Good news!’ he exclaimed. ‘Here is a boy!’ They hid him like a piece of merchandise- God was well aware of what they did
Translation 1260
and then sold him for a small price, for a few pieces of silver: so little did they value him
Translation 1260
The Egyptian who bought him said to his wife, ‘Look after him well! He may be useful to us, or we may adopt him as a son.’ In this way We settled Joseph in that land and later taught him how to interpret dreams: God always prevails in His purpose, though most people do not realize it
Translation 1260
When he reached maturity, We gave him judgement and knowledge: this is how We reward those who do good
Translation 1260
The woman in whose house he was living tried to seduce him: she bolted the doors and said, ‘Come to me,’ and he replied, ‘God forbid! My master has been good to me; wrongdoers never prosper.’
Translation 1260
She made for him, and he would have succumbed to her if he had not seen evidence of his Lord- We did this in order to keep evil and indecency away from him, for he was truly one of Our chosen servants
Translation 1260
They raced for the door- she tore his shirt from behind- and at the door they met her husband. She said, ‘What, other than prison or painful punishment, should be the reward of someone who tried to dishonour your wife?’
Translation 1260
but he said, ‘She tried to seduce me.’ A member of her household suggested, ‘If his shirt is torn at the front, then it is she who is telling the truth and he who is lying
Translation 1260
but if it is torn at the back, then she is lying and he is telling the truth.’
Translation 1260
When the husband saw that the shirt was torn at the back, he said, ‘This is another instance of women’s treachery: your treachery is truly great
Translation 1260
Joseph, overlook this; but you [wife], ask forgiveness for your sin- you have done wrong.’
Translation 1260