Yusuf 12:89

[Joseph] began by searching their bags, then his brother’s, and he pulled it out from his brother’s bag. In this way We devised a plan for Joseph- if God had not willed it so, he could not have detained his brother as a penalty under the king’s law- We raise the rank of whoever We will. Above everyone who has knowledge there is the One who is all knowing

Translation 1260

[His brothers] said, ‘If he is a thief then his brother was a thief before him,’ but Joseph kept his secrets and did not reveal anything to them. He said, ‘You are in a far worse situation. God knows best the truth of what you claim.’

Translation 1260

They said, ‘Mighty governor, he has an elderly father. Take one of us in his place. We can see that you are a very good man.’

Translation 1260

He replied, ‘God forbid that we should take anyone other than the person on whom we found our property: that would be unjust of us.’

Translation 1260

When they lost hope of [persuading] him, they withdrew to confer with each other: the eldest of them said, ‘Do you not remember that your father took a solemn pledge from you in the name of God and before that you failed in your duty with regard to Joseph? I will not leave this land until my father gives me leave or God decides for me- He is the best decider

Translation 1260

so go back to your father and say, “Your son stole. We can only tell you what we saw. How could we guard against the unforeseen

Translation 1260

Ask in the town where we have been; ask the people of the caravan we travelled with: we are telling the truth.”’

Translation 1260

Their father said, ‘No! Your souls have prompted you to do wrong! But it is best to be patient: may God bring all of them back to me- He alone is the All Knowing, the All Wise,’

Translation 1260

and he turned away from them, saying, ‘Alas for Joseph!’ His eyes went white with grief and he was filled with sorrow

Translation 1260

They said, ‘By God! You will ruin your health if you do not stop thinking of Joseph, or even die.’

Translation 1260

He said, ‘I plead my grief and sorrow before God. I have knowledge from God that you do not have

Translation 1260

My sons, go and seek news of Joseph and his brother and do not despair of God’s mercy- only disbelievers despair of God’s mercy.’

Translation 1260

Then, when they presented themselves before Joseph, they said, ‘Mighty governor, misfortune has afflicted us and our family. We have brought only a little merchandise, but give us full measure. Be charitable to us: God rewards the charitable.’

Translation 1260

He said, ‘Do you now realize what you did to Joseph and his brother when you were ignorant?’

Translation 1260

and they cried, ‘Could it be that you are Joseph?’ He said, ‘I am Joseph. This is my brother. God has been gracious to us: God does not deny anyone who is mindful of God and steadfast in adversity the rewards of those who do good.’

Translation 1260

They said, ‘By God! God really did favour you over all of us and we were in the wrong!’

Translation 1260

but he said, ‘You will hear no reproaches today. May God forgive you: He is the Most Merciful of the merciful

Translation 1260

Take my shirt and lay it over my father’s face: he will recover his sight. Then bring your whole family back to me.’

Translation 1260

Later, when the caravan departed, their father said, ‘You may think I am senile but I can smell Joseph,’

Translation 1260

but [people] said, ‘By God! You are still lost in that old illusion of yours!’

Translation 1260

Then, when the bearer of good news came and placed the shirt on to Jacob’s face, his eyesight returned and he said, ‘Did I not tell you that I have knowledge from God that you do not have?’

Translation 1260

The [brothers] said, ‘Father, ask God to forgive our sins- we were truly in the wrong.’

Translation 1260

He replied, ‘I shall ask my Lord to forgive you: He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.’

Translation 1260

Later, when they presented themselves before Joseph, he drew his parents to him- he said, ‘Welcome to Egypt: you will all be safe here, God willing’

Translation 1260

and took them up to [his] throne. They all bowed down before him and he said, ‘Father, this is the fulfilment of that dream I had long ago. My Lord has made it come true and has been gracious to me- He released me from prison and He brought you here from the desert- after Satan sowed discord between me and my brothers. My Lord is most subtle in achieving what He will; He is the All Knowing, the Truly Wise

Translation 1260