Rub El Hizb 98

[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.’

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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.’

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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.’

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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

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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

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

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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,’

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

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

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

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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.’

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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.’

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

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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.’

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

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

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

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

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

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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?’

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

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

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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’

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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