So, go to your father and tell him: ´O father, your son has committed a theft. We bear witness to only what we know; we could not prevent the unknown.

Enquire from the people of that city, or ask the men of the caravan with whom we have come. We are verily speaking the truth.´"

"No," said (the father). "You have made up the story; but patience is best; God may bring them back to me. He is all-knowing and all-wise."

He turned away from them and cried: "Alas for Joseph!" And his eyes turned white with grief which he bore in silence.

"By God," said they, "you will never stop thinking of Joseph till you are consumed or perish."

He replied: "I cry my plaint and grief to God, and know from God what you do not know.

O sons, go in search of Joseph and his brother, and do not despair of the mercy of God. Only they despair of God´s mercy who do not believe."

When they returned to him, they said (to Joseph): "O Minister, calamity has befallen us and our people. We have brought but a meagre sum, but give us full measure as alms bestowed. God surely rewards those who give alms."

, He said: "Do you know what you did to Joseph and his brother in your ignorance?"

They said: "Surely you are not Joseph!" "I am Joseph," he said, "and this is my brother. God has been gracious to us; for God does not verily deprive those who fear Him and are patient of the recompense of those who are good."

They said: "By God, God has favoured you above us, for we have indeed been sinners."

"There is no blame on you today," he said, "May God forgive you. He is the most merciful of all.

Take my shirt and put it on my father´s face; his eyesight will be restored; and bring your entire family to me."

The caravan departed (from Egypt) and Jacob said (at home): "Say not that I am in my dotage, but I get the smell of Joseph."

They said: "By God, you are still persisting in your old delusion."

Then, as the harbinger of happy news arrived and put the garment over his face his eyesight was restored. He said: "Did I not tell you? I know from God what you do not know."

Said (the sons): "O our father, pray for us that our sins be forgiven, for we are really sinners."

"I will ask my Lord to forgive you," he replied, "for He is forgiving and kind."

When they went back to Joseph he gave his father and mother a place of honour, and said: "Enter Egypt in peace by the will of God."

He seated his parents by his side on the throne; and they fell down before him in homage. "O my father," said Joseph, "this is the meaning of my earlier dream. My Lord has made it come true. He was gracious in getting me out of the prison, and bringing you out of the desert to me after the discord created by Satan between me and my brothers, for my Lord is gracious to whomsoever He please. He is indeed all-knowing and all-wise.

O my Lord, you have given me dominion and taught me the interpretation of dreams; O Creator of the heavens and the earth, You alone are my saviour in this world and the world to come; let me die submitting to You, and place me among the upright."

This is news of the unknown We reveal to you, for you were not present when Joseph´s brothers agreed on their course of action, and devised their plot.

Many men will not believe howsoever you wish,

Even though you ask no recompense (for it). It is only a warning for all mankind.

How many a sign there is in the heavens and the earth which most men pass by and ignore,

Not only do they not believe in God, but also associate others with Him.

Do they really believe that an all-embracing punishment of God will not come upon them, or the Day of Doom overtake them suddenly while they remain unaware?

Say: "My way, and that of my followers, is to call you to God with full perception. All glory to God, I am not an idolater."

All the apostles We had sent before you were men of those regions, to whom We sent Our revelations. Have they not travelled on the earth and seen what befell the people before them? Surely the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who fear straying from the right path. Do you not understand?

When the apostles despaired and thought they were made false promises, Our help arrived, and We delivered whom We pleased; but never will Our punishment be averted from the sinners.

Verily in their accounts is a lesson for men of wisdom. This is not a fictitious tale, but a verification of earlier Books, and a clear exposition of everything, and a guidance and grace for those who believe.