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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.’

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-

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?

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

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,’

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

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

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