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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.’

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.’

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

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.’

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

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

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

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

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