more discerning than they, stronger in resolve and firmer in judgment. He acted only by God’s command, for a far-reaching benefit would ensue: his father and his entire clan would later come to him and settle under his care.

When they beheld the cup drawn from Benjamin’s saddle-bag, “they said, ‘If he steals, a brother of his stole before him’” (meaning Joseph).

It is reported that Joseph had once stolen his maternal grandfather’s idol and smashed it. Another report states that, while he was still a child, his aunt secretly fastened around him a belt that had belonged to Isaac, and later produced it from his clothes—Joseph unaware of what she had done—so that she might keep him with her out of affection. A third view holds that he used to take food from the household stores and distribute it to the poor. Other explanations also exist. For this reason they said, “If he steals, a brother of his stole before.” “But Joseph kept it secret within himself” (12:77)—namely, the words that follow—

“You are in a worse position, and God knows best what you allege.” He answered them inwardly, not aloud, showing forbearance, magnanimity, and pardon. Thus they turned to him with gentleness and entreaty, saying:

“O exalted one, he has an aged father; take one of us in his place. We can see that you are a man of excellence.” (12:78)

He replied, “God forbid that we should seize anyone except the one in whose possession we found our property; otherwise we would indeed be wrongdoers.” (12:79)

That is, were we to release the accused and arrest an innocent man, we would commit an injustice—something we neither do nor permit. We detain only the one with whom we discovered our goods.

According to the People of the Book, Joseph disclosed his identity to them at that point; but they have erred in this and misunderstood the passage.¹

“When they despaired of him, they withdrew to confer privately. The eldest of them said, ‘Do you not know that your father took from you a solemn pledge in God’s name, and before that you failed with regard to Joseph? I shall not leave this land until my father permits me, or God decides for me; He is the best of judges. Return to your father and say, “Father, your son has stolen; we testify only to what we know, and we could not guard against the unseen. Ask the town where we were and the caravan with which we travelled; we are telling the truth.” ’ ” (12:80–82)

He replied, “No, your souls have seduced you into something. Yet beautiful patience! Perhaps God will bring them all back to me; He alone is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (12:83)

He turned away from them and said, “Alas for Joseph!” His eyes turned white with grief, and he suppressed his sorrow. They said, “By God, you will go on remembering Joseph until you waste away or perish.” He answered, “I only complain of my anguish and grief to God, and I know from God what you do not know. My sons, go forth and search for Joseph and his brother; and do not despair of God’s mercy. None despairs of God’s mercy except an unbelieving people.” (12:84-87)

God Most High relates that when they lost all hope of persuading Joseph to release Benjamin, they withdrew and consulted one another. Their eldest—Reuben—said, “Did you not realise that your father took from you a covenant in God’s name, and before this you failed concerning Joseph? You have broken your promise and been negligent, just as you were negligent with his brother Joseph before; I can no longer face our father. I shall remain here, not leaving this land, until my father permits me to return or God grants me the power to restore my brother to him—‘and He is the best of judges.’ (12:80)

‘Return to your father and say, “Father, your son has stolen,” ’ that is, inform him of what you saw with your own eyes. ‘We bear witness only to what we know; we could not guard against the unseen. (12:81) Ask the town where we were, and the caravan with which we came…’ ”