with regard to his wife, in his absence, and that Allah does not guide the schemes of the treacherous.” His words, “That he may know,” are part of Joseph’s speech, joined to the words of the wife of al-Aziz, “It was I who sought to seduce him,” without any distinction between them, so that the listeners may know [who said what]. (1)

It was also said that there is an inversion in the order of the words. Its meaning is: “Return to your master and ask him about the women who cut their hands. Indeed, my Lord is fully aware of their plot. That was so that he might know that I did not betray him in his absence.” (2)

It is related that when Joseph made this statement, Gabriel said to him, “Not even when you desired her?” Thereupon Joseph said, “And I do not absolve myself.” (3)

Al-Suddi said: Rather, it was the wife of al-Aziz who said to him, “Not even when you loosened your trousers, Joseph?” Joseph then said: (4)