assurance of his goodness and kindness, so that this would more strongly encourage them to return, and perhaps they would recognize it—that is, his generosity toward them.

It was also said that he considered it ignoble to take the price of the food from his father and brothers despite their need for it, so he returned it to them without their knowing, out of generosity.

Al-Kalbi said: He feared that his father might not have enough silver coins for them to return with another time.

It was also said that he did this because he knew that their religious scruples would compel them to return the payment, lest there had been a mistake, and that they would not regard it as lawful to keep it.

“And when they returned to their father, they said, ‘O our father, further measure has been denied us. So send our brother with us, that we may receive our measure; and indeed, we shall surely guard him.’” (63)