⦗87–88⦘ “O my sons, go and seek news of Joseph and his brother, and do not despair of relief from Allah. Indeed, none despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people. When they entered his presence, they said, ‘O governor, hardship has afflicted us and our family, and we have brought merchandise of little worth. Give us full measure and be charitable to us. Indeed, Allah rewards those who give charity.’”

That is, Jacob (peace be upon him) said to his sons: “O my sons, go and seek news of Joseph and his brother”—that is, be diligent and exert yourselves in searching for them—“and do not despair of relief from Allah.” Hope impels a servant to strive and exert himself to attain what he hopes for, whereas despair leads to lethargy and delay. What servants should hope for above all is Allah’s bounty, beneficence, mercy, and relief. “Indeed, none despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people,” for because of their disbelief they deem His mercy unlikely, and His mercy is far removed from them. So do not imitate the disbelievers.

This indicates that a servant’s hope for Allah’s mercy and relief is proportionate to his faith. So they went, and “when they entered his presence”—that is, Joseph’s—“they said,” imploring him: “O governor, hardship has afflicted us and our family, and we have brought merchandise of little worth. Give us full measure and be charitable to us.” That is, we and our family are in desperate need. “We have brought merchandise of little worth”—meaning inferior goods that were unwanted because they were scant and inadequate. “Give us full measure”—despite the insufficiency of what we offer—“and be charitable to us” by giving us more than what is due. “Indeed, Allah rewards those who give charity” with reward in this world and the Hereafter.