greater in their significance for his faith, his standing before Allah, and his reward than his patient endurance of his brothers’ wrongdoing toward him. Thus, Joseph is more greatly honoured for the former than for the latter. This is why Allah Most High said of him:

“Thus it was, so that We might turn evil and immorality away from him. Indeed, he was one of Our chosen servants.”

This is like comparing steadfast restraint from sin with patient endurance of calamities: the former is greater, and it is the patience of the God-fearing allies of Allah.

Sahl ibn Abd Allāh al-Tustarī said: “Both the righteous and the wicked perform good deeds, but only one of unwavering truthfulness remains steadfast in refraining from sin.” Joseph, may Allah’s blessings be upon him, was a man of unwavering truthfulness and a prophet. As for those who suffer wrongdoing against their will and endure it patiently, they are many. Whoever does not endure with the patience of the noble will eventually forget his grief as beasts do.

Likewise, when someone who has been wronged gains power and overcomes his oppressor, and the oppressor repents and submits to him, pardoning him is a fine and virtuous act. Yet many religious people and worldly people of sound judgment do this. For the forbearance of kings and governors better consolidates their rule, secures people’s obedience, and wins their hearts. Mu‘āwiyah was among the most forbearing of people. Al-Ma’mūn was also forbearing, to the point that he would say: “If people knew how much I love to pardon, they would seek my favour by committing offences.” Thus, when he gained power over the man who had contested his rule—his uncle Ibrāhīm ibn al-Mahdī—he pardoned him.

But steadfastly resisting desires and overpowering passions for Allah’s sake—not out of hope for anything from a created being or fear of one—despite the many inducements to commit an indecent act, and choosing prolonged imprisonment over it, as Joseph said:

“My Lord, prison is dearer to me than what they invite me to”—

such conduct is found only among the finest of Allah’s righteous servants and His allies