۞ Verily in the story of Joseph and his brothers there are many signs for those who inquire (about the truth). 7 When they said, "Joseph and his brother are more beloved to our father than we, while we are a clan. Indeed, our father is in clear error. 8 Slay Yusuf or cast him forth to some land; your father's countenance will be free for you, and ye shall be thereafter a people favoured. 9 One of them said, "Do not kill Joseph, but if you must, throw him into a dark well so that perhaps some caravan will take him away." 10 They said: "O our father! why dost thou not trust us with Joseph,- seeing we are indeed his sincere well-wishers? 11 "Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and verily, we will take care of him." 12 He said, “I will indeed be saddened by your taking him away, and I fear that the wolf may devour him, whilst you are unaware of him.” (* Prophet Yaqub knew of what was about to happen.) 13 Said they: "Surely, if the wolf were to devour him notwithstanding that we are so many - then, behold, we ought ourselves to perish!" 14 When they went with him, they agreed to put him in the bottom of a well. We revealed to him: 'You shall tell them of what they did when they are not aware (it is you)' 15 And at nightfall they came to their father, weeping, 16 They said: our father! we went off competing, and left Yusuf by our stuff, so a wolf devoured him; and thou wilt put no credence in us, even though we are the truth-tellers. 17 They presented him with a shirt stained with false blood. Jacob said, "Your souls have tempted you in this matter. Let us be patient and beg assistance from God if what you say is true." 18 Then there came a caravan of travellers: they sent their water-carrier (for water), and he let down his bucket (into the well)... He said: "Ah there! Good news! Here is a (fine) young man!" So they concealed him as a treasure! But Allah knoweth well all that they do! 19 And they sold him for a paltry price - a mere few silver coins: thus low did they value him. 20