And so, when they lost all hope of [moving] him, they withdrew to take counsel [among themselves]. The eldest of them said: "Do you not remember that your father has bound you by a solemn pledge before God - and how, before that, you had failed with regard to Joseph? Hence, I shall not depart from this land till my father gives me leave or God passes judgment in my favour: for He is the best of all judges. 80 [And as for you others,] return to your father and say: 'O our father! Behold, thy son has stolen - but we [can] bear witness to no more than what has become known to us; and [although we gave you our pledge,] we could not guard against something that [lay hidden in the future and hence,] was beyond the reach of our perception. 81 "And ask (the people of) the town where we have been, and the caravan in which we returned, and indeed we are telling the truth." 82 (When he heard this), Jacob said, "Your souls have tempted you to make up the whole story. Let us be patient for perhaps God will bring them all back to me. God is certainly All-knowing and All-wise". 83 He turned away from them and cried: "Alas for Joseph!" And his eyes turned white with grief which he bore in silence. 84 They said: 'By Allah, will you not cease to mention Joseph until you are consumed, or are among the perishing' 85 He said: "I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you know not. 86 "O my sons! go ye and enquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah's Soothing Mercy: truly no one despairs of Allah's Soothing Mercy, except those who have no faith." 87 And when they entered unto him, they said: O Aziz! distress hath touched us and our household, and we have brought poor goods, wherefore give us full measure, and be charitable unto us; verily Allah recompenseth the charitable. 88 He said, "Do you know what you did with Joseph and his brother when you were ignorant?" 89 Then they inquired, "Are you Joseph?" He said, "Yes, I am Joseph and this is my brother. God has indeed been gracious to us. One who exercises patience and observes piety should know that God does not ignore the reward of the righteous ones." 90 They said, "By Allah, certainly has Allah preferred you over us, and indeed, we have been sinners." 91 He replied: "No blame lies with you today. May Allah forgive you. He is the Most Merciful of all those that are merciful. 92 Go, take this shirt of mine and cast it over my father's face, he will recover his sight. Then return to me with all your family' 93