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 Return unto your father and say: O our father! Lo! thy son hath stolen. We testify only to that which we know; we are not guardians of the Unseen. 81 Ask the village where we were and the caravan in which we traveled, we speak the truth' 82 "No," said (the father). "You have made up the story; but patience is best; God may bring them back to me. He is all-knowing and all-wise." 83 And he turned away and said: 'Alas for Joseph' His eyes turned white with the grief he repressed within him. 84 They said: "By Allah! (never) wilt thou cease to remember Joseph until thou reach the last extremity of illness, or until thou die!" 85 He replied, "I only complain of my sorrow and grief to God. I know about God what you do not know. 86 My sons! Go and try to find out about Joseph and his brother and do not despair of Allah's mercy. Verily only the unbelievers despair of Allah's mercy." 87 So when they entered upon Joseph, they said, "O 'Azeez, adversity has touched us and our family, and we have come with goods poor in quality, but give us full measure and be charitable to us. Indeed, Allah rewards the charitable." 88 When Joseph heard this (he could not hold himself and said): "Do you remember what you did to Joseph and his brother when you were ignorant?" 89 They said: "Are you indeed Yusuf (Joseph)?" He said: "I am Yusuf (Joseph), and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been gracious to us. Verily, he who fears Allah with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the Muhsinun (good-doers - see V. 2:112) to be lost." 90 'By God,' they said, 'God has indeed preferred thee above us, and certainly we have been sinful.' 91 He said: Have no fear this day! May Allah forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy. 92 Go, take this shirt, and do you cast it on my father's face, and he shall recover his sight; then bring me your family all together.' 93