۞ In the story of Joseph and his brothers are lessons for those who inquire. 7 When they said, 'Surely Joseph and his brother are dearer to our father than we, though we are a band. Surely our father is in manifest error. 8 So either kill Joseph or cast him into some distant land so that your father's attention may become exclusively yours. And after so doing become righteous." 9 One of them said: 'No, do not kill Joseph, if you do anything, cast him into a dark pit, a traveler will pick him up' 10 [On this they agreed; and thereupon] they spoke [thus to their father]: "O our father! Wherefore wilt thou not trust us with Joseph, seeing that we are indeed his well-wishers? 11 Send him out with us tomorrow that he may enjoy himself and play while we will be there, standing guard over him." 12 Jacob replied, "I shall be grieved if you take him with you; I fear that some wild-beast will harm him in your absence." 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 And so, when they went away with him, they decided to cast him into the dark depths of the well. And We revealed [this] unto him: "Thou wilt yet remind them of this their deed at a time when they shall not perceive [who thou art]!" 15 And they came to their father at night, weeping. 16 They said:"O our father! We went racing with one another, and left Yusuf (Joseph) by our belongings and a wolf devoured him; but you will never believe us even when we speak the truth." 17 And they showed him their brother's shirt, stained with false blood. "No!" he cried. "Your souls have tempted you to do something evil! But it is best to be patient: God alone can help me bear the loss you speak of." 18 And a caravan came, and they sent their water drawer to draw water. As he let down his bucket in the well he (observed Joseph) and cried out: "This is good news. There is a boy." They concealed him, considering him as part of their merchandise, while Allah was well aware of what they did. 19 Later they sold him for a paltry sum, a few pieces of silver [dirhams]: So little did they value him. 20