۞ Verily in the story of Joseph and his brothers there are many signs for those who inquire (about the truth). 7 NOW [Joseph's brothers] spoke [thus to one another:] "Truly, Joseph and his brother [Benjamin] are dearer to our father than we, even though we are so many. Behold, our father is surely suffering from an aberration!" 8 "Kill Yusuf (Joseph) or cast him out to some (other) land, so that the favour of your father may be given to you alone, and after that you will be righteous folk (by intending repentance before committing the sin)." 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 They said: O our father! Why wilt thou not trust us with Joseph, when lo! we are good friends to him? 11 Let him go out with us tomorrow, that he may enjoy himself and play: and verily, we shall guard him well!" 12 [Jacob] said, "Indeed, it saddens me that you should take him, and I fear that a wolf would eat him while you are of him unaware." 13 They replied: "If a wolf should devour him when we are there, a well-knit band, we shall certainly be treacherous." 14 Then, when they led him off, and were of one mind that they should place him in the depth of the pit, We inspired in him: Thou wilt tell them of this deed of theirs when they know (thee) not. 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 A caravan came by and sent their water carrier out to the well. When he drew out Joseph in his bucket, he shouted, "Glad news, a young boy!" The people of the caravan hid him amongst their belongings. God knows well what they do. 19 The (Brethren) sold him for a miserable price, for a few dirhams counted out: in such low estimation did they hold him! 20