۞ In the story of Joseph and his brothers, there is evidence (of the truth) for those who seek to know. 7 Recall what time they said: surely Yusuf and his brother are dearer to our father than we, whereas we are company; verily our father is in error manifest. 8 [Said one of them:] "Slay Joseph, or else drive him away to some [faraway] land, so that your father's regard may be for you alone: and after this is done, you will be [free to repent and to live once again as] righteous people!" 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 "Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and verily, we will take care of 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 They said, 'If the wolf eats him, and we a band, then are we losers!' 14 So when they went with him, and agreed to put him in the bottom of the well, and We revealed to him, 'Thou shalt tell them of this their doing when they are unaware.' 15 In the evening they returned 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 and they produced his tunic with false blood upon it. [But Jacob] exclaimed: "Nay, but it is your [own] minds that have made [so terrible] a happening seem a matter of little account to you! But [as for myself,] patience in adversity is most goodly [in the sight of God]; and it is to God [alone] that I pray to give me strength to bear the misfortune which you have described to me." 18 And there came a company of travelers; then they sent their water drawer, and he let down his bucket. He said, "Good news! Here is a boy." And they concealed him, [taking him] as merchandise; and Allah was knowing of what they did. 19 In selling him they asked for a very small price and even then no one wanted to buy him. 20