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 township where we were, and the caravan with which we travelled hither. Lo! we speak the truth. 82 [Jacob] said, "Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. Perhaps Allah will bring them to me all together. Indeed it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise." 83 And he turned away and said: 'Alas for Joseph' His eyes turned white with the grief he repressed within him. 84 "By God," said they, "you will never stop thinking of Joseph till you are consumed or perish." 85 He answered: "It is only to God that I complain of my deep grief and my sorrow: for I know, from God, something that you do not know. 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 So, when they entered unto him, they said, 'O mighty prince, affliction has visited us and our people. We come with merchandise of scant worth. Fill up to us the measure, and be charitable to us; surely God recompenses the charitable.' 88 He said, "Do you know what you did with 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 They said: "We swear by Allah! Indeed Allah has chosen you in preference to us and we were truly guilty." 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 with this shirt of mine and lay it on my father's face, he will become (again) a seer; and come to me with all your folk. 93