۞ Verily in Joseph and his brethren are signs (or symbols) for seekers (after Truth). 7 When they said, "Joseph and his brother are more beloved to our father than we, while we are a clan. Indeed, our father is in clear error. 8 Slay Yusuf or cast him (forth) into some land, so that your father's regard may be exclusively for you, and after that you may be a 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: 'Father, what is the matter with you, do you not trust us with Joseph? Indeed, we are sincere advisors. 11 Send him with us tomorrow to frolic and play. We will look after him' 12 He said: "I am afraid of sending him with you lest a wolf should devour him when you are unmindful." 13 They said, "Surely, if the wolf devoured him while we were a strong party, we should indeed be great losers." 14 When they took Joseph with them, they agreed to throw him into the well. We revealed to Joseph that (sometime) in the future at a time when they would not recognize him, he would remind them of all this. 15 And at nightfall they came to their father, weeping, 16 They said, "O our father, indeed we went racing each other and left Joseph with our possessions, and a wolf ate him. But you would not believe us, even if we were truthful." 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 caravan; and they sent forth their drawer of water, and he let down his bucket into the well - [and when he saw Joseph] he exclaimed: "Oh, what a lucky find, this boy!" And they hid him with a view to selling him: but God had full knowledge of all that they were doing. 19 Later they sold him for a paltry sum - just a few dirhams; they did not care to obtain a higher price. 20