Page 143 - General Knowledge from the Qur'an

People and Societies Cited in the Qur'an 141

take one of us instead of him. We see without a doubt that you are of the
people who do good.' He said, 'Allah forbid that we should take any-
one but him with whom our goods were found. In that case we would
clearly be wrongdoers.' When they despaired of him, they went apart
to talk alone. The eldest of them said, 'You know full well your father
had you make a covenant with Allah concerning this, and how before
you failed him with Yusuf. I will not leave this land until I have permis-
sion from my father, or Allah decides about the case on my behalf.
Truly He is the justest Judge of all. Return now to your father and say to
him, "Your son stole, father. We can do no more than testify to what we
know and we are not the guardians of the Unseen. Ask questions of the
town in which we were and of the caravan in which we came for we are
surely telling you the truth."' He said, 'It's merely that your lower selves
suggested something to you which you did. But beauty lies in having
steadfastness. Perhaps Allah will bring them all together. He is indeed
All-Knowing and All-Wise.' (Surah Yusuf, 78-83)
My sons! Seek news of Yusuf and his brother. Do not despair of solace
from Allah. No one despairs of solace from Allah except for people who
are disbelievers.' So when they came into his presence, they said, 'Your
Eminence! Hardship has hit us and our families. We bring scant mer-
chandise, but fill the measure for us generously. Allah always rewards a
generous giver.' He said, 'Are you aware of what you did to Yusuf and
his brother in ignorance?' They said, 'Are you Yusuf?' He said, 'I am in-
deed Yusuf, and this here is my brother. Allah has acted graciously to
us. As for those who fear Allah and are steadfast, Allah does not allow
to go to waste the wage of any people who do good.' They said, 'By
Allah, Allah has favoured you above us. Clearly we were in the wrong.'
He said, 'No blame at all will fall on you. Today you have forgiveness
from Allah. He is the Most Merciful of the merciful. Go with this shirt of
mine and cast it on my father's face and he will see again. Then come to
me with all your families.' (Surah Yusuf, 87-93)
They said, 'Our father, may we be forgiven for all the many wrongs
that we have done. We were indeed greatly mistaken men.' He said, 'I
will ask my Lord to pardon you. He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.'
(Surah Yusuf, 97-98)
This is news of the Unseen which We reveal to you. You were not