Their return

So, go to your father and tell him: 'O father, your son has committed a theft. We bear witness to only what we know; we could not prevent the unknown.

Enquire from the people of that city, or ask the men of the caravan with whom we have come. We are verily speaking the truth.'"

"No," said (the father). "You have made up the story; but patience is best; God may bring them back to me. He is all-knowing and all-wise."

He turned away from them and cried: "Alas for Joseph!" And his eyes turned white with grief which he bore in silence.

"By God," said they, "you will never stop thinking of Joseph till you are consumed or perish."

He replied: "I cry my plaint and grief to God, and know from God what you do not know.

O sons, go in search of Joseph and his brother, and do not despair of the mercy of God. Only they despair of God's mercy who do not believe."