[12:70]

And when he provided them with their provision, he put the drinking-cup in his brother’s saddlebag, and then a crier cried: O camel- riders! Lo! ye are surely thieves!

[12:71]

They cried, coming toward them: What is it ye have lost ?

[12:72]

They said: We have lost the king’s cup, and he who bringeth it shall have a camel-load, and I (said Joseph) am answerable for it.

[12:73]

They said: By Allah, well ye know we came not to do evil in the land, and are no thieves.

[12:74]

They said: And what shall be the penalty for it, if ye prove liars ?

[12:75]

They said: The penalty for it! He in whose bag (the cup) is found, he is the penalty for it. Thus we requite wrong-doers.

[12:76]

Then he (Joseph) began the search with their bags before his brother’s bag, then he produced it from his brother’s bag. Thus did We contrive for Joseph. He could not have taken his brother according to the king’s law unless Allah willed. We raise by grades (of mercy) whom We will, and over every lord of knowledge there is one more knowing.

[12:77]

They said: If he stealeth, a brother of his stole before. But Joseph kept it secret in his soul and revealed it not unto them. He said (within himself): Ye are in worse case, and Allah knoweth best (the truth of) that which ye allege.

[12:78]

They said: O ruler of the land! Lo! he hath a very aged father, so take one of us instead of him. Lo! we behold thee of those who do kindness.