They said, "O our father, why do you not entrust us with Joseph while indeed, we are to him sincere counselors?

Send him with us tomorrow that he may eat well and play. And indeed, we will be his guardians."

[Jacob] said, "Indeed, it saddens me that you should take him, and I fear that a wolf would eat him while you are of him unaware."

They said, "If a wolf should eat him while we are a [strong] clan, indeed, we would then be losers."

So when they took him [out] and agreed to put him into the bottom of the well... But We inspired to him, "You will surely inform them [someday] about this affair of theirs while they do not perceive [your identity]."

And they came to their father at night, weeping.

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."

And they brought upon his shirt false blood. [Jacob] said, "Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. And Allah is the one sought for help against that which you describe."

And there came a company of travelers; then they sent their water drawer, and he let down his bucket. He said, "Good news! Here is a boy." And they concealed him, [taking him] as merchandise; and Allah was Knowing of what they did.

And they sold him for a reduced price – a few dirhams – and they were, concerning him, of those content with little.