Volume 10 Surah 12 - 15 - Enjoy Islam

Yūsuf (Joseph) | A FAVOURITE CHILD IS LOST
on what they had decided. This is clearly apparent in the next scene.
Deceiving an Elderly Father
Now we see them with their father trying to persuade him to let them take Joseph
with them the following day. They are intent on deceiving their father and carrying
out their wicked scheme against Joseph. “[Thereupon] they said [to their father]: ‘Father,
why do you not trust us with Joseph, when we are indeed his well-wishers. Send him with us
tomorrow, that he may enjoy himself and play. We will certainly take good care of him.’ He
answered: ‘It certainly grieves me that you should take him with you; and I dread that the
wolf may eat him when you are heedless of him.’ They said: ‘If the wolf were to eat him when
we are so many, then we should surely be lost.” (Verses 11-14) Here we see through fine
words and expressions how much effort they exerted in trying to win over their
father’s heart.
As they begin, they address him by virtue of their relationship, “Father!” Then
they follow this with a question that suggests tacit remonstration: “Why do you not
trust us with Joseph?” (Verse 11) This invites Jacob’s denial, so that he admits what is
opposite and allows Joseph to go with them. Jacob had thus far prevented Joseph
from going with his brothers to the pasture land and open areas they frequented
because he loved him so dearly and feared that at his young age he might not
withstand the tiring journey and the hard weather. It was not because he suspected
any foul play. Hence, by suggesting that their father did not trust them, the brothers
sought his denial of the same. In this way, his resolve to keep Joseph at home was
weakened. It was a foul trick with a foul aim in mind.
“Father, why do you not trust us with Joseph, when we are indeed his well-wishers?”
(Verse 11) They are emphasizing here that their hearts are full of good intentions
towards their brother. However, a schemer often betrays himself. The stress they
placed on wishing their brother well almost betrayed the ill feelings they harboured
against him. “Send him with us tomorrow, that he may enjoy himself and play. We will
certainly take good care of him.” (Verse 12) Once again they emphasized their
awareness of their responsibility to guard and protect Joseph. They also painted a
pleasant picture of what awaited Joseph of play and pleasure to persuade their father
to send him with them.
In reply to their remonstrations, Jacob indirectly denied that he did not trust them
with their brother. He justified keeping Joseph with him by saying that he would
miss him even if he were absent for a day or so, and he would worry about Joseph
being attacked by wolves: “He answered: ‘It certainly grieves me that you should take him
with you; and I dread that the wolf may eat him when you are heedless of him.’” (Verse 13)
In effect, he said he always wanted Joseph beside him. This must have intensified the
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