Surah Yusuf — Ayah 77 (12:77)

English translation (Saheeh International)

They said, "If he steals - a brother of his has stolen before." But Joseph kept it within himself and did not reveal it to them.¹ He said, "You are worse in position, and Allāh is most knowing of what you describe."

1. - He did not answer that he himself had been stolen by them from his father.

Brief commentary

The brothers of Joseph said that if he had stolen it was not surprising, since a full brother of his had stolen before he had, meaning Joseph (peace be upon him). Joseph hid his hurt at what they said, thinking to himself that their envy and the bad actions they had committed were evil itself in this context, and Allah knew best the lies that came from them.