这是《古兰经》中最详尽、最引人入胜的故事之一，其中既包含嫉妒、仇恨、傲慢、情欲、欺骗、阴谋、残忍和恐惧等人性弱点，也展现了耐心、忠诚、勇敢、高尚和仁慈等崇高品质。

This is the most detailed and fascinating story in the Quran, involving both human weaknesses such as jealousy, hatred, pride, passion, deception, intrigue, cruelty, and terror as well as noble qualities such as patience, loyalty, bravery, nobility, and compassion.

据传，此章降示的原因之一是：犹太人请先知穆罕默德ﷺ向他们讲述约瑟夫（愿主赐其平安）的事迹。约瑟夫是他们古时的先知之一。关于他的故事，有些部分已被歪曲，有些部分则被添加和删减所损害。因此，真主的经典（古兰经）降示了这段故事，其细节完整而精确。

It is related that among the reasons for its revelation is that the Jews asked the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to tell them about Joseph (pbuh) who was one of their old prophets. His story had been distorted in parts and marred in others with interpolation and exclusions. Therefore it was revealed in the Book of Allah (Quran), complete in its minute and careful details.

安拉至高无上地宣称:

Allah the Almighty declared:

我们通过启示给你的这部《古兰经》,向你讲述最美好的故事。在此之前,你对此(即《古兰经》)是毫无所知的人。(第12章第3节,《古兰经》)

"We relate unto you (Muhammad) the best of stories through Our Revelations unto you, of this Quran. And before this (i.e. before the coming of Divine Inspiration to you), you were among those who knew nothing about it (the Quran). ( Ch 12:3 Quran)

全能的真主也降下了如下的律法:

Almighty Allah also decreed:

"这样,我(安拉)将以往的一些故事讲述给你(穆罕默德ﷺ)听。我确已从我这里赐予你一份教诲(即这部《古兰经》)。凡背弃它的人(即不信它、不遵行它的命令者),他们在复活日必将背负沉重的罪负。他们将永居其中(指火狱之中),复活日他们所背负的那份重担,实在糟糕透顶。"(第20章:99-101节)

"Thus We relate to you (O Muhammad) some information of what happened before, And indeed We have give you from Us a Reminder (this Quran). Whoever turns away from it (this Quran--i.e. does not believe in it, nor acts on its orders), verily they will bear a heavy burden (of sins) on the Day of Resurrection. They will abide in that (state in the Fire of Hell), and evil indeed will it be that load for them on the Day of Resurrection.(Ch 20:99-101)

约瑟夫的故事从头到尾一气呵成，其内容与形式同样连贯。它让人感受到真主大能与至高的深广，以及尽管人类有所干预，祂的定命依然得以实现。

The story of Joseph (pbuh) moves in a stream from beginning to end; its substance and form are equally coherent. It inspires you with a feeling for the depth of Allah's power and supremacy and the execution of His rulings despite the challenge of human intervention.

“而真主主宰自己的事务，但大多数人并不知道。”（第12章：21节）

"And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not. (Ch 12:21)

这正是约瑟夫（愿主赐其平安）的故事所明确证实的，因为它以安慰和奇妙之事收尾。

This is what the story of Joseph (pbuh), confirms categorically, for it ends with comfort and marvels.

约瑟的一生都在应对身边最亲近之人所策划的阴谋。他的兄弟们曾密谋杀害他，后来又改为将他放逐。这件事发生时，他还只是个少年。

Joseph lived all his life confronting schemes made by the people closest to him. His brothers plotted to kill him, but they amended it to exiling him. This happened to him while he was a boy.

他被卖到埃及的奴隶市场，在那里以象征性的低价被买下。之后，他遭遇了一位大人物之妻的引诱未遂；她的企图落空后，便将他送入监狱，他在狱中待了一段时间。尽管经历了这一切，他最终还是接近了埃及的王座，成为国王的首席大臣。随后，他从统治者的地位出发，开始了他对真主的宣教。

He was sold into the slave market in Egypt, where he was bought for a nominal sum. Then he fell victim to the attempted seduction by a great man's wife who, when her wish was foiled, sent him to prison, where he remained for some time. In spite of all of this, he at length approached close to the Egyptian throne and became the king's chief minister. He then began his call to Allah from the position of the ruling authority.

真主的安排得以实现，事情就此终结。这便是这则故事的主旨。

Allah's plans were carried out, and the matter ended. This is the substance (theme) of the story.

至于其呈现的形式（风格），它本身就是一处令人惊叹的标志。

As for the form (style) in which it is presented, it is a landmark of wonder.

这个故事以一系列片段的形式展开。它一幕接一幕地呈现场景，其间的过渡既富有启发性、增长见识，又能激发想象。其中也有一些艺术上的留白，让读者借助自己的想象去补全其意义；画面的深度，则是任何人类艺术家都难以创造出来的。

The story is presented in a sequence of episodes. It gives you scene after scene and the transition is inspiring, informative, and stirring to the imagination. There are also artistic loopholes, which leave it to the imagination of the reader to complete the sense, as well as the depth of the picture, the like of which no human artist can bring forth.

故事始于一个梦，终于对梦的解释。当太阳升起在地平线上，以其晨光沐浴大地之时，约瑟夫（愿主赐福于他），先知雅各布（愿主赐福于他）之子

The story begins with a dream and ends with its interpretation. As the sun appeared over the horizon, bathing the earth in its morning glory, Joseph (pbuh), son of the Prophet Jacob (pbuh)

他从睡梦中醒来,因为做了一个令人愉快的梦而心情欢喜。他满怀兴奋地跑去找父亲,把梦讲给他听。

awoke from his sleep, delighted by a pleasant dream he had had. Filled with excitement he ran to his father and related it.

"我的父亲啊！我确已在梦中看见十一颗星、太阳和月亮，我看见它们向我叩拜。"（第12章第4节）

"O my father! Verily, I saw (in a dream) eleven stars and the sun and the moon, I saw them prostrating themselves to me." (Ch 12:4)

他的父亲面露喜色。他预见到约瑟将是应验他祖父、先知易卜拉欣(愿主赐他平安)预言的人，因为他的后裔将延续易卜拉欣家族的光明，并将真主的启示传播给世人。

His father's face lit up. He foresaw that Joseph would be one through whom the prophecy of his grandfather, Prophet Abraham (pbuh), would be fulfilled, in that his offspring would keep the light of Abraham's house alive and spread Allah's message to mankind.

因此,有传述称,有人问安拉的使者穆罕默德(ﷺ):"人群中谁最尊贵?"他回答说:"最敬畏安拉的人。"众人说:"我们问的不是这个。"他说:"最尊贵的人是安拉的先知约瑟夫,安拉的先知之子,安拉的忠实朋友(易卜拉欣)之孙。"(《萨希赫·布哈里圣训集》)然而,父亲深知约瑟夫的兄弟们的嫉妒,因此告诫他不要把自己的梦告诉兄弟们。

Therefore, it was narrated that Allah's Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) was asked: "Who is the most honorable amongst the people?" He replied: "The most God-fearing." The people said: "We do not want to ask you about this." He said: "The most honorable person is Joseph Allah's prophet, the son of Allah's prophet, the son of the faithful friend of Allah (Abraham)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari) However, the father was well aware of the jealousy of Joseph's brothers, so he warned him against telling his dream to his brothers.

"我的儿啊!你不要把你的梦告诉你的兄弟,恐怕他们为你设计阴谋。撒旦确是人类明显的仇敌。这样,你的主将拣选你,教你解释梦兆,并将他的恩典完成于你和叶尔孤白的后裔,正如他以前完成于你的两位祖先易卜拉欣和易思哈格。你的主确是全知的,确是至睿的。"(12:5-6)

"O my son! Relate not your vision to your brothers, lest they arrange a plot against you. Verily! Satan is to man an open enemy! Thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of dreams (an other things) and perfect His Favor on you and on the offspring of Jacob, as He perfected it on your fathers, Abraham, and Isaac aforetime! Verily! your Lord is All-Knowing, All-Wise." (Ch 12:5-6)

约瑟听从了父亲的警告，没有把自己所见的告诉兄弟们。众所周知，他们非常憎恨他，以至于他很难安心地向他们吐露心中所想和梦中所见。

Joseph heeded his father's warning. He did not tell his brothers what he had seen. It is well known that they hated him so much that it was difficult for him to feel secure telling them what was in his heart and in his dreams.

约瑟夫十八岁，英俊健壮，性情温和。他恭敬、善良、体贴。他的兄弟本杰明同样令人喜爱。两人都是拉结所生。因为他们品性高尚，父亲比对其他孩子更加疼爱这两个儿子，不愿让他们离开自己的视线。为了保护他们，父亲让他们在家中的花园里做工，使他们忙碌。

Joseph was eighteen years old, very handsome and robust, with a gentle temperament. He was respectful, kind and considerate. His brother Benjamin was equally pleasant. Both were from one mother, Rachel. Because of their refined qualities, the father loved the two more than his other children, and would not let them out of his sight. To protect them, he kept them busy with work in the house garden.

雅各与他儿子的场景落幕。另一幕随之拉开，约瑟的兄弟们开始密谋对付他。

The scene of Jacob and his son closes. Another opens on Joseph's brothers plotting against him.

"实在，约瑟和他的兄弟（便雅悯）比我们更受我们父亲的喜爱，但我们是一群强壮的人（Usbah，一个强大的群体）。我们的父亲确实处于明显的错误之中。杀死约瑟，或者把他驱逐到别的地方去，好让你们父亲的恩宠只归于你们，此后你们就会成为善良的人（即在犯罪之前打算悔改）。"他们中有一人说："不要杀约瑟，但如果你们一定要做点什么，就把他扔到井底，会有过路的商队把他捡去。"（第12章8-10节）

"Truly, Joseph and his brother (Benjamin) are loved more by our father than we, but we are Usbah (a strong group). Really our father is in a plain error. Kill Joseph or cast him out to some other land, so that the favor of your father may be give to you alone, and after that you will be righteous folk (by intending repentance before committing the sin)." One from among them said: "Kill not Joseph, but if you must do something, throw him down to the bottom of a well, he will be picked up by some caravan of travelers." (Ch 12:8-10)

旧约的经文说约瑟把他的梦告诉了他们，而古兰经并没有说这件事发生过。如果确实如此，兄弟们自己也会这样说的。旧约声称他们因为他而失去了自己的权利，所以他们要杀他。的确，约瑟遵守了父亲的嘱咐，没有把他的异象告诉他的兄弟们。

The pages of the Old Testament say that Joseph told them his dream, whereas the Quran does not say that happened. Had it been so, the brothers would have said so themselves. The Old Testament claims they had lost their own rights by him, and so they would kill him. Indeed Joseph kept his father's order and did not tell his brothers about his vision.

尽管如此,他的兄弟们还是坐下来密谋害他。其中一人问道:"我们的父亲为什么比我们更爱约瑟夫?"另一人答道:"或许是因为他的容貌。"第三人说:"约瑟夫和他的兄弟占据了我们父亲的心。"第一人抱怨道:"我们的父亲已经完全迷失了。"其中一人提出了解决此事的办法:杀死约瑟夫。

In spite of this, his brothers sat down to conspire against him. One of them asked: "Why does our father love Joseph more than us?" Another answered: "Perhaps because of his beauty." A third said: "Joseph and his brother occupied our father's heart." The first complained: "Our father has gone all astray." One of them suggested a solution to the matter; kill Joseph.

"我们应该在哪里杀他？""我们应该把他赶到这些土地之外。""我们要把他送到遥远的国度。""为什么我们不杀了他，让他的父亲只偏爱你们，我们也就省心了呢？"然而，他们中最年长、最有智慧的犹大（Yahudh）说："既然你们只想摆脱他，就没有必要杀他。你们看，我们把他扔进井里，路过的商队会把他捞起来，带他去远方。他就会从你们父亲的视线中消失，我们的目的也就通过流放他达到了。之后我们再为自己的罪过忏悔，重新做个好人。"讨论接着围绕把约瑟扔进井里的想法展开，因为这被视为最安全的办法。杀他的计划被否决，把他带到远方的方案获得通过。这是最聪明的主意。

"Where should we kill him?" "We should banish him away from these grounds." "We will send him to a distant land." "Why should we not kill him and have rest so that the favor of your father may be give to you alone?" However, Judah (Yahudh), the eldest and most intelligent among them, said: "There is no need to kill him when all you want is to get rid of him. Look here, let us throw him into a well and he will be picked up by a passing caravan. T hey will take him with them to a distant land. He will disappear from your father's sight and our purpose will be served with his exile. Then after that we shall repent for our crime and become good people once again." The discussion continued on the idea of dropping Joseph into a well, as it was seen as the safest solution. The plan to kill him was defeated; kidnap into a distant land was approved. It was the cleverest of ideas.

他们的下一步行动，开启了他们与父亲雅各伯（愿主赐福于他）之间的这一幕。

Their next movement opened the scene between them and their father Jacob (pbuh):

他们说:"我们的父亲啊!你为什么不信任我们,不让约瑟与我们同去?我们确实是他的挚友。明天你就让他跟我们一起去,让他尽情游玩嬉戏,我们必定会照顾他。"他说:"你们带他走,实在令我忧伤。我怕狼会吃掉他,而你们却疏忽了他。"他们说:"我们这么多人,若狼吃掉他,那我们就真的是失败者了。"(第12章第11-14节)

They said: "O our father! Why do you not trust us with Joseph, when we are indeed his well wishers? Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and verily we will take care of him." He (Jacob) said: "Truly, it saddens me that you should take him away. I fear lest a wolf should devour him, while you are careless of him." They said: "If a wolf devours him, while we are Usbah (a strong group) (to guard him), then surely we are the losers." (Ch 12:11-14)

雅各布提出了一个他们在讨论中未曾想到的看法：他担心沙漠狼会吃掉他！他指的是他们之中的狼，还是野狼？只有真主知道。他们哄劝父亲让约瑟夫与他们同去；在他们的压力下，父亲同意了。

Jacob suggested a point, which had not occurred to them in their discussion: he feared that desert wolves would eat him! ithe wolves within them, or did he mean the wild wolves? No one but Allah knows. They coaxed their father to send Joseph with them; he agreed under their pressure.

他们为此感到兴奋,因为他们现在可以摆脱约瑟夫了,此后他们或许更有机会获得父亲的宠爱。他们离开家后,便按照计划径直去了井边,借口是要喝水。其中一人伸出双臂抱住约瑟夫,紧紧搂着他。约瑟夫被这种反常的举动吓了一跳,挣扎着想要挣脱。更多的兄弟冲上前来抓住他。其中一人脱下了他的衬衫。又有几个人加入进来,把约瑟夫抬起来,投进了深井之中。约瑟夫可怜的哀求,却丝毫没有打动他们冷酷的心。

They were excited that they could now get rid of Joseph for after this they could stand a better chance of receiving their father's affection. On leaving home, they went directly to the well, as they had planned, on the pretext of drinking water. One of them put his arms around Joseph and held him tightly. Startled by this unusual behavior, Joseph struggled to free himself. More brothers rushed to hold him. One of them removed his shirt. Some more joined in to lift Joseph up and cast him into the deep well. Joseph's piteous pleas made no difference to their cruel hearts.

于是安拉启示约瑟,告诉他不必害怕,他终有一天会再与他们相见,并提醒他们曾经做过的事。

Then Allah revealed to Joseph that he was safe and should not fear, for he would meet them again some day to remind them of what they had done.

井里有水,托住了约瑟的身体,所以他没有受伤。他孤零零地坐在水中,然后抓住头顶上的一块岩石凸台,爬到了上面。他的兄弟们把他留在了这荒凉的地方。

There was water in the well, which buoyed Joseph's body, so he was not harmed. He sat lonely in the water, then clung to a rock ledge overheard and climbed on top of it. his brothers left him in this desolate place.

然后他们宰了一只羊,把约瑟夫的衬衫浸在羊血里。其中一个兄弟说,他们应当发誓对这件事守口如瓶。他们都起誓了。

Then they killed a sheep and soaked Joseph's shirt in its blood. One brother said that they should swear to keep their deed a close secret. All of them took the oath.

"他们在夜晚的早些时候哭着来到父亲那里。"（第12章第16节）

"And they came to their father in the early part of the night weeping." (Ch 12:16)

黑夜降临，十个男人的哭声打破了寂静。父亲坐在家中，儿子们走了进来。夜的黑暗笼罩着他们，而他们心中的黑暗与谎言也在挣扎着要显露出来。雅各布忍不住问道："为什么哭泣？我们的羊群出了什么事吗？"他们哭着回答："我们的父亲啊！我们相互赛跑，把约瑟留在我们的东西旁边，结果一只狼把他吃掉了；即使我们说的是实话，你也不会相信我们。"（第12章第17节）

The scene here is dark night, broken by the crying of ten men. The father is sitting in his house when the sons enter, the darkness of night covering the darkness of their hearts and the darkness of their lies struggling to come out. Jacob wondered aloud: "Why this weeping? Has anything happened to our flock?" They answered crying: "O our father! We went racing with one another, and left Joseph by our belongings and a wolf devoured him; but you will never believe us even when we speak the truth. (Ch 12:17)

"我们赛跑回来,发现约瑟在狼的肚子里,我们感到很惊讶。" "我们没有看见他!" "即使我们说的是实话,你们也不会相信我们!我们是在告诉你们发生了什么!" "狼吃掉了约瑟!" "这是约瑟的衬衫。我们发现它沾满了血迹,却没有找到约瑟!" 他们拿来了沾着假血的他的衬衫。(第12章第18节)

"We were surprised after returning from the race that Joseph was in the belly of the wolf." "We did not see him!" "You will not believe us even though we are truthful! we are telling you what happened!" "The wolf has eaten Joseph!" "This is Joseph's shirt. We foiled it soiled with blood, and did not find Joseph!" They brought his shirt stained with false blood. (Ch 12:18)

在内心深处,雅各布知道他心爱的儿子仍然活着,而他其他的儿子在撒谎。他手里拿着沾满血迹的衣服,把它摊开,说道:"好一头仁慈的狼!它吃掉了我心爱的儿子,却没有撕破他的衬衫!"他追问更多的情况时,他们的脸涨得通红,但每个人都指着安拉起誓,说自己说的是实话。这位心碎的父亲放声痛哭:

Deep down in the heart Jacob knew that his beloved son was still alive and that his other sons were lying. He held the blood stained in his hands, spread it out and remarked: "What a merciful wolf! he ate up my beloved son without tearing his shirt!" Their faces turned red when he demanded more information, but each swore by Allah that he was telling the truth. The brokenhearted father burst into tears:

不然，你们自己编造了一个故事。所以我最适合的是忍耐。你们所宣称的事情，只有安拉才是可以求助的。（第12章:18节）

"Nay! But your ownselves have made up a tale. So for me patience is more fitting. It is Allah Alone whose Help can be sought against that which you assert." (Ch 12:18)

父亲明智地做法，他祈求获得坚定而毫无疑虑的耐心，并信靠真主，以对抗他们对他和他儿子所策划的阴谋。这一幕渐渐隐去，场景转到约瑟曾被投入的那口井里。

The father acted wisely by praying for mighty patience, which is free of doubt, and by trusting in Allah for help against what they had plotted against him and his son. This scene dims, and the scene opens in the well with which Joseph had been thrown.

在黑暗的井底，约瑟找到了一块可以抓住的石台。四周一片漆黑，寂静得令人毛骨悚然。恐惧的念头涌入他的脑海：他将会遭遇什么？

In the dark well Joseph managed to find a stone ledge to hold onto. Around him was total darkness and an eerie silence. Fearful thoughts entered his mind: what would happen to him?

他在哪里能找到食物呢？他的亲兄弟为什么会与他作对？他的父亲会知道他的处境吗？父亲的微笑在他眼前闪过，回想起父亲一直以来对他的爱与疼惜。约瑟夫开始恳切地祈祷，向真主祈求拯救。他的恐惧渐渐平息下来。他的造物主正以巨大的不幸考验这位年轻人，以便在他心中注入忍耐与勇气的精神。约瑟夫顺服于他主的旨意。

Where would he find food? Why had his own brothers turned against him? Would his father know of his plight? His father's smile flashed before him recalling the love and affection he had always shown him. Joseph began to pray earnestly, pleading to Allah for salvation. Gradually his fear began to subside. His Creator was testing the young man with a great misfortune in order to infuse in him a spirit of patience and courage. Joseph, surrended himself to the will of his Lord.

接下来的场景展现的是广袤的沙漠。地平线上是一长串骆驼、马匹和人群,一支前往埃及的商队正在路上行进。商队在这口著名的水井旁停下来取水。一个人把水桶放了下去。约瑟夫看到水桶猛然坠下,在它落入水中之前一把抓住了它。那人开始往上拉,却觉得分量异常沉重,于是探头向井里看去。他所看到的景象让他大吃一惊:一个人正紧紧抓着绳子!他死死握住绳子,朝同伴们大喊:"伙计们,快来帮我一把!看来我在井里找到了真正的宝贝!"同伴们连忙跑到井边,帮他把抓着绳子的那个陌生人拉了上来。

The next scene shows the wide desert. At the horizon is a long line of camels, horses, and men; a caravan on its way to Egypt. The caravan of merchants halted at this famous well for water. A man lowered in his bucket. Joseph was startled by the bucket hurtling down and grabbed hold of it before it could land in the water. As the man began to haul he felt the load unusually heavy, so he peeped into the well. What he saw shocked him; a man was clinging to the rope! He held the rope tightly and shouted to his friends: "Better give me a hand fellows! Looks like I found real treasure in the well!" His companions rushed to the well and helped him to pull out the stranger holding onto the rope.

站在他们面前的是一个健康英俊的少年，脸上洋溢着天使般的笑容。他们把他看作一件英俊的战利品，因为在他们眼中，只有金钱才最重要。他们立刻用铁镣铐住他的双脚，把他带往埃及，远离他所深爱的故乡迦南。

Standing before them was a healthy, handsome youth, beaming with an angelic smile. They saw in him a handsome prize, for money was all that mattered to them. Immediately, they clapped iron shackles on his feet and took him along to Egypt, far away from his beloved homeland of Canaan.

整座埃及城都传开了消息：有一个异常英俊、体格健壮的年轻奴隶要出售。奴隶市场上聚集了成百上千的人，有的是围观者，有的是竞买者，其中有权贵和富人，个个伸长脖子打量这位英俊的货品。随着竞价愈演愈烈，每位买家都想压过对方，拍卖人可谓大赚了一笔。

All over the Egyptian city the news spread that an unusually handsome, robust young slave was on sale. People gathered by the hundreds at the slave market. some were spectators, others were bidders the elite and the rich, each one craning his neck to view the handsome specimen. the auctioneer had a field day as the bidding went wild, each buyer trying to outbid the other.

最终，埃及的大臣阿齐兹出价高过了所有人，把约瑟带回了自己的府邸。

Eventually, the Aziz, the chief minister of Egypt, outbid all the others and took Joseph to his mansion.

《古兰经》如此描述这一场景：

The Quran describes this scene as follows:

"一队旅人来了，他们派出打水的人，他便把水桶放进井里。他说：“多好的消息！这里有个少年。”于是他们把他当作货物藏了起来。真主是全知他们所做之事的。"

"And there came a caravan of travelers; they sent their water drawer, and he let down his bucket into the well. He said: "What a good news! Here is a boy." So they hid him as merchandise (a slave). And Allah was the All Knower of what they did.

他们以低廉的价格把他卖掉，只换得几个迪拉姆（几枚银币）。他们是那些轻视他的人。

They sold him for a low price, for a few Dhirhams (for a few silver coins). They were of those who regarded him insignificant.

我们所看到的磨难与诽谤，正是约瑟通往伟大之路的阶梯的第一级。

What we see as hazards and slander is the first step of the ladder on Joseph's way to greatness.

安拉的决断是坚定的。祂的计划得以实施，无论他人如何谋划，甚至在他们的谋划尚未完成之时。于是祂使他们的计划落空，安拉的应许也得以实现。安拉已应许约瑟先知（Joseph）将获得先知的地位。一种对约瑟的爱被注入了买下他的那个人的心中，而此人的地位并不低微。他是一位重要人物，属于埃及的统治阶层。

Allah is decisive in His action. His plan is carried out despite the plans of others and while theirs are still being made. So He spoils their plan, and Allah's promise is realized. Allah has promise Joseph prophethood. Love for Joseph was thrust into the heart of the man who bought him, and he was a man of no mean position. He was an important personage, one of the ruling class of Egypt.

因此,当埃及的宰相命令手下解开约瑟脚上沉重的镣铐(他的双脚已经肿胀)时,约瑟感到十分意外。宰相又对他说,不要辜负他的信任;只要他规矩行事,就不会受到虐待。这番话也让约瑟感到意外。约瑟向这位恩人微笑致谢,并承诺会忠诚无二。

Therefore, Joseph was pleasantly surprised when the chief minister of Egypt ordered his men to remove the heavy shackles from his swollen feet. He was also surprised when he told Joseph not to betray his trust; he would not be ill-treated if he behaved himself. Joseph smiled at his benefactor, thanked him, and promised to be loyal.

约瑟感到安心,因为他终于有了庇护,也会得到妥善照料。他一再感谢安拉,并对生命的奥妙感到惊叹。不久前,他还被投进一口深而黑暗的井里,毫无生还的希望;接着他被人救起,却又被戴上铁镣沦为奴隶;而现在,他能在一座豪华的宅邸里自由走动,食物充足,足以享用。

Joseph felt at ease, for at last he was sheltered and would be well cared for. He thanked Allah over and over and wondered at the mysterious of life. Not so long ago he had been cast into a deep, dark well with no hope of ever coming out alive. Next he was rescued, then enslaved in iron shackles, and now he was moving freely in a luxurious mansion with enough food to enjoy.

然而,他的心因思念父母和弟弟便雅悯而隐隐作痛,他每天都为此流泪。

However, his heart ached with longing for his parents and brother Benjamin, and he shed tears daily.

约瑟被安排为大臣之妻的贴身侍从。他顺从而殷勤，举止得体，言谈和善，赢得了所有人的喜爱。

Joseph was made the personal attendant of the chief minister's wife. He was obedient and ever-obliging. With his pleasant manners and charming behavior, he won everybody's heart.

约瑟夫的俊美成了城里人谈论的话题。人们称他为他们所见过的最英俊的男子，还为他写诗赞美。他的脸庞有着无瑕的美貌。他内心灵魂与心地的纯洁显现在脸上，使他的美更加突出。远方的人们纷纷来到这座城市，只为一睹他的风采。最美丽的少女和最富有的贵妇们都想得到他，但他从未表现出傲慢或自负，始终谦逊而有礼。

Joseph's handsomeness became the talk of the town. People referred to him as the most attractive man they had ever seen and wrote poetry about him. His face carried immaculate beauty. The purity of his inner soul and his heart showed in his face, increasing his beauty. People from afar came to the city to have a glimpse of him. The prettiest of maidens and the richest of ladiesnursthe to possess him, but not once did he show haughtiness or conceit. he was always humble and polite.

日子一天天过去，约瑟渐渐长大。至高无上的安拉说：

The days passed and Joseph grew. Almighty Allah said:

"当他(约瑟夫)达到壮年时,我们赐予他智慧和知识(先知身份),我们如此报酬行善者。(第12章第22节)"

"And when he (Joseph) attained his full manhood, We gave him wisdom and knowledge (the Prophethood), thus We reward the doers of good. (Ch 12:22)

他被赐予处理事务的智慧，以及对生活及其种种情况的认识。他被赐予言谈的艺术，能够吸引听他说话的人。他被赐予高贵的品格和克己的美德，这使他成为一个令人无法抗拒的人物。他的主人很快就知道，真主已经将约瑟夫赐给了他，使他蒙受恩典。

He was given wisdom in affairs and knowledge of life and its conditions. He as given the art of conversation, captivating those who heard him. He was given nobility and self restraint, which made him an irresistible personality. His master soon knew that Allah had graced him with Joseph.

他明白约瑟是他一生中所遇见的最诚实、最正直、最高尚的人。因此，他委任约瑟管理家务，尊敬他，并把他当作儿子对待。

He understood that Joseph was the most honest, straightforward and noble person he had met in his life. Therefore, he put Joseph in charge of his household, honored him, and treated him as a son.

沃满大臣的妻子祖莱哈日复一日地注视着约瑟夫。她与他一同坐着，与他交谈，聆听他的话语，随着时光流逝，她的惊叹也日益增长。

The wife of the chief minister, Zulaikha, watched Joseph from day to day. She at with him, talked with him, listened to him, and her wonder increased over the passion of time.

约瑟夫很快又面临第二次考验。权臣的妻子祖莱哈无法抗拒这位英俊的约瑟夫，她对他的痴迷使她夜不能寐。她爱上了他，与一个男人如此接近却不能拥有他，对她而言是一种痛苦。然而，她并非放荡之人，因为凭她的地位，她本可以得到任何她想要的男人。据各方所述，她必定是一位非常美丽、聪慧的女子，否则权臣为何在整个王国的美女中选中了她？尽管她没有为他生下孩子，他也不愿另娶妻子，因为他热烈地爱着她。《古兰经》为这位女子炽烈而吞噬一切的爱揭开了帷幕。

Joseph was soon confronted (with his second trial). The chief minister's wife, Zulaikha could not resist the handsome Joseph, and her obsession with him caused her sleepless nights. She fell in love with him, and it was painful for her to be so close to a man, yet be unable to hold him. Yet, she was not a wayward woman, for in her position she could get any man she desired. By all accounts, she must have been a very pretty and intelligent lady, or why would the chief minister have chosen her of all the pretty women in the kingdom? Although she bore him no child, he would not take another wife, as he loved her passionately.The Quran raises the curtain on the scene of this fierce and devouring love on the part of the lady.

安拉至高无上曾告诉我们：

Allah the Almighty told us:

"她所住的那房子里的女主人,就勾引他,并关上了门,说:"来吧,你!"他说:"我求真主护庇!他确是我的主人,他善待了我的居留。不义的人必定不会成功。"她确已对他动了欲念,他若不是看见了他主的明证,也会对她动念。这样,是为了使他远离罪恶和淫秽。他确是我的被选中的、正道的仆人之一。"(第12章:23-24节)

"And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him (to do an evil act), she closed the doors and said: "come on, O you." He said: "I seek refuge in Allah (or Allah forbid)! Truly he (your husband) is my master! He made my stay agreeable! (So I will never betray him). Verily, the Zalimun (wrong, evildoers) will never be successful." Indeed she did desire him and he would have inclined to her desire had he not seen the evidence of his Lord. Thus it was, that We might turn away from evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. (Ch 12:23-24)

评注家们一致认为她有意图犯罪,但对他自己的意图则意见不一。有人说,她引诱他,他也被她诱使去犯罪,尽管他最终没有付诸行动。另有人说,她只是想让他亲吻她,而他则试图打她。还有人说,这种焦虑在这件事发生之前就已存在。约瑟夫进入青春期时,心理上曾有一种困扰,后来安拉使他摆脱了这种困扰。

Commentators are unanimous about her intention of disobedience but disagree about his own intention. There are those who say that she tempted him and he tempted her to sin, although he did not follow through with his intent. Others say that she merely wanted him to kiss her, and he attempted to strike her. Yet others say that this anxiety had been there before this incident. There was a psychological disturbance in Joseph when he reached adolescence, which Almighty Allah rid him of.

我们最稳妥的注释是：这节经文中既有诱惑，也有抵抗，因为至高的真主说：

The safest commentary for us is that there is temptation and resistance in the verse, for He Most High stated:

"的确，她对他动了欲念，他也会对她动念，要不是他看见了他主的明证。（第12章第24节）"

"And indeed she did desire him and he would have inclined to her desire... (Ch 12:24)

阿布·乌baidah说，这是一种诱惑与抗拒，意思是她曾试图引诱他；若不是他看到了安拉的明证，他就会被引诱了。这符合先知的无过性，也与紧接其后的经文之义相合。

Abu Ubaidah said that this is a temptation and resistance meaning that she had tried to seduce him; had he not seen the proof of Allah, he would have been seduced. This is in keeping with the infallibility of prophets, as it suits the words, which immediately follow:

这样,我们要使他远离罪恶和淫乱。他确是我们被选中的、受引导的仆人。(第12章:24节)

"Thus it was that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. (Ch 12:24)

这节经文证明约瑟是一位正直的安拉崇拜者；它也证明他从撒旦的权势中获得了拯救。至高者在创造之日对魔鬼（易卜劣斯）说：

This verse proves that Joseph was an upright worshipper of Allah; it also testifies to his rescue from the authority of Satan. The Almighty said to the devil (Iblis) on the Day of Creation:

"的确，你对我的仆人没有权威，除非是那些跟从你的迷误者。"（第15章：42节） Note: the source wording here is a verse rendering in English. The text in braces-free form is translated faithfully as above, keeping the reference.

"Certainly, you shall no authority over My slaves, except those who follow you of the Ghawin (Mushrikeen, and those who go astray, criminals, polytheists, and evildoers, etc)"(Ch 15:42)

约瑟夫的拒绝只让她的热情更加炽烈。他走向门口想要逃开，她追了上去，抓住他的衬衫，就像溺水的人抓住船只一样。在拉扯中，她撕破了他的衬衫，把撕下的一片握在手中。他们一同来到门口。门忽然开了，她的丈夫和她的一个亲戚站在那里。

Joseph's refusal only heightened her passion. As he moved to the door to escape, she ran after him and caught hold of his shirt, like a drowning person clinging to the boat. In her tugging she tore his shirt and held the torn piece in her hand. They reached the door together. It opened suddenly, there stood her husband and a relative of hers.

万能的真主说：

Almighty Allah said:

他们二人争先恐后地奔向门口,她从背后撕破了他的衬衫。他们俩在门口遇见了她的主人(她的丈夫)。(第12章25节)

"So they raced with one another to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back. They both found her lord (her husband) at the door. (Ch 12:25)

当他打开门时,他看见丈夫就站在他面前。这个狡猾的女人立刻把语气变成了愤怒,并把手中撕破的衬衫碎片给丈夫看,质问她的丈夫道:

As he opened the door, he saw her husband standing in front of him. The sly woman immediately changed her tone to anger, and, showing the torn piece of the shirt in her hand, asked her husband:

“对于那些图谋不轨、意欲加害你妻子的人，还有什么别的报应，除了入狱或受痛苦的刑罚吗？”（第12:25节）

"What is the recompense (punishment) for him who intended an evil design against your wife, except that he be put in prison or a painful torment?" (Ch 12:25)

她此时竟指控约瑟夫对她进行性骚扰，以此造成她是无辜的、是约瑟夫性欲的受害者的假象。约瑟夫虽然感到困惑，还是否认了这一指控。

She was now accusing Joseph of molesting her, to give the impression that she was innocent and a victim of Joseph's sexual desire. Though bewildered Joseph denied it:

"是她引诱我。"（第12:26节）

"It was she that sought to seduce me." (Ch 12:26)

衬衫被一双手传到另一双手，她在一旁看着。作证的人（她的表兄）看了看衬衫，发现后背是撕破的。证据表明她有罪。失望的丈夫对妻子说："这一定是你们女人的诡计！你们的诡计确实很厉害！"（第12章第28节）

The shirt was passed from hand to hand, while she watched. The witness (her cousin) looked at it and found that it was torn at the back. The evidence showed that she was guilty. The disappointed husband remarked to his wife: "Surely, it is a plot of you women! Certainly mighty is you plot!" (Ch 12:28)

睿智而公正的阿齐兹就妻子的不端行为向约瑟道歉。他还吩咐她为诬告约瑟而向他请求宽恕。全能的真主如此叙述了这件事：

The wise and just Aziz apologized to Joseph for his wife's indecency. He also instructed her to beg Joseph's forgiveness for accusing him falsely. Allah the Almighty narrated this incident thus:

这样的事情在一座住满仆人的房子里是不可能保密的，于是这件事传开了。

An incident like this cannot remain a secret in a house filled with servants, and the story spread.

妇女们开始认为她的行为有辱风化。她们议论道：

Women began to see her behavior as scandalous. They remarked:

“城里的妇女们说：‘阿齐兹的妻子竟想引诱她的仆人，她对他的爱已深入心扉。我们看她显然是迷误了。’”（第12章：30节）

"The wife of Al-Aziz is seeking to seduce her (slave) young man, indeed she loves him violently; verily, we see her in plain error." (Ch 12:30)

自然,她们的闲言碎语让祖莱哈感到痛苦。她确信,任何女人都很难抵挡像约瑟夫那样英俊的男子。为了证明自己的无助,她打算让这些女人遭受与她同样的诱惑。她邀请她们参加一场丰盛的宴会。受邀者都不愿错过与大臣之妻共进晚餐的荣幸;此外,她们暗中也怀着想与英俊的约瑟夫当面相见的渴望。她的一些密友半开玩笑地说,只有她把她们介绍给约瑟夫,她们才会前来。

Naturally their gossip distressed Zulaikha. She honestly believed that it was not easy for any women to resist a man as handsome as Joseph. To prove her helplessness, she planned to subject the women to the same temptation she faced. She invited them to a lavish banquet. No one so invited would want to miss the honor of dining with the chief minister's wife; besides, they secretly harbored the desire to meet the handsome Joseph face to face. Some of her close friends jokingly said they would come only if she introduced them to Joseph.

邀请仅限女士。宴会开始了，欢声笑语不绝于耳。

The invitation was restricted to ladies. The banquet began, laughter and mirth abounded.

按照礼仪，女士们不应提及约瑟的话题。因此，当祖莱哈主动提起这个话题时，大家都感到震惊。"我听说有人在说，我爱上了那位希伯来青年约瑟。"宴会上顿时一片寂静。所有宾客的手都停了下来，所有的目光都落在了宰相夫人身上。她一边吩咐端上水果，一边说："我承认他是个迷人的人。我不否认我爱他。我已经爱他很久了。"

Etiquette dictated that the ladies not mention the topic of Joseph. They were shocked, therefore, when Zulaikha opened the topic. "I have heard of those who say I have fallen in love with the young Hebrew man, Joseph." Silence fell upon the banquet. At once all the guests hands stopped, and all eyes fell on the chief minister's wife. She said, while giving orders for the fruit to be served: "I admit that he is charming fellow. I do not deny that I love him. I have loved him for a long time."

大臣之妻的坦白消除了女士们之间的紧张。用完晚餐后，宾客们开始切水果。就在这时，她召唤约瑟夫出来露面。他仪态优雅地走进大厅，目光低垂。祖莱哈叫了他的名字，他便抬起头来。宾客们惊讶不已，目瞪口呆。他的面容光彩照人，充满了如天使般的美丽。它映照出完全的清白，以至于人们能感受到他灵魂深处的内心平静。

The confession of the chief minister's wife removed the tension among the ladies. After finishing their dinner, the guests began cutting their fruit. At that very moment she summoned Joseph to make his appearance. He entered the hall gracefully, his gaze lowered. Zulaikha called him by his name and he raised his head. The guests were astonished and dumbfounded. His face was shining and full of man angelic beauty. It reflected complete innocence, so much so that one could feel the peace of mind in the depth of his soul.

他们惊叹不已，手里仍不停地切着水果。他们的目光都集中在约瑟夫身上。

They exclaimed in astonishment while continuing to cut the fruit. All their eyes were on Joseph.

于是,女人们开始心不在焉地割伤自己的手掌,却没有察觉自己已经割伤了。

So it was that the women began to cut their palms absent mindly without feeling that they had cut them.

约瑟出现在这戏剧性的场面中,效果如此强烈,以至于她们流出的血液都没有让她们感到疼痛。其中一位女士倒吸一口气,惊呼:"天哪!"另一位低声说:"这不是凡人!"还有一位结结巴巴地说着,一边拍着自己的头发:"这只是一位高贵的天使。"随后,总理大臣的妻子站起身来宣布:"正是这个人,我因他而受到责备。我不否认我引诱过他。你们已经被约瑟迷住了,看看你们的手变成了什么样子。我引诱过他,如果他不顺从我的意愿,他就会被关进监狱。"

The presence of Joseph at the scene of drama was so effective that blflowedwithouttheir feeling pain. One of the ladies gasped: "Good gracious!" Another whispered: "This is not a mortal being!" Another stammered, patting her hair: "This is but a noble angel." Then the chief minister's wife stood up and announced: "This is the one for whom I have been blamed. I do not deny that I tempted him. You have been enchanted by Joseph, and see what has happened to your hands. I have tempted him, and if he does not do what I want of him he shall be imprisoned."

万能的安拉在祂的经文中叙述了筵席的场景：

Almighty Allah related the scene of the banquet in His words:

“当她听到她们的指责后,便派人把她们请来,为她们准备了一场宴席;她给她们每人一把刀(用来切割食物),然后对(约瑟夫)说:“出来,让她们看看。”当她们看见他时,她们赞叹他的美貌(惊叹不已),并在惊讶中割伤了自己的手。她们说:“真主超绝万物!这不是人类!这分明是一位高贵的天使!”她说:“这就是你们责备我的那个人(我爱上的人),我确实曾试图引诱他,但他拒绝了。现在如果他不服从我的命令,他必定会被投入监狱,并且将成为蒙受羞辱的人之一。”他说:“我的主啊!我宁愿入狱,也不愿接受她们邀请我去做的事。若你不使她们的诡计离开我,我将会倾向她们,并成为犯罪和应受责备之人中的一员,或成为无知者中的一员。”于是他的主应允了他的祈求,使他免于她们的诡计。确实,他是全听的,全知的。”(第12章31-34节)

“So when she heard of their accusation, she sent for them and prepared a banquet for them; she gave each one of them a knife (to cut the foodstuff with), and she said (to Joseph): "Come out before them." Then, when they saw him, they exalted him (at his beauty) and (in their astonishment) cut their hands. They said: "how perfect is Allah (or Allah forbid)! No man is this! This is none other than a noble angel!" She said: "This is he (the young man) about whom you did blame me (for his love) and I did seek to seduce him, but he refused. And now if he refuses to obey my order, he shall certainly be cast into prison, and will be one of those who are disgraced." He said: "O my Lord! Prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. Unless You turn away their plot from me, I will feel inclined towards them and be one of those who commit sin and deserve blame or those who do deeds of the ignorants." So his Lord answered his inovocation and turned away from him their plot. Verily he is the All Hearer, the All Knower.” (Ch 12:31-34)

那天晚上,祖莱哈说服了她的丈夫:要保全她的名誉,唯一的办法就是把约瑟夫关进监狱;否则,她将无法克制自己,也无法维护他的声望。

That evening, Zulaikha convinced her husband that the only way to save her honor was to put Joseph in prison; otherwise she would not be able to control herself or to safeguard his prestige.

那位宰相知道约瑟是完全无辜的，是一个品德高尚、忠心耿耿的年轻人，他正是因为这些品质而爱他。要把一个无辜的人关进牢里，对他来说并不是一个容易的决定。然而，他别无选择。他认为，如果让约瑟远离祖莱哈的视线，约瑟的清誉也能得到保全。那天夜里，宰相心情沉重地把约瑟送进了监狱。

The chief minister knew Joseph was absolutely innocent, that he was a young man of honor, a loyal servant, and he loved him for these reasons. It was not an easy decision for him to put an innocent man behind bars. However, he was left with no choice. He reasoned that Joseph's honor would also be safeguarded if he was kept out of Zulaikha's sight. That night, with a heavy heart, the chief minister sent Joseph to prison.

监狱是约瑟所经历的第三场考验。在此期间，安拉赐予他一种非凡的天赋：解梦的能力。大约在同一时间，又有两名男子进了监狱。一人是国王的斟酒者，另一人是国王的厨师。这两人察觉到约瑟不是普通的罪犯，因为他的脸上闪耀着虔诚的光辉。两人都做了清晰的梦，并急切地希望有人为他们解梦。国王的厨师梦见自己站在一个地方，头上顶着面包，两只鸟在啄食头上的面包。斟酒者梦见自己在为国王斟酒。两人去找约瑟，把他们的梦告诉他，请他为他们解释其中的含义。

Prison was Joseph's third test. During this period Allah blessed him with an extraordinary gift; the ability to interpret dreams. At about the same time two other men landed in the prison. One was the cupbearer of the king; the other was the king's cook. The two men sensed that Joseph was not a common criminal, for an aura of piety glowed on his face. Both men had vivid dreams, and they were anxious to have them explained. The king's cook dreamed that he stood in a place with bread on his head, and two birds were eating the bread. The cupbearer dreamed that he was serving the king wine. The two went to Joseph and told him their dreams, asking him to give them their meaning.

首先，约瑟邀请他们信奉真主。随后他说，厨师将被钉死在十字架上，直至死去，而司酒者将重新回到国王身边侍奉。约瑟嘱咐司酒者在国王面前提起他，并告诉国王，监狱里有一位名叫约瑟的蒙冤之人。约瑟所预言的事情确实发生了：厨师被钉上了十字架，司酒者则回到了王宫。

First, Joseph called them to Allah. Then he said that the cook would be crucified until he died and that the cupbearer would return to the service of the king. Joseph told the cupbearer to remember him to the king and to say that there was a wronged soul called Joseph in prison. What Joseph predicted did happen; the cook was crucified and the cupbearer returned to the palace.

斟酒的侍者重新回到侍奉的岗位后，撒旦使他忘记了在国王面前提起约瑟夫的名字。因此，约瑟夫又在监狱中待了几年，但他以忍耐为自己的品德，并向安拉祈祷。

After the cupbearer returned to service, Satan made him forget to mention Joseph's name to the king. Therefore, Joseph remained in prison for a few years, but he made patience his own, praying to Allah.

全能的安拉说道：

Almighty Allah narrated:

"与他同时进入监狱的还有两个青年。其中一人说："我梦见自己在榨酒。"另一人说："我梦见自己头上顶着面包，鸟儿在啄食。请你给我们解释这梦的含义，我们看你是行善之人。"他说："在食物送到你们之前，我就能把它的含义告诉你们。这是我的主教给我的知识。我已经舍弃了那些不信安拉、不信后世的民族的信仰，我遵循我祖先易卜拉欣、伊斯哈格和雅尔古卜的信仰，我们绝不以任何事物与安拉并列。这是安拉对我们和世人的恩典，但多数人并不感恩。"

"And there entered with him two young men in the prison. One of them said: "Verily, I saw myself (in a dream) pressing wine." The other said: "Verily, I saw myself (in a dream) carrying bread on my head and birds were eating thereof." They said: Inform us of the interpretation of this. Verily, we think you are one of those Muhsineen (doers of good)." He said: "No food will come to you (in wakefulness or in dream) as your provision but I will inform (in wakefulness) its interpretation before it (the food) comes. This is of that which my Lord has taught me. Verily, I have abandoned the religion of a people that believe not in Allah and are disbeliveers in the Hereafter. And I have followed the religion of my fathers, - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and never could we attribute any partners whatsoever to Allah. This is from the Grace of Allah to us and to mankind, but most men think not (i.e. they neither believe in Allah nor worship Him).

"哦,狱中的两位同伴!众多各异的主(神)更好,还是独一、至尊的安拉更好?你们除了祂之外所拜的,只不过是你们和你们的祖先所捏造的名称,安拉并未降示任何证据。判决唯独属于安拉。祂命令你们只崇拜祂,这才是正确的宗教,但大多数人并不知道。"

"O two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible? You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command (or the judgment) is for none but Allah. He has commanded (His Monotheism), that is the true, straight religion, but most men know not.

{"哦，狱中的两位同伴！至于你们中的一位，他将为他的主人（国王或主人）斟酒；至于另一位，他将被钉十字架，鸟会从他的头上啄食。你们所问的事，就这样被判定了。}" 他对他认定会获救的那人说："你在你的主人面前提到我。"但撒旦使他忘记了在他的主人面前提起此事（或者说，撒旦使约瑟忘记了对他的主的记念，以致他没有求助于真主，而去求助于他人）。

"O two companions of the prison! As for one of you, he (as a servant) will pour out wine for his lord (King or master) to drink; and as for the other, he will be crucified and birds will eat from his head. Thus is the case judged concerning which you both did inquire." And he said to the one whom he knew to be saved: "Mention me to your lord (your King, so to get me out of the prison)." But Satan made him forget to mention it to his lord (or Satan made Joseph to forget the remembrance of his Lord (Allah) as to ask for His Help, instead of others).

所以约瑟又在监狱里待了几年。（第12章：36-42节）

So Joseph stayed in prison a few more years. (Ch 12:36-42).

监狱中的场景结束了,另一场景在国王的寝宫中展开。国王正在熟睡。他看见自己站在尼罗河岸边。河水在他面前退去,只剩下泥淖。鱼儿在泥中开始跳跃翻腾。七头肥壮的母牛从河中走出,其后跟着七头瘦弱的母牛。那七头瘦弱的牛吞食了那七头肥壮的牛。国王惊恐不已。

The scene in the prison closes; a new scene opens in the bedchamber of the king. The king is asleep. He sees himself on the banks of the Nile river. The water is receding before him, becoming mere mud. The fish begin to skip and jump in the mud. Seven fat cows come out of the river followed by seven lean cows. The seven lean ones devour the seven fat ones. The king is terrified.

七根青绿的麦穗生长在河岸上，却消失在泥淖中。同一个地方又长出了七根干枯的麦穗。

The seven ears of green grain grow on the riverbanks and disappear in the mud. One the same spot grow seven dray ears of grain.

国王惊醒过来，既害怕、震惊又沮丧，不知道这一切意味着什么。他召来了术士、祭司和大臣们，把他的梦告诉了他们。

The king awoke frightened, shocked, and depressed, not knowing what all this meant. He sent for the sorcerers, priests and ministers, and told them his dream.

术士们说:"这是一个混乱的梦。这怎么可能呢?这只是噩梦。"祭司们说:"也许陛下晚饭吃得太饱了。"宰相说:"会不会是陛下夜里受了凉,没有把被子盖好?"国王的小丑开玩笑地说:"陛下开始老了,所以他的梦也变得混乱了。"他们一致得出结论:那只不过是一场噩梦。

The sorcerers said: "This is a mixed up dream. How can any of that be? It is a nightmare." The priests said: "Perhaps his majesty had a heavy supper." The chief minister said: "Could it be that his majesty was exposed and did not draw the blanket up at night?" The king's jester said, jokingly: "His majesty is beginning to grow old, and so his dreams are confused." They reached an unanimous conclusion that it was only a nightmare.

酒政听到了这个消息。他想起了自己在监狱中做的梦，并将它与国王的梦相比较，于是约瑟浮现在他的脑海中。他跑去禀告国王，告诉他约瑟是唯一能够解释这个梦的人。酒政说："他曾请我在您面前提起他，只是我忘记了。"国王便派酒政去向约瑟询问这个梦。

The news reached the cupbearer. He recollected the dream he had in prison and compared it to the king's dream, and, therefore Joseph came to mind. He ran to the king to tell him about Joseph, who was the only one capable to interpreting the dream. The cupbearer said : "He had asked me to remember him to you, but I forgot." The king sent the cupbearer to ask Joseph about the dream.

约瑟为他解释道："将有七年丰收。如果土地得到妥善耕种，就会有过量的好收成，多于人们所需。应当把这些粮食储存起来。此后将有七年饥荒，届时可以动用储存的余粮。"他还建议，在饥荒期间，应当留出一些粮食作为下一季的种子。约瑟接着补充说："在七年干旱之后，将有一年水量充沛。如果水得到妥善利用，葡萄树和橄榄树就会茂盛生长，提供充足的葡萄和橄榄油。"献酒的人急忙回去报告这个好消息。国王对约瑟的

Joseph interpreted it to him: "There will be seven years of abundance. If the land is properly cultivated, there will be an excess of good harvest, more than the people will need. This should be stored. Thereafter, seven years of famine will follow, during which time the excess grain could be used." He also advised that during the famine they should save some grain to be used for seed for the next harvest. Joseph then added; "After seven years of drought, there will be a year during which water will be plentiful. If the water is properly used, grapevines and olive trees will grow in abundance, providing plenty of grapes and olive oil." The cupbearer hurried back with the good news. The king was fascinated by Joseph's

全能的安拉如此叙述了这件事：

Almighty Allah narrated this incident thus:

埃及国王说:"我梦见七头肥牛,被七头瘦牛吃掉;又梦见七穗绿色的麦穗和七穗干枯的。众位大臣啊!如果你们能解梦,就为我解释我的梦吧。"他们说:"这些只是杂乱虚假的梦,我们不擅长解梦。"那两个同在监狱中的人里获释的那位,此时终于想起了此事,说:"我可以为你们解释其中的含义,请派我去吧。"(他说):"约瑟夫啊,你这位诚实的人!请为我们解释这个梦:七头肥牛被七头瘦牛吃掉,还有七穗绿色的麦穗和七穗干枯的麦穗。好让我回去告诉众人,使他们知道。"约瑟夫说:"你们要连续七年照常耕种;所收获的庄稼,除了你们要吃的一小部分外,其余都要留在穗中储藏。此后将会来临七个艰难的年头,它们会吞噬你们事先为此储存的粮食,只留下你们所收藏的一小部分。"

"And the king of Egypt said: "Verily, I saw in a dream seven fat cows, whom seven lean cows were devouring, and seven green ears of corn and seven others dry. O notables! Explain to me my dream if it be that you can interpret dreams." They said: "Mixed up false dreams and we are not skilled in the interpretation of dreams." Then the man who was released (one of the two who were in prison), now at length remembered and said: "I will tell you its interpretation, so send me forth." (He said): "O Joseph, the man of truth! Explain to us (the dream) of seven fat cows whom seven lean ones were devouring, and of seven green ears of corn and seven others dry, that I may return to the people, and that they may know." Joseph said: "For seven consecutive years, you shall sow as usual and that the harvest which you reap you shall leave in ears, all --except a little of it which you may eat. Then will come after that seven hard years, which will devour what you have laid by in advance for them, all except a little of that which you have guarded (stored).

然后将会有一年，人们会得到充沛的雨水，那一年他们将榨取葡萄酒与油。”（第12章：43-49节）

Then thereafter will come a year in which people will have abundant rain and in which they will press wine and oil." (Ch 12:43-49)

国王大为惊讶。这个人会是谁呢？他下令将约瑟从监狱中释放，并立即带到他面前。国王的使者立刻前去接他，但约瑟拒绝离开监狱，除非他的清白得到证明。也许他们指控他割伤了那些女人的手，或是企图侵犯她们。也许还有其他的虚假指控。

The king was greatly astonished. Who could this person be? He commanded that Joseph be set free from prison and presented to him at once. The king's envoy went to fetch him immediately, but Joseph refused to leave the prison unless his innocence was proven. Perhaps they accused him of cutting the ladies hands, or trying to rape them. Perhaps any other false accusation was made.

我们并不确切知道当时向人们说了什么来证明约瑟被判入狱的理由。使者回到国王那里。国王问他："约瑟在哪里？我不是命令你把他带来吗？"使者回答说："他拒绝离开，直到他的清白在那些割伤了手的女人们一事上得到证明。"国王下令："立刻把大臣们的妻子和总理的妻子带来。"国王感觉到约瑟受到了不公正的伤害，但他并不确切知道是怎样的伤害。总理的妻子与其他大臣的妻子一同前来。国王问道："约瑟的事情是怎样的？你们对他了解多少？是否真的……？"其中一位女士打断了国王，惊呼道："安拉恕罪！"第二位说："我们不知道他做过什么恶事。"第三位说："他有天使般的清白。"所有人的目光都转向了总理的妻子。她此时面容憔悴，身形消瘦。约瑟在狱中时，她因忧伤而备受煎熬。她大胆地承认自己撒了谎，而约瑟说的是实话。

We do not know exactly what was said to the people to justify Joseph's sentence to prison. The envoy returned to the king. The king asked him: "Where is Joseph? Did I not command you to fetch him?" The envoy replied: "He refused to leave until his innocence is established regarding the ladies who cut their hands." The king ordered: "Bring the wives of the ministers and the wife of the chief minister at once." The king felt that Joseph had been harmed unfairly but he did not know exactly how. The wife of the chief minister came with the other ministers' wives. The king asked: "What is the story of Joseph? What do you know about him? Is it true that…?" One of the ladies interrupted the king exclaiming: "Allah forbid!" A second said: "We know of no evil he has done." A third said: "He enjoys the innocence of angels." The eyes of everyone turned to the wife of the chief minister. She now wore a wrinkled face and had lost weight. She had been overwhelmed by sorrow over Joseph while he was in prison. She boldly confessed that she had lied and he had told the truth.

"我引诱过他，但他拒绝了。"她证实了自己所说的话，她这样做不是出于对国王或其他女人的畏惧，而是为了让约瑟夫知道，在他不在的时候，她从未背叛过他，因为他仍然在她的心中和灵魂里。在所有受造物之中，他是她唯一在意的人，所以她在众人面前证实了他的清白。

"I tempted him; but he refused." She confirmed what she said, not out of fear of the king or the other ladies, but for Joseph to know that she had never betrayed him during his absence, for he was still in her mind and soul. Of all creation he was the only one she cared for, so she confirmed his innocence before all.

阿拉伯语中的全能的真主说:国王说:"把他带到我这里来。"但是,当使者来到他那里时,(约瑟)说:"你回到你的主那里,问他:'那些割伤了手的女人怎么样了?我的主(真主)确实完全知道她们的阴谋。'"(国王)对(那些女人)说:"当你们企图引诱约瑟时,你们的事情是怎样的?"女人们说:"真主保佑!我们不知道他有任何罪恶!"阿齐兹的妻子说:"现在真相已经众所周知,是我企图引诱他,他确实是诚实的人之一。"(然后约瑟说:"我要求进行这次调查)是为了让他(阿齐兹)知道,我没有在暗中背叛他。而且,真主确实不引导背叛者的阴谋。我也不为自己开脱(罪责)。人的灵魂确实倾向于作恶,除非我的主施予他的慈悯(给他所愿意的人)。我的主确实是至恕的,至慈的。"(第12章50-53节)。

Almighty Allah said: And the king said: "Bring him to me." But, when the messenger came to him (Joseph) said: "Return to your lord, and ask him, 'what happened to the women who cut their hands? Surely, my Lord (Allah) is Well Aware of their plot." (The king) said (to the women): "What was your affair when you did seek to seduce Joseph?" The women said: "Allah forbid! No evil know we against him!" The wife of Al Aziz said: "Now the truth is manifest to all, it was I who sought to seduce him and he is surely one of the truthful." (Then Joseph said: "I asked for this inquiry) in order that he (Al-Aziz) may know that I betrayed him not in secret. And, verily! Allah guides not the plot of the betrayers. And I free not myself (from the blame). Verily, the human self is inclined to evil, except when my Lord bestows His Mercy (upon whom He wills). Verily, my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, most Merciful." (Ch 12:50-53).

反思这些经文，可以看出她已转向约瑟的宗教，即一神信仰。约瑟的入狱是她生命中的一个重大转折。此后，古兰经的叙述风格便完全不再提及宰相之妻的故事。我们不知道她在作出清晰的证词之后发生了什么。然而，关于她仍有一些传说。据说她的丈夫去世后，她嫁给了约瑟，而且，瞧，她还是处女。她承认，她的丈夫年事已高，从未碰过女人。另有传说称，她因为思念约瑟而哭瞎了双眼，并离开了宫殿，在城中的街道上流浪。

Reflecting on these verses suggests that she had turned to Joseph's religion, monotheism. His imprisonment was a great turning point in her life. After this, the Quranic style neglects the story of the chief minister's wife completely. We do not know what happened to her after she gave her clear evidence. Yet still, there are legends about her. It has been said that after her husband died she married Joseph, and, behold she was a virgin. She confessed that her husband had been old and had never touched women. Other legends said that she lost her sight, weeping for Joseph. She abandoned her palace and wandered in the streets of the city.

然而,这位女子在恰当的时候从《古兰经》的叙述中消失了,正处在她遭遇苦难的高潮。也许正因如此,她在人们的记忆中停留得比我们知道结局时更久。

However, the lady disappeared from the Quranic narrative at the suitable stage, at the climax of her trouble. Perhaps she lingers in memory longer than if we had known the ending.

国王告知约瑟，他的清白已经得到证实，并下令让他到王宫接受面谈。国王认识到他的高尚品格。约瑟来到时，国王用他的语言与他交谈。约瑟的回答以其文雅的修养和广博的知识，使国王大为惊叹。

The king informed Joseph that his innocence was established and ordered him to come to the palace for an interview. The king recognized his noble qualities. When Joseph came, the king spoke to him in his tongue. Joseph's replies astonished the king with his cultural refinement and wide knowledge.

接着话题转到了那个梦。约瑟夫建议国王开始为即将到来的多年饥荒做准备。他告诉国王，饥荒不仅会影响埃及，也会波及邻国。国王向他提供了一个高位。约瑟夫请求担任粮仓的管理者，以便守护国家的收成，从而在预期的干旱中保障粮食安全。约瑟夫这样做并非为了抓住机会或谋取个人利益；他只是想在七年期间拯救饥饿的各国人民。这在他身上是纯粹的高尚，因为他希望确保许多人不会因此而死去。

Then the conversation turned to the dream. Joseph advised the king to start planning for years of famine ahead. He informed him that the famine would affect not only Egypt but the neighboring countries as well. The king offered him a high position. Joseph asked to be made controller of the granaries, so that he could guard the nation's harvest and thereby safeguard it during the anticipated drought. By this Joseph did not mean to seize an opportunity or personal gain; he merely wanted to rescue hungry nations for a personal gain; he merely wanted to rescue hungry nations for a period of seven years. It was a sheer nobleness on his part in that he wanted to ensure that many people would not die as a result.

万能的真主说：

Almighty Allah said:

国王说："把他带来见我，我要把他留在身边。"当国王与他交谈时，说："今天你在我们这里地位崇高，且极受信任。"约瑟说："请你委任我管理这片土地的仓库，我必定善于守护，而且懂得经营。"（当时阿齐兹已经去世，约瑟接替他担任埃及的财政大臣。）

"And the king said: "Bring him to me that I may attach him to my person." Then, when he spoke to him, he said: "Verily, this day, you are with us high in rank and full trusted." Joseph said: "Set me over the store houses of the land; I will indeed guard them with full knowledge." (as a minister of finance in Egypt, in place of Al-Aziz who was dead at that time).

这样,我使约瑟在地上获得权位,使他在那里随意居住。我将我的恩惠赐予我所意欲的人,我不使行善者的报酬徒然消失。(第12章:54-57节)

Thus did We give full authority to Joseph in the land, to take possession therein, as when or where he likes. We bestow of Our Mercy on whom We please, and We make not to be lost the reward of Al Muhsineen (the good-doers). (Ch 12:54-57).

时间的车轮不断转动。在七个丰年里,约瑟全权掌管耕种、收割和储存粮食。接下来的七年,旱灾降临,饥荒在整个地区蔓延,包括约瑟的故乡迦南。约瑟建议国王,既然他的国家储备了粮食,就应当以公道的价格将粮食卖给有需要的国家。国王同意了,这个好消息传遍了整个地区。

The wheels of time turned. During the seven good years, Joseph had full control over the cultivation, harvesting, and storage of crops. During the following seven years, drought followed and famine spread throughout the region, including Canaan, the homeland of Joseph. Joseph advised the king that as his kingdom was blessed with reserved grain, he should sell his grain to the needy nations at a fair price. The king agreed, and the good news spread all over the region.

雅各布派遣了他的十个儿子去埃及购买粮食，只留下了便雅悯。约瑟听说有十个兄弟从远方而来，他们不会说埃及人的语言。

Jacob sent ten of his sons, all except Benjamin, to Egypt to purchase provisions. Joseph heard of the ten brothers who had come from afar and who could not speak the language of the Egyptians.

当他们来找他购买所需粮食时,约瑟立刻认出了他的兄弟们,但他们并不认识他。他们怎么会认出他呢?在他们看来,约瑟早已不在人世;多年前他就被扔进了深邃幽暗的井里!约瑟热情地接待了他们。在供给他们粮食之后,他问他们从哪里来。他们解释说:"我们是十一个兄弟,是一位高贵先知的儿子。最小的弟弟在家里照料年迈父亲的需要。"听到这些,约瑟的眼中充满了泪水;他对家乡的思念在心中涌起,对他慈爱的父母和亲爱的兄弟便杰明的思念也一并涌起。"你们是诚实的人吗?"约瑟问他们。

When they called on him to purchase their needs, Joseph immediately recognized his brothers, but they did not know him. How could they? To them Joseph no longer existed; he had been thrown into the deep, dark well many years ago! Joseph received them warmly. After supplying them with provisions, he asked where they had come from. They explained: "We are eleven brothers, the children of a noble prophet. The youngest is at home tending to the needs of our aging father." On hearing this, Joseph's eyes filled with tears; his longing for home swelled up in his heart, as well as his longing for his beloved parents and his loving brother Benjamin. "Are you truthful people?" Joseph asked them.

他们惊慌地回答道："我们有什么理由说谎呢？"约瑟说："如果你们所说属实，那就把你们的弟弟带来作证，我就给你们加倍的口粮。但如果你们不把他带来见我，那你们最好不要再回来。"

Perturbed they replied, "What reason should we have to state an untruth?" "If what you say is true then bring your brother as proof and I will reward you with double rations. But if you do not bring him to me, it would be better if you do not return," Joseph warned them.

他们向他保证，他们乐意遵从他的命令，但必须先征得父亲的同意。为了诱使他们带着弟弟一同回来，约瑟吩咐仆人悄悄地把钱袋放进他们的一个粮袋里，钱袋里装着他们所付的银钱。

They assured him that they would gladly fulfill his command but that they would have to get their father's permission. As an inducement to return with their brother, Joseph ordered his servant to secretly place the purse, with the money they had paid, into one of their grain sacks.

真主至高无上说:

Allah the Almighty said:

约瑟的兄弟们来了，进入他那里，他认出了他们，他们却不认识他。当他为他们备好粮食（按照他们的需要）后，他说："你们把你们父亲那里的一个兄弟带来给我（他指的是便雅悯）。你们没有看见我足量地供给粮食，并且我是最好的款待者吗？但如果你们不把他带来见我，你们就不会再从我这里得到粮食，也不要靠近我。"他们说："我们会设法从他的父亲那里为他取得许可，我们一定会这样做。"（约瑟）吩咐他的仆人把他们的钱（他们用来购买粮食的钱）放进他们的口袋里，以便他们回到家人那里时能认出来，从而他们会再回来。（第12章58-62节）

"And Joseph's brethren came and they entered unto him, and he recognized them, but they recognized him not. And when he had furnished them forth with provisions (according to their need), he said: "Bring me a brother of yours from your father; (he meant Benjamin). See you not that I give full measure, and that I am the best of the hosts? But if you bring him onto me, there shall be no measure of corn for you with me, nor shall you come near me." They said: "We shall try to get permission for him from his father, and verily, we shall do it." And (Joseph) told his servants to put their money (with which they had bought the corn) into their bags, so that they might know it when they go back to their people, in order that they might come back. (Ch 12:58-62)

场景在埃及渐渐暗下，却在迦南亮了起来。兄弟们回到了父亲身边。他们还没来得及卸下骆驼，便先向他问安，随后责备他道："因为你没有让你的儿子跟我们一起去，我们被拒绝供应粮食。他们不肯给不在场之人分配粮食。你为什么不把他交给我们带去？求你让他跟我们一起去，我们会照顾好他。"雅各变得忧伤，对他们说："我不会允许便雅悯与你们同行。我不会与他分离，因为我曾把约瑟托付给你们，而你们却辜负了我。" 后来，他们打开装粮食的口袋，惊讶地发现钱袋完好无损地被放了回去。他们急忙跑到父亲那里说："看哪，父亲！那位尊贵的官员把我们的钱退还了。这必定证明他不会伤害我们的兄弟，而且这对我们只会有益。"然而雅各仍不肯让便雅悯与他们同去。

The scene dims in Egypt and lights in Canaan. The brothers returned to their father. Before they could unload the camels, they greeted him, then reproved him: "We were denied some supplies because you did not let your son go with us. They would not give us food for absentees. Why would you not entrust him with us? Please, send him with us, and we shall take care of him." Jacob became sad and told them: "I will not permit Benjamin to travel with you. I will not part with him, for I entrusted Joseph to you and you failed me." Later, when they opened their grain sacks, they were surprised to find the money purse returned intact. They rushed to their father; "Look, father! The noble official has returned our money; this is surely proof that he would not harm our brother and it can only benefit us." But Jacob refused to send Benjamin with them.

过了一段时间，粮食吃完了，雅各布便吩咐他们再去埃及购买粮食。

After some time, when they had no more grain, Jacob asked them to travel to Egypt for more.

他们提醒他埃及官员曾对他们发出的警告。没有便雅悯,他们无法回去。雅各同意了,但在此之前,他先要他们立下一个誓约。他说:"除非你们指着安拉起誓,保证你们会像带他去时一样平安地把他带回给我,否则我不会让他跟你们去。"他们郑重地立了誓。他提醒他们说:"安拉是你们誓言的见证。"随后,他嘱咐他们从几个不同的城门进城。

They reminded him of the warning the Egyptian official had given them. They could not return without Benjamin. Jacob agreed, but not before he extracted a pledge from them. "I will not send him with you unless you give me a pledge in Allah's name that you shall bring him back to me as safely as you take him." They gave their solemn pledge. He reminded them: "Allah is witness to your pledge." He then advised them to enter the city through several different gates.

全能的安拉说道：

Almighty Allah narrated:

当他们回到父亲那里时,他们说:"我们的父亲啊!若不带上我们的弟弟,我们将得不到更多的粮食。所以请让我们的弟弟跟我们一同去,我们就能得到粮食,我们也必定会保护他。"他说:"我对他的信任,怎能不像以前对他哥哥(约瑟)的信任那样呢?真主是最好的守护者,祂是最仁慈的怜悯者。"当他们打开行囊时,发现他们的钱财已被退还给他们。他们说:"我们的父亲啊!我们还有什么可求的呢?这是我们的钱财,已经退还给我们了,我们将为家人采购更多的粮食,我们会保护我们的弟弟,并多得一驮骆驼的粮食。这个数量对(君王)来说是容易给予的。"他(雅各布)说:"除非你们以真主之名向我立下庄严的誓约,保证你们必定把他带回给我,除非你们被包围(遭遇敌人等不可抗力),否则我绝不让他与你们同去。"当他们立下庄严的誓约后,他说:"真主是我们所言的见证者。"他又说:"我的儿子们啊!你们不要从一个门进入,而要从不同的门进入。我对真主的事情毫无助益。判决权唯独属于真主。我依靠祂,信靠者都应当依靠祂。"(古兰经 12:63-67)

"So when they returned to their father, they said: "O our father! No more measure of grain shall we get (unless we take our brother). So send our brother with us, and we shall get our measure and truly we will guard him." He said: "Can I entrust him to you except as I entrust his brother (Joseph) to you aforetime? But Allah is the best to guard, and He is the Most Merciful of those Who show mercy." And when thopened their bags, they found their money had been returned to them. They said: "O our father! What more can we desire? This, our money has been returned to us, so we shall get more food for our family, and we shall guard our brother and add one more measure of a camel's load. This quantity is easy (for the king to give)." He (Jacob) said: "I will not send him with you until you swear a solemn oath to me in Allah's Name, that you will bring him back to me unless you are yourselves surrounded (by enemies, etc). And when they had sworn their solemn oath, he said: "Allah is the Witness over what we have said." And he said: "O my sons! Do not enter by one gate, but by different gates, and I cannot avail you against Allah at all. Verily! The decision rests only with Allah. In Him, I put my trust and let all those that trust, put their trust in Him." (Ch 12:63-67 Quran).

雅各在他们启程时为他们祝福，并向真主祈求保护他们。兄弟们踏上了前往埃及的漫长旅途，并且悉心照顾便雅悯。

Jacob blessed them on their departure and prayed to Allah for their protection. The brothers undertook the long journey to Egypt, taking good care of Benjamin.

约瑟夫热情地欢迎了他们,尽管他费了很大力气,才压抑住心中涌起的想要拥抱便雅悯的冲动。他为他们准备了一场宴席,并让他们两两一排就座。约瑟夫安排自己坐在他心爱的弟弟便雅悯身旁,便雅悯却开始哭泣。约瑟夫问他为何哭泣。他回答说:"如果我的哥哥约瑟夫在这里,我就会坐在他身旁。" 那天晚上,约瑟夫和便雅悯独处一室时,约瑟夫问便雅悯,是否愿意把他当作自己的哥哥。便雅悯恭敬地回答说,他认为主人是一位极好的人,但他永远无法取代自己的哥哥。约瑟夫情绪崩溃,泪流满面地说:"我亲爱的弟弟,我就是那个失散的哥哥,就是你们不断提起其名字的那一个。命运在多年分离之后让我们重逢。这是真主的恩典。但暂时请让这件事成为我们之间的秘密。"便雅悯紧紧抱住约瑟夫,两位兄弟都流下了喜悦的泪水。

Joseph and Benjamin Meet Joseph welcomed them heartily, although, with difficulty, he suppressed the desire to embrace Benjamin that arose within him. He prepared a feast for them and seated them in pairs. Joseph arranged to sit next to his beloved brother Benjamin, who began to weep. Joseph asked him why he was crying. He replied: "If my brother Joseph had been here, I would have sat next to him." That night, when Joseph and Benjamin were alone in a room, Joseph asked whether he would have him for a brother. Benjamin respectfully answered that he regarded his host as a wonderful person, but he could never take the place of his brother. Joseph broke down, and amidst flowing tears said; "My loving brother, I am the brother who was lost and whose name you are constantly repeating. Fate has brought us together after many years of separation. This is Allah's favor. But let it be a secret between us for the time being." Benjamin flung his arms around Joseph and both brothers shed tears of joy.

第二天，当他们的口袋正被装满粮食、准备装上骆驼时，约瑟吩咐一名仆人把国王用来量粮食的金杯放进便雅悯的褡裢里。兄弟们准备动身时，城门已被锁上，传令官高声喊道："你们这些旅人啊，你们是窃贼！"这一指控极为罕见，人们便围拢到约瑟的兄弟们身边。

The next day, while their bags were being filled with grains to load onto the camels, Joseph ordered one of his attendants to place the king's gold cup which was used for measuring the grain into Benjamin's saddlebag. When the brothers were ready to set out, the gates were locked, and the court crier shouted: "O you travelers, you are thieves!" The accusation was most unusual, and the people gathered around Joseph's brothers.

"你们失去了什么？"他的兄弟们问道。

"What have you lost?" his brothers inquired.

一名士兵说:"国王的金杯不见了。谁能找到它,我们就给他一驮谷物。"约瑟的兄弟们满怀无辜地说:"我们来到这里不是为了破坏这片土地,也不是为了偷窃。"约瑟的官员们按照他的吩咐说:"如果是小偷,你们认为应该受什么惩罚?"兄弟们回答:"按照我们的律法,偷窃者要成为失主的奴隶。"官员们同意说:"我们就采用你们的律法,而不用埃及的律法,因为埃及的律法规定的是监禁。"总管下令士兵开始搜查商队。约瑟从高高的宝座上观看着这一切。他曾吩咐将便雅悯的口袋留到最后搜查。当他们在十个年长兄弟的口袋里没有找到金杯时,兄弟们都松了一口气。

A soldier said: "The king's golden cup. Whoever can trace it we will give a beast load of grain." Joseph's brothers said with all innocence: "We have not come here to corrupt the land and steal." Joseph's officers said (as he had instructed them): What punishment should you choose for the thief?" The brothers answered: "According to our law, whoever steals becomes a slave to the owner of the property." The officers agreed: "We shall apply your law instead of the Egyptian law, which provides for imprisonment." The chief officer ordered his soldiers to start searching the caravan. Joseph was watching the incident from high upon his throne. He had given instructions for Benjamin's bag to be the last to be searched. When they did not find the cup in the bags of the ten older brothers, the brothers sighed in relief.

只剩下他们最小的弟弟的口袋了。约瑟夫这才第一次开口，说不必搜他的鞍袋，因为他看起来不像是小偷。

There remained only the bag of their youngest brother. Joseph said, intervening for the first time, that there was no need to search his saddle as he did not look like a thief.

他的兄弟们坚称:"如果不连他的鞍袋也搜查,我们一步也不会离开。我们是高贵之人的儿子,不是小偷。"士兵们伸手搜查,取出了国王的杯子。兄弟们高声说:"如果他现在偷了东西,那么他的一个兄弟以前也偷过。"他们偏离了眼前的问题,以便指责雅各布的儿子们中的某一群人。

His brothers affirmed: "We will not move an inch unless his saddle is searched as well. We are the sons of a noble man, not thieves." The soldiers reached in their hands and pulled out the king's cup. The brothers exclaimed: "If he steals now, a brother of his has stolen before." They strayed from the present issue in order to blame a particular group of the children of Jacob.

当约瑟亲耳听到他们的怨恨时，心中充满了懊悔。然而，他吞下了自己的怨气，将其埋在心里。他对自己说："你走得更远，也过得更糟；你将遭遇恶果，来世会更糟，而安拉知道你的意图。"兄弟们说完这些话后，四周陷入了沉默。随后，他们忘记了私下的得意，想起了雅各伯；他们曾经向他立誓，绝不会背弃他的儿子。他们开始恳求约瑟怜悯。"约瑟，尊敬的大臣啊！请留下我们中的一人来代替他吧。他是一位善良父亲的儿子，我们看得出，您是一位善良的人。"约瑟平静地回答："你们怎么能想要释放那个偷了国王酒杯的人呢？那样做将是罪过。"兄弟们仍然不断哀求怜悯。然而，卫兵们说，国王已经下令，他的话就是法律。长兄犹大十分焦虑，对其他人说："我们曾奉安拉之名向父亲承诺，决不辜负他。因此，我要留下来，除非父亲允许，我才会回去。"

Joseph heard their resentment with his own ears and was filled with regret. Yet, he swallowed his own resentment, keeping it within. He said to himself, "you went further and fared worse; it shall go bad with you and worse hereafter, and Allah knows your intention." Silence fell upon them after these remarks by the brothers. Then they forgot their secret satisfaction and thought of Jacob; they had taken an oath with him that they would not betray his son. They began to beg Joseph for mercy. "Joseph, O minister! Take one of us instead. He is the son of a good man, and we can see you are a good man." Joseph answered calmly: "How can you want to set free the man who has stolen the king's cup? It would be sinful." The brothers went on pleading for mercy. However, the guards said that the king had spoke and his word was law. Judah, the eldest, was much worried and told the others: "We promised our father in the name of Allah not to fail him. I will, therefore, stay behind and will only return if my father permits me to do so."

关于此情此景，全能的安拉说：

Regarding this scene, Almighty Allah said:

当他们依照父亲的嘱咐进入时,这对抵挡真主的旨意毫无帮助,那只是雅各布心中的一个需要,他借此完成了它。他确实因我所教导他的而拥有知识,但大多数人并不知晓。 当他们进见约瑟时,他把弟弟(便雅悯)留在自己身边,说:"我确实是你的哥哥,所以不要为他们过去所做的事而忧伤。"当他为他们备齐了粮食后,便把金杯放进了弟弟的口袋里。然后有一位传令官喊道:"营队里的人啊!你们确实是窃贼!"他们转过身来问道:"你们丢了什么?"他们说:"我们丢了国王的金杯,谁能找到它,就给他一驮骆驼的赏赐;我愿为此作保。"他们说:"凭真主起誓!你们确实知道,我们来到这片土地不是为了作恶,我们也不是窃贼!"(约瑟的兄弟们)说:"其惩罚应当是:在谁的口袋里找到它,谁就要被留下来,作为对其罪行的惩罚。我们就是这样惩罚不义者的!"于是他(约瑟)先从他们的口袋里搜查,最后才搜到他弟弟的口袋,并从弟弟的口袋中取出了金杯。我们就这样为约瑟筹划了此事。按照国王的法令,他本无法留下他的弟弟,除非真主意欲如此。于是真主使兄弟们依照他们自己的判决,即对窃贼的惩处——将其收为奴隶——而受到约束。我使我所意欲者的品级提高,而在一切有知识者之上,还有全知的真主。

"And when they entered according to their father's advice, it did not avail them in the least against (the Will of ) Allah, it was but a need of Jacob's inner self which he discharged. And verily, he was endowed with knowledge because We had taught him, but most men know not. And when they went in before Joseph, he betook his brother (Benjamin) to himself and said: "Verily! I am your brother, so grieve not for what they used to do." So when he had furnished them forth with their provisions, he put the golden bowl in his brother's bag. Then a crier cried: "O you in the caravan! Surely, you are thieves!" They, turning towards them said: "What is that you have missed?" They said: "We have missed the golden bowl of the king and for him who produces it is the reward of a camel load; I will be bound by it." They said: "By Allah! Indeed you know that we came not to make mischief in the land, and we are no thieves!" They (Joseph's brothers) said: "The penalty should be that he, in whose bag it is found, should be held for the punishment of the crime. Thus we punish the Zalimeen (wrongdoers, etc)!" So he (Joseph) began the search in their bags before the bag of his brother. Then he brought it out of his brother's bag. Thus did We plan for Joseph. He could not take his brother by the law of the king (as a slave), except that Allah willed it. So Allah made the brothers to bind themselves with their way of 'punishment, i.e. enslaving of a thief.' We raise to degrees whom We please, but over all those endowed with knowledge is the All-Knowing (Allah).

他们说:"如果他偷了东西,他的一个兄弟以前也偷过。"但约瑟夫把这些事藏在心里,没有向他们透露真相。他在心里说:"你们的处境最糟,安拉最知道你们所言的真相!"他们说:"统治者啊!他有一位年迈的父亲,会为他悲伤,所以请你扣留我们中的一人代替他。我们认为你是行善的人。"他说:"安拉禁止!我们只能留下那在我们这里找到财物的人,其他人我们不能扣留。"

They (Joseph's brothers) said: "If he steals, there was a brother of his (Joseph) who did steal before him." But these things did Joseph keep in himself, revealing not the secrets to them. He said (within himself): "You are in the worst case, and Allah knows best the truth of what you assert!" They said : "O ruler of the land! Verily, he has an old father who will grieve for him, so take one of us in his place. Indeed we think that you are one of the good doers." He said: "Allah forbid! That we should take anyone but him with whom we found our property.

兄弟们留下了足够的给养给犹大，他留在一家客栈里，等待便雅悯的命运。与此同时，约瑟把便雅悯留在自己家中，作为他的贵客，并告诉他自己如何设计了这个计谋，把国王的杯子放进他的袋子里，以便把他留下，从而保护他。约瑟也很高兴犹大留了下来，因为他是一个心地善良的兄弟。

The brothers left enough provisions behind for Judah, who stayed at a tavern awaiting the fate of Benjamin. In the meantime, Joseph kept Benjamin in his house as his personal guest and told him how he had devised the plot to put the king's cup in his bag, in order to keep him behind, so as to protect him. He was also glad that Judah had stayed behind, as he was a good hearted brother.

约瑟暗中安排，照看犹大的福祉。

Joseph secretly arranged to watch over Judah's well being.

约瑟派其他人回去的计划，是为了考验他们的诚意，看看他们是否会为了留在身后的那两个兄弟而再次回来。

Joseph's plan in sending the others back was to test their sincerity, to see if they would come back for the two brothers they had left behind.

当他们回到家里，走进父亲的住处，大声喊道："父亲啊！你的儿子偷窃了！"他感到困惑，几乎不敢相信这个消息。他悲痛欲绝，双眼流下了泪水。"愿我能够忍耐；或许安拉会把他们都还给我。他是至知的，是至睿的。"孤独的伴侣笼罩着他，但他在忍耐中找到了慰藉，并信靠安拉。

When they arrived home, they entered upon their father calling: "O our father! Your son has stolen!" He was puzzled, scarcely believing the news. He was overwhelmed with sorrow and his eyes wept tears. "Patience be with me; perhaps Allah will return all of them to me. He is Most Knowing, Most Wise." A pal of lonesomeness closed over him, yet he found consolation in patience and trusted in Allah.

安拉向我们启示了他们与父亲会面时所发生的事情：

Allah revealed to us what happened at their meeting with their father:

"你们回去见你们的父亲，说：'父亲啊！你的儿子（便雅悯）确实偷窃了，我们只为我们所知道的作证，我们不能知道幽玄之事！你可以问问我们所在的那座城里的人，以及我们一同回来的那支商队，我们所说的确是实话。'"雅各伯说："不，是你们自己把某件事美化给你们了。所以忍耐是最适宜于我的。或许安拉会把他们全都带回给我。确实，唯有祂是全知的，是至睿的。"他转身离开他们，说："哀哉，我为约瑟哀痛！"他因所压抑的忧伤，双眼失明了。（第12章81-84节）

"Return to your father and say: 'O our father! Verily, your son (Benjamin) has stolen, and we testify not except according to what we know, and we could not known the unseen! And ask the people of the town where we have been, and the caravan in which we returned and indeed we are telling the truth."" He (Jacob) said: "Nay, but your ownselves have beguiled you into something. So patience is most fitting for me. Maybe Allah will bring them back all to me. Truly He! Only He is All-Knowing, All-Wise." And he turned away from them and said: "Alas, my grief for Joseph!" And he lost his sight because of the sorrow that he was suppressing. (Ch 12:81-84)

父亲深受伤害。只有祈祷才能安慰他，并增强他的信仰与忍耐。

The father was deeply hurt. Only prayer could comfort him and strengthen his faith and patience.

多年来为他心爱的儿子约瑟哭泣，如今他最优秀的儿子之一又被夺走，雅各伯几乎失明了。

Weeping all those years for his beloved son Joseph - and now one more of his best sons had been snatched from him - Jacob almost lost his sight.

其他儿子恳求他说:"父亲啊,您是一位高尚的先知,是安拉伟大的使者。启示降临到您身上,人们因您而获得指引和信仰。您为何要这样折磨自己呢?"雅各布回答说:"责备我并不能减轻我的悲痛。只有儿子们的归来才能安慰我。

The other sons pleaded with him: "O father, you are a noble prophet and a great messenger of Allah. Unto you descended revelation and people received guidance and faith from you. Why are you destroying yourself in this way?" Jacob replied: "Rebuking me will not lessen my grief. Only the return of my sons will comfort me.

“孩子们啊，你们去打听约瑟和他的兄弟的消息吧；不要对真主的慈悲感到绝望。”

My sons, go in search of Joseph and his brother; do not despair of Allah's mercy."

安拉，至高无上的主，告诉我们：

Allah, the Almighty told us:

他们说:"凭真主起誓!你将一直思念约瑟,直到你衰老而身体虚弱,或者直到你死去。"他说:"我只向真主诉说我的忧伤和悲痛,我从真主那里知道你们所不知道的事。我的儿子们啊!你们去打听约瑟和他弟弟的消息,不要对真主的慈悯感到绝望。除了不信道的人,没有人会对真主的慈悯感到绝望。"(古兰经 12:85-87)

"They said: "By Allah! You will never cease remembering Joseph until you become weak with old age, or until you be of the dead." He said: "I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you know not. O my sons! Go you and inquire about Joseph and his brother and never give up hope of Allah's Mercy. Certainly no one despairs of Allah's Mercy, except the people who disbelieve." (Ch 12:85-87 Quran).

商队启程前往埃及。兄弟们正前往拜见宰相（约瑟夫），他们贫困而沮丧。

The caravan set out for Egypt. The brothers - on their way to see the chief minister (Joseph) - were poor and depressed.

他们抵达埃及后，召集了犹大，去见约瑟，并恳求他说：

On reaching Egypt they collected Judah and called on Joseph, to whom they pleaded:

"啊，掌权的大人！灾荒降临到我们和我们的家人身上，我们带来的只是微薄的资本，所以请给我们足量的粮食，并且施舍于我们。真主确实会报酬施舍的人。"（第12章88节）

"O ruler of the land! A hard time has hit us and our family, and we have brought but poor capital, so pay us full measure and be charitable to us. Truly, Allah does reward the charitable." (Ch 12:88).

最后,他们恳求约瑟夫。他们向他乞求施舍,打动他的心肠,提醒他真主会回报施舍者。就在这困境之中,约瑟夫用他们的母语对他们说:

At the end, they begged Joseph. They asked alms of him, appealing to his heart, reminding him that Allah rewards alms givers. At this moment, in the midst of their plight, Joseph spoke to them in their native tongue saying:

"你们知道自己愚昧时对约瑟和他的兄弟做了什么吗？"他们说："你真的是约瑟吗？"他说："我是约瑟，这是我的兄弟（便雅悯）。真主确已对我们施恩了。

"Do you know what you did with Joseph and his brother when you were ignorant?" They said: "Are you indeed Joseph?" He said: "I am Joseph, and his is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been Gracious to us.

真的，凡敬畏安拉、坚忍不拔的人（即远离罪恶与恶行，并行善积德），安拉必不使行善者的报酬徒劳无功。」他们说：「指安拉发誓！安拉确已使你胜过我们，我们确是犯罪的人。」（12:89-91）

Verily, he who fears Allah with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the good doers to be lost." They said: "By Allah! Indeed Allah has preferred you above us, and we certainly have been sinners." (Ch 12:89-91)

兄弟们开始因恐惧而颤抖,但约瑟安慰他们说:

The brothers began to tremble with fear, but Joseph comforted them:

“今天你们不必受责备，愿安拉饶恕你们，祂是最仁慈的至慈者。”（第12章：92节）

"No reproach on you this day, may Allah forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!" (Ch 12:92)

约瑟拥抱了他们，兄弟们一同喜极而泣。约瑟不可能在没有合适接替者的情况下离开他负责的职位，于是他嘱咐他的兄弟们说：

Joseph embraced them, and together they wept with joy. It was not possible for Joseph to leave his responsible office without proper replacement, so he advised his brothers:

"你们带着我这件衬衫去，把它盖在我父亲的脸上，他就会恢复视力；然后把你们全家都带来见我。"（第12章：93节）

"Go with this shirt of mine, and cast it over the face of my father, he will become clear-sighted, and bring to me all your family." (ch 12:93)

于是商队朝巴勒斯坦返回。我们离开埃及的场景,回到巴勒斯坦,回到雅各的家。老人坐在自己的房间里,泪水不住地顺着脸颊流下。他忽然站起身,穿好衣服,走出去到儿子们的妻子那里。然后他仰起脸望向天空,嗅了嗅空气。

And so the caravan headed back for Palestine. We lave the scene in Egypt and return to Palestine and the house of Jacob. The old man is sitting in his room; tears have been flowing down his cheeks. He stands up all of a sudden, dresses and goes out to his son's wives. Then he lifts up his face to Heaven and sniffs the air.

长子的妻子说道："雅各今天走出了他的房间。"女人们问他出了什么事。他脸上带着一丝微笑。其他人便问他：

The wife of the eldest son remarked: "Jacob has come out of his room today." The women inquired about what was amiss. There was a hint of a smile on his face. The others asked him:

"你今天感觉怎么样?"他回答说:"我闻到了空气中有约瑟的气息。"妻子们让他独自待着,彼此议论说,这老人已没有希望了。"他会因为思念约瑟而哭死的。" "他有没有提到约瑟的衬衫?" "我不知道。他说他能闻到约瑟的气味,也许他已经糊涂了。" 那天,老人想要一杯牛奶来开斋,因为他一直在禁食。夜里,他换了衣服。商队在沙漠中行进,约瑟的衬衫藏在谷物之中。商队渐渐接近老人的庄园。他在房中比划着手势,然后长时间祷告,举起双手仰望天空,嗅着空气。当那件衬衫越来越靠近他时,他哭了起来。

"How do you feel today?" He answered: "I can smell Joseph in the air." The wives left him alone, saying to one another that there was no hope for the old man. 'he will die of weeping over Joseph.' "Did he talk about Joseph's shirt?" "I do not know. He said he could smell him; perhaps he has gone mad." That day the old man wanted a cup of milk to break his fast, for he had been fasting. At night he changed his clothes. The caravan was traveling in the desert with Joseph's shirt hidden among the grain. It neared the old man's estate. He gesticulated in his room, and then he prayed a long time, lifting his hands to heaven and sniffing the air. He was weeping as the shirt was nearing him.

当商队出发时,他们的父亲说:"我确实闻到了约瑟的气味,但愿你们不要以为我老糊涂了。"(年老而心智衰弱的人。)他们说:"凭真主起誓!您仍旧在您的旧错误之中。"然后,当报喜的人到来时,他把衬衫盖在自己脸上,他的视力便复明了。他说:"我不是对你们说过吗?我知道你们所不知道的,是从真主那里得知的。"他们说:"我们的父亲啊!请为我们的罪过向真主求饶吧,我们确实是犯罪的人。"(第12章 94-97节)

And when the caravan departed, their father said: "I do indeed feel the smell of Joseph, if only you think me not a dotard (a person who has weakness of mind because of old age)." They said: "By Allah! Certainly, you are in your old error." Then, when the bearer of the glad tidings arrived, he cast the shirt over his face, and he became clear sighted. He said: "Did I not say to you, I know from Allah that which you know not."" They said: "O our father! Ask Forgiveness from Allah for our sins, indeed we have been sinners." (Ch 12:94-97)

这个故事始于一个梦，也终于对这个梦的解释。至高无上的真主说：

The story began with a dream and it ends with the interpretation of the dream. Almighty Allah narrated:

他说:"我将为你们向我的主求饶,祂确是至宥的,确是至慈的。"当他们进见约瑟时,约瑟把他的父母接到自己身边,并说:"你们如果真主意欲,请平安地进入埃及吧!"他把父母尊奉在宝座上,他们都向他叩拜。约瑟说:"我父啊!这就是我往昔之梦的解释,我的主已使它实现了。当祂把我从监狱里释放出来,并把你们从沙漠的游牧生活中接来的时候,祂确是待我very好的;在恶魔离间了我和我的兄弟们之后,(真主使我们重逢)。我的主对于他所意欲的人,确是至慈的;祂确是全知的,确是至睿的。"{12:98-100}

He said: "I will ask my Lord for forgiveness for you, verily, He! Only He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful." Then, when they entered unto Joseph, he betook his parents to himself and said: "Enter Egypt, if Allah will, in security." And he raised his parents to the throne and they fell down before him prostrate. And he said: "O my father! This is the interpretation of my dream of old! My Lord has made it come true! He was indeed good to me, when He took me out of prison, and brought you all here out of the Bedouin life, after Satan had sown enmity between me and my brothers. Certainly, my Lord is the Most Courteous and Kind unto whom He will. Truly He! Only He is the All Knowing, the All-Wise." (Ch 12:98-100)

现在他的梦想成真了，请设想一下他的心情。他向安拉祈祷说：

Consider his feelings now that his dream has come true. He prays to Allah:

"我的主啊！你确已赐我以王权，并教我解释梦境。诸天与大地的唯一创造者啊！你是我在今世和后世的保护者（Wali，即护持者、援助者、监护者等）。求你使我以穆斯林（顺从你旨意的人）的身份死去，并使我与善人同列。"（第12章第101节）

"My Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me of the sovereignty, and taught me the interpretation of my dreams; The only Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Wali (Protector, Helper, Supporter, Guardian etc). in this world and in the Hereafter, cause me to die as a Muslim (the one submitting to Your Will), and join me with the righteous." (Ch 12:101)

约瑟为自己和家人安排了一次觐见国王的机会,请求国王允许他们在埃及定居。约瑟是这个王国的得力之人,国王很高兴他留在身边,与家人同住。约瑟为感恩而向安拉叩头。

Joseph arranged an audience with the king for himself and his family, to ask the king's permission for them to settle in Egypt. Joseph was an assert to the kingdom, and the king was happy to have him remain with his household. Joseph prostrated to Allah in gratitude.

在雅各伯（愿他平安）临终前，他劝诫他的儿子们要坚守伊斯兰教的教义，即一切真主先知所信奉的宗教。全能的真主启示说：

Before he died, Jacob (pbuh) advised his children to adhere to the teachings of Islam, the religion of all of Allah's prophets. Allah the Almighty revealed:

"还是说,当死亡临近雅各布时你们在场吗?当时他对众子说:'你们在我之后将崇拜什么?'他们说:'我们将崇拜你的伊拉赫(真主)——你父辈的伊拉赫(真主)易卜拉欣、伊斯玛仪和易斯哈格的独一伊拉赫(真主),我们向他顺服于伊斯兰。'"(古兰经 2:133)

"Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob? When he said unto his sons: "What will you worship after me?" they said: "We shall worship your Ilah (God-Allah) the Ilah (God) of your father. Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, One Ilah (God), and to Him we submit in Islam." (Ch 12:133 Quran).

约瑟夫(愿主福安之)临终时,嘱咐他的兄弟们,如果他们离开埃及,要把他葬在他祖先的身旁。因此,约瑟夫(愿主福安之)去世后,人们为他涂香防腐,将他放入棺木中,直到时机成熟,可以将他迁出埃及,按照他的遗愿葬在祖先的身旁。据说他享年一百一十岁。

Joseph (pbuh), at the moment of his death, asked his brothers to bury him beside his forefathers if they were to leave Egypt. So when Joseph (pbuh) passed away, he was mummified and placed in a coffin until such a time as he could be taken out of Egypt and buried beside his forefathers, as he had requested. It was said that he died at the age of one hundred ten.