12:59
And when he had furnished them forth with
provisions (suitable) for them, he said: “Bring unto me a brother ye have, of the same father as yourselves, (but a different mother): see ye not
that I pay out full measure, and that I do provide the best hospitality?
According to the narrative, Joseph treated his brothers with generosity and hospitality when they came to Egypt seeking provisions. During their interaction, he engaged them in conversation and inquired about their family circumstances. The group consisted of ten brothers, and Joseph asked whether they had left their father behind in Canaan. They explained that their father was elderly and therefore unable to travel.
Joseph also questioned them about whether they had any additional brothers. It is likely that the brothers avoided mentioning Joseph, whom they had previously abandoned, or provided a misleading explanation regarding his absence. However, through Joseph’s persistent and courteous questioning, the discussion eventually turned to their younger brother, Benjamin. Joseph inquired about his age and asked why he had not accompanied them on their journey.
Joseph then instructed them that if they wished to obtain further provisions in the future, they would need to bring their younger brother with them on their next visit. He emphasized that without doing so, they would not receive additional grain and would not be granted another audience with him, who at that time held the position of a high-ranking official in Egypt.
References:
Yusuf Ali, Abdullah. Translation and Commentary of the Quran.
(Surah 12 verse 59).