The Egyptian who bought him instructed his wife: "House him honourably. He may be of use to us. We may even adopt him as a son." So, We firmly established Joseph in the land, and taught him the interpretation of dreams. God dominated in his affairs, though most men do not know. 21 When he attained maturity, God gave him strength, wisdom and knowledge. Thus, do We reward those who do good. 22 And it so happened that the lady in whose house Joseph was living, sought to tempt him to herself, and one day bolting the doors she said: "Come on now!" Joseph answered: "May Allah grant me refuge! My Lord has provided an honourable abode for me (so how can I do something so evil)? Such wrong-doers never prosper." 23 And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. And thus [it was] that We should avert from him evil and immorality. Indeed, he was of Our chosen servants. 24 So they raced with one another to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back. They both found her lord (i.e. her husband) at the door. She said: "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?" 25 He said: it is she who solicited me against myself. And a witness from her own household bare witness: if his shirt be rent in front, then she speaketh the truth and he is of the liars. 26 but if his tunic has been torn from behind, then she is lying, and he is speaking the truth." 27 So when he saw his shirt torn from behind, he said: Lo! this is of the guile of you women. Lo! the guile of you is very great. 28 Joseph, overlook this: but you [wife], ask forgiveness for your sin, for you have done wrong." 29