The Cave (Al-Kahf)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
Praise be to God. He has sent the Book to His servant and has made it a flawless guide (for human beings) 1 an unerringly Straight Book, meant to warn of a stern punishment from Allah, and to proclaim, to those who believe and work righteous deeds, the tiding that theirs shall be a good reward 2 wherein they shall abide for ever; 3 Furthermore, [this divine writ is meant] to warn all those who assert, "God has taken unto Himself a son." 4 No knowledge thereof have they, nor had their fathers. Odious is the word that cometh out of their mouths; they say not but a lie. 5 But wouldst thou, perhaps, torment thyself to death with grief over them if they are not willing to believe in this message? 6 We have adorned the earth with attractive things, so that We may test mankind as to which one is best in conduct, 7 In the ultimate, We shall reduce all that is on the earth to a barren plain. 8 Or dost thou reflect that the Companions of the Cave and of the Inscription were wonders among Our Sign? 9 When the young men took refuge in the Cave – then said, “Our Lord! Give us mercy from Yourself, and arrange guidance for us in our affair.” 10 And thereupon We veiled their ears in the cave for many a year, 11 Then roused them to ascertain which of the two groups could account for the period they had stayed. 12