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 [a divine writ] unerringly straight, meant to warn [the godless] of a severe punishment from Him, and to give unto the believers who do good works the glad tiding that theirs shall be a goodly reward 2 In which they will abide forever. 3 and also to warn those who say: "Allah has taken to Himself a son," 4 They have no knowledge of this, nor did their forefathers have any either. What they say is monstrous: they are merely uttering falsehoods! 5 Perhaps you may destroy yourself with grief if they do not believe in this message. 6 That which is on earth we have made but as a glittering show for the earth, in order that We may test them - as to which of them are best in conduct. 7 And most surely We will make what is on it bare ground without herbage. 8 Or deemest thou that the People of the Cave and the Inscription are a wonder among Our portents? 9 Recall what time the youths betook themselves to the cave, then said: our Lord! vouchsafe unto us mercy from before Thee, and prepare for us in our affair a right course. 10 We sealed their ears in the cave for a number of years. 11 Then roused them to ascertain which of the two groups could account for the period they had stayed. 12