The Cave (Al-Kahf)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
All praise unto Allah who hath sent down unto His bondman the Book, and hath not placed therein any crookedness. 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 They shall abide therein forever. 3 And that it may warn those who say: "God has begotten 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 (O Muhammad), if they do not believe in this Message, you will perhaps torment yourself to death with grief, sorrowing over them. 6 We have caused earthly things to seem attractive so that We can see who will excel in good deeds. 7 Verily what is on earth we shall make but as dust and dry soil (without growth or herbage). 8 Or, do you think that the Fellows of the Cave and the Inscription were of Our wonderful signs? 9 [Mention] when the youths retreated to the cave and said, "Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance." 10 We lulled them to sleep in that cave for a number of years 11 and then roused them so that We might see which of the two parties could best tell the length of their stay. 12