The Cave (Al-Kahf)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
ALL PRAISE is due to God, who has bestowed this divine writ from on high upon His servant, and has not allowed any deviousness to obscure its meaning: 1 Immutable, so that it may warn of a severe punishment from Him; and give happy tidings to those who believe and do the right that there is a better reward (of Paradise) for them, 2 [a state of bliss] in which they shall dwell beyond the count of time. 3 And warn those who say: Allah has taken a son. 4 they have no knowledge of it, they nor their fathers; a monstrous word it is, issuing out of their mouths; they say nothing 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 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 Verily what is on earth we shall make but as dust and dry soil (without growth or herbage). 8 Deemest thou that the people of the cave and the inscription were of Our signs a wonder? 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 For many years We sealed up their hearing in the Cave, 11 Then We awakened them that We might show which of the two factions was most precise in calculating what [extent] they had remained in time. 12