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 right, to warn of great violence from Him, and to give good tidings unto the believers, who do righteous deeds, that theirs shall be a goodly wage 2 [a state of bliss] in which they shall dwell beyond the count of time. 3 Furthermore, [this divine writ is meant] to warn all those who assert, "God has taken unto Himself 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 Perhaps you will destroy yourself out of grief because they disbelieve this Book. 6 We have indeed placed all that is on the earth as its adornment in order that We may test them, who among them has the best deeds. 7 and, verily, [in time] We shall reduce all that is on it to barren dust! 8 Do you think that the people of the Cave and the Inscription were one of Our wondrous signs? 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 So We cast [a cover of sleep] over their ears within 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