The Cave (Al-Kahf)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
Praise belongs to God who has sent down upon His servant the Book and has not assigned unto it any crookedness; 1 (He has made it) Straight to give warning (to the disbelievers) of a severe punishment from Him, and to give glad tidings to the believers (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), who work righteous deeds, that they shall have a fair reward (i.e. Paradise). 2 [a state of bliss] in which they shall dwell beyond the count of time. 3 And to warn those (Jews, Christians, and pagans) who say, "Allah has begotten a son (or offspring or children)." 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 Perhaps you will destroy yourself out of grief because they disbelieve this Book. 6 We have adorned the earth with attractive things, so that We may test mankind as to which one is best in conduct, 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 Behold, the youths betook themselves to the Cave: they said, "Our Lord! bestow on us Mercy from Thyself, and dispose of our affair for us in the right way!" 10 So We cast [a cover of sleep] over their ears within the cave for a number of years. 11 and then We awakened them: [and We did all this] so that We might mark out [to the world] which of the two points of view showed a better comprehension of the time-span during which they had remained in this state. 12