The Cave (Al-Kahf)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
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 A just Book, to warn of Allah’s severe punishment, and to give glad tidings to the believers who do good deeds, that for them is an excellent reward. 2 They will abide therein for ever. 3 And warn those who say: Allah has taken a son. 4 Surely, of this they have no knowledge, neither they nor their fathers; it is a monstrous word that comes from their mouths, they say nothing but a lie. 5 Yet perchance, if they believe not in this tiding, thou wilt consume thyself, following after them, of grief. 6 We have appointed all that is on the earth for an adornment for it, and that We may try which of them is fairest in works; 7 Verily what is on earth we shall make but as dust and dry soil (without growth or herbage). 8 Or, do you think the companions of the Cave and the tomb stone were a wonder among Our signs? 9 (Remember) when the young men fled for refuge (from their disbelieving folk) to the Cave, they said: "Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and facilitate for us our affair in the right way!" 10 We sealed off their ears in the 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