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 wherein they shall abide for ever; 3 And that it may warn those who say: God hath 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 But wouldst thou, perhaps, torment thyself to death with grief over them if they are not willing to believe in this message? 6 Surely We have made whatever is on the earth an embellishment for it, so that We may try them (as to) which of them is best in works. 7 Verily what is on earth we shall make but as dust and dry soil (without growth or herbage). 8 Do you think that the people of the Cave and the Inscription were one of Our wondrous signs? 9 When the young men took refuge in the Cave – then said, “Our Lord! Give us mercy from Yourself, and arrange guidance for us in our affair.” 10 Then We caused them to fall into a deep sleep for many years inside the cave. 11 and then roused them so that We might see which of the two parties could best tell the length of their stay. 12