The Cave (Al-Kahf)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
All praise unto Allah who hath sent down unto His bondman the Book, and hath not placed therein any crookedness. 1 Straightforward, that it may warn of a severe violence from before Him, and bring glad tidings to the believers who work righteous works that theirs shall be a goodly hire. 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 (A thing) whereof they have no knowledge, nor (had) their fathers, Dreadful is the word that cometh out of their mouths. They speak naught but a lie. 5 Perhaps, you, would kill yourself (O Muhammad SAW) in grief, over their footsteps (for their turning away from you), because they believe not in this narration (the Quran). 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 Let it be known that We will turn all things on earth into dust. 8 [AND SINCE the life of this world is but a test, dost thou [really] think that [the parable of] the Men of the Cave and of [their devotion to] the scriptures could be deemed more wondrous than any [other] of Our messages? 9 When the youths sought refuge in the cave, they said: Our Lord! grant us mercy from Thee, and provide for us a right course in our affair. 10 So We cast [a cover of sleep] over their ears within 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