The Cave (Al-Kahf)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
Praise be to Allah Who hath revealed the Scripture unto His slave, and hath not placed therein any crookedness, 1 Immutable, so that it may warn of a severe punishment from Him; and give happy tidings to those who believe and do the right that there is a better reward (of Paradise) for them, 2 wherein they will remain [in a state of bliss] forever. 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 Haply thou art going to kill thyself over their footsteps, if they believe not in this discourse, out of sorrow. 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 And most surely We will make what is on it bare ground without herbage. 8 Deemest thou that the people of the cave and the inscription were of Our signs a wonder? 9 When those youths sought refuge in the Cave and said: "Our Lord! Grant us mercy from Yourself and provide for us rectitude in our affairs." 10 We sealed off their ears in 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