٢١

That is how We caused them to be discovered so that their people might know that Allah’s promise ˹of resurrection˺ is true and that there is no doubt about the Hour.1 When the people disputed with each other about the case of the youth ˹after their death˺,2 some proposed, “Build a structure around them. Their Lord knows best about them.” Those who prevailed in the matter said, “We will surely build a place of worship over them.”

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٢
Some will say, “They were three, their dog was the fourth,” while others will say, “They were five, their dog was the sixth,” ˹only˺ guessing blindly. And others will say, “They were seven and their dog was the eighth.” Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “My Lord knows best their ˹exact˺ number. Only a few people know as well.” So do not argue about them except with sure knowledge,1 nor consult any of those ˹who debate˺ about them.

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٣
And never say of anything, “I will definitely do this tomorrow,”

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٤
without adding, “if Allah so wills!” But if you forget, then remember your Lord, and say, “I trust my Lord will guide me to what is more right than this.”

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٥
They had remained in their cave for three hundred years, adding nine.1

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٦
Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Allah knows best how long they stayed. With Him ˹alone˺ is ˹the knowledge of˺ the unseen of the heavens and the earth. How perfectly He hears and sees! They have no guardian besides Him, and He shares His command with none.”

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٧
Recite what has been revealed to you from the Book of your Lord. None can change His Words, nor can you find any refuge besides Him.

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٨
And patiently stick with those who call upon their Lord morning and evening, seeking His pleasure.1 Do not let your eyes look beyond them, desiring the luxuries of this worldly life. And do not obey those whose hearts We have made heedless of Our remembrance, who follow ˹only˺ their desires and whose state is ˹total˺ loss.

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٩
And say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “˹This is˺ the truth from your Lord. Whoever wills let them believe, and whoever wills let them disbelieve.” Surely We have prepared for the wrongdoers a Fire whose walls will ˹completely˺ surround them. When they cry for aid, they will be aided with water like molten metal, which will burn ˹their˺ faces. What a horrible drink! And what a terrible place to rest!

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٣٠
As for those who believe and do good, We certainly never deny the reward of those who are best in deeds.

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

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