وَكَذَٰلِكَ

أَعۡثَرۡنَا

عَلَيۡهِمۡ

لِيَعۡلَمُوٓاْ

أَنَّ

وَعۡدَ

ٱللَّهِ

حَقّٞ

وَأَنَّ

ٱلسَّاعَةَ

لَا

رَيۡبَ

فِيهَآ

إِذۡ

يَتَنَٰزَعُونَ

بَيۡنَهُمۡ

أَمۡرَهُمۡۖ

فَقَالُواْ

ٱبۡنُواْ

عَلَيۡهِم

بُنۡيَٰنٗاۖ

رَّبُّهُمۡ

أَعۡلَمُ

بِهِمۡۚ

قَالَ

ٱلَّذِينَ

غَلَبُواْ

عَلَىٰٓ

أَمۡرِهِمۡ

لَنَتَّخِذَنَّ

عَلَيۡهِم

مَّسۡجِدٗا

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.”

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.

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

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.”

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

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.”

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.

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.

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!

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