English - Chapter 18 - Al-Kahf

Selective Praise suits Allah (Alone) Who has delivered to His Abd (subservient) Al-Kitab and did not allow thereto any crookedness

(Allah has made it) Qayyim [one that keeps established (the Religion that emanates from Him)] so that He may warn of a severe punishment from Him, and give glad tidings to the Believers who work righteous deeds, that for them is an excellent reward (in Paradise) —

And He may warn those who said:"Allah has begotten a son." [All the Prophets propagated Allah’s Book in original. Their followers after them broke up Religion and deformed its teachings. They prepared man-written books to propagate their perverted beliefs and deeds, and created sects. Some sects of the pre-Muhammad era like Jews and Christians etc. and some appearing in post-Muhammad era have exalted some specified humans to the ‘son of God’ position]

(There is) not with them, thereto, any knowledge; and neither with their fathers (ancestors). Monstrous became the statement that emits out of their mouths. They utter not except a fabricated lie

So perhaps — you are one who gives extreme pain to your self because of their deeds if they did not Believe in this Al-Hadees (‘The Narration’. This is an attribute of Allah’s Book) — in a state of sorrow (over their attitude)

Verily, We have made that which is on earth as an adoration for it, in order that We may test them (mankind) — as to which of them are better in deeds

And Verily, We shall indeed make all that is on it (the earth) a bare dry soil

Have you assessed that the people of the cave and the Inscription (Stele) were a wonder among Our Signs

(Bring to mind) when the young men moved to the cave, then they said: “Our Nourisher-Sustainer! Bestow on us mercy from Yourself and bring out for us out of our affair something commendable

So We sealed up their ears in the cave for a number of years

Then We raised them up that We may know which of the groups is better in calculation about the period they had tarried

We, We narrate unto you their news with truth. Truly, they were young men who had Believed in their Nourisher-Sustainer and We had increased them in guidance

And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up, then said: “Our Nourisher-Sustainer is the Nourisher-Sustainer of the heavens and the earth. Never shall we invoke, besides Him any ilah (god). Verily, indeed we said in such a case an enormity in disbelief

These (people of) our nation have picked up besides Him gods. Why don’t they come, regarding these, with a clear authority (as proof of their partnership in Allah’s Dominion)? And who is more in transgression than that who has fabricated against Allah a lie

(These youth discussed among themselves): “And when you have separated from them and what they worship except (of course) Allah, then move to the cave, your Nourisher-Sustainer will vastly expand for you out of His mercy and will bring out for you, out of your affair, a clear solution

And you see the sun when it rose, it passes avoiding their cave, to the right; and when it set, it leaves them (while passing), to the left; and they (were) in the spacious hollow thereof. This (scene) is among the signs of Allah. That whom Allah guides so he is rightly guided; and that whom He allows to go astray then you never find for him a wali, (or) murshid

And you will consider them awake although they are asleep. And We turn them to the right lateral position and to the left lateral position, and their dog is one who stretches forth his two fore-legs at the entrance-platform (of the Cave as if a watchful guard). Had you looked at them, you would have certainly turned back from them in flight (out of extreme effect), and you would certainly have been filled because of them, with terror in awe

And likewise We raised them (from their long standing sleep) that they might question among themselves. A speaker among them said: “How long have you tarried?” They said: “We have tarried a day or part of a day.” (Others) said: “Your Nourisher-Sustainer knows better about how much you tarried. So send one of you with your this currency note to Al-Madinah (The City) and let him see which of its (inhabitant-shopkeepers) has the purer and more lawful food and let him bring you provision therefrom. And let him be careful, courteous and tender in behaviour and let him not inform about you people, any one (in the city)

Surely, they: if they (ever) prevailed over you they would extern you or make you turn back to their Millat, and you will never be successful in that situation — (even till) eternity

And thus We disclosed over them (the experiences of these people) that they may realise that the promise of Allah is true, and that, as to the Hour, there (is) no doubt in it. (And bring to mind) when people dispute amongst them their case, so they said: “Build as a mark of respect to them a monument." Their Nourisher-Sustainer knows more about them. Those who prevailed regarding their case said: “(As We are Believing Muslims) we must build a Mosque in their honour.”

(Instead of tahead of state inspiration from the Message in this extra-ordinary incident, the people seek the unnecessary historical details which Allah has avoided to mention). Soon they will say: “(These were) three, the fourth of them being their dog;” and they will say: “(They were) five, the sixth of them (being) their dog;” — (it is totally) a guess-work at the unseen. And (yet others) will say: “(They were) seven and the eighth of them (being) their dog.” Say: “My Nourisher-Sustainer knows better about their number. People do not know them, except a small minority.” So discuss them not except a limited view, and do not seek information concerning them from any one of those (who confront you)

And never say of any thing, 'I am going to do such and such thing tomorrow’ —

except (adding the words), 'If Allah so wills!’ And bring to mind your Nourisher-Sustainer when you forget and say: “It is possible that my Nourisher-Sustainer tells me something nearer to factual position than this.”

And they stayed in their Cave three hundred (solar) years, and added nine (for lunar years)

Say: “Allah knows better how long they stayed. With Him is (the knowledge of) the unseen of the heavens and the earth. You should see and show through it and you should make people hear (through it, i.e., through the contents of the Book of Allah). There is not for them, besides Him, out of a wali. And He does not allow to share in His Decision (or Verdict), any one

And rehearse what has been revealed to you from Kitab (Book) of your Nourisher-Sustainer. There is none ‘who has the power (or capacity) to change’ regarding His statements; and you never find besides Him a source of refuge

And restrict yourself patiently among those who invoke their Nourisher-Sustainer by the morning and the evening (in Salat-ul-Fajr and Salat-ul-Asr). They desire His Face (i.e., attention in Mercy). And your two eyes must not overlook them. (Would) you desire the pomp and glitter of the life of the world? And obey not that whose heart We have made heedless of Our Message, and he has followed his vain desire, and his case exceeded all bounds

And say: “(It is) Al-Haqq from your Nourisher-Sustainer”. Then whosoever desired, let him Believe; and whosoever desired, let him disbelieve. Verily, We have prepared for the transgressors a Fire — whose (flaming) limits have enclosed them. And if they will cry for water (out of thirst) they will be supplied with water (as hot) as molten lead which will burn the faces — an evil drink and it became dreadful as a presistent atmosphere

Verily, those who have Believed and did righteous deeds — surely, We do not allow to go waste the reward of that who acted in perfection

These: for them (are) Jannaat-o-Adnin flow underneath them rivers. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade, reclining therein upon raised couches. How excellent (becomes) the reward and excellent became the presistent atmosphere

And put forward to them the example of two male-adults: We established for one of these two, a pair of gardens of grapes, and bounded them both with date-palms and We placed between the two, corn-fields

Either of these two, the two gardens, brought forth its fruit, and failed not therein in the least. And We caused to flow, in the midst of these two, a river

And there was for him fruit (in abundance) so he said to his companion, while he counsels him: “I am more than you in wealth and more honourable because of the number (of my children)

And he entered his orchard while he is a transgressor to his self (due to pride and boastfulness emanating from disbelief in his Nourisher-Sustainer). He said: “I do not imagine that this one will ever perish

And I think not the Hour as one that must come, and indeed if I am made to return to my Nourisher-Sustainer surely I shall find better than this, as a resort

His companion said to him while he counsels him: “Have you bypassed That Who has created you from dust, (and) afterwards from Nutfah, then fashioned you into a male-adult

But as for me, I do Believe that He is Allah, my Nourisher-Sustainer, and I do not associate as partner to my Nourisher-Sustainer — any one

And why didn’t you when you entered your orchard, say: 'whatever Allah thought proper, there is no authority except with Allah?' If you see me that I am lesser than you in wealth and children —

so perhaps my Nourisher-Sustainer, that He may provide me better than your orchard and may direct over it Husban (a thunderbolt) from towards the sky so it becomes a bare slippery ground

Or becomes its (underground) water abnormally deep, so you will never be able to seek it.”

And (the orchard of the proud and boastful) was completely enveloped, together with its fruit (in a destruction coming as punishment), and when he (i.e., the owner) saw the morning (as an early visitor), he rubs his two palms (as an spontaneous act in lamentation and sorrow) over what he spent therein, while it lay destroyed on its trellises; and he utters: “Would that I had not associated as partner with my Nourisher-Sustainer — any one

And there did not appear for him any group who may help him besides Allah. And he was not one who is able to gain strength and take revenge

Then and there (it was proved that) Al-Walayah is with Allah, the True (God). He is Better in reward, and Better in respect of consequence

And put forward to them the example of the life of this world: like the (rain-) water which We sent down from towards the sky, then mingled with it the vegetation of the earth (to become fresh and green). But later on it became dry and broken into pieces which the winds scatter. And Allah is Possessor of Power and Authority regarding all things

The wealth and the sons are the adornment of the life of this world; and the righteous deeds of a lasting character are better in the sight of your Nourisher-Sustainer for rewards, and better as a hope for the future

And (bring to mind) the Day when We cause the mountains to move (to non-existence becoming clouds of dust) and you watch the earth as a levelled ground, and We gathered them (all), then We did not leave anyone of them (behind)

And they have been brought before your Nourisher-Sustainer in rows (and there He said to them): “Surely, indeed you have come to Us as We created you the first time. Nay! You boasted that We have never made for you a Promise (for Resurrection and Accountability)

And was brought forth the Record (of man’s deeds) then you mark the Mujrimun fearful of what is (recorded) therein. And they will comment: “Oh, woe to us! What sort of Record is this that leaves neither a minor thing nor a major thing but it has fully recorded it." And they found what they did — placed before (them). And your Nourisher-Sustainer does not treat anyone with injustice

And (bring to mind) when We said to the angels: "prostrate (to Me) for Adam." So they prostrated except Iblis. He was out of the jinns, that is why he disobeyed against the Command of his Nourisher-Sustainer. Will you (O mankind!) then take him (Iblis) and his followings as auliya apart from Me, while they are enemies to you? Evil is the bartering for the transgressors

I did not make them witness to the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor their own creation. And I am never to be One Who picks up as helpers those who lead people astray

And (bring to mind) the Day, He says: “Call those (so-called) partners of Mine whom you boasted.” Then they cried to them but they did not respond to them and We placed a barrier between them

And the criminals saw the Fire, and they became certain that they are to fall down onto it and they did not find a place of escape therefrom

And surely indeed, We have scattered in this Al-Quran for mankind from all kinds of examples. And a human is more prone to indulge in arguments than any (other creation)

And nothing prevented men that they may Believe, now when has come to them Al-Hudah and that they may ask forgiveness from their Nourisher-Sustainer, except that the ways of the earlier ones be repeated with them, or the punishment be brought to them face to face

And We send not the Messengers except as giver of glad tidings and warners. And those who disbelieve dispute with false argument in order that they may refute Al-Haqq thereby. And they have regarded Ayaati (‘My statements’.) and that with which they are warned as a jest and mockery

And who is a more serious transgressor than that who is reminded with the help of the Ayaat of his Nourisher-Sustainer, but he turned away from them and he forgot what his two hands have already sent forth. Surely, We have set over their hearts veils, lest they may understand this (Al-Kitab), and in their ears, deafness. And if you call them to Al-Hudah, so they will never be guided (even) then, till eternity

And your Nourisher-Sustainer is Oft-Forgiving, Possessor of Mercy. If He subjects them to account for what they have earned, then surely He would have hastened for them the punishment. Nay! For them is an appointed time. They will never find, besides Him, a place of escape and refuge

And these were the habitations (or towns) We annihilate them when they transgressed (beyond the limits set in Al-Kitab). And we kept for their place of destruction, a fixed time

And (bring to mind) when Musa said to the young man with him: “I will not give up (travelling) until I reach the junction of the two seas, or I will journey on for ages

So when they both reached the meeting point between these two (seas), both forgot their fish, so it found its way in the sea, swiftly

And when the two travelled beyond (it) he said to his young man: “Bring us our lunch. Surely, indeed we have met in our this travel serious fatigue.”

He said: “Did you mark when we got seated on the rock so indeed I forgot the fish. And none made me forget except the Satan that I may keep it in memory, and it found its way to the sea in a very strange way!”

(Musa) said: “That is what we have been seehead of state." So they both returned in the light of the footsteps of the two, retracing (the overrun site)

So both of them found Abdan-min-Ibadina (‘an obedient out of Our obedients’) whom We had bestowed mercy proceeding from Us, and whom We had taught from Us, knowledge. [‘Khidr’ has been allotted as a proper name to this person in some man-written books. Many irrational, mythological powers have also been associated to this personality. All these, fake name and imaginary statements, must not act as a barrier in understanding the straightforward Message available in the Divine Verses]

Musa said to him: “Shall I accompany you for the purpose that you teach me out of that which you have been taught in guidance

(Abdan-min-Ibadina) said: “Verily you would never have the capacity (to stay) with me in patience

And how will you bear in patience about what you do not have grasp thereat, in knowledge

Musa said: “Soon you find me, if Allah (so) willed, a patient one, and I will not disobey you (in any) matter

He said: “Then if you come along with me, then ask me not about anything till I (myself) narrate to you therefrom the Message (hidden in an incident)

So they both proceeded till when both embarked in the ferry-boat, he scuttled it. (Musa) said: “Have you scuttled it in order to drown its passengers? Surely, without doubt, you did a thing dreadful.”

He said: “Did I not tell (in advance that) surely you: you will never have the ability of patience in my company?”

(Musa) said: “Don’t subject me to accountability for what I forgot, and don’t bring upon me from my affair, hardship

Then they both proceeded until when both met a boy, he killed him. (Musa) said: “Have you slain an innocent person without (his having slain) anyone? Surely you have done a prohibited act

He said: “Did I not tell you: verily, you would never have the capacity (to stay) with me in patience?”

He said: “If I asked you anything after this, then keep me not in your company. Indeed you have found in me a definite excuse.”

Then they both proceeded, till when both came to the residents of a town, both asked its residents for food but they refused to accept them as guests, (i.e., they avoided their request and did not provide anything to eat or drink). Then the two found therein a wall which intends that it should fall down, so he set it up straight. (Musa) said: “If you had wished, surely, you could have taken, for it, a sum as wages.”

He said: “This is the parting between me and between you. Soon I will tell you the background of that over which you were unable to hold patience

As for the ferry-boat, so it belonged to the poor people, they work in the sea. So I intended that I should create a defect to it (so that it does not remain without blemish) because there is after them a head of state who seizes all ferry-boats as impounded

And as for the boy, so (as the record available with my government) his parents are Believers, and We (as members of a decision-tahead of state body) feared lest he should oppress them because of rebellion and disbelief

So we (as a government-body and not my person alone) intended (and decided) that the Nourisher-Sustainer of these two (parents) may bestow these two in replacement one better than him (i.e., the slain one) in righteousness and nearer in mercy

And as for the wall, so it belongs to two orphan boys in Al-Madinah (The Town), and there is, under it a treasure for those two and their father had been a righteous man. So your Nourisher-Sustainer intended that the two should attain the age of full strength applicable to the two and both (together) take out the treasure of the two. (This is) a mercy from your Nourisher-Sustainer and I have not done it of my own accord. That is the interpretation (or background), of that over which you could not hold patience." [Thus came to an end the training-period wherein Musa stayed with a Muslim ruler to learn and grasp the worhead of state of the state]

People ask you about the (Muslim-ruler) Dhul-Qarnain. Say: “Soon I recite to you about him a resume.”

Verily We, We established him in the earth and We bestowed him a positive way to all things

So he followed a way —

until when he reached the setting place of the sun (i.e., the western limits of the state) he found it: it sets in a spring (of) black muddy hot (water). And he came across in its vicinity a nation. We (Allah) said (by inspiration): “O Dhul-Qurnain! Either you punish them (if you apprehend any treason or arrogance) or treat them with kindness (if they accept the authority of the Muslim state)

He said: “As for him who transgressed (against the state-authority) then very soon we shall punish him, then shall he be brought back to his Nourisher-Sustainer, then He will punish him with a dreadful punishment

And, as for that who Believed and acted in righteousness then for him is an excellent reward, and soon we announce to him out of our worhead of state, concession and incentive

Then he followed (another) way —

until, when he reached the rising place of the sun (the eastern limits of the Muslim state) he found it: it rises over a nation for whom We (Allah) had not provided for them from its (sun’s) side any barrier, shade or protection

Thus (was the situation)! And indeed, We kept in surveillance what ever (was) in relation to him, as the news

Then he followed (another) way —

until he reached between two barriers, he found along these two a nation, they show no capability to understand

They said: “O Dhul-Qurnain! Verily, Yajuj and Majuj are mischief mongers in the earth. So shall we arrange for you the taxation in order that you might construct, between us and between them, a barrier

He said: “That (wealth, authority and power) in which my Nourisher-Sustainer has established me is better. So provide me with labour-force, I will establish between you and between them a rampart

Provide me sheets of iron." Till when he had filled up (the gap) between the two (mountain-) cliffs he said: “Blow.” Till when he had made (the sheets, red as) fire, he said: “Bring me, I will pour over it molten copper.”

So they (Yajuj and Majuj) had no capacity that they may scale it and they had no capacity for it to pierce through

He said: “This is a mercy from my Nourisher-Sustainer, but when the Promise of Nourisher-Sustainer approached, He simultaneously made it reduce to plain earth. And the Promise of my Nourisher-Sustainer is ever true.”

And We released some of them on that Day — they surge like waves on some (people), and the Siren is blown and We gathered them all together

And We brought forward Hell on that Day for the disbelievers, plain to view —

those whose eyes remained under a covering against My Zikr (‘Message’) and they did not show capacity to listen attentively

Have then they who have disbelieved assessed that they will pick up My Ibad besides Me as ‘auliya’. Verily, We have prepared Hell for the disbelievers as a ‘welcoming place’

Say: “Shall we tell you the greatest losers in respect of (their) deeds

those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they assess that they are acquiring good through their deeds

They are those who deny the Ayaat of their Nourisher-Sustainer and the meeting with Him (in the Hereafter). So their deeds got wasted, so We shall not give them any weight on the Day of Resurrection

This is their recompense: Hell, because they disbelieved and they took My Ayaat and My Messengers by way of jest and mockery

Verily, those who Believed and performed righteous deeds, became for them, Gardens of Al-Firdaus (Paradise) as a welcoming place

Dwellers therein. They will not desire a shifting therefrom

Say: “If the sea were ink for (writing) the Statements of my Nourisher-Sustainer, surely the sea would be exhausted before the Statements of my Nourisher-Sustainer would be completed, even if We brought like it, in assistance (i.e., another sea of ink)

Say: “Certainly what (is the fact is that) I am a human like you. It has been inspired to me that your Ilah is One Ilah. So whoever does hope a meeting with his Nourisher-Sustainer, let him perform righteous deeds and he must not associate in the obedience to his Nourisher-Sustainer — any one