Revealed in the middle of the Makkan period, Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave) was sent down as a direct divine response to a challenge posed by the Quraysh, who, acting on the advice of Jewish scholars, attempted to test the authenticity of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by demanding answers to ancient historical mysteries. To address this, the chapter masterfully weaves together four distinct, profound narratives that expose the primary trials of human existence: the trial of faith (the courageous young Men of the Cave who fled religious persecution and were miraculously put to sleep for over three centuries), the trial of wealth (the arrogant owner of two magnificent gardens who lost his entire harvest due to his ungrateful delusion of self-sufficiency), the trial of knowledge (Prophet Moses’ deeply humbling journey with the enigmatic figure Khidr, which reveals the unseen, often painful wisdom behind divine decrees), and the trial of power (the righteous king Dhul-Qarnayn, who used his immense global authority to establish justice and build a barrier against the chaotic tribes of Gog and Magog). Highly recommended by the Prophet to be recited every Friday as a spiritual shield against the ultimate deception of the Antichrist (Dajjal), the Surah continuously contrasts the fleeting, deceptive glitter of worldly materialism with the eternal reality of the Hereafter, firmly establishing that true success and protection lie only in unwavering faith, humility, and the recognition that all power and knowledge belong exclusively to God.
Transliteration
Alhamdu lillahi allathee anzala AAala AAabdihi alkitaba walam yajAAal lahu AAiwajan
Translation
Praise be to God, who revealed the Book to His servant, and allowed in it no distortion
Transliteration
Qayyiman liyunthira basan shadeedan min ladunhu wayubashshira almumineena allatheena yaAAmaloona alssalihati anna lahum ajran hasanan
Translation
Valuable—to warn of severe punishment from Himself; and to deliver good news to the believers who do righteous deeds, that they will have an excellent reward
Transliteration
Makitheena feehi abadan
Translation
In which they will abide forever
Transliteration
Wayunthira allatheena qaloo ittakhatha Allahu waladan
Translation
And to warn those who say, “God has begotten a son.”
Transliteration
Ma lahum bihi min AAilmin wala liabaihim kaburat kalimatan takhruju min afwahihim in yaqooloona illa kathiban
Translation
They have no knowledge of this, nor did their forefathers. Grave is the word that comes out of their mouths. They say nothing but a lie
Transliteration
FalaAAallaka bakhiAAun nafsaka AAala atharihim in lam yuminoo bihatha alhadeethi asafan
Translation
Perhaps you may destroy yourself with grief, chasing after them, if they do not believe in this information
Transliteration
Inna jaAAalna ma AAala alardi zeenatan laha linabluwahum ayyuhum ahsanu AAamalan
Translation
We made what is upon the earth an ornament for it, to test them as to which of them is best in conduct
Transliteration
Wainna lajaAAiloona ma AAalayha saAAeedan juruzan
Translation
And We will turn what is on it into barren waste
Transliteration
Am hasibta anna ashaba alkahfi waalrraqeemi kanoo min ayatina AAajaban
Translation
Did you know that the People of the Cave and the Inscription were of Our wondrous signs
Surah Al-Kahf was revealed when Meccan leaders, advised by Medinan rabbis, questioned the Prophet ﷺ about ancient mysteries to test his authenticity. The 'Companions of the Cave' were young monotheists who fled into a cavern to preserve their faith from brutal Roman pagan persecution.
Transliteration
Ith awa alfityatu ila alkahfi faqaloo rabbana atina min ladunka rahmatan wahayyi lana min amrina rashadan
Translation
When the youths took shelter in the cave, they said, “Our Lord, give us mercy from Yourself, and bless our affair with guidance.”
Transliteration
Fadarabna AAala athanihim fee alkahfi sineena AAadadan
Translation
Then We sealed their ears in the cave for a number of years
Transliteration
Thumma baAAathnahum linaAAlama ayyu alhizbayni ahsa lima labithoo amadan
Translation
Then We awakened them to know which of the two groups could better calculate the length of their stay
Transliteration
Nahnu naqussu AAalayka nabaahum bialhaqqi innahum fityatun amanoo birabbihim wazidnahum hudan
Translation
We relate to you their story in truth. They were youths who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance
Transliteration
Warabatna AAala quloobihim ith qamoo faqaloo rabbuna rabbu alssamawati waalardi lan nadAAuwa min doonihi ilahan laqad qulna ithan shatatan
Translation
And We strengthened their hearts, when they stood up and said, “Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth; we will not call on any god besides Him, for then we would have spoken an outrage.”
Transliteration
Haolai qawmuna ittakhathoo min doonihi alihatan lawla yatoona AAalayhim bisultanin bayyinin faman athlamu mimmani iftara AAala Allahi kathiban
Translation
“These people, our people, have taken to themselves gods other than Him. Why do they not bring a clear proof concerning them? Who, then, does greater wrong than he who invents lies and attributes them to God?”
Transliteration
Waithi iAAtazaltumoohum wama yaAAbudoona illa Allaha fawoo ila alkahfi yanshur lakum rabbukum min rahmatihi wayuhayyi lakum min amrikum mirfaqan
Translation
“Now that you have withdrawn from them, and from what they worship besides God, take shelter in the cave. And your Lord will unfold His mercy for you, and will set your affair towards ease.”
Transliteration
Watara alshshamsa itha talaAAat tazawaru AAan kahfihim thata alyameeni waitha gharabat taqriduhum thata alshshimali wahum fee fajwatin minhu thalika min ayati Allahi man yahdi Allahu fahuwa almuhtadi waman yudlil falan tajida lahu waliyyan murshidan
Translation
You would have seen the sun, when it rose, veering away from their cave towards the right, and when it sets, moving away from them to the left, as they lay in the midst of the cave. That was one of God’s wonders. He whom God guides is truly guided; but he whom He misguides, for him you will find no directing friend
Transliteration
Watahsabuhum ayqathan wahum ruqoodun wanuqallibuhum thata alyameeni wathata alshshimali wakalbuhum basitun thiraAAayhi bialwaseedi lawi ittalaAAta AAalayhim lawallayta minhum firaran walamulita minhum ruAAban
Translation
You would think them awake, although they were asleep. And We turned them over to the right, and to the left, with their dog stretching its paws across the threshold. Had you looked at them, you would have turned away from them in flight, and been filled with fear of them
Describes the physiological miracle of their deep slumber: God caused them to periodically turn from side to side over centuries to prevent tissue necrosis and bedsores, while their guard dog lay alert at the cavern threshold.
Transliteration
Wakathalika baAAathnahum liyatasaaloo baynahum qala qailun minhum kam labithtum qaloo labithna yawman aw baAAda yawmin qaloo rabbukum aAAlamu bima labithtum faibAAathoo ahadakum biwariqikum hathihi ila almadeenati falyanthur ayyuha azka taAAaman falyatikum birizqin minhu walyatalattaf wala yushAAiranna bikum ahadan
Translation
Even so, We awakened them, so that they may ask one another. A speaker among them said, “How long have you stayed?” They said, “We have stayed a day, or part of a day.” They said, “Your Lord knows best how long you have stayed.” “Send one of you to the city, with this money of yours, and let him see which food is most suitable, and let him bring you some provision thereof. And let him be gentle, and let no one become aware of you.”
Upon awakening, the youths believed they had slept merely a day or part of a day. They sent one member into the city disguised with ancient silver coins ('wariq') to purchase pure food without giving away their location.
Transliteration
Innahum in yathharoo AAalaykum yarjumookum aw yuAAeedookum fee millatihim walan tuflihoo ithan abadan
Translation
“If they discover you, they will stone you, or force you back into their religion; then you will never be saved.”
Transliteration
Wakathalika aAAtharna AAalayhim liyaAAlamoo anna waAAda Allahi haqqun waanna alsaAAata la rayba feeha ith yatanazaAAoona baynahum amrahum faqaloo ibnoo AAalayhim bunyanan rabbuhum aAAlamu bihim qala allatheena ghalaboo AAala amrihim lanattakhithanna AAalayhim masjidan
Translation
So it was, that We caused them to be discovered, that they would know that the promise of God is true, and that of the Hour there is no doubt. As they were disputing their case among themselves, they said, “Build over them a building.” Their Lord knows best about them. Those who prevailed over their case said, “We will set up over them a place of worship.”
Transliteration
Sayaqooloona thalathatun rabiAAuhum kalbuhum wayaqooloona khamsatun sadisuhum kalbuhum rajman bialghaybi wayaqooloona sabAAatun wathaminuhum kalbuhum qul rabbee aAAlamu biAAiddatihim ma yaAAlamuhum illa qaleelun fala tumari feehim illa miraan thahiran wala tastafti feehim minhum ahadan
Translation
They will say, “Three, and their fourth being their dog.” And they will say, “Five, and their sixth being their dog,” guessing at the unknown. And they will say, “Seven, and their eighth being their dog.” Say, “My Lord knows best their number.” None knows them except a few. So do not argue concerning them except with an obvious argument, and do not consult any of them about them
Addresses spiritual squabbling over the exact headcount of the sleepers. The verse teaches believers not to lose sight of core spiritual lessons by obsessing over inconsequential historical trivia.
Transliteration
Wala taqoolanna lishayin innee faAAilun thalika ghadan
Translation
And never say about anything, “I will do that tomorrow.”
Revealed as a gentle divine correction: when asked the test questions by Meccan elders, the Prophet ﷺ promised to give the answers 'tomorrow' without uttering 'Insha'Allah' (If Allah wills), causing revelation to pause for fifteen days to teach this timeless lesson in humility.
Transliteration
Illa an yashaa Allahu waothkur rabbaka itha naseeta waqul AAasa an yahdiyani rabbee liaqraba min hatha rashadan
Translation
Without saying, “If God wills.” And remember your Lord if you forget, and say, “Perhaps my Lord will guide me to nearer than this in integrity.”
Transliteration
Walabithoo fee kahfihim thalatha miatin sineena waizdadoo tisAAan
Translation
And they stayed in their cave for three hundred years, adding nine
Notes that the youths slept for 300 years, and adds 'and they increase by nine.' Astronomically, 300 solar years corresponds precisely to 309 lunar years.
Transliteration
Quli Allahu aAAlamu bima labithoo lahu ghaybu alssamawati waalardi absir bihi waasmiAA ma lahum min doonihi min waliyyin wala yushriku fee hukmihi ahadan
Translation
Say, “God knows best how long they stayed.” His is the mystery of the heavens and the earth. By Him you see and hear. They have no guardian apart from Him, and He shares His Sovereignty with no one
Transliteration
Waotlu ma oohiya ilayka min kitabi rabbika la mubaddila likalimatihi walan tajida min doonihi multahadan
Translation
And recite what was revealed to you from the Book of your Lord. There is no changing His words, and you will find no refuge except in Him
Transliteration
Waisbir nafsaka maAAa allatheena yadAAoona rabbahum bialghadati waalAAashiyyi yureedoona wajhahu wala taAAdu AAaynaka AAanhum tureedu zeenata alhayati alddunya wala tutiAA man aghfalna qalbahu AAan thikrina waittabaAAa hawahu wakana amruhu furutan
Translation
And content yourself with those who pray to their Lord morning and evening, desiring His Presence. And do not turn your eyes away from them, desiring the glitter of this world. And do not obey him whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance—so he follows his own desires—and his priorities are confused
Meccan aristocrats proposed attending the Prophet's ﷺ gatherings only on the condition that he banish impoverished, lower-class companions like Bilal and Salman al-Farsi. God sternly commanded him never to turn away sincere believers to appease arrogant elites.
Transliteration
Waquli alhaqqu min rabbikum faman shaa falyumin waman shaa falyakfur inna aAAtadna lilththalimeena naran ahata bihim suradiquha wain yastagheethoo yughathoo bimain kaalmuhli yashwee alwujooha bisa alshsharabu wasaat murtafaqan
Translation
And say, “The truth is from your Lord. Whoever wills—let him believe. And whoever wills—let him disbelieve”. We have prepared for the unjust a Fire, whose curtains will hem them in. And when they cry for relief, they will be relieved with water like molten brass, which scalds the faces. What a miserable drink, and what a terrible place
Transliteration
Inna allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati inna la nudeeAAu ajra man ahsana AAamalan
Translation
As for those who believe and lead a righteous life—We will not waste the reward of those who work righteousness
Transliteration
Olaika lahum jannatu AAadnin tajree min tahtihimu alanharu yuhallawna feeha min asawira min thahabin wayalbasoona thiyaban khudran min sundusin waistabraqin muttakieena feeha AAala alaraiki niAAma alththawabu wahasunat murtafaqan
Translation
These will have the Gardens of Eden, beneath which rivers flow. Reclining on comfortable furnishings, they will be adorned with bracelets of gold, and will wear green garments of silk and brocade. What a wonderful reward, and what an excellent resting-place
Transliteration
Waidrib lahum mathalan rajulayni jaAAalna liahadihima jannatayni min aAAnabin wahafafnahuma binakhlin wajaAAalna baynahuma zarAAan
Translation
And cite for them the parable of two men. To one of them We gave two gardens of vine, and We surrounded them with palms-trees, and We placed between them crops
Presents the parable of the two garden owners: one blessed with immense wealth who grew arrogant and denied the Day of Reckoning, contrasted with his humble, God-conscious neighbor who warned him of worldly delusion.
Transliteration
Kilta aljannatayni atat okulaha walam tathlim minhu shayan wafajjarna khilalahuma naharan
Translation
Both gardens produced their harvest in full, and suffered no loss. And We made a river flow through them
Transliteration
Wakana lahu thamarun faqala lisahibihi wahuwa yuhawiruhu ana aktharu minka malan waaAAazzu nafaran
Translation
And thus he had abundant fruits. He said to his friend, as he conversed with him, “I am wealthier than you, and greater in manpower.”
Transliteration
Wadakhala jannatahu wahuwa thalimun linafsihi qala ma athunnu an tabeeda hathihi abadan
Translation
And he entered his garden, wronging himself. He said, “I do not think this will ever perish.”
Transliteration
Wama athunnu alssaAAata qaimatan walain rudidtu ila rabbee laajidanna khayran minha munqalaban
Translation
“And I do not think the Hour is coming. And even if I am returned to my Lord, I will find something better than this in return.”
Transliteration
Qala lahu sahibuhu wahuwa yuhawiruhu akafarta biallathee khalaqaka min turabin thumma min nutfatin thumma sawwaka rajulan
Translation
His friend said to him, as he conversed with him, “Are you being ungrateful to Him who created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then evolved you into a man
Transliteration
Lakinna huwa Allahu rabbee wala oshriku birabbee ahadan
Translation
But as for me, He is God, my Lord, and I never associate with my Lord anyone
Transliteration
Walawla ith dakhalta jannataka qulta ma shaa Allahu la quwwata illa biAllahi in tarani ana aqalla minka malan wawaladan
Translation
When you entered your garden, why did you not say, “As God wills; there is no power except through God”? Although you see me inferior to you in wealth and children
Transliteration
FaAAasa rabbee an yutiyani khayran min jannatika wayursila AAalayha husbanan mina alssamai fatusbiha saAAeedan zalaqan
Translation
Perhaps my Lord will give me something better than your garden, and release upon it thunderbolts from the sky, so it becomes barren waste
Transliteration
Aw yusbiha maoha ghawran falan tastateeAAa lahu talaban
Translation
Or its water will sink into the ground, and you will be unable to draw it.”
Transliteration
Waoheeta bithamarihi faasbaha yuqallibu kaffayhi AAala ma anfaqa feeha wahiya khawiyatun AAala AAurooshiha wayaqoolu ya laytanee lam oshrik birabbee ahadan
Translation
And ruin closed in on his crops, and so he began wringing his hands over what he had invested in it, as it lays fallen upon its trellises. And he was saying, “I wish I never associated anyone with my Lord.”
Transliteration
Walam takun lahu fiatun yansuroonahu min dooni Allahi wama kana muntasiran
Translation
He had no faction to help him besides God, and he was helpless
Transliteration
Hunalika alwalayatu lillahi alhaqqi huwa khayrun thawaban wakhayrun AAuqban
Translation
That is because authority belongs to God, the True. He is Best in rewarding, and Best in requiting
Transliteration
Waidrib lahum mathala alhayati alddunya kamain anzalnahu mina alssamai faikhtalata bihi nabatu alardi faasbaha hasheeman tathroohu alrriyahu wakana Allahu AAala kulli shayin muqtadiran
Translation
And cite for them the parable of the present life: it is like water that We send down from the sky; the plants of the earth absorb it; but then it becomes debris, scattered by the wind. God has absolute power over everything
Transliteration
Almalu waalbanoona zeenatu alhayati alddunya waalbaqiyatu alssalihatu khayrun AAinda rabbika thawaban wakhayrun amalan
Translation
Wealth and children are the adornments of the present life. But the things that last, the virtuous deeds, are better with your Lord for reward, and better for hope
Transliteration
Wayawma nusayyiru aljibala watara alarda barizatan wahasharnahum falam nughadir minhum ahadan
Translation
On the Day when We set the mountains in motion; and you see the earth emerging; and We gather them together, and leave none of them behind
Transliteration
WaAAuridoo AAala rabbika saffan laqad jitumoona kama khalaqnakum awwala marratin bal zaAAamtum allan najAAala lakum mawAAidan
Translation
They will be presented before your Lord in a row. “You have come to Us as We created you the first time. Although you claimed We would not set a meeting for you.”
Transliteration
WawudiAAa alkitabu fatara almujrimeena mushfiqeena mimma feehi wayaqooloona ya waylatana ma lihatha alkitabi la yughadiru sagheeratan wala kabeeratan illa ahsaha wawajadoo ma AAamiloo hadiran wala yathlimu rabbuka ahadan
Translation
And the book will be placed, and you will see the sinners fearful of its contents. And they will say, “Woe to us! What is with this book that leaves nothing, small or big, but it has enumerated it?” They will find everything they had done present. Your Lord does not wrong anyone
Transliteration
Waith qulna lilmalaikati osjudoo liadama fasajadoo illa ibleesa kana mina aljinni fafasaqa AAan amri rabbihi afatattakhithoonahu wathurriyyatahu awliyaa min doonee wahum lakum AAaduwwun bisa lilththalimeena badalan
Translation
We said to the angels, “Bow down to Adam.” So they bowed down, except for Satan. He was of the jinn, and he defied the command of his Lord. Will you take him and his offspring as lords instead of Me, when they are an enemy to you? Evil is the exchange for the wrongdoers
Transliteration
Ma ashhadtuhum khalqa alssamawati waalardi wala khalqa anfusihim wama kuntu muttakhitha almudilleena AAadudan
Translation
I did not call them to witness the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor their own creation; and I do not take the misleaders for assistants
Transliteration
Wayawma yaqoolu nadoo shurakaiya allatheena zaAAamtum fadaAAawhum falam yastajeeboo lahum wajaAAalna baynahum mawbiqan
Translation
On the Day when He will say, “Call on My partners whom you have claimed.” They will call on them, but they will not answer them. And We will place between them a barrier
Transliteration
Waraa almujrimoona alnnara fathannoo annahum muwaqiAAooha walam yajidoo AAanha masrifan
Translation
And the sinners will see the Fire, and will realize that they will tumble into it. They will find no deliverance from it
Transliteration
Walaqad sarrafna fee hatha alqurani lilnnasi min kulli mathalin wakana alinsanu akthara shayin jadalan
Translation
We have elaborated in this Quran for the people every kind of example, but the human being is a most argumentative being
Transliteration
Wama manaAAa alnnasa an yuminoo ith jaahumu alhuda wayastaghfiroo rabbahum illa an tatiyahum sunnatu alawwaleena aw yatiyahumu alAAathabu qubulan
Translation
What prevented people from accepting faith, when guidance has come to them, and from seeking their Lord’s forgiveness? Unless they are waiting for the precedent of the ancients to befall them, or to have the punishment come upon them face to face
Transliteration
Wama nursilu almursaleena illa mubashshireena wamunthireena wayujadilu allatheena kafaroo bialbatili liyudhidoo bihi alhaqqa waittakhathoo ayatee wama onthiroo huzuwan
Translation
We send the messengers only as deliverers of good news and warners. Those who disbelieve argue with false argument, in order to defeat the truth thereby. They take My Verses, and the warnings, for a joke
Transliteration
Waman athlamu mimman thukkira biayati rabbihi faaAArada AAanha wanasiya ma qaddamat yadahu inna jaAAalna AAala quloobihim akinnatan an yafqahoohu wafee athanihim waqran wain tadAAuhum ila alhuda falan yahtadoo ithan abadan
Translation
Who does greater wrong than he, who, when reminded of his Lord’s revelations, turns away from them, and forgets what his hands have put forward? We have placed coverings over their hearts, lest they understand it, and heaviness in their ears. And if you call them to guidance, they will not be guided, ever
Transliteration
Warabbuka alghafooru thoo alrrahmati law yuakhithuhum bima kasaboo laAAajjala lahumu alAAathaba bal lahum mawAAidun lan yajidoo min doonihi mawilan
Translation
Your Lord is the Forgiver, Possessor of Mercy. Were He to call them to account for what they have earned, He would have hastened the punishment for them. But they have an appointment from which they will find no escape
Transliteration
Watilka alqura ahlaknahum lamma thalamoo wajaAAalna limahlikihim mawAAidan
Translation
And these towns—We destroyed them when they committed injustices, and We set for their destruction an appointed time
Transliteration
Waith qala moosa lifatahu la abrahu hatta ablugha majmaAAa albahrayni aw amdiya huquban
Translation
Recall when Moses said to his servant, “I will not give up until I reach the junction of the two rivers, even if it takes me years.”
Prophet Moses (Musa) journeyed to the junction of the two seas to seek out the enigmatic servant of God, Khidr. The encounter occurred after Moses was asked if any living person possessed more knowledge than him, prompting God to teach Moses that divine wisdom transcends external appearances.
Transliteration
Falamma balagha majmaAAa baynihima nasiya hootahuma faittakhatha sabeelahu fee albahri saraban
Translation
Then, when they reached the junction between them, they forgot about their fish. It found its way into the river, slipping away
Transliteration
Falamma jawaza qala lifatahu atina ghadaana laqad laqeena min safarina hatha nasaban
Translation
When they went further, he said to his servant, “Bring us our lunch; we were exposed in our travel to much fatigue.”
Transliteration
Qala araayta ith awayna ila alssakhrati fainnee naseetu alhoota wama ansaneehu illa alshshaytanu an athkurahu waittakhatha sabeelahu fee albahri AAajaban
Translation
He said, “Do you remember when we rested by the rock? I forgot about the fish. It was only the devil who made me forget it. And so it found its way to the river, amazingly.”
Transliteration
Qala thalika ma kunna nabghi fairtadda AAala atharihima qasasan
Translation
He said, “This is what we were seeking.” And so they turned back retracing their steps
Transliteration
Fawajada AAabdan min AAibadina ataynahu rahmatan min AAindina waAAallamnahu min ladunna AAilman
Translation
Then they came upon a servant of Ours, whom We had blessed with mercy from Us, and had taught him knowledge from Our Own
Transliteration
Qala lahu moosa hal attabiAAuka AAala an tuAAallimani mimma AAullimta rushdan
Translation
Moses said to him, “May I follow you, so that you may teach me some of the guidance you were taught?”
Transliteration
Qala innaka lan tastateeAAa maAAiya sabran
Translation
He said, “You will not be able to endure with me
Transliteration
Wakayfa tasbiru AAala ma lam tuhit bihi khubran
Translation
And how will you endure what you have no knowledge of?”
Transliteration
Qala satajidunee in shaa Allahu sabiran wala aAAsee laka amran
Translation
He said, “You will find me, God willing, patient; and I will not disobey you in any order of yours.”
Transliteration
Qala faini ittabaAAtanee fala tasalnee AAan shayin hatta ohditha laka minhu thikran
Translation
He said, “If you follow me, do not ask me about anything, until I myself make mention of it to you.”
Transliteration
Faintalaqa hatta itha rakiba fee alssafeenati kharaqaha qala akharaqtaha litughriqa ahlaha laqad jita shayan imran
Translation
So they set out. Until, when they had boarded the boat, he holed it. He said, “Did you hole it, to drown its passengers? You have done something awful.”
Khidr damaged the boat of poor fishermen. Though outwardly harmful, he later explained (18:79) that a tyrannical king downriver was unlawfully seizing every undamaged vessel; by making it appear defective, he protected their sole livelihood.
Transliteration
Qala alam aqul innaka lan tastateeAAa maAAiya sabran
Translation
He said, “Did I not tell you that you will not be able to endure with me?”
Transliteration
Qala la tuakhithnee bima naseetu wala turhiqnee min amree AAusran
Translation
He said, “Do not rebuke me for forgetting, and do not make my course difficult for me.”
Transliteration
Faintalaqa hatta itha laqiya ghulaman faqatalahu qala aqatalta nafsan zakiyyatan bighayri nafsin laqad jita shayan nukran
Translation
Then they set out. Until, when they encountered a boy, he killed him. He said, “Did you kill a pure soul, who killed no one? You have done something terrible.”
Khidr took the life of a young boy—an act Moses vehemently protested. Khidr later revealed (18:80) that the boy's future rebellious tyranny would have crushed his righteous, devoted parents; God chose to spare them and bless them with a righteous child.
Transliteration
Qala alam aqul laka innaka lan tastateeAAa maAAiya sabran
Translation
He said, “Did I not tell you that you will not be able to endure with me?”
Transliteration
Qala in saaltuka AAan shayin baAAdaha fala tusahibnee qad balaghta min ladunnee AAuthran
Translation
He said, “If I ask you about anything after this, then do not keep company with me. You have received excuses from me.”
Transliteration
Faintalaqa hatta itha ataya ahla qaryatin istatAAama ahlaha faabaw an yudayyifoohuma fawajada feeha jidaran yureedu an yanqadda faaqamahu qala law shita laittakhathta AAalayhi ajran
Translation
So they set out. Until, when they reached the people of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused to offer them hospitality. There they found a wall about to collapse, and he repaired it. He said, “If you wanted, you could have obtained a payment for it.”
Khidr repaired a collapsing wall in an inhospitable town that refused them hospitality. He revealed (18:82) that buried beneath the wall was an inheritance belonging to two orphan boys whose deceased father had been a righteous man.
Transliteration
Qala hatha firaqu baynee wabaynika saonabbioka bitaweeli ma lam tastatiAA AAalayhi sabran
Translation
He said, “This is the parting between you and me. I will tell you the interpretation of what you were unable to endure
Transliteration
Amma alssafeenatu fakanat limasakeena yaAAmaloona fee albahri faaradtu an aAAeebaha wakana waraahum malikun yakhuthu kulla safeenatin ghasban
Translation
As for the boat, it belonged to paupers working at sea. I wanted to damage it because there was a king coming after them seizing every boat by force
Transliteration
Waamma alghulamu fakana abawahu muminayni fakhasheena an yurhiqahuma tughyanan wakufran
Translation
As for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared he would overwhelm them with oppression and disbelief
Transliteration
Faaradna an yubdilahuma rabbuhuma khayran minhu zakatan waaqraba ruhman
Translation
So we wanted their Lord to replace him with someone better in purity, and closer to mercy
Transliteration
Waamma aljidaru fakana lighulamayni yateemayni fee almadeenati wakana tahtahu kanzun lahuma wakana aboohuma salihan faarada rabbuka an yablugha ashuddahuma wayastakhrija kanzahuma rahmatan min rabbika wama faAAaltuhu AAan amree thalika taweelu ma lam tastiAA AAalayhi sabran
Translation
And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphaned boys in the town. Beneath it was a treasure that belonged to them. Their father was a righteous man. Your Lord wanted them to reach their maturity, and then extract their treasure—as a mercy from your Lord. I did not do it of my own accord. This is the interpretation of what you were unable to endure.”
Transliteration
Wayasaloonaka AAan thee alqarnayni qul saatloo AAalaykum minhu thikran
Translation
And they ask you about Zul-Qarnain. Say, “I will tell you something about him.”
Answers the rabbis' second test question regarding Dhul-Qarnayn ('The Two-Horned One'), an ancient, righteous ruler endowed with vast power and engineering wisdom who traveled the known boundaries of east and west.
Transliteration
Inna makkanna lahu fee alardi waataynahu min kulli shayin sababan
Translation
We established him on earth, and gave him all kinds of means
Transliteration
FaatbaAAa sababan
Translation
He pursued a certain course
Transliteration
Hatta itha balagha maghriba alshshamsi wajadaha taghrubu fee AAaynin hamiatin wawajada AAindaha qawman qulna ya tha alqarnayni imma an tuAAaththiba waimma an tattakhitha feehim husnan
Translation
Until, when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it setting in a murky spring, and found a people in its vicinity. We said, “O Zul-Qarnain, you may either inflict a penalty, or else treat them kindly.”
Transliteration
Qala amma man thalama fasawfa nuAAaththibuhu thumma yuraddu ila rabbihi fayuAAaththibuhu AAathaban nukran
Translation
He said, “As for him who does wrong, we will penalize him, then he will be returned to his Lord, and He will punish him with an unheard-of torment
Transliteration
Waamma man amana waAAamila salihan falahu jazaan alhusna wasanaqoolu lahu min amrina yusran
Translation
“But as for him who believes and acts righteously, he will have the finest reward, and We will speak to him of Our command with ease.”
Transliteration
Thumma atbaAAa sababan
Translation
Then he pursued a course
Transliteration
Hatta itha balagha matliAAa alshshamsi wajadaha tatluAAu AAala qawmin lam najAAal lahum min dooniha sitran
Translation
Until, when he reached the rising of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had provided no shelter from it
Transliteration
Kathalika waqad ahatna bima ladayhi khubran
Translation
And so it was. We had full knowledge of what he had
Transliteration
Thumma atbaAAa sababan
Translation
Then he pursued a course
Transliteration
Hatta itha balagha bayna alssaddayni wajada min doonihima qawman la yakadoona yafqahoona qawlan
Translation
Until, when he reached the point separating the two barriers, he found beside them a people who could barely understand what is said
Transliteration
Qaloo ya tha alqarnayni inna yajooja wamajooja mufsidoona fee alardi fahal najAAalu laka kharjan AAala an tajAAala baynana wabaynahum saddan
Translation
They said, “O Zul-Qarnain, the Gog and Magog are spreading chaos in the land. Can we pay you, to build between us and them a wall?”
Dhul-Qarnayn reached a vulnerable community terrorized by the destructive hordes of Gog and Magog (Ya'juj wa-Ma'juj). Using advanced metallurgy, he constructed an immense defensive barrier combining iron blocks fused with molten copper.
Transliteration
Qala ma makkannee feehi rabbee khayrun faaAAeenoonee biquwwatin ajAAal baynakum wabaynahum radman
Translation
He said, “What my Lord has empowered me with is better. But assist me with strength, and I will build between you and them a dam.”
Transliteration
Atoonee zubara alhadeedi hatta itha sawa bayna alsadafayni qala onfukhoo hatta itha jaAAalahu naran qala atoonee ofrigh AAalayhi qitran
Translation
“Bring me blocks of iron.” So that, when he had leveled up between the two cliffs, he said, “Blow.” And having turned it into a fire, he said, “Bring me tar to pour over it.”
Transliteration
Fama istaAAoo an yathharoohu wama istataAAoo lahu naqban
Translation
So they were unable to climb it, and they could not penetrate it
Transliteration
Qala hatha rahmatun min rabbee faitha jaa waAAdu rabbee jaAAalahu dakkaa wakana waAAdu rabbee haqqan
Translation
He said, “This is a mercy from my Lord. But when the promise of my Lord comes true, He will turn it into rubble, and the promise of my Lord is always true.”
Transliteration
Watarakna baAAdahum yawmaithin yamooju fee baAAdin wanufikha fee alssoori fajamaAAnahum jamAAan
Translation
On that Day, We will leave them surging upon one another. And the Trumpet will be blown, and We will gather them together
Transliteration
WaAAaradna jahannama yawmaithin lilkafireena AAardan
Translation
On that Day, We will present the disbelievers to Hell, all displayed
Transliteration
Allatheena kanat aAAyunuhum fee ghitain AAan thikree wakanoo la yastateeAAoona samAAan
Translation
Those whose eyes were screened to My message, and were unable to hear
Transliteration
Afahasiba allatheena kafaroo an yattakhithoo AAibadee min doonee awliyaa inna aAAtadna jahannama lilkafireena nuzulan
Translation
Do those who disbelieve think that they can take My servants for masters instead of Me? We have prepared Hell for the hospitality of the faithless
Transliteration
Qul hal nunabbiokum bialakhsareena aAAmalan
Translation
Say, “Shall We inform you of the greatest losers in their works?”
Transliteration
Allatheena dalla saAAyuhum fee alhayati alddunya wahum yahsaboona annahum yuhsinoona sunAAan
Translation
“Those whose efforts in this world are misguided, while they assume that they are doing well.”
Transliteration
Olaika allatheena kafaroo biayati rabbihim waliqaihi fahabitat aAAmaluhum fala nuqeemu lahum yawma alqiyamati waznan
Translation
It is they who rejected the communications of their Lord, and the encounter with Him. So their works are in vain. And on the Day of Resurrection, We will consider them of no weight
Transliteration
Thalika jazaohum jahannamu bima kafaroo waittakhathoo ayatee warusulee huzuwan
Translation
That is their requital—Hell—on account of their disbelief, and their taking My revelations and My messengers in mockery
Transliteration
Inna allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati kanat lahum jannatu alfirdawsi nuzulan
Translation
As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, they will have the Gardens of Paradise for hospitality
Transliteration
Khalideena feeha la yabghoona AAanha hiwalan
Translation
Abiding therein forever, without desiring any change therefrom
Transliteration
Qul law kana albahru midadan likalimati rabbee lanafida albahru qabla an tanfada kalimatu rabbee walaw jina bimithlihi madadan
Translation
Say, “If the ocean were ink for the words of my Lord, the ocean would run out, before the words of my Lord run out,” even if We were to bring the like of it in addition to it
A magnificent metaphor conveying the limitless scope of God's wisdom and knowledge: even if all seven oceans were turned into ink to write down the words and wisdom of God, the oceans would run dry long before His words could be exhausted.
Transliteration
Qul innama ana basharun mithlukum yooha ilayya annama ilahukum ilahun wahidun faman kana yarjoo liqaa rabbihi falyaAAmal AAamalan salihan wala yushrik biAAibadati rabbihi ahadan
Translation
Say, “I am only a human being like you, being inspired that your god is One God. Whoever hopes to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and never associate anyone with the service of his Lord.”
The concluding verse of Surah Al-Kahf highlights the Prophet's ﷺ mortal humanity: he is a human messenger receiving divine revelation, reminding all believers to direct their worship purely to the One God without associating any partners.