And thus We made their case known to (the
people), that they might know that the Promise of Allâh is true, and that there
can be no doubt about the Hour. (Remember) when they (the people of the city)
disputed among themselves about their case, they said: "Construct a
building over them, their Lord knows best about them," (then) those who
won their point said (most probably the disbelievers): "We verily shall
build a place of worship over them." (21) (Some) say they were
three, the dog being the fourth among them; and (others) say they were five,
the dog being the sixth, guessing at the unseen; (yet others) say they were
seven, the dog being the eighth. Say (O Muhammad SAW): "My Lord knows best
their number; none knows them but a few." So debate not (about their
number) except with the clear proof (which We have
revealed to you). And consult not any of them (people of the Scripture, Jews
and Christians) about (the affair of) the people of the Cave. (22) And never say of
anything, "I shall do such and such thing tomorrow." (23) Except (with the
saying), "If Allâh will!" And remember your Lord when you forget and
say: "It may be that my Lord guides me unto a nearer way of truth than
this." (24) And they stayed in their Cave three hundred (solar) years, and
adding nine (for lunar years). (Tafsir Al-Qurtubi) (25) Say: "Allâh
knows best how long they stayed. With Him is (the knowledge of) the unseen of
the heavens and the earth. How clearly He sees, and hears (everything)! They
have no Walî (Helper, Disposer of affairs, Protector) other than Him, and He
makes none to share in His Decision and His Rule." (26) And recite what has
been revealed to you (O Muhammad SAW) of the Book (the Qur'ân) of your Lord
(i.e. recite it, understand and follow its teachings and act on its orders and
preach it to men). None can change His Words, and none will you find as a
refuge other than Him. (27)