M. H. Shakir, The Holy Quran; Arabic Text and English Translation; Foot-notes by M. H. Shakir (1974)
to their religion, and then you will never succeed.
21. And thus did We make (men) to get knowledge of them, that they might know that Allah’s promise is true and that as for the hour there is no doubt about it. When they disputed among themselves about their affair and said: Erect an edifice over them — their Lord best knows them. Those who prevailed in their affair said: We will certainly raise a masjid over
them.*
22. (Some) say: (They are) three, the fourth of them being their dog; and (others) say: Five, the sixth of them being their dog, making conjectures at what is unknown; and (others yet) say: Seven, and the eighth of them is their dog. Say: My Lord best knows their number, none knows them but a few; therefore contend not in the matter of them but with an outward contention, and do not question concerning them any of them.
23. And do not say of anything: Surely I will do it tomorrow,**
24. Unless Allah pleases; and remember your Lord when you forget and say: May be my Lord will guide me to a nearer course to the right than this.
* This ayat shows that when a person is buried, a tomb, mausoleum or masjid should be built over him.
** Say Inshallah, when you intend to do anything.
