(Some) say they were three, the dog being the fourth among them; (others) say they were five, the dog being the sixth,- doubtfully guessing at the unknown; (yet others) say they were seven, the dog being the eighth. Say thou: "My Lord knoweth best their number; It is but few that know their (real case)." Enter not, therefore, into controversies concerning them, except on a matter that is clear, nor consult any of them about (the affair of) the Sleepers.
Seest thou not that Allah doth know (all) that is in the heavens and on earth? There is not a secret consultation between three, but He makes the fourth among them, - Nor between five but He makes the sixth,- nor between fewer nor more, but He is in their midst, wheresoever they be: In the end will He tell them the truth of their conduct, on the Day of Judgment. For Allah has full knowledge of all things.
有人将说:“他们是三个,第四个是他们的狗。”有人将说:“他们是五个,第六个是他们的狗。”这是由于猜测幽玄。还有人将说:“他们是七个,第八个是他们的狗。”你说:“我的主是最知道他们的数目的,此外,只有少数人知道。关于他们的事情,只可作表面的辩论,关于他们的事情,不要请教任何人。”
难道你不知道真主是全知天地万物的?凡有三个人密谈,他就是第四个参与者;凡有五个人密谈,他就是第六个参与者;凡有比那更少或更多的人密谈,无论他们在那里,他总是与他们同在的;然后在复活日,他要把他们的行为告诉他们。真主确是全知万物的。