(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.

(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.

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。”

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。”