Al-Maghrib Journey: Tafseer Surat Al-Kahf (Part 3)

Story of The people of the Cave (Ashaab al-Kahf).

Surat al-kahf contains multiple different stories about the people in the past and there are wisdoms in these stories.

The first story in surat al-kahf is about the people of the cave. The story took place before the time of the Prophet. A group of men (7 in total) didn’t’ know each other initially, but they met because all of them didn’t join a celebration (eid) that the community practices. The celebration was enjoined with worshipping idols. They lived in a time when the ruler is an idol worshipper, cruel and oppressive. Those who did not prostrate to the idols were to be prosecuted.

Those men were afflicted by the fitna of oppression when they want to worship Allah. To save their lives and deen, they ran to the cave and made dua to Allah to protect them. In the city, the trial is great. At times like this, hiding in the mountain is safer for them. It is okay to flee when your religion and life is harmed and your enemy is not negotiable. During my time, Alhamdulillah, I can live in Obama’s land and practice my religion without any limitation and oppression.

The people of the cave show us a great example that we should reflect and learn from. When the dajjal comes during the last days, the trials in the cities are so great, that you have no way to run except to the mountains.

The Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him said,
"Those who hear about the Dajjal should stay far from him. By Allah! A person will approach him thinking him to be a believer, but on seeing his amazing feats he will become his follower."
(Imran-b-Hussain / Abu Daud)

The people of the cave slept for over 300 years. In surat al-kahf, Allah describes their conditions - they slept with their eyes open so that their eyes won’t get dry, Allah turns them sideways so as to stretch their muscles, and the cave door was open so the sun shines on them for the benefit of their skin day to day. With their state, if you were to see them, you would be in terror and run away. Those were from the signs of Allah, He protected whomsoever He wills.

When the people of the cave woke up 300 years later, they found that everybody in the land had accepted Islam. They walked in the streets and in the marketplace and talked to the locals. Allah awakened the men to complete the story and to give us lesson. Allah then took the lives of those men after people have seen and known them.

Among the lessons of this story is that during difficult time, it is important for us to keep accompanied by people who remember Allah. Good companionship will benefit us numerously. Even during normal time, it is better for you to hang around with good people. This is because the mercy of Allah does not only shine upon the good people, but also upon his/her companions.

Another lesson is the great power of dua. The people of the cave made dua to Allah to protect them, and Allah granted their dua. Never belittle the power of dua. So make dua every time, especially during hardship. Truly, Allah is the only one that can save and protect you from harm.

Indeed in the stories of the people in past, there are signs and lessons for us. In the future, when we are afflicted with trouble, know that others in the past have been afflicted by tribulations that are far worse than ours. We are ought to follow their examples during the time of trials and tribulations.

“O Turner of the hearts, keep our hearts firm in Your religion”

Alia Farhana