Tafsir of Surah al-Kahf Ayah 22

Some will say, ‘They were three and their dog was the fourth.’ Others will say, ‘They were five, and their dog was the sixth.’ Their statements were conjectures. And others will say, ‘They were seven, and their dog was the eighth.’ Say, ‘My Lord knows best their number. No one knows about their number but a few.’ Thus, do not argue about them, but superficially, nor ask anyone about them.

[Surah al-Kahf: 22]

Tafsir 

The Number of the Young Men of the Cave 

 People at the time of Messenger Muhammad disputed over the number of the young men of the cave. Some people said that they were three and their dog was the fourth. Others said that they were five and their dog was the sixth. Both parties had no proof supporting their statements. They only made conjectures without having any evidence, which indicates that their conjectures were untrue. Moreover, other people said that the young men of the cave were seven and their dog was the eighth. The Quran does not comment on this opinion, which indicates that it was the correct opinion.

 Then the decisive statement about the number of the young men of the cave and information related to their affairs comes. 

(Say, ‘My Lord knows best their number. No one knows about their number but a few.’) 

O Messenger!  Say, ‘My Lord, Allah, knows best the number of the young men of the cave. Allah has not mentioned their number in the Quran. He has commanded us to leave knowledge of any information related to them to Him alone.’ 

The Quran mentions the most important information about the young men of the story. Moreover, the significance of the story is the most important thing that people should focus on. The people of the cave were young men, who fled from their town to protect their belief in the Oneness of Allah so that the disbelievers would not force them to return to disbelief. They went to a cave, where Allah caused them to sleep for a long time. Thus, they became a striking example.

There are certain issues such as their number, their names, and what was the name of their town, that have no bearing on the matter. Therefore, Allah said, (Thus, do not argue about them, but superficially, nor ask anyone about them.) In other words, do not dispute over their number or any information related to the young men of the cave. 

People curiously ask questions about things, such as, when and where the story took place, names and numbers of its characters. They even ask about the name of the dog of the young men of the cave. Such matters are of no bearing to the significance of the story. 

We should note that the stories of the Quran do not mention information about the characters for certain reasons. For example, contemplating the story of the young men of the cave shows us that obscuring its characters serves as clarifying means for the significance of the story. That is because if the Quran tells us, for example, where it took place, some people may say, ‘This story is restricted to that place.’ Therefore, Allah obscures the names of the young men of the cave and where the story took place so that the intended lesson can be learned by spreading the story with such description, i.e. it is not restricted to a particular time, place, or a certain group of people. Supporting and following the truth is obligatory in all circumstances and by all people. 

(Say, ‘My Lord knows best their number. No one knows about their number but a few.’)

O Messenger! Say to those who disputed over the number of the young men of the cave, ‘Allah knows best their number. If you know something about them, it is based on speculation, while Allah’s knowledge about them is certain.’

 Allah confirms that a few people know their number, (No one knows about their number but a few.) However, there is no contradiction between what was stated before it, i.e. Allah knows best their number. That is because the knowledge of a few people who know the number of the young men of the cave is general and speculative, but Allah’s knowledge is certain, detailed, and comprehensive. Moreover, the few people who knew the number of the young men of the cave acquired such knowledge as Allah informed them the matter by revelation, e.g. Messenger Muhammad. 

(Thus, do not argue about them, but superficially, nor ask anyone about them.)

O Messenger! The matter of the young men of the cave is as We, Allah, told you. Thus, do not argue about their matter with those who disputed over them except to the extent provided to you in the Quran, and do not ask anyone about their story because what We revealed to you is sufficient.

Translation and Tafsir of Surah al-Kahf: Ayah 21

English Translation of Surah al-Kahf

 

The Noble Quran Surah an-Nahl Ayah 80

Allah has made your houses places of settling for you. And He has made for you from the hides of the cattle houses that you easily carry when traveling and settling, and from their wool, fur, and hair, you make furniture, which you enjoy for a while. [Quran Surah an-Nahl: 80] 

Allah has made your houses places of settling where you settle and find comfort. Indeed, no one can truly appreciate the blessing of settling in a house and finding security and safety therein except a person who has lost it and could not find a secure, safe, and comfortable dwelling.

The Noble Quran Surah an-Nahl Translation and Tafsir

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah an-Nahl

Tasir of Surah al-Isra: Ayah: 78 -81

Commandments and Guidelines to Messenger Muhammad

Firm following of the teachings of Islam, seeking Allah’s help, constant performance of the prayers, and avoiding falsehood and its followers are signs, denoting the Muslims’ adherence to Islam. These fundamental factors make Muslims have strong belief. Thus, they must always pray to Allah to help and guide them to follow the teachings of Islam and make their belief firm. 

(Perform the prayer from the sun’s decline until nightfall, and perform the dawn prayer. Indeed, recitation of the Quran at dawn is well- attended.

During the night, perform a voluntary prayer, reciting the Quran. Your Lord will raise you to a praised position.

Say, ‘O my Lord! Make me enter on all my affairs a truthful entrance, make me end them a truthful end, and grant me, from You, a supporting authority.’

Say, ‘The truth has come, and the falsehood has vanished. Indeed, falsehood is ever bound to vanish.’)[Quran Surah al-Isra: 78-81]

Relationship with the Previous Part

The previous part discussed establishing the creed of belief in the Oneness of Allah, the occurrence of the Day of Judgment, and the truthfulness of the Messengers of Allah. 

Then Allah commanded Messenger Muhammad to perform righteous deeds, the greatest of which is performing the prayer. He commanded His Messenger to constantly worship Him alone, and not worry himself about the cunning and plots of the disbelievers. Allah would protect him from their evil plots and make him victorious.

  

Tafsir

(Perform the prayer from the sun’s decline until nightfall, and perform the dawn prayer. Indeed, recitation of the Quran at dawn is well- attended.) [78]

O Messenger! Perform the obligatory prayers at their appointed times from the time of the sun’s decline until nightfall. 

These prayers include the noon prayer, mid-day prayer, evening prayer, and night prayer. 

The ayah addressed Messenger Muhammad and his nation is included the addressing. 

(And perform the dawn prayer. Indeed, recitation of the Quran at dawn is well- attended.)

O Messenger! Perform the dawn prayer. Verily, the angels of night and day witness the dawn prayer. At dawn time, the angels of day descend, and the angels of night ascend to the heaven. 

Recitation of the Quran during the dawn prayer is specifically mentioned, and it is said that the angels of day and night witness it in order to motivate Muslims to perform it in congregation and to refer to the virtue of long recitation of the Quran therein. 

Abu Hurarya, may Allah be pleased with him, said, I heard the Messenger of Allah saying, ‘The reward of a congregational prayer is twenty-five times greater than a prayer that a person affords alone. The angels of the night and day gather at the time of dawn prayer.’ Abu Hurarya said, ‘Recite if you wish: (Indeed, recitation of the Quran at dawn is well- attended.)’ 

Then Allah instructs the believers to practice another act of worship that purifies and elevates the soul, and helps it to overcome pains and worries. 

(During the night, perform a voluntary prayer, reciting the Quran. Your Lord will raise you to a praised position.) [79]

O Messenger! Wake up at night, and perform the voluntary night prayer, reciting the Quran. This night prayer will elevate your status. Verily, Allah, your Lord, will resurrect you on the Day of Judgment. He will make you intercede for people asking Allah to have His mercy on them, as they will be suffering great horrors. The people will praise the status that you will have then. 

Abu Hurarya, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that Messenger Muhammad said about, (Your Lord will raise you to a praised status.), ‘It is the praised status, in which I will intercede for my nation.’ 

Then Allah commanded Messenger Muhammad to constantly ask Allah’s help and invoke Him to guide him to what pleases Him. 

 (Say, ‘O my Lord! Make me enter on all my affairs a truthful entrance, make me end them a truthful end, and grant me, from You, a supporting authority.’) [80]

Al-Baghawy said, ‘The scholars of Tafsir differ about the interpretation of (Say, ‘O my Lord! Make me enter on all my affairs a truthful entrance, make me end them a truthful end, and grant me, from You, a supporting authority.’) Ibn Abbas, al-Hassan, and Qatãda said that it means ‘O Allah! Make me enter al-Madinah a truthful entrance, and make me leave Mecca a truthful departure.’ It was revealed when Messenger Muhammad was commanded to migrate to al-Madinah.’ Ad-Dahãk said, ‘O Allah! Make me leave Mecca a truthful departure, protect me from the danger of the disbelievers, and make me enter Mecca a truthful entrance, and grant me victory over the disbelievers.’ Mujãhid said, ‘O Allah! Make me enter on the message You sent me with a truthful entrance, and make me leave this world after fulfilling my obligations so that I leave it a truthful departure.’ Al-Hassan said, ‘O Allah! Make me enter a truthful entrance to Paradise, and make me leave Mecca a truthful departure.’ It was also said, ‘O Allah! Make me enter on Your obedience, and make me leave Your disobedience.’’ 

Ibn Attya said, ‘The best apparent meaning of the ayah is that it is invocation, in which Messenger Muhammad was instructed to ask Allah to facilitate all his affairs, travels, and whatever things he might encounter in this world and  after dying. Thus, the meaning of the ayah is general.’ 

(…and grant me, from You, a supporting authority.)

O Allah! Grant me a supporting authority that will make me victorious over my enemies, and grant me strength that will help me to establish Islam, and eradicate worshipping other gods besides You.

Qatãda said, ‘Indeed, Messenger Muhammad knew that he could not manage the affairs of Islamic message unless he had authority. Thus, he asked Allah to grant him a supporting authority that upholds the Quran, penalties legislated by the Islamic law, and obligations Allah has ordained. Verily, authority is mercy that Allah grants His slaves; otherwise, they would attack one another and accordingly the strong would destroy the weak.’ 

Then Allah told Messenger Muhammad the good news that victory definitely would come.

(Say, ‘The truth has come, and the falsehood has vanished. Indeed, falsehood is ever bound to vanish.’) [81]

Truth in the ayah refers to the Islamic creed, rules, and teachings that Allah sent Messenger Muhammad to convey. 

Falsehood in the ayah refers to disbelief, worshipping other gods besides Allah, and sins that Allah has prohibited.

O Messenger! Say, thanking Allah, and acknowledging His blessings, ‘The truth, i.e. Islam, has come, and will prevail over all false beliefs, and falsehood has vanished. Indeed, falsehood is ever bound to vanish as it is baseless.’

When commenting on this ayah, the commentators of the Quran mention the following hadith: Abudul-Allah bin Mas’ûd, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that when Messenger Muhammad entered Mecca, there were three hundred and sixty idols around the Ka’ba. Then he began to thrust them with a stick that was in his hand, saying, ‘The truth has come, and the falsehood has vanished. Indeed, falsehood is ever bound to vanish.).’ 

Learned Lessons

• (Perform the prayer from the sun’s decline…), the ayah is evidence, indicating that the five daily prayers are obligatory. It also generally refers to their appointed times, which the Sunnah of Messenger has given a detailed description thereof.

• (Indeed, recitation of the Quran at dawn is well- attended.), recitation of the Quran during the prayers is required. Moreover, the angels of the night and day witness the dawn prayer.

• It is recommended to pray a voluntary prayer at night. 

• Messenger Muhammad will attain the praised status on the Day of Judgment, i.e. interceding for his nation.

• Messenger Muhammad had the best status in this world and will have best status in the Hereafter. It includes every entering on and ending of an affair, e.g. entering al-Madinah, and leaving Mecca. 

• Messenger Muhammad had the strongest evidence and authority. Allah made him defeat his enemies and granted him victory. 

Tafsir Surah al-Isra: Ayah 73-77

English Translation of Surah al-Isra

The Youth of the Cave in Town after Centuries

Translation and Tafsir of Surah al-Kahf: Ayah 21

Similarly, We caused them to be found so that they would know that Allah’s promise is true, and that the Hour undoubtedly will occur. Then they were in dispute about their matter. They said, ‘Build a structure over them. Their Lord knows best about them.’ Those who had authority then said, ‘We shall surely build a mosque over their place.’ 

[Surah al-Kahf: 21]

Tafsir

The surah goes on depicting another event related to the story of the young men of the cave after they were found by the people of the town. It strikingly reveals Allah’s Omnipotence, and Wisdom. 

Similarly, We caused them to be found so that they would know that Allah’s promise is true, and that the Hour undoubtedly will occur. Then they were in dispute about their matter. They said, ‘Build a structure over them. Their Lord knows best about them.’ Those who had authority then said, ‘We shall surely build a mosque over their place.’ [21]

The ayah sets forth the rationale for making the people of the town know about the young men of the cave. 

Just as We, Allah, made the young men sleep for a long time, and caused them to be raised, We made the people of the town know about them so that they would know that resurrection would certainly take place on the Day of Judgment. 

Whoever saw the young men of the cave, and knew of their affairs would be certain that the One, who was able to make them sleep for so long time, and then raise them again, is able to bring the dead back to life. Moreover, Allah will resurrect people on the Day of Judgment, call them to account for what they did in the worldly life and recompense them according to their deeds.

 The scholars mention how the people of the town knew about the young men of the cave. The person whom the young men of the cave sent to the town to buy them food went to the market. When he bought the food, he gave the seller the silver coins. When the seller saw the coins, he was astonished because the coins went back to a very early time. Then he made other merchants see him. They asked him about where he found the coins. He told them about his story and his fellows who fled from the town because they feared that the disbelievers would persecute them. The people took that person to their king and told him about his story. Then the king went with that person to the cave to see his fellows. When he saw them, he welcomed them. Then Allah caused the young men of the cave to die.

Then the ayah narrates what happened after the young men died.

(Then they were in dispute about their matter. They said, ‘Build a structure over them. Their Lord knows best about them.’ Those who had authority then said, ‘We shall surely build a mosque over their place.’) 

The people who found the young men of the cave disputed over them. Some of them said that they should build a structure over their place, so the people would not reach out to them.  

(Their Lord knows best about them.)

Some scholars believe that the disputing people said this statement. They said, ‘Leave their matter to Allah. He knows best about their affairs.’ Other scholars maintain that Allah said this statement that is to say, leave this dispute.  Allah, knows best about their affairs. 

(Those who had authority then said, ‘We shall surely build a mosque over their place.’) 

The people who had authority and power then said, ‘We shall build a mosque over their graves so that we shall worship Allah there.’ 

It is prohibited to build mosques over graves and worship Allah there in Islam. Messenger Muhammad said, ‘Allah has cursed the Jews and Christians. They have made their prophets’ graves places for prayer.’ 

Tafsir of Surah al-kahf Ayah: 19-20

English Translation of Surah al-Kahf

Tafsir of Surah al-Isra: Ayah 66-69

Some of Allah’s Bounties on His Slaves

The earth is divided into two parts, land and water. Allah puts abundant bounties on both of them. On the land, there are minerals, plants, animals, etc. In water, there are fish, corals, pearls, etc. Allah has facilitated sailing on the sea for man so that he may travel to different places, and move people and goods by ships. These bounties necessitate worshipping Allah alone and thanking Him for all His bounties.

 (Your Lord is He Who makes the ships go smoothly for you on the sea that you may seek His bounty. Indeed, He is ever Merciful to you.

When affliction befalls you on the sea, those whom you worship will be forgotten except Allah. And when He brings you to the land safely, you turn away. Man is ever ungrateful.

Do you feel secure that He will not make a part of the land collapse beneath you, or make a sandstorm blow over you? Then you will find none to protect you.

Or do you feel secure that He will not take you back to the sea once again, and send a strong wind against you, causing you to drown because of your ingratitude? Then you will find no claimant against Us.) [Quran Surah al-Isra: 66-69] 

Relationship with Previous Part 

The ayat returns to mention some proofs denoting Allah’s Omnipotence, Wisdom, and Mercy. One of the great goals of the Quran is conforming proofs of the Oneness of Allah. If the ayat discuss lengthily other issues, then the ayat return to mention evidence of the Oneness of Allah. 

Tafsir

(Your Lord is He Who makes the ships go smoothly for you on the sea that you may seek His bounty. Indeed, He is ever Merciful to you. [66]

The ayah mentions an aspect of the bounty and mercy of Allah on His slaves. Allah, out of His mercy on His slaves, causes the ships to sail smoothly on the sea. 

O people! Remember that your Lord, Allah, is the One who makes the ships go smoothly for you on the sea, by means of His mercy and ability. He does so in order that you seek sustenance through trading, which is also another bounty on you. Thus, you must worship Him alone and thank Him for His blessings. 

When affliction befalls you on the sea, those whom you worship will be forgotten except Allah. And when He brings you to the land safely, you turn away. Man is ever ungrateful. [67]

O people! When waves surround you when you are on board, and you are about to drown, you will forget every gods worshipped besides Allah, Exalted is He, and remember and invoke Allah alone to save you, and remove the affliction. 

The ayah eloquently describes the condition of man at times of adversities. In such times, he only invokes Allah for help.

In the Arabic version the word ‘dalla,’ translated as ‘forgotten’ is used to describe the condition of man at times of affliction. ‘Dalal’, literally, means to be spoiled, and lost. This shows belittlement and lowness of whatever thing worshipped besides Allah. The disbelievers think that their gods can benefit and help them. However, every one of them instinctively knows that the idols cannot help when afflictions befall. 

The state mentioned in the ayah happened to Ikrima bin Jahal, may Allah be pleased with him, when he fled from the Messenger of Allah when the Muslims liberated Mecca from the disbelievers. 

Ikrima boarded a ship to go to Abyssinia. Then a strong wind blew. The people on the ship said, ‘No one will avail you but Allah alone.’ Ikrima said to himself, ‘By Allah! If no one can avail on the sea but Allah, then no one can avail on the land but Allah. O Allah! I vow that if You save me from this affliction, I will go to Muhammadﷺ, put my hand on his hand, and find him compassionate and merciful.’ Allah saved them from the danger of the sea. Then Ikrima returned to the Messengerﷺ, embraced Islam, and became a good Muslim, may Allah have mercy on him. 

(And when He brings you to the land safely, you turn away. Man is ever ungrateful.)

This statement shows the usual reaction of people, except those whom Allah protects from misguidance.

O people! When Allah, out of His bounty and mercy, save you from drowning, you turn away from worshipping Him alone, and worship other gods besides Him. Indeed, man is ever ungrateful to His Creator, Allah. 

Then Allah mentions that nothing stands before His ability. 

(Do you feel secure that He will not make a part of the land collapse beneath you, or make a sandstorm blow over you? Then you will find none to protect you.) [68]

(Do you…), the interrogation is for condemnation. 
O people! Now after you were saved from drowning in the sea, and became happy, you have forgotten Allah, who has saved you from the danger. You should remember that Allah is able to make a part of the land devastatingly collapse beneath you. He is also able to make a sandstorm blow over you, which will destroy you. Then you will find no one who can protect you from the torment of Allah. 

O people! If you feel secure and safe from the torment of Allah after being delivered from drowning, then you are ignorant. Verily, nothing can stand before the ability of Allah. He is able to destroy you whether you are on the land, the sea, or in other places. The entire universe is under the control of Allah, Exalted is He. You can find no protector nor helper but Allah. 

Then the ayat mentions another example, denoting Allah’s Omnipotence. 

Or do you feel secure that He will not take you back to the sea once again, and send a strong wind against you, causing you to drown because of your ingratitude? Then you will find no claimant against Us.) [69] 

(Or do you feel secure that…), the interrogation is for condemnation.   
O people! Do you feel secure that Allah will not take you back to the sea once again, and then He will send a strong storm against you that will destroy your ship? Thereafter, you will drown because of your disbelief in Allah and denial of His blessings. Then you will find no claimant who will claim your right, or make you prevail over Allah. Verily, no one can ask Allah why He does something, while people will be called to account for what they do.

(… causing you to drown because of your ingratitude), Allah is never unjust to people. Rather, they harm themselves by disbelieving in, and disobeying Allah. 

Learned Lessons

• Allah’s bounties on people are countless.  They must worship Allah alone and thank Him for the bounty of subjugating the sea for them so they can use it for travel and seeking sustenance through trading. 
• Saving people from the sea’s danger and drowning is another bounty of Allah on people.
• When affliction befalls man on the sea, he instinctively knows that no one can save him but Allah, Exalted is He. However, man is ungrateful to Allah. 
• Allah accepts the invocation of whoever prays to Him while being certain that He is alone the One who can accept his invocation and grant his request even if the invoker is a disbeliever. 

Tafsir of Surah al-Isra 61-65

English Translation of Surah al-Isra

Tafsir of Surah al-Kahf: Ayah 13-16

We shall narrate to you their news truthfully. Indeed, they were young men who believed in their Lord. And We gave them more guidance.

We strengthened their hearts, as they stood up before the disbelieving people, saying, ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. We shall never worship no one besides Him.  If we did, we would certainly have said unjust utterance.’  

These, our people, have worshiped other gods besides Allah. Why do they not bring clear evidence substantiating their worship? Who is more unjust than he who fabricates a lie about Allah? 

Now that you have left them, and that which they worship besides Allah, seek refuge in the cave. Your Lord will generously give you from His mercy and facilitate means of life for you. [Surah al-Kahf: 13-16]

Tafsir 

The Youths Being in the Spaciousness of Belief in Allah

We shall narrate to you their news truthfully. Indeed, they were young men who believed in their Lord. And We gave them more guidance. [13]

O Messenger Muhammad! We, Allah, shall truthfully narrate to you the story of those youths who went to the cave in order to flee from the oppressive disbelievers. They were some young men who believed in the Oneness Allah, their Creator. We increased and strengthened their faith so they could emotionally endure leaving their hometown and kinship to protect their faith. They deserted their comfortable life and went to live in a cave despite its coarse environment.  

(We shall narrate to you their news truthfully.)

Stating that Allah will truthfully reveal the story of the people of the cave to Messenger Muhammad implies that some people knew their story. However, this knowledge was mixed with some myths, and delusions. 

(Indeed, they were young men who believed in their Lord.)

Allah mentioned that they were young men. Typically, young people have a disposition that is more likely to accept the truth than old people, who spend their life adopting and being deceived by false belief. Similarly, most of the followers of the Prophet Muhammad were youths while most of the old people of his tribe disbelieved in the message of Islam except for a few number. 

(And We gave them more guidance.)

Some scholars, such as imam al-Bukhari, inferred from this ayah that belief increases and decreases.  Allah says, interpretation of meaning,  

Those who are rightly guided, We have given them more guidance and led them to the path of piety. [Surah Muhammad: 17]

Then, Allah, Exalted is He, narrates an aspect of how He gave them more guidance. 

We strengthened their hearts, as they stood up before the disbelieving people, saying, ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. We shall never worship no one besides Him.  If we did, we would certainly have said unjust utterance.’ [14]

We, Allah, strengthened the young men's hearts with the light of faith so their souls were able to keep away from their comfortable life. They stood before the disbelieving king, who blamed them for abandoning the worship of idols. They said, ‘Our Lord, Allah, is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and the Lord of every created being. We shall never worship other gods besides Him, as there is no creator other than Him. Had we worshipped other gods besides Allah, we would have done an extremely unjust thing and said false utterance.’ 

The ayah indicates how strong the faith of those young men was, and that whoever firmly believes in Allah, Allah will strengthen his heart so that it can endure hardship for His sake.  

Then, ayat state that those young men did not only declare their truthful belief in Allah alone; rather, they condemned their people's worship other gods besides Allah. They said,

These, our people, have worshiped other gods besides Allah. Why do they not bring clear evidence substantiating their worship? Who is more unjust than he who fabricates a lie about Allah? [15]

After those young men gathered, they vowed to worship Allah alone. They abandoned whatever that might be worshipped besides Allah. They condemningly said, ‘These, our people, have weak-mindedly worshipped idols besides Allah. Why do they not bring clear evidence proving the truthfulness of their worship? Indeed, they would be unable to do so.’ 

(Why do they not bring clear evidence substantiating their worship?)

This question brings a motion of censure, for coming up with a proof authenticating their worship of idols is impossible. It also serves as a proof that imitation in creed is invalid; rather, clear evidence must exist to support belief in a specific creed.  
The following is a similar ayah asking the disbelievers to bring evidence to substantiate their claim: 

Say, ‘Have you considered those you worship besides Allah? Show me. What they have created of the earth, or do they have a share in the creation of the heavens? Bring me a scripture before this Quran, or some remnant of knowledge if you are truthful.’ [Surah al-Ahqaf: 4]

Then, the ayah is concluded with a proof confirming that people lie when they worship other gods besides Allah and describing what they say as false utterance. 

(Who is more unjust than he who fabricates a lie about Allah?) 

Indeed, Allah is the only God deserves worship. Any god worshipped besides Allah is false. 

Then, the ayat narrates the conversation that took place between the young men after clearly stating their decisive position, and after declaring firmly and truthfully that they would never worship other gods besides Allah.  

Now that you have left them, and that which they worship besides Allah, seek refuge in the cave. Your Lord will generously give you from His mercy and facilitate means of life for you. [16]

The young men said, 'Now that you have left whatever your people worship besides Allah, go to a cave where you can sincerely worship Allah alone. If you do so, Allah will generously give you from His mercy in this life and the Hereafter, and will facilitate means of life for you.’ 

(…seek refuge in the cave. Your Lord will generously give you from His mercy and facilitate means of life for you.)

This indicates their firm belief in Allah and absolute certainty in His bounty. When they left their people and enjoyments of the worldly life, and decided to retreat to the cave though life therein was hard, they did not feel any doubt with regards to the mercy of Allah. They were certain that Allah would provide for them from His bounty and facilitate their affairs.  

The ayah also indicates that withdrawing from the environment of disbelief in order to protect one’s creed leads to attaining the mercy of Allah and His limitless bounty. Allah mentions in the Quran that when Prophet Ibrahim left his people for the sake of Allah, Allah rewarded him from His vast bounty. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, 

He said, ‘Peace be upon you. I will ask my Lord to forgive you. Indeed, He is ever gracious to me. I will leave you and what you worship besides Allah, will invoke my Lord. I hope I will not be miserable by invoking my Lord. When he left them and what they worship besides Allah, We gave him Isaac and Jacob. Each of them, We made a prophet. And We gave them from Our mercy and We made for them a sublime, lasting praise. [Surah Maryam: 47-50]

Tafsir of Surah al-Kahf: Ayah 9-12

English Translation of Surah al-Kahf

Tafsir of Surah al-Kahf: Ayah 9-12

Do you think that the story of the people of the cave and the Inscription were among Our marvelous signs?

Mention when the young men sought refuge in the cave, they said, ‘O our Lord! Give us mercy from You, and facilitate right guidance for us in our affairs.’

Then We sealed up their ears, causing them to sleep in the cave for a number of years. 

Then We awakened them so that We would make clear which of the two parties correctly calculated how long they had been there. 

[Surah al-Kahf: 9-12]

Stories of the Quran are like an ever-flowing river full of beneficial lessons and admonitions. One of the stories of the Quran is the story of the youth of the cave who are mentioned in surah al-Kahf. It narrates the news of the youths who fled from their town to protect their faith from the tyrant disbelievers. They went to a cave and decided to remain therein until the affliction ended. They did not imagine that they would remain deeply sleeping there for more than three centuries. They woke up at a time in which breezes of freedom blew, and the era of the tyrants had ended.  

Relationship between the Story of the Youth of the Cave and the Previous Part

As Messenger Muhammad was deeply sad because of his people's disbelief in the message of Islam, this story came to call his attention to the fact that he should not concern himself so much about how the disbelievers would respond to his message. That is because he did his duty of conveying the message of Islam in the best manner. In addition, he should remember that being guided to the straight path is in the Hands of Allah, Exalted is He. The story of the youth of the cave is an example of how Allah guided those youths to the true path through natural disposition and sound evidence.

Relationship between the Stories in Surah al-Kahf and its Theme

At the beginning of surah al-Kahf, Allah mentions that whatever is on the earth of enjoyment is a test to show the true nature of people, reveal their goals, and motivate them to do righteous deeds. Allah says, interpretation of meaning,

Indeed, We have made what is on the earth adornment for it that We may test them as to which of them does the best deed. [7] 

Indeed, We shall make what is on it a barren ground. [8]

Afterwards, Allah has given an example, revealing people’s attitudes towards enjoyments of the worldly life. The first example was the story of the people of the cave, who were youths but were not deceived by the enjoyments of their age, kinship, and authority. Rather, they deserted all these enjoyments, and fled to the cave to worship Allah alone.

After this story, there is another story that is about to unfold. It is the story of the owner of the two gardens. This man was so allured by the trial of wealth that he became self-conceited. However, his believer fellow successfully passed the test and was saved from the affliction as he knew the true transient nature of the worldly life. Thus, he was not deceived by its enjoyments; rather, he sincerely admonished his fellow.

Then, a commentary showing the true nature of the worldly life was presented. Afterwards, surah al-Kahf discusses the state of those who were deceived by Satan, who refused to prostrate before Adam when Allah commanded him to do so. Allah says, interpretation of meaning,

Mention when We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam.’ They prostrated except Satan, who was one of the jinn. He disobeyed the command of his Lord. Then do you take him and his descendants as allies instead of Me though they are your enemies? How an evil substitute for the wrongdoers is! [50]

Then, the story of Messenger Moses with al-Khadr unfolded itself to demonstrate that acquiring Shariah knowledge provides protection from trials. In addition, it established that no matter how much knowledge a scholar may have, there would be someone who has more knowledge than his. In addition a human being's knowledge, no matter how great, is nothing compared to the knowledge of Allah, the Omniscient. 

Then the ayat mention the story of Dhu-al-Qarnayn. He was not deceived by the trial of kingship and authority; rather, he employed his kingdom and authority to spread the religion of Allah, advocate the oppressed, and confront the tyrants. Whenever Allah gave him a blessing, he would thank Him, and the higher he got in ranking, the humbler he got in acting.

Accordingly, the relationship between the story of the people of the cave and the other stories in surah al-Kahf has become clearer. All the stories of surah al-Kahf explore the idea of being tested by the enjoyments of the worldly life, people’s reaction to these enjoyments, and means of protection from these trials. 

Tafsir 

Do you think that the story of the people of the cave and the Inscription were among Our marvelous signs? [9]

Imam Fakhar ad-Dyn ar-Rãzy said, ‘You should note that the people were amazed by the story of the people of the cave. They asked Messenger Muhammad about it in order to test him. Therefore, Allah said, ‘Do you think that the story of the people of the cave were the only amazing sign of Ours? Do not think so. Rather, all Our sings are amazing. The One, who is able to create the heavens and the earth, and put all kinds of minerals, plants, and animals therein, and then will make the earth a barren ground, is able, out of His mercy, to protect those group of people for more than three hundred years by means of causing them to fall asleep.’  

 Scholars of interpretation of the Quran mention the following narration about the cause of revealing the ayat about the people of the cave:

The disbelievers of Quraysh sent an-Nadr bin al-Harth and Uqba bin abi Mu’yt to the Jewish rabbis in al-Madinah and caused them to ask the rabbis about Messenger Muhammad and tell them about him as they had knowledge unknown to Quraysh about the old Scriptures and prophets of Allah. These two men went to al-Madinah and asked the rabbis about Messenger Muhammad. The rabbis told them to ask Messenger Muhammad about three matters. If he were to give a proper response, then he would be a prophet and messenger sent by Allah; otherwise, he would be a liar. The three things were: The amazing story of a group of young men; a man who traveled around the world; the true nature of the soul. They told them that if he answered your questions, then he would be a prophet and that they should believe in him. Then the two men went back to Mecca. They said, ‘O people of Quraysh! We brought you something that would settle the dispute between Muhammad and us. The rabbis told us to ask him about three matters.’

Then, the people of Quraysh went to Messenger Muhammad and asked him the questions raised by the rabbis. Messenger Muhammad said that he would answer their questions the next day. He did not say, ‘If Allah wills.’ The revelation did not come to Messenger Muhammad for fifteen days, and the people of Mecca spread false rumors about the matter, saying, ‘Muhammad promised us to answer our questions the next day, but fifteen days have passed and he has not answered our questions yet.’

 Messenger Muhammad became so sad; then, the angel Gabriel brought him the answer about the people of the cave, the man who travelled around the world, and the true nature of the soul.

Do you think that the story of the people of the cave and the Inscription were among Our marvelous signs? [9]

 The scholars of Tafsir mention different meanings for ‘the inscription’, they are as follows: A tablet on which the names of the youths were written; the name of the town, from which the youths fled; the name of the mountain wherein the cave was located; the name of the dog that was with the youths; or the name of the valley wherein the cave was located. 

The most correct opinion is that ‘the inscription’ refers to the name of the tablet on which the names of the youths and their story were written when they went in the cave. 

O Messenger Muhammad! Do you think that the story of the people of the cave that We have narrated to you was an amazing sign, denoting Our Omnipotence? No, do not think so. Nothing is impossible for Our Omnipotence.  

             

Then, Allah, Exalted is He, narrated what the youths said when they entered into the cave.

Mention when the young men sought refuge in the cave, they said, ‘O our Lord! Give us mercy from You, and facilitate right guidance for us in our affairs.’ [10]

O Messenger Muhammad! Mention to the people about the youths who left their homes and families in order to protect their faith. They went to the cave and made it their dwelling. They humbly prayed to Allah in the cave, saying, ‘O Allah! Grant us from Your mercy what will guide our hearts, make easy our affairs, and protect us from trials. O Allah! We pray to You so that You may facilitate this matter for us, i.e. their escape from their people to protect their faith, and make us firm in our belief whereby our guidance to Your obedience increases.’ 

This ayah explicitly talks about fleeing to protect one’s faith, and leaving families, relatives, and homelands to be saved from affliction that the person may encounter. Messenger Muhammad and his companions left their hometown to protect their faith. Living in the mountains, seeking solitude away from the people, and fleeing from the tyrants is the method adopted by the prophets and messengers of Allah and the righteous slaves of Allah. 

Then, Allah states what happened to those youths when they went into the cave and humbly prayed to Allah.

Then We sealed up their ears, causing them to sleep in the cave for a number of years. [11]

After the youths settled in the cave, and submissively prayed to Allah to protect them, Allah put a heavy veil on their ears, preventing them from hearing anything. Therefore, they did not hear anything that might wake them up. They kept on sleeping for many years.

Allah, Exalted is He, especially put a veil on their ears because ears are the most sensitive organ when it comes to waking up, and sleep does not become so deep except when the hearing is inactive. 

 Then, Allah, Exalted is He, mentions what happened to those youths after this long sleep.

Then We awakened them so that We would make clear which of the two parties correctly calculated how long they had been there. [12]

      

Then, We, Allah, raised them up from their sleep in a manner similar to that of raising the dead from their graves so that it would become clear which of the two parties, differing about the period of their stay in cave, was able to correctly calculate how long they had been there.

The apparent meaning of the ayah is that one of the parties is the youths themselves as they thought that they stayed for a short time in the cave, and      the other party is the inhabitants of the city in whose time the youths were raised up from their sleep. This is the opinion of the majority of the scholars. However, other scholars say that the two parties are the disbelieving parties who differed about how long the youths stayed in the cave while other scholars say that the two parties are believing parties. 

After this summary of the story of the youths of the cave, Allah gives a detailed account of their story in the following ayat.

Tafsir of Surah al-Kahf: Ayah 1-8

English Translation of Surah al-Kahf