The story of the Sleepers of the Cave, also known as Ashab
al-Kahf, is the miraculous of Prophet Muhammad's (peace and blessings of Allah
be upon him) prophethood.
This story is preserved in the Qur'an, specifically in Surah
Al-Kahf, and serves as a testament to the divine inspiration received by the
Prophet.
The Challenge from the Quraysh
Even in the early days of Islam, the Quraish of
Makkah were not in doubt about the message of Prophethood. But they were
unaware of the power of prophethood, As Pharaoh knew that I was a liar, but he
had called magicians to compete with Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him).
Similarly, the Quraish to challenge his claim to prophethood, asked himﷺ three
questions, questions that he had received from the Jews of his time. One of the
questions was about the mysterious missing youths (اصحاب
کہف) and the number of these youths. The Jews knew this and believed
that only a true prophet could tell this story accurately.
When confronted with these questions, the Prophet ﷺhad no immediate answer. He
confidently assured them that he would respond the next day, hoping for divine
revelation through the Angel Jibraeel (upon him be peace). However, in his
assurance, he forgot to say "انشاء اللہ " ( Inshahallah) (if
Allah wills), a significant phrase acknowledging that everything happens by
Allah's will.
(Note: Prophets
are free from omissions. A few cases of forgetfulness have occurred to guide people,
in this, the special wisdom of Allah is hidden, Which is known later. Allah
Almighty says in the Qur'an: (وَ
مَا یَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوٰىﭤ(3)اِنْ هُوَ اِلَّا وَحْیٌ یُّوْحٰى(4))And
they do not say anything out of desire. That revelation is what is revealed to
them.)
The Period of Revelation
For fifteen days there was no revelation leading to a
period of distress for the Prophetﷺ.
The Quraysh used this delay to mock and revile him, questioning his claim to
prophethood even more fervently. This period was a test of patience and faith
for the Prophet ﷺas he
awaited guidance from Allah. (Note: This incident is intended to teach common
people that every time in this worldly life, a person has to face trials, in
which Allah is pleased with success and patience. Secondly, Curiosity increased
in people's hearts and the word spread far and wide, people started believing
that if you ﷺ
are a true prophet, you ﷺ
will answer the question. When the answer came, these people were ashamed of
themselves)
The Revelation of Surah Al-Kahf
The answer to the question was eventually revealed in
Surah Al-Kahf, a chapter named after the cave where the youths had sought
refuge. The Qur'an recounted the story in remarkable detail, aligning with the
knowledge the Jews possessed and astonishing them with the accuracy and depth
of the revelation.
According to the Qur'an, the youth, known as the
Sleepers of the Cave, took refuge in a cave to escape persecution for their
faith. Allah caused them to fall into a deep sleep, protecting them from their
oppressors. They remained in this state for 309 years, an astonishing period
that the Jews recognized from their historical accounts.
However, when came to the exact number of sleepers,
the Qur'an presented multiple possibilities without confirming a specific
number. Allah revealed:
سَیَقُوْلُوْنَ ثَلٰثَةٌ رَّابِعُهُمْ كَلْبُهُمْۚ-وَ یَقُوْلُوْنَ
خَمْسَةٌ سَادِسُهُمْ كَلْبُهُمْ رَجْمًۢا بِالْغَیْبِۚ-وَ یَقُوْلُوْنَ سَبْعَةٌ
وَّ ثَامِنُهُمْ كَلْبُهُمْؕ-قُلْ رَّبِّیْۤ اَعْلَمُ بِعِدَّتِهِمْ مَّا یَعْلَمُهُمْ
اِلَّا قَلِیْلٌ ﲕ فَلَا تُمَارِ فِیْهِمْ اِلَّا مِرَآءً ظَاهِرًا۪-وَّ لَا
تَسْتَفْتِ فِیْهِمْ مِّنْهُمْ اَحَدًا((22))
Soon they will say, “They are three, their dog
is the fourth.” And some will say, “Five, and their dog is the sixth, guessing
without seeing.” And some will say, “Seven, and their dog is the eighth.” Say,
"My Lord knows best regarding their number; only a few people know them.”
Do not argue about them except to the extent that is apparent, and do not ask
any of them (People of the Book) about them.." [Surah Al-Kahf
18:22]
This revelation astonished the Jews and the Quraysh
alike, as it not only confirmed the details, they knew but also acknowledged
the uncertainty surrounding the exact number of sleepers. This response
demonstrated the comprehensive knowledge that Allah possesses and underscored
the authenticity of the Prophet's ﷺ
message.
Significance and Lessons
The story of the Sleepers of the Cave holds profound
significance for Muslims. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith,
patience, and reliance on Allah. The youth’s unwavering belief in the face of
persecution and their miraculous preservation by Allah exemplify the power of
divine protection.
Moreover, the narrative emphasizes the importance of
humility and acknowledging Allah's will in all matters. The Prophet'sﷺ experience
during this period of revelation underscores the significance of saying
"Inshallah" and recognizing that human knowledge and power are
limited compared to Allah's infinite wisdom.
Conclusion
The
story of the Sleepers of the Cave is a testament to the truth of Prophet
Muhammad's prophethood and It is proof that the Quran is the ALLAH word It
highlights the miraculous nature of revelation and the profound lessons that
can be drawn from the experiences of those who came before us. For Muslims, it
is a source of inspiration, reinforcing the importance of faith, patience, and
trust in Allah's wisdom
