Stories of the Qur'an

The People of the Cave

The story of Ashab al-Kahf, the young believers who slept in the cave, from Surah al-Kahf.

1. Young men guarding their faith

   Under an idolatrous ruler, some young men believed in Allah. To protect their faith they left the city for a cave, praying "Our Lord, grant us mercy from Yourself" (18:10-16).

2. Sleep in the cave

   Allah made them sleep in the cave for many years; the sun passed by without touching them, and their dog waited at the entrance (18:17-18).

3. Awakening

   When they woke they thought they had slept a day or part of one, and sent one of them to the city with silver coins to buy food (18:19).

4. A changed world

   The city had changed entirely and its people had believed. Their state became a sign that Allah's promise and the Hour are true (18:21). The Qur'an says they slept three hundred years and more (18:25).

5. Lessons

   Resolve in guarding faith, seeking refuge in Allah and not forgetting to say "in sha Allah" (18:23-24). Reciting Surah al-Kahf on Friday is sunnah.

Told from the Qur'an itself, without details from weak reports. From the Mood & Dua app.