Divine Protection of the People of the Cave

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For a group of young people, in the Qur’ānic story of the People of the Cave, escaping persecution for following their beliefs — i.e. that their Lord is Allah alone — this resulted in them seeking miraculous refuge.

Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) says,

“And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and declared,

‘Our Lord is the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth. We will never call upon any god besides Him, or we would truly be uttering an outrageous lie.’” [1]

How they came to be in the cave

This group of believers had been faced with a ruler who demanded they abandon their faith or likely face death. In response, they made a choice: to flee and hide.

Allah says,

“Since you have distanced yourselves from them and what they worship besides Allah, take refuge in the cave. Your Lord will extend His mercy to you and accommodate you in your ordeal.” [2]

Their refuge was a seemingly ordinary place that was transformed into a sanctuary by the protection of Allah.

He (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) continues,

“And you would have seen the Sun, as it rose, inclining away from their cave to the right and, as it set, declining away from them to the left, while they lay in its open space.

“That is one of the signs of Allah. Whoever Allah guides is truly guided. But whoever He leaves to stray, you will never find for them a guiding mentor.” [3]

They may have fallen into deep sleep for centuries

In Surat al-Kahf (the Chapter of the Cave), Allah tells mankind that He protected the oppressed group in a miraculous way.

He states that He cast them into a deep sleep that lasted for centuries, shielding them from persecution and making them an Āyah from amongst His signs!

“And you would have thought they were awake, though they were asleep.

“We turned them over, to the right and left, while their dog stretched his forelegs at the entrance.

“Had you looked at them, you would have certainly fled away from them, filled with horror.” [4]

When they finally awoke, the world had changed, but their faith remained.

They were persecuted initially, but it was tawhīd, īmān, and haqq that eventually prevailed in the land, and it was the people who feared Allah that inherited it. And Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) made them a sign until the Day of Judgment.

He says,

“That is how We caused them to be discovered so that their people might know that Allah’s promise of resurrection is true and that there is no doubt about the Hour.” [5]

Learning from their brave actions and beliefs

Persecuted Muslims of present

The People of the Cave are an inspiration to all those Muslims who are being persecuted in this day and age, wherever they find themselves.

This group had faced a terrifying situation, yet their faith in Allah never decreased. They escaped persecution, the fitnah of tyranny, and a toxic environment… all with the utmost desire to shield their īmān.

Planned as they could; entrusted rest to Allah

They took whatever precautions they thought best, and left the rest to Allah.

This is what is required of us when putting one’s trust in Allah. His protection, though unexpected, can come in many forms. And this teaches us to trust that even when we can’t see an escape route, Allah brings a way out from where we cannot comprehend.

Whoever fears Allah, He will find him a way out!

They had each other for support & consultation

We generally don’t face challenges alone.

Likewise, the People of the Cave found strength in their shared faith and support for each other. They were brothers, even when they differed.

In this example below, they had a shūra (consultation) and made a decision.

“And so We awakened them so that they might question one another. One of them exclaimed, ‘How long have you remained asleep?’ Some replied, ‘Perhaps a day, or part of a day.’

“They said to one another, ‘Your Lord knows best how long you have remained. So send one of you with these silver coins of yours to the city, and let him find which food is the purest, and then bring you provisions from it. Let him be exceptionally cautious, and do not let him give you away.'” [6]

Action points

• In moments of doubt or difficulty, turn to your faith for strength. Remember, it has the power to transform fear into courage.
• Even when things seem bleak, note that Allah is protecting and guiding us in ways we may not understand.
• Surround yourself with fellow Muslims. Just as the People of the Cave drew strength from each other, so can you!

Also read

• The Cave
• The Cave of Refuge
• Three Men and a Cave
• The Sleepers of the Cave
• Journey Through The Cave
• Debating over the Sleepers of the Cave

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Source: Islam21c

Notes

[1] al-Qur’ān, 18:14

[2] al-Qur’ān, 18:16

[3] al-Qur’ān, 18:17

[4] al-Qur’ān, 18:18

[5] al-Qur’ān, 18:21

[6] al-Qur’ān, 18:19