Unsolved Mystery of the Seven Sleepers!
Introduction
Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave), the 18th chapter of the Qur’an, revealed in Makkah, narrates the miraculous story of the Companions of the Cave (Ashab al-Kahf). Verses 22–26 focus on the debates surrounding their exact number, the lesson of always saying “InshaAllah”, the truth about their long stay, and Allah’s ultimate knowledge of the unseen. These verses highlight humility, reliance on Allah, and the reality of resurrection.
Shan-e-Nuzool (Background of Revelation)
When the Quraysh asked the Prophet ο·Ί about the People of the Cave, they also inquired about their exact number and years of sleep. Some people in history made guesses, but Allah clarified that only He truly knows. These verses corrected false assumptions and emphasized saying “If Allah wills (InshaAllah)” when speaking of future plans, after an incident where the Prophet ο·Ί delayed his answer for some days without saying it.
Verse 22
Some will say, “They were three, the fourth of them was their dog.” And they say, “Five, the sixth of them was their dog,” guessing at the unseen. And they say, “Seven, and the eighth of them was their dog.” Say, “My Lord knows best their number. None knows them except a few. So do not argue about them except with clear evidence, and do not consult anyone about them.”
Verse 23
And never say of anything, “Indeed, I will do that tomorrow,”
Verse 24
Except [when adding], “If Allah wills.” And remember your Lord when you forget and say, “Perhaps my Lord will guide me to what is nearer than this to right conduct.”
Verse 25
And they remained in their cave three hundred years, and exceeded by nine.
Verse 26
Say, “Allah knows best how long they remained. To Him belongs the unseen of the heavens and the earth. How clear is His sight and how sharp His hearing! They have no protector besides Him, and He shares His command with no one.”
Summary
People speculated about the number of the cave youths, but Allah emphasized that only He knows.
The Prophet ο·Ί was instructed to always say InshaAllah when promising future actions.
Allah revealed their time of stay: 300 years plus 9.
The ultimate knowledge of unseen belongs only to Allah.
The story is a reminder of Allah’s power, His control over time, and the truth of the resurrection
Lesson
Always say InshaAllah when planning for the future.
Allah alone knows the unseen.
Human debates and guesses are worthless without divine knowledge.
The Ashab al-Kahf are a sign of resurrection and Allah’s complete control over life and time.
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