Ashab al-Kahf - The Companions of the Cave

In the most recent Catholic-Muslim dialogue this was delivered by our Islamic Scholar Dr. Muzamil Siddiqi

The Historical Background of the Revelation of this Story:

The Surah al-Kahf was revealed to the Prophet towards the middle period of his preaching in Makkah (between the 5th and 10 year after beginning his mission). During this period the Quraish (leading tribe of Makkah) escalated their opposition to the Prophet. They subject his followers to ruthless torture and severe economic deprivation. Some Muslims at this time migrated to Abyssinia. The Quraish then introduced a severe economic and social boycott against the Prophet and his followers, and forced them to confine themselves to the hilly side of Makkah, called Shi’b Abi Talib. This boycott continued for about three years.

It is reported that this Surah was revealed around this period in response to some questions posed by the Makkan polytheists. After consulting with some People of the Book (Jews and Christians) they put these questions to the Prophet:

1. Who were the Companions of the Cave?

2. What is the true nature of the story of Prophet Moses’ encounter with Khidr?

3. What is the story of Dhu al-Qarnain?

All these stories pertained to the Jewish and Christian history and were not much known to the people in the Arabian peninsula. The People of the Book selected these stories carefully so as to test whether or not any extraordinary source of knowledge was available to Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him.

Allah swt revealed these stories to the Prophet –peace be upon him- not only to give answers the questions raised but also to build the morale of Muslims and help them get some lessons for their own particular situation.

The Themes of the Surah al-Kahf:


The Surah begins with the following words:



“Praise be to God, who sent down the Scripture to His servant and placed no crookedness in it. (He made it) straight, giving warning of severe punishment from Him and giving good news to the believers who do good deeds that theirs will be an excellent reward where they shall abide forever.” (Al-Kahf 18:1-3)



There are several authentic Ahadith (plural of Hadith – saying of Prophet Muhammad) that mention the power and affects of this Surah on its faithful readers. It is mentioned that this Surah brings Sakinah (comfort and peace of the heart); it gives to its readers the light that will shine for them in this life and in the eternal life. It is also mentioned that those who will remember this Surah and pay attention to it will be saved from the Trials of Dajjal (the Deceiver or Anti-Christ) . Muslims generally recite this Surah every Friday.



When we reflect on this Surah we see that the Surah mentions four main stories in some details and in the middle of these stories it also refers to the story of Iblis (the Devil) who refused to obey God’s command to honor Adam and instead became the enemy of all human beings. The four main stories of this Surah are:

1. Story of the Companions of the Cave

2. Story of the owner of two gardens

3. Story of Prophet Moses –peace be upon him- with a mysterious teacher (The Qur’an does not mention the name of this person, but he is generally known as the angelic figure, Khidr – peace be upon him)

4. Story of the king Dhu al-Qarnain (meaning ‘the one of two horns’ probably referring to his vast eastern and western kingdoms. The Qur’an mentions only his title without identifying him with his real name)



The theme of all these stories is one and the same. They all tell us about the trials of life. People are tested by different trials and Devil is there is to mislead them and make difficult their path of success and salvation.



1. The story of the Companions of the Cave tells about the trials of faith. It tells us how the people of faith are tested and tied in different ways, but those who remain firm and patient are protected by God.

2. The story of the owner of the two gardens is basically the story of trials of wealth and riches. It tells us that wealth and riches could be very tempting and deceiving and often take people away from the right path.

3. Prophet Moses –peace be upon him- had to learn some lessons from an angelic figure known as Khidr. This story tells us about the Trials of Knowledge. We may think that we know everything; but no one, even God’s prophets, can grasp all the mysteries of the events in this world. Knowledge requires a lot of patience and humility and ultimate knowledge belong to God alone.

4. The Story of Dhu al-Qarnain tells us about a great king who had to deal with all kind of people. He moved fast from one direction to another direction. He met good people as well as rebellious groups in his kingdom. People of diverse backgrounds and languages used to live in his domain. This righteous king wherever he went he did good things. He was powerful, intelligent and resourceful. He was also humble and devout. He did not charge his subjects excessive taxes for any projects that he performed. The power and authority did not corrupt him. This is the story of the trials of power and position.


The Surah ends with these words:

Say, ‘Shall we tell you who the biggest losers are according to their actions? It is those whose efforts are lost in this world and they think that they are doing well.’ They disbelieve in their Lord’s message and deny that they will meet Him. Their deeds come to nothing on the Day of Resurrection; We shall give them no weight. Their recompense will be Hell because they disbelieved and made fun of My message and My messengers.

But those who believe and do good deeds shall have as a gift the Gardens of Paradise. They shall remain there forever, never wishing to leave. Say, ‘If the ocean were ink for (writing) the words of my Lord, it would run dry before those words were exhausted’ – even if We were to add another ocean to it. Say (Prophet), ‘I am only a human being, like you, to whom it has been revealed that your God is One. Anyone who hopes to meet his Lord should do good deeds and give no one a share in the worship due to his Lord.” (Al-Kahf 18:103-110)



Some lessons to learn:
It seems that the Qur’an has abstracted this story from its particularities and has universalized it for all people and for all times. The story could be of people of any time or place. It could be the story of the people of any faith; but it has a message and this message should be learned. The message is:


1. There is only one God. Stay firm on this faith.

2. Do not give up your faith under hardship or trials

3. God has unique ways to help those who are sincere and faithful

4. Time and history are all in the power of God and God has total control over them.

5. Material power is not permanent; it is the spiritual that will abide.

6. People of truth are found in all places and times; truth is not the exclusive property of any one group or nation.

7. God tests people. Those who suffer are not necessarily bad people and those who prosper are not necessarily good people.

8. The truth will ultimately succeed.

9. God’s promise of help and support is true.

10. The Resurrection will definitely take place.

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