Do you want to know the story of the people who slept for 309 years? You're in the right place!
The Quran has many stories for us. Not only to read as history but to think and reflect on the morals behind them. More importantly, to use them as guides for our actions in everyday lives.
فاقْصُصِ القَصَصَ لَعَلَّهُم يَتَفَكرُون
[O Muḥammad], tell the stories [of the previous blasphemers] so that they [the blasphemers of your time] may reflect. Al-Aarf 176
The Story of the People of the Cave, or Ashab al-Kahf, is one of the most interesting stories in the Quran. Not only is it a great story to tell your kids, but it is also a tale full of lessons about faith, courage, and rewards.
In the Islamic galaxy, we continue exploring the different Quranic stories for kids. Today, we will know more about Ashab Al-Kahf. We’ll explore the courage of their courage and how Allah protected them. Moreover, we will get to know how their story became a symbol of hope for many. We’ll also discuss why their story is so relevant to our lives today and what we learn from it! Let's get started!
The Courage of the People of the Cave
First things first, who are the people of the cave?
The people of the cave were a group of young, righteous men who worshipped Allah and practiced Islam at a time when everyone around them worshipped idols. Their story was mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18) in Verses 9-26.
We relate to you, ˹O Prophet˺, their story in truth. They were youths who truly believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance. (Surah Al-Kahf, 13)
These brave young men felt isolated and afraid as they were surrounded by a society that worshipped idols.
Yet they had strong faith and didn't abandon their religion and follow the lead of the pagans. They feared Allah more than anyone, just like true Muslims would always do! Teach your kids that they shall never fear anyone, only Allah SWT.
When the king heard about those young men, he called them to his court and ordered them to leave Islam. He threatened to kill them if they refused. Because they were only young kids, he thought they didn't know better, and they didn't think right. Thus, he gave them some time to think before he would kill them.
We made firm their hearts when they stood forth and said: “Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. We call unto no god beside Him, for then should we utter an enormity. Our people have chosen gods besides Him, though they bring no clear proof. And who does greater wrong than one who invents a lie concerning Allah? (Sura al Kahf 14–15)
When they realized that their lives were in danger, they decided to leave the city. They hid in a cave and prayed for Allah to save and guide them.
Remember˺ when those youths took refuge in the cave and said, “Our Lord! Grant us mercy from Yourself and guide us rightly through our ordeal.” Al-Kahf (18:10)
This is the most important part of this story. Even though they had no idea what was going to happen after or how they would survive, they refused to give up on their religion.
They took action and left the place, trusting that Allah SWT would not abandon them when they turned to Him in their darkest moments!
“Our Lord! Grant us mercy from Yourself and guide us rightly through our ordeal.” Al-Kahf (18:10)
Today, we as Muslims use this dua to supplicate to Allah when we are lost, with nowhere to turn. So what happened when they escaped? Keep reading to find out.
How Allah Protected the People of the Cave
Once the People of the Cave fled their town, they sought refuge in a cave. It was there that Allah's protection unfolded in miraculous ways. The king had already sent his men to find them.
But, instead of being found, they fell into a deep sleep that lasted for many years. While they were asleep, Allah ensured that they were safe from their enemies and the harshness of the world outside.
So we caused them to fall into a dead sleep in the cave for many years (Surah Al-Kahf, 11)
Your kids' next question might be, How many years did they sleep? To our and their surprise as well, they slept for 309 years! Can you imagine more than three centuries?
And they stayed in their Cave three hundred years, and add nine. (Qur’an 18:23)
You may wonder: It's 300 years; how were they not physically hurt by the surrounding environment? What about rain, storms, and sun? How were they not burned? How come their bodies were not decayed and swallowed by the ground?
That is the miracle and mercy of Allah. Even though they were asleep for such a long time, Allah protected them against all these. The mouth of the cave faced north, and the Qur’an describes that the sun would rise on the right and set on the left. Allah, in His wisdom, also caused them to turn from side to side during their sleep.
Thus, neither the sun's heat nor the lack of movement would burn their skin. He also ensured that their dog would lie outstretched with its paws at the entrance in such a way that no one would dare enter the cave.
And you might see the sun when it rose from their cave towards the right hand and when it set behind them on the left while they were in a wide space thereof. This is one of the signs of Allah: Whomsoever Allah guides, he is the rightly guided one, and whomsoever He causes to err, you shall not find for him any friend to lead (him) aright.
The amazing thing is, they didn't even feel it! When they awoke, they thought they had only slept for a day or part of a day. They had no idea that Allah had shielded them for years!
Then we raised them so we could show which of the two groups would make a better estimation of the length of their stay. Surah Al-Kahf (18:12)
How the People of the Cave Became a Symbol of Hope
The story of the people of the cave is one of Allah's signs to reflect upon. Let's think about it together.
Or have you deemed that the companions of the cave and the inscription were, among Our signs, a wonder? (Sura al Kahf 18:9)
When they woke up, one of them went to the town to get some food, as they were very hungry. His friends told him to be cautious so as not to be discovered and captured by the king. Little did they know that everything had changed!
He found himself amongst different people who were astonished at his appearance and the old coins he was using. After all the time had passed, the young men found themselves in a new society that worshipped Allah, not idols.
The story of the people of the cave shows how a true believer stands up against societal pressures. In today’s world, many of us might feel alone in our beliefs. The story reassures us that we are not isolated; like the People of the Cave, we can find refuge in our faith.
Furthermore, it is the perfect example for your kids that being young doesn't mean letting yourself be swept away with life, indulging in entertainment, and forgetting about your duties and religion.
Even though they were young, they knew that their religion was a priority! This can serve as a role model for your kids. Don’t forget, children can have fun and fruitful activities, all while learning about their religion
What was the number of people in the cave?
You may wonder, how many were they? This is a common question in the story.
Some people would argue they were three, some would say five, and even in the Bible stories, they are mentioned as "the seven sleepers of the cave."
Well, truth be told, their number is irrelevant to the narrative. How so?
The story of the people of the cave isn't about how many of them there were or even how many years they slept in the cave. It's about the morals and lessons within it.
Allah SWT commands the Prophet Muhammad, saying:
Some say they were three, the dog being the fourth among them; others say they were five, the dog being the sixth, guessing at the unseen; yet others say they were seven, the dog being the eighth. Say (O Muhammad SAW): “My Lord knows best their number; none knows them but a few.” So debate not (about their number, etc.) except with the clear proof (which We have revealed to you). And consult not any of them (people of the Scripture, Jews, and Christians) about (the affair of) the people of the Cave. (Qur’an 18:22)
So instead of focusing on the number of young men in the cave, we should focus on the lessons in this story. Let's take a look at them
What Can We Learn from the People of the Cave Story?
The story of the people of the cave has many valuable lessons that we can apply to our lives and also pass on to our kids. Here are some key takeaways:
1. The Importance and Priority of Religion
The People of the Cave had unwavering faith in Allah, which guided their actions. They were tested in their faith that they couldn't stay any longer! They left their homes and everything behind because they didn't want to give up on their faith!
This showed their commitment to the cause. This part of the story shows us that our religion should be a priority and the foundation of everything we do. Of course, Allah is always on our side. But we must show true faith and commitment to his commands.
2. Courage to Stand Up for Beliefs
Let's face it, it can be easy to conform to societal pressures. Yet, when we reflect on the story of the People of the Cave, we understand how important it is to stand up for our beliefs, even when it’s difficult.
They could have given in and turned to polytheism, as everyone around them does. Nevertheless, they stood up for their beliefs even though they're different from everyone around them.
Your kids may feel different, especially if you are living in a foreign society; using such stories to instill the values and importance of holding on to one's beliefs is essential. It can also be a chance to learn about these stories through Quran games and activities
3. Seeking Refuge in Allah
In times of hardship, turning to Allah for refuge is the key. The People of the Cave sought protection in the cave, which symbolizes seeking Allah’s shelter. They asked Allah for help and guidance, and he responded with protection and mercy.
Sometimes you may feel lost, not knowing what to do or how a certain thing will turn out. The most important thing to remember is that as long as we are doing our best, we must leave the rest to Allah because he is always there watching over us.
4. Hope and Resilience
The story of the people of the cave teaches us that resilience and trust in Allah can lead to unexpected outcomes even when we've reached a dead end. Although they faced death threats when escaping, when they woke up and returned to town, they were heroes. Their community and its king were Muslims who worshipped Allah.
They were finally safe! The townspeople built a place of worship above where they would later.
And similarly, we caused them to be found so that they [who found them] would know that the promise of Allah is true and that of the Hour there is no doubt. That was when they disputed among themselves about their affair and then said, “Construct over them a structure. Their Lord is most knowing about them.” Said those who prevailed in the matter, “We will surely take [for ourselves] over them a masjid.” [18:21]
We should never lose hope, as Allah’s plans are often greater than our understanding.
5. Allah Knows Best
The exact time, location of the story of the people of the cave, and their number are not mentioned in the Quraan. This is for 2 reasons! One, as we mentioned before, it's not as important as the morals of the story itself.
Two, this is a reminder for us that if Allah had wanted us to have certain information, He would have mentioned it. In these cases, we have to accept that certain unseen knowledge is only known to Allah. We must know better than to debate, conjecture, or discuss these issues any further. for Allah knows best
If you are looking for more ways for your child to explore Islamic teaching safely, check out Islamic Galaxy!
Conclusion
When telling the Story of the People of the Cave to your kids, they might be amazed at how many years they fell asleep. It's important to remind them that it's more than just a miracle. It's a case that shows the power, greatness, and also mercy of Allah SWT.
Let them know that these men were young, and they supplicated to Allah to save them, but they didn't make dua and stay still; they took action. standing up for what they believe and never abandoning their faith.
They left town and sought help from Allah. And for this true commitment and love for Allah, he rewarded and protected them. In the same manner, we should always be true to our religion, put it first, and always trust Allah's power to protect and save us even in the darkest times.
Curious about more stories to tell your kids? Check out our blog for inspiration.
