QURAN CHAPTER - 18
Al-Kahf - The Cave
Revealed - Meccan
Ruku - 12
Ayat - 110
Theme - This Surah was sent down in answer to the 3 questions which the mushriks of Makkah, in consultation with the people of the Book, had put to the Holy Prophet in order to test him.
- (1) Who were "the Sleepers of the Cave"?
- The questioners were told that "the Sleepers of the Cave" believed in the same doctrine of Tauheed which was being put forward in the Quran and that their condition was similar to the condition of the persecuted Muslims of Makkah.
- The story of the Sleepers of the Cave has also been used to warn the chiefs of Makkah who were persecuting the small newly formed Muslim Community.
- (2) What is the real story of Khidr?
- The lesson contained in this story is this "You should have full faith in the wisdom of what is happening in the Divine Factory in accordance with the will of Allah."
- (3) What do you know about Zul-Qarnain?
- The story of Zul-Qarnain admonishes the questioners, as if to say, O you vain chiefs of Makkah you should learn a lesson from Zul-Qarnain. Though he was a great ruler, a great conqueror and the owner of great resources, yet he always surrendered to his Creator, whereas you are rebelling against Him.
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