Surah Kahf

Surah Kahf is a Meccan surah revealed in the last year before Hijrah. Surah Kahf consists of many stories that serve as parables to mankind. They remind us of goodness and virtue built around belief in Allah. It is a reminder of the importance of detaching our hearts from this life, as it is only a brief moment. These allegories teach us the importance of guarding the spiritual soul and preventing any passage of evil into our hearts.

The first of the stories is where the surah gets its name, the people of the Cave. These young men sought refuge in this cave from their people for the sake of their religion. Raqim is known as the mountain of the cave or the tablet. They entered the cave and supplicated to Allah to show them mercy and kindness. They had placed their faith in Allah and left Him to take care of them. As a result Allah swt caused them to sleep. As Allah swt explains in verse 11, He sealed their ears to prevent them from hearing the commotion of the world around them, and placed the darkness of the cave as a cover for their eyes. The seven youth remained unconscious of any passing of time for generations, three hundred and nine years. When the cave was being demolished they were awakened unaware of the changes that took place in the world around them, or the time that had passed while they slept. Each of the youth had interpreted the amount of time that had passed differently from the other but they did not quarrel over their differences. This is a lesson to us that we need not dispute over such matters, as our internal experiences will cause us to see things from more than one perspective. It is better to say, "Allah knows best" and leave it at that. Allah tells us that the story is of young men to emphasize the importance of their sacrifice for Allah swt. They did not have the same stature as others around them because they were so young. The elders amongst them were set on worshipping idols and had no desire to change. The youth took into the hands the authority to make a decision to leave falsehood and evil to follow the path of Allah. This story should be an example to our own youth that Allah demands respect and kindness to our elders, particularly our parents, but in matter that are in contradiction to Allah's commands, He has given the youth the power and intelligence to make the correct decision. Another lesson to be taken from this story is that belief in Allah and dedication to worship and trust in Him will lead to what is right and will protect us against companions of the Shaytan.

Another major story of Surah Kahf is that of the Teacher of Musa (May Allah be pleased with him). This surah deals with the importance of understanding people around you and having humility and respect for all types of knowledge. Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) is guided to his teacher, Al Khidr. Upon meeting his teacher Musa asked in a gentle and kind manner, "May I follow you?" meaning he wanted to follow Al Khidr and spend time with him. This is a lesson for us to seek knowledge when the opportunity comes before us it also tells us of the manner in which the student addresses the teacher, with ease and kindness, rather than in any forceful manner. Al Khidr responds acknowledging the difference of the knowledge that each possesses, he understands that Musa has knowledge of the texts but has no knowledge of the new land he will visit. Again we see in this story disagreement without disrespect and harshness. Al Khidr tells Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) not to argue with him on matters he disapproves as Khidr knows better the people they will interact with than Musa does. This is a lesson to us not to judge people. When we visit other's homes or communities we must no pass judgment, as we are not knowledgeable of their situations. We must first try to understand the context in which their choices are made.

In verse 77 Allah swt explains the situation in which Al Khidr and Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) came upon the people of the town. The people contradicted the established customs of hospitality to all people even strangers; they did not offer their guest anything. Furthermore, when Musa and his teacher requested a share of their food, they refused. Sadly, most of us would then launch verbal attacks on those who acted in a rude manner, or in some other way expressing out dislike for their lack of generosity. Al Khidr teaches us a lesson that every Muslim and non-Muslim should be mindful off. Al Khidr responds to people of the town by walking away from them to a run down wall within the town's borders. He then repaired the wall and left the people. How many of us react in such a manner? This is the teacher of a Prophet, should we not take lesson from his example? We must remember that though others may be unjust towards us, reacting with the same action is not any better. Two wrongs never make a right.