This book delves into the stories of Surah Al-Kahf, named for its central narrative about the "People of the Cave." The story unfolds during a time of great trial for the believers. A group of righteous youths, deeply saddened by the persecution, were summoned by a tyrannical king. When they stood before him, he threatened them with death if they did not worship idols. They stood firm, proclaiming their faith: "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. Never will we invoke besides Him any deity."

The king, noting their youth, gave them a day to reconsider. Instead, they fled by night. On their way, they were joined by a shepherd and his dog. By morning, they had taken refuge in a cave. The king and his soldiers pursued them, but upon reaching the cave, the soldiers were overcome with fear and dared not enter. The king ordered the entrance to be sealed, leaving the youths to perish from hunger and thirst. However, Allah cast a deep sleep upon them, and they remained in the cave, unaware, for three hundred and nine years. When Allah awakened them, they thought they had only slept for a day or part of a day.

Feeling hungry, they sent one of their companions to the city to buy food, cautioning him to be discreet. Upon arriving, he found the city transformed and recognized no one. He bought food, but when he paid, the vendor was astonished by the ancient coins. A crowd gathered, and people wondered if he had found a treasure. He insisted it was his people's currency. They informed him that the coins were from the distant era of King Decius, who had died centuries ago. He told them his story—how he and his companions had fled the king's persecution just the day before. The people were amazed and brought him to the new king, who was a righteous believer. The king, along with his soldiers and the townspeople, went to the cave. Upon their arrival, the youths inside, hearing the commotion, thought the old king's messengers had found them and stood up to pray. The new king entered, saw them praying, and after they finished, he embraced them, explaining that he too was a believer and that Decius had long been gone. He listened to their tale, understanding that Allah had sent them as a sign to humanity. Then, Allah caused them to pass away peacefully. The people decided to build a place of worship over their cave.

This is one of the profound stories within Surah Al-Kahf. This book presents the exegesis (tafsir) of Surah Al-Kahf by the esteemed Sheikh Muhammad Metwally Al-Shaarawy.

Author: Muhammad Metwally Al-Shaarawy
Publisher: Dar Al-Borouj for Publishing and Distribution - Cairo
Year of Publication: 2015
Parts: 1
Pages: 80
Binding: Paperback
Paper Type: Recycled
Printing: Single Color