"Surah Al-Kahf 18:21 - The Truth of Allah’s Promise and the Dispute Over the Companions of the Cave"

 

Introduction:

Surah Al-Kahf (18:21) reveals an important aspect of the story of the Companions of the Cave (Ashab-e-Kahf). This verse highlights the moment when people, upon discovering the companions, debated what to do with their resting place, and it affirms the truth of Allah’s promise regarding the Day of Judgment.

The Verse:

وَ کَذٰلِکَ اَعۡثَرۡنَا عَلَیۡہِمۡ لِیَعۡلَمُوۡۤا اَنَّ وَعۡدَ اللّٰہِ حَقٌّ وَّ اَنَّ السَّاعَۃَ لَا رَیۡبَ فِیۡہَا ۚ٭ اِذۡ یَتَنَازَعُوۡنَ بَیۡنَہُمۡ اَمۡرَہُمۡ فَقَالُوا ابۡنُوۡا عَلَیۡہِمۡ بُنۡیَانًا ؕ رَبُّہُمۡ اَعۡلَمُ بِہِمۡ ؕ قَالَ الَّذِیۡنَ غَلَبُوۡا عَلٰۤی اَمۡرِہِمۡ لَنَتَّخِذَنَّ عَلَیۡہِمۡ مَّسۡجِدًا (۲۱)

ترجمہ

ہم نے اس طرح لوگوں کو ان کے حال سے آگاہ کر دیا کہ وہ جان لیں کہ اللہ کا وعدہ بالکل سچا ہے اور قیامت میں کوئی شک و شبہ نہیں جبکہ وہ اپنے امر میں آپس میں اختلاف کر رہے تھے کہنے لگے ان کے غار پر ایک عمارت بنالو اور ان کا رب ہی ان کے حال کا زیادہ عالم ہے جن لوگوں نے ان کے بارے میں غلبہ پایا وہ کہنے لگے کہ ہم تو ان کے آس پاس مسجد بنالیں گے ۔ 

Translation:

"And thus, We made their case known to the people, so that they might know that the promise of Allah is true, and that there is no doubt about the Hour. When they disputed among themselves about their affair, they said, 'Construct over them a building. Their Lord is most knowing of them.' Those who prevailed in the matter said, 'We will surely take for them a mosque.'"

Explanation:

This verse refers to the moment when the people found the Companions of the Cave after their long period of sleep. The people disagreed about their identity and what should be done with their resting place. Some suggested constructing a building over them, while others were inclined to honor them by building a mosque. This verse underscores the certainty of Allah’s promise of the Day of Judgment and the truth of the unseen.
The verse also reflects the human tendency to argue over matters of the unseen, yet it emphasizes that only Allah truly knows the fate of His creation.

Lessons Learned:

Certainty of Allah's Promise: The verse confirms that Allah’s promises are always true, and the reality of the Day of Judgment is unquestionable.

Human Disputes: Even in matters of faith, humans may disagree, but the final decision and knowledge belong to Allah alone.

Respect for Allah’s Will: It shows the importance of acknowledging Allah’s knowledge and judgment over all matters.

How to Benefit:

Reflecting on this verse helps strengthen our belief in the truth of Allah’s promises, especially regarding the Hereafter. It encourages us to trust in Allah’s will and to seek His guidance in resolving disputes and matters of importance in our lives.