Kisah ASHABUL KAHFI - 7 Pemuda Beriman Menantang Kekuasaan Romawi Kuno

On this occasion, we will discuss an extraordinary story. A story that Allah has made eternal in the Qur'an, so that it becomes a lesson for all of us. That is the story of the Ashab ul Kahfi. The story of the young believers whom Allah has kept asleep for 309 years.

But before we start this full discussion of Ibrah, don't forget to watch this video until the end. So that all of you can not only hear the story, but also get valuable wisdom that we can take in our daily lives. During the Roman Empire, there was a city called Absus. The king was known as Dacianus, a cruel ruler.

He forced his people to worship the sun, the stars, and the stars. Whoever rejected his command, the threat was obvious. Prison, torture, even death. The country was full of polytheism. But history records that power in the country went through two periods. One period was full of disbelief, and the other period was when the Tauhid was established. The story of Ashab ul Kahdi happens in between these two periods.

The tafsir scholars have different opinions about the exact time. Some say that this story happened after the death of Prophet Musa and before the birth of Prophet Isa . That means that the young people of the Ashab ul Kahfi still hold the teachings of the Torah, the religion that was passed down to the Children of Israel. The tafsir scholars, such as Ibn Qadsir, assert that this story is not just a history, but a sign of Allah's power.

The most important detail is not the name of the king or the exact location, but the message of faith. The people at that time lived in a state of seclusion. They were not in a position of trust, but fear of power. Until one day, Dakyanus Sang Raja Zalim made a big celebration to glorify the king.

The invitation was distributed to all the people of the capital. People from various regions came to the city of Absus. No one dared to refuse. Because the absence of celebration means ready to endure the wrath of the king. Then the crowd gathered in the center of the city. The festival was beaten, the dupa was lit, and the worship was worshipped with full splendor. However, in the midst of the crowd, some young people felt uncomfortable.

their hearts rejected the shirk and refused to bow to the falsehood. Some say they are of the people's descendants because of their clothes and their way of speaking, they show respect. There are also those who think that they are ordinary people but have extraordinary courage. Although their bodies are present, their hearts reject until one of them can't stand it anymore.

He sneaked out of the celebration and sat under a big tree far from the crowd. Not long after, another young man followed his trail and sat beside him. He was followed by the third, fourth, and finally they were a group of seven young men. At first they were silent, no one dared to talk. Each one was afraid that if one of them was the king's eyes.

Once they make a mistake, life can be their bet. But that hesitation can't last long. The curiosity and confusion make them finally get along, ask each other with full of care.

Why are you sitting here? Isn't the feast going on? One by one they answered. Apparently their hearts are the same. Their souls both reject the shirk. Their fitrah is based on Tauhid, only worshiping Allah the Almighty. They were surprised but also happy. How come in the middle of the sea of human worshipers, it turns out that there are still hearts that Allah has softened to remain holding on to Tauhid.

At that time, they began to feel the beauty of the brotherhood of faith. Because, as Allah said, the human heart cannot be softened except by Allah Himself. If all the wealth of the world is sacrificed to unite the hearts, the mission will not succeed.

But because of the gentleness of Allah, these seven youths were met with the same faith under the tree on the same day with the same feeling. That's where the great story of the Kahfi companions began. They started to talk about fate, looking for solutions, and planning their way out of the darkness of King Dacianus. The studio pijar companions that Allah Almighty honored. Allah described them in the Qur'an.

They are the youth who believe in their Lord, and we give them a sign. And we strengthen their hearts when they stand and say, "Our Lord is the Lord of heaven and earth. We will never worship anyone but Him."

When the worship ceremony was over, news spread to the whole city that there was a group of young people who were not present at the royal celebration. They left, did not follow the prayers of the statues and did not join the ritual of the shirk. The famous King Dacianus Zalimpun Murka, the seven young men were immediately arrested and brought to the palace. With a angry face, the king asked,

"What is the reason that you are not present at this great celebration?" "Why do you not want to worship our great deeds?" But Allah gave the youth an extraordinary courage. They are not prophets, nor are they apostles, but their firm hearts resemble the test of the prophets. This is the great challenge for the youth throughout the ages. They said, "The challenge before the tyrant is

Our God is the God of heaven and earth. We will never worship anyone but Him. If we worship anyone but Him, that is indeed a great lie. Our people are made to be worthy of being God, even though they have no proof at all. So who is more cruel than the one who is a sinner to Allah? Those words pierced the heart of the king.

How is it possible that a group of young people dare to oppose him in front of many people? But Allah who reassures their hearts. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, has said, "The most important jihad is to convey the truth to the cruel ruler." And that is what the young people of Ashab al-Kahfi did. King Dacianus, although angry, did not kill them directly. He gave them three days. King Dacianus said,

"Think again of your decision," he said in a threatening tone. "If you want to leave your God and come to worship this holy thing, I will raise you up to be great men in the kingdom. But if not, you will perish." But the three days given by the king were not used to weigh the position or the status of the throne. In fact, those three days were used to have a discussion.

They realized that living in the midst of a community full of polytheism would only endanger their faith. So then they agreed to run away from the city and look for a cave to protect themselves. They said one another, "If you distance yourself from them and from what they worship other than Allah, then go to that cave."

your God will give His mercy to you and provide something useful for you in your affairs. Surah Al-Kahfi verse 16. This verse describes a big decision, leaving home and family, leaving the comfort of the world to find a simple hiding place, a cave in the middle of the mountains. Why a cave?

For many people, the cave is a narrow, dark, moist and scary place. But for the youth, the cave is a band of beliefs. That's where their hearts can be free. That's where their tongues can chant without fear. That's where their prostration only points to Allah, far from the pressure of the tyrant.

They realized that once they entered the cave, their lives were no longer the same. There was no more table full of delicious food, no more beautiful clothes, no more soft place to sleep. What was there was only cold ground, dark night, and a hunger that tested. But their faith had set a choice. It would be better if the cave was as narrow as Allah's, rather than a grand and grand palace. This is the true courage.

Not the courage to fight with a sword, but the courage to fight against social pressure. The courage to reject the majority, the courage to defend the faith when everyone is fighting. Their decision to leave the city also teaches an important thing. In maintaining faith, sometimes we need to make a move. When the environment is no longer conducive to worship, a mu'min must dare to leave the comfort zone for the sake of his religion.

Finally, they ran away from the city by walking far through the forest and climbing the hill. And finally found a cave in the mountains. Meanwhile, the priests chased after them. On the way to the cave, the youth were accompanied by a loyal dog. In some traditions, the dog is called Kitmir.

He followed them until they were lying on their knees in front of the cave door, as if he was keeping the youths. Allah mentions it in verse 18, "And their dogs slashed their hands against the gate of the cave door."

We know that in Islam, dogs are najis. Even people who raise them every day, their reward is reduced. But look, Allah has made dogs eternal in the Qur'an. Why? Because he is with the Salih people, accompanying the Tawhid fighters. The scholars said, "If a dog is only honored because it accompanies good people, then what about the human who chooses to be friends with the Salih people?"

Of course, he is more noble. The studio's pijar friend, whom Allah Almighty has honored. After the young people of that choice found a big and deep cave, with a breath that was still alive after climbing the hill and going through the forest, finally they entered the cave. In the darkness of the cave, they looked at each other.

Their eyes shed the same tears. It is better to lose everything in the world than to lose Allah in the hereafter. Their hearts whispered, "This is the right path. This is the price of faith." Then they raised their hands, prayed with full hope, "O our Lord, bestow Your mercy upon us and provide for us a straight guide in our affairs." Surah Al-Kahfi verse 10

The prayer was said in a lyrical way, but it was so loud that Allah heard the sound of the young servants who were sleeping. Then, when the mercy of Allah came down, which was unexpected, suddenly the feeling of loneliness was so deep that it enveloped them. One by one, their eyes were closed. Not an ordinary sleep, but a sleep that Allah made as a protection.

Allah closed their ears so that they would not be damaged by anything, even by the wind. Allah kept their bodies so that they would not be damaged, not eaten by animals, and not even destroyed even if the time changed. They did not know that they slept not only for a day, not even for a week, but for hundreds of years. Allah said, "Then We closed their ears in the cave for years and years.

Surat Al-Kafi, verse 11. Meanwhile, outside the cave, the royal priests almost found him. They stood in front of my mouth, but the fear was amazing, covering their hearts. Their heads were covered with a feeling of pain, so they didn't dare to enter. Finally, they only closed my mouth with a big stone, then said, "If the young men are indeed inside, let them die there."

But who would have thought that Allah had another plan? That great rock was actually a guardian, covering them from outside disturbance. While Allah was guarding them in His mercy. Allah said, "And you will think that they are guarded, even though they are asleep. And We turned them back to the right and to the left, while their dogs slashed their two hands against the gate of the cave.

If you see them, you will run away in fear. Surat Al-Kahfi 18 This verse describes an extraordinary condition. From the outside, their bodies look like they are being guarded.

Their eyes will be opened as if they are ready to wake up anytime. But actually they sleep in a very deep state. Allah also protects their bodies by turning their bodies to the right and left. This is important because if the human body lies down for too long without moving, it will rot or be damaged and piled up by dust. However, the body of the Ashabul Kahfi remains healthy as if they sleep directly for only one night.

Not only that, Allah also set the sun's light so that it won't damage their bodies. In verse 17, it is explained that the sun's light that enters the cave is directed by Allah with a certain angle. In the morning, the light is directed to the right and in the afternoon, the light is directed to the left. Thus, they still get enough light and air but the sun's light is not directly burned.

This shows how Allah has arranged the entire universe to guard His faithful servants. Not only the cave which is a safe place, even the direction of the sun's light is leaning on its will to protect them. Allah mentions in verse 25, "And they lived in their cave for three hundred years, and were added nine years."

They were put to sleep for more than three centuries, more precisely 300 years plus nine years, so it's only 309 years old. Imagine, if ordinary humans sleep for a long time without moving, their bodies will be stiff, their muscles will rot, even their bodies can be destroyed in a blink of an eye. But Allah keeps them in perfect maintenance. Their bodies remain intact as if time has never touched them.

Allah described, "Anyone who sees their condition will surely run away in fear. Their bodies will be as if they were alive, but their eyes will be as if they were open and their breath will remain." That is the sign of Allah's greatness, which makes anyone who sees it to be scared. After centuries, Allah finally raised the young people of the companions of the Prophet. They woke up as if they were only sleeping at night.

Their awareness slowly returned. Then one of them asked, "How long have we been here?" Some answered, "We may only live for a day or a half." They did not realize that they had slept for more than three centuries. Time felt so short, as if the day of the Day of Judgment also felt like an afternoon or an afternoon for those who experienced it.

In some stories, it is said that Allah destined a goat herder to come near their cave. At that time, the weather was bad and he was looking for a place to slaughter his goats. He saw a cave that was covered with big stones. With difficulty, he slipped the stone until the cave door opened. When the goats entered, their voices echoed into the cave.

The voice, with Allah's permission, became the reason for the spirit to return to the body of the young men. A moment later, they woke up. They looked at each other, surprised and confused. "How long have we slept?" asked one of them. "One day or half a day," another answered. But there was also one who said, "Allah knows how long we have been here." After waking up, they felt hungry.

So it was decided to send one of them to the city to bring the money. They said carefully, "Send one of you to the city to bring your money. Let him see the best food, then let him bring that food for you. And let him act weakly, so that no one will know your condition.

Surat Al-Kahfi, verse 19. They still felt in danger. They thought that King Zalin was still in power. So, their message was, "Be careful. Don't let anyone know." When the message reached the market, he was surprised to see the city. The buildings were different, the language of the people changed, and the lifestyle was no longer the same as what he knew.

But what's more surprising is when he wanted to buy food with the money he brought. The merchant was surprised to see the coin. The shape is ancient, the symbol on the coin has not been used, and the exchange rate comes from hundreds of years before. People in the market immediately realized that there was something strange. How could someone bring ancient money that has been used for centuries?

They then told the city residents about it. The city residents were also curious to know. After being investigated, it was finally revealed that the young people were the previous generation who had been silent from history. Their story of courage against King Zalim is still known in legend. But no one expected them to really live again. Then the news of the excitement immediately reached the king's ears.

But this time, the state of the kingdom has changed. The king in power is no longer a worshiper, but a king who believes in Allah. He also sent people to find the young men and then brought them to him. The king was very amazed because the young men were not ordinary humans. They are young men from the old age who Allah has kept their bodies and faith. They have not grown a little since they were sleeping.

This condition became a proof of Allah's power. If Allah is able to build them after sleeping for hundreds of years, then Allah is more powerful to raise all humans after death on the day of judgement. After that meeting, the king and his people became more faithful.

The King honoured the youth, providing them with the best place. However, the youth realized that the life of the world is only temporary. They have been destined to be a sign of God's greatness, not to stay long in the world. When the story of the youth was spread everywhere, the people split into two groups. Some were surprised and their faith was stronger because they saw the true proof of God's power.

Some still doubt because their hearts are hard and do not want to bow to the truth. But no one can deny the fact that those young people indeed live back after centuries. Allah says, "And thus We have met them with people, that community, that they may know that the promise of Allah is true, and that the coming of the Day of Judgment is not doubted." Surat Al-Kahri, verse 21

This is the biggest wisdom from the story of the Companions of the Ka'fi. So far, many people have doubted the existence of the Day of Resurrection. They asked, "How is it possible that a human who has been dead for hundreds of years, his body is destroyed, can live again?" Allah answered that doubt with the proof of truth. If Allah is able to sleep a few youths for hundreds of years and rebuild them with a body that remains intact,

then raising all the people on the Day of Judgment is certainly easier for them. The people who witnessed this event then debated how to respect them. Some said, "Build a building on their cave." Some said,

we will build a mosque on it. This difference shows that humans often have different views in dealing with big events. But what is clear is that Allah has made the story of the Ashab ul Kahfi as a lesson for all people. After that full of miracles meeting, Allah again discusses their story in the Qur'an. Allah says,

Some will say, "The number of them is three people, and the fourth is their dog." And some will say, "Five people, and the sixth is their dog." They only guess the weird ones. And some will say, "Seven people, and the eighth is their dog." Say, "O Muhammad, My Lord knows more about their number." No one knows their number except a little.

So do not debate about it, except for the debate of the birth, and do not ask them about it." Surat Al-Kahfi, verse 22. This verse shows that the important thing is not how many of them, but the great lesson behind their story, faith, firmness of heart, and the protection of Allah to the servants who hold firm to the Tauhid.

From the awakening of the Ashabul Kahfi, there are several great wisdoms that we can point out. The first is the truth of Allah's promise. The Day of Judgment and the Day of Resurrection are not myths. If Allah wills, humans can live again even though they are centuries old. The second is patience is a fruit of victory. The youths are willing to suffer for faith and Allah glorifies them by making their story eternal in the Qur'an.

Third, Allah is able to protect His servants. There is no power of the tyrant king that can defeat the protection of Allah. And fourth, Allah's knowledge covers everything. Humans only know a little while Allah sets all the details, even the sunlight that enters the cave. Wallahu a'alam. This is the story of the companions of the Kahti that we can convey. Hopefully useful. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.