The People of Kahf - in the Quran

The People of Kahf refer to a group of young men who fled to a cave to escape persecution for their faith, as described in the story of the "Companions of the Cave" in the Quran. The story tells of how they slept for centuries, protected by God, and emerged to find their people had become believers in God. The Kahf is the Arabic word for "cave", and refers to the location where the young men took refuge.

The People of Kahf (Ashab al-Kahf in Arabic) refer to the group of young men mentioned in the Quranic story of the Cave. In Islamic tradition, they are also known as the Companions of the Cave.

The story of the People of Kahf is narrated in Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave), the 18th chapter of the Quran. It tells the tale of a group of young believers who fled their pagan society to avoid persecution and sought refuge in a cave. Allah put them into a deep sleep that lasted for several centuries, during which time their society underwent a great transformation. When they eventually woke up, they found that their people had embraced monotheism and their story became a testament to the power of faith and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

The story of the People of Kahf has inspired Muslims throughout history and is often used as a source of comfort and hope for those who are facing persecution or hardship. It is also a reminder of the importance of seeking refuge in Allah during difficult times and trusting in His power to bring about positive change.

Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 9:

"Or have you thought that the companions of the cave and the inscription were, among Our signs, a wonder?"

Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 13:

"We relate to you, [O Muhammad], their story in truth. Indeed, they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance."

Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 16:

"And [mention] when the youths retreated to the cave and said, 'Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance.'"

Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 17:

"So We cast [a cover of sleep] over their ears within the cave for a number of years."

Surah Al-Kahf, verse 18:

"وَتَرَى الشَّمْسَ إِذَا طَلَعَتْ تَّزَاوَرُ عَن كَهْفِهِمْ ذَاتَ الْيَمِينِ وَإِذَا غَرَبَتْ تَّقْرِضُهُمْ ذَاتَ الشِّمَالِ وَهُمْ فِي فَجْوَةٍ مِّنْهُ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ ۗ مَن يَهْدِ اللَّهُ فَهُوَ الْمُهْتَدِي ۖ وَمَن يُضْلِلْ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُ وَلِيًّا مُّرْشِدًا"

"And you would think the sun is rising when it is in fact setting. They were in the open space (of the cave). That is among the signs of Allah. Whomever Allah guides is the guided one, and whomever He leaves in straying, then you will not find for him any protector or guiding friend." (Quran 18:17-18)

In this verse, the people of Kahf are not explicitly mentioned, but it refers to the story of the people of Kahf who sought refuge in a cave to escape religious persecution. The verse describes how the sun seemed to rise over their cave in the morning and set behind it in the evening, giving the impression that the sun was moving around them. This is seen as one of the signs of Allah's power and ability to protect and guide those who seek refuge in Him.