The Tale of Ashabul Kahfi

 THE TALE OF ASHABUL KAHFI

(The Seven Sleeper)

The tale of Ashabul Kahfi happened after Prophet Isa time and before Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. time. The tale was said to happen in Jordan. There are actually several claims regarding the exact location of the vent such as Syria, Iraq, and Turkey. However, the strongest claim that the event originated from Jordan.

Ashabul Kahfi told the story of 7 pious men which are Maksalmia, Martinus, Kastunus, Bairunu, Danimus, Yathbunus, and Thamlika lived in an era of a cruel king, King of Dikyanus. The King of Dikyanus wanted all of his people to admit him as their God. The believers at that time follow Prophet Isa teaching and believed that Allah is the one and only God.

At one time, the King knew about the 7 men's belief and faith towards Allah. Thus, he got really angry. He called them over and gave them a chance to change their beliefs. If not, they will be forced to change their belief or they will be sentenced to death. They run from the country to preserve their faith in Allah. They were also accompanied by a dog named Qitmir. During the runaway, Allah gave them the idea to hide in a cave. They hide and fell asleep in the cave. After 309 years they woke up. However, they thought they only slept for a day or half a day only. They felt hungry and decide to vote on who will go to the town and buy food. 

Upon voting, Thamlika was chosen to go to the town to buy some food. He brought some silver coins that they had. Then, he arrived at the town and looked at the surrounding. The surrounding was different from what he remembered. When buying food, the seller shocked by the silver coins that were used by Thamlika and he was accused of hiding a treasure chest. He was brought to the King and told the truth. The King told Thamlika that King Dikyanus died 300 years ago, and the people of the country are free to practice their faith towards Allah.

The King and his nobles went to the cave to meet all of the men upon hearing the story from Thamlika. Not long after Thamlika reunites with the others and they pray and praise Allah for what happened to them, they passed away. The tale of Ashabul Kahfi is recorded in Al-Quran, in Surah Al-Kahfi verses 9-26.