of Nokounam, (Session 1742)
Surah Al-Kahf in the Holy Quran, like a radiant jewel, portrays the divine system and spiritual authority through three principal narratives: the story of the Companions of the Cave, the encounter between Moses and Khidr, and the account of Dhul-Qarnayn. This Surah, comprising 110 verses, is not merely a collection of ancient stories but rather unveils a scientific and spiritual system wherein Divine power manifests in harmony with the order of creation. This treatise seeks, through a profound examination of the verses, to introduce the Cave system as a paradigm for spiritual training and scientific and practical authority. The objective is to elucidate the truth that the Holy Quran is a book intended for all humanity, not exclusively for the infallibles, and can serve as guidance for attaining spiritual and inner authority.
Surah Al-Kahf, with its 110 verses, contains three main sections that collectively encompass 54 verses, forming the core of the Surah's spiritual and inner authority:
These 54 verses, like firm pillars, erect the edifice of the Surah's authority. The remaining 56 verses function as a melodic accompaniment, harmoniously completing this authority. Surah Al-Kahf, characterised by its nature as an 'abolisher of magic', embodies a spiritual shield capable of repelling negative influences and establishing authority within itself.
Surah Al-Kahf, like a pure spring, stands out among other Surahs of the Holy Quran. It offers a rhythmic and dynamic system portraying authority through three key stories. Just as modern media present messages in diverse rhythms to attract the audiences attention, Surah Al-Kahf guides its audience towards profound understanding through a divine rhythm. This Surah, composed over 1400 years ago with an advanced structure, articulates power in a manner that remains novel for contemporary humanity.
The narrative of the Companions of the Cave in verses 9 to 26 is a portrayal of spiritual authority manifested within the Cave system. These verses are not simply historical anecdotes but introduce a scientific and spiritual system harmonious with creation.
أَمْ حَسِبْتَ أَنَّ أَصْحَابَ الْكَهْفِ وَالرَّقِيمِ كَانُوا مِنْ آيَاتِنَا عَجَبًا
Or did you think that the Companions of the Cave and the inscription were among Our wondrous signs? (Verse 9)
This verse serves as a gateway to the Cave system, indicating that what appears extraordinary to humans is, in the divine system, ordinary and natural. Humanity, like a child amazed by the flight of a bird, marvels at the Cave system, while it is merely a component of the cosmic order.
إِذْ أَوَى الْفِتْيَةُ إِلَى الْكَهْفِ فَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا آتِنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا
When the youths took refuge in the cave and said: Our Lord, grant us mercy from Yourself and prepare for us right guidance in our affair. (Verse 10)
The youths, like fresh buds in the garden of faith, by seeking refuge in the cave, appeal for divine mercy and guidance. This supplication denotes a spiritual readiness to enter the Cave system, which acts as a spiritual school providing a foundation for self-purification and refinement.
فَضَرَبْنَا عَلَىٰ آذَانِهِمْ فِي الْكَهْفِ سِنِينَ عَدَدًا
So We cast a veil over their ears in the cave for a number of years. (Verse 11)
ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَاهُمْ لِنَعْلَمَ أَيُّ الْحِزْبَيْنِ أَحْصَىٰ لِمَا لَبِثُوا أَمَدًا
Then We raised them up that We might know which of the two parties was best at calculating the time they had stayed. (Verse 12)
The words فَضَرَبْنَا (We cast) and ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَاهُمْ (Then We raised them up) symbolise the two wings of spiritual flight within the Cave system. Casting a veil represents severing attachments to the material realm, preparing the soul for purification, while raising them up resembles the blossoming of a flower in spring, elevating the individual to spiritual ranks.
وَتَرَى الشَّمْسَ إِذَا طَلَعَتْ تَزَاوَرُ عَنْ كَهْفِهِمْ ذَاتَ الْيَمِينِ وَإِذَا غَرَبَتْ تَقْرِضُهُمْ ذَاتَ الشِّمَالِ وَهُمْ فِي فَجْوَةٍ مِنْهُ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ ۗ مَنْ يَهْدِ اللَّهُ فَهُوَ الْمُهْتَدِ ۖ وَمَنْ يُضْلِلْ فَلَنْ تَجِدَ لَهُ وَلِيًّا مُرْشِدًا