وَلَبِثُوا۟ فِى كَهْفِهِمْ ثَلَـٰثَ مِا۟ئَةٍ سِنِينَ وَٱزْدَادُوا۟ تِسْعًا 25
Translations
And they remained in their cave for three hundred years and exceeded by nine.
Transliteration
Wa-labithoo fee kahfihim thalatha mi'ati sineen wa-izdadoo tis'a
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how the People of the Cave remained in their cave for three hundred years, with nine additional years, constituting their total period of sleep. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that this lengthy duration was a miraculous sign from Allah demonstrating His power over time and His protection of those who seek refuge in Him for their faith. The specific mention of the additional nine years emphasizes the precise knowledge Allah possesses of all temporal matters, and scholars note this detail resolves the apparent discrepancy in the Quran regarding their duration of stay.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Surah Al-Kahf, which was revealed in Mecca to address the Quraysh's questions posed by the People of the Book about a group of righteous youths. The story emphasizes divine protection and miraculous preservation as a sign of Allah's power, fitting the Meccan context of strengthening the believers' faith during early persecution.
Related Hadiths
The story of the People of the Cave is referenced in various hadiths discussing miraculous signs. Sahih Bukhari records that the Prophet Muhammad mentioned this account when teaching about divine signs and the preservation of believers. While no hadith directly discusses the exact number of years, hadiths on Surah Al-Kahf's virtues emphasize its protective blessings.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that Allah's power transcends natural laws and that those who steadfastly maintain their faith will be divinely protected, even in seemingly impossible circumstances. For modern readers, it teaches reliance on Allah during trials and confidence that time itself is subject to His will, offering comfort during prolonged difficulties.