People of the Cave & Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)

⏱ Reading time: 2 min

Doubting the prolonged life of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) arises from failing to reflect on the Holy Qur’an. If someone rejects this belief simply because they cannot imagine a human being living for more than a thousand years, we must ask whether they have truly read the Holy Qur’an. 

The Qur’anic account of the People of the Cave in Surah al-Kahf stands as Allah’s response to those who claim, “The Book of Allah is sufficient for us.” Along with the Holy Qur'an, belief in its true inheritor is needed in order to be guided.

The famous Ahle Tasannun traditionalist of the 7th century, Yusuf Ibn Yahya Shaafei, writes in his book Iqd al-Durar Fi Akhbar al-Muntazar, p. 213, Hadith 224 that: Abu Ishaq Sa’labi has mentioned concerning the exegesis of Surah al-Kahf that,

“The cave in which those people stayed was made their resting place and they will continue to remain therein till the end of time until the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) takes place. When Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) reappears, he will greet the people of the cave and Allah will bring them back to life for (replying to) him.”

Reference: Iqd al-Durar Fi Akhbar al-Muntazar, p. 213, Hadith 224

According to a narration in Tafsir al-Qummi (vol. 2, p. 33), when the People of the Cave realized the length of their 309-year sleep, they asked Allah to return them to their resting place in a state of sleep. Allah accepted their request and kept them in that condition until the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). Surah al-Kahf (18:21) in the Holy Qur’an also indicates that a mosque was established at that location. 

لَنَتَّخِذَنَّ عَلَيْهِمْ مَسْجِداً

“We will certainly raise a mosque over them.”

The People of the Cave will be revived only to respond to the greeting of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.).

We pray to Allah that He hasten the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), grant us the opportunity to greet our Imam and make us among his helpers.

Aameen, O Lord of the worlds!