Or have you thought that the companions of the cave and ar-Raqîm were, among Our signs, a wonder?
Ar-Raqîm: the commentators differ. Many see an inscribed tablet, others a place near the cave.
And the commentators explain the question: their story is a wonder, but the heavens and the earth are greater signs.
It is We who relate to you their story in truth.
They were youths who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance.
“In truth”: so this book keeps to what Allah tells, and clearly marks what comes from elsewhere.
Fitya, the word the Qur'an uses for them, means young men.
Where, and when? The Qur'an names no king, no city, no century.
Many commentators and historians place it in the Roman Empire, where those who worshipped Allah alone were persecuted.
On their era, the commentators differ: after 'Îsâ (peace be upon him) for some, before him for others.
According to these accounts, they hid their faith, and at first none knew that the others believed too.
Then came the day they stood up.
The commentators say it was before their king. The Qur'an says only: when they stood up.
And We made firm their hearts when they stood up and said: “Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth.
Never will we invoke besides Him any deity. We would then have spoken an excessive transgression.”
Look at the order: Allah made their hearts firm when they stood up. The firmness came once they took the step.
Then they speak of their people: “These, our people, have taken deities besides Him.”
And they ask: “Why do they not bring for them a clear authority?”
Their faith is not stubbornness. They ask for proof, and their people have none to give.
Then they decide to withdraw from their people, and from what they worship besides Allah.
And they say to one another: “Retreat to the cave. Your Lord will spread out for you of His mercy.”
The accounts add that they came from noble families and left their rank. The Qur'an says only that they left.
When the youths retreated to the cave and said: “Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy,
and prepare for us right guidance in our affair.”
They do not ask for the king's fall, nor to go back home. They ask for mercy and right guidance.
Their whole people had taken other gods besides Allah.
A few young men knew it was false. What could they do?
They lost their place in the city. They did not lose their Lord.
Tonight, learn their dua (18:10) by heart and say it over a decision you are facing.