The People of the Cave

Thousands of years ago, there lived a king in Rome named Decius (known in Arabic as Daqyanus). He was a cruel ruler who did not believe in Allah and worshipped idols instead. He forced his people to bow before these idols and punished anyone who opposed them. However, among this idol-worshipping nation, there were a few wise and thoughtful young men who believed that these idols made of stone and clay could not be gods.

These young men often discussed among themselves that the true God is the One who created the heavens and the earth, the sun and the moon, water and land, and human beings. He alone gives life and death, provides sustenance, sends rain, grows crops, and grants children. They gathered under the shade of a tree and made a firm promise that they would never worship idols and would worship only the One true God.

They bought a house together and secretly began worshipping Allah there. When news of this reached King Daqyanus, he became furious and ordered the young men to be arrested and brought before him. When they stood before the king, they showed no fear.

The king warned them, saying that they were young and misguided, and offered them wealth, status, and high positions if they returned to idol worship. One of the young men courageously replied that they could never worship anyone besides Allah. He invited the king himself to abandon false gods and worship the One true God who controls all life and existence.

Enraged by their faith, the king threatened to kill them but gave them time to reconsider. After leaving the court, the young men decided to flee the city to protect their belief. They planned to live in a cave in the mountains until the rule of the cruel king ended.

One night, when the city was asleep, they quietly left with their belongings. Their dog followed them. After traveling for a long distance, they reached a mountain cave. Exhausted, they cleaned the cave and lay down to rest. Their dog sat at the entrance, guarding them. Soon, they fell into a deep sleep.

By Allah’s command, they remained asleep in the cave for three hundred years, without hunger, illness, or harm. After 903 years, they woke up and thought they had slept only a day or two. Feeling hungry, they decided to send one companion, Yamlikha, to the city to buy food, warning him not to reveal their identity.

When Yamlikha entered the city, he was shocked. Everything had changed—buildings were taller, streets were different, and even the currency was unfamiliar. When he paid with an old coin, people were astonished. They believed he had discovered an ancient treasure and took him to the king.

This king was kind and righteous. After consulting his minister, he learned that the coin belonged to the era of King Daqyanus, who had ruled three centuries earlier. Yamlikha told the full story. The king was amazed and accompanied him to the cave.

After meeting the young men, the king left respectfully. Soon after, by Allah’s will, all the companions passed away. The people realized that the One who can keep His servants asleep for centuries can surely raise them again on the Day of Judgment.

This story teaches us that true faith requires courage, patience, and trust in Allah, especially in times of oppression. Worldly power, wealth, and threats cannot protect falsehood, but sincere belief is always preserved by God in ways beyond human understanding. When a person stands firm on truth and leaves the outcome to Allah, even the impossible becomes possible.