Transliteration:( Wa tarash shamsa izaa tala'at tazaawaru 'an kahfihim zaatal yameeni wa izaa gharabat taqriduhum zaatash shimaali wa hum fee fajwatim minh; zaalika min Aayaatillaah; mai yahdil laahu fahuwal muhtad, wa mai yudlil falan tajida lahoo waliyyam murshidaa (section 2) )
"And you will see [26] the sun when it rises, moving away from their cave to the right, and when it sets, turning away from them on the left [27], while they are in the open space [28] of the cave. This is of the signs of Allah. He whom Allah guides is rightly guided [29], and he whom He sends astray will never find a supporter to guide [30]."
This verse implies that the Holy Prophet ﷺ had seen the Companions of the Cave and their position during their sleep, as mentioned in the events of Me’raaj (Ascension). His knowledge of their condition is based on divine revelation and spiritual vision.
This indicates that the cave faced south. Hence, when:
The sun rises, it moves away to their left, and
When it sets, it turns away to their right.
This alignment ensured that sunlight never directly hit them, offering them natural protection. This is the most fitting and balanced explanation.
Despite being in a closed area, fresh air always reached them. This could be:
Due to the miraculous nature of their situation, or
Because of the strategic orientation of the cave.
The latter is more consistent, as Allah Almighty declared this a part of His signs, pointing toward His planning and wisdom.
One who is rightly guided:
Acknowledges and affirms the miracles of the saints and friends of Allah Almighty, such as the preservation of the Companions of the Cave.
Whereas, the misguided:
Rejects or mocks such miracles, labeling them as falsehood or associating them with polytheism.
This teaches that:
Misguided individuals have neither divine help nor a spiritual guide, so they continue to wander in heresy and confusion.
In contrast, believers benefit from both guidance and supportive mentors, who keep them on the right path.
The tafsir of Surah Kahf verse 17 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Kahf ayat 13 which provides the complete commentary from verse 13 through 17.
(18:17) Had you seen them in the Cave[12] it would have appeared to you that when the sun rose, it moved away from their Cave to the right; and when it set, it turned away from them to the left, while they remained in a spacious hollow in the Cave.[13] This is one of the Signs of Allah. Whomsoever Allah guides, he alone is led aright; and whomsoever Allah lets go astray, you will find for him no guardian to direct him.
12. It has not been mentioned that in accordance with this mutual resolve, they left the city and went to a secret cave in the mountains in order to escape from death or forced apostasy.
13. This is to show that the mouth of the cave faced the north. That is why the light of the sun could not enter inside the cave and the one who passed by it could not see who was inside it. 1
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