Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) -- Lessons for Youth from the Story of the Youth of the Cave

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

The story of the youth of the cave signifies love of the best kind and shows how the youth had a commitment to such love by seeking to earn the pleasure of the beloved, Allah Most High, before taking pleasure in His creations. [Surah Al-Kahf, Chapter 18]

أَمْ حَسِبْتَ أَنَّ أَصْحَابَ الْكَهْفِ وَالرَّ‌قِيمِ كَانُوا مِنْ آيَاتِنَا عَجَبًا ﴿٩﴾ إِذْ أَوَى الْفِتْيَةُ إِلَى الْكَهْفِ فَقَالُوا رَ‌بَّنَا آتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَ‌حْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِ‌نَا رَ‌شَدًا ﴿١٠

Or have you thought that the companions of the cave and the inscription were, among Our signs, a wonder? (9) [Mention] when the youths retreated to the cave and said, "Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance." (10)[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18: 9-10]

حْنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ نَبَأَهُم بِالْحَقِّ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ فِتْيَةٌ آمَنُوا بِرَ‌بِّهِمْ وَزِدْنَاهُمْ هُدًى ﴿١٣

It is We who relate to you, [O Muhammad], their story in truth. Indeed, they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance. (13) [Qur'an, Ak-Kahf 18: 13]

Lessons from the story of the Youth of the Cave

Put your trust in Allah Most High:

The young men put their trust in Allah Most High when they separated from their disbelieving folk and sought refuge in a cave. They had no idea what would become of them. You should equally learn to trust in Allah Most High at all times and especially in times of uncertainty and trial.

Have faith and take action:

The youth did not only believe, they also took the necessary steps to act on their belief. First their thoughts and eventually their limbs took action. Begin the journey in your heart, but do not let it end there; verbalize your thoughts, then walk the talk. Now start moving.

Embrace Islam as your true religion:

Islam is the true religion and a complete way of life. In Islam you will find guidance, faith, strength, and the will to submit to the true Creator, Allah Most High. If you embrace it wholly as the youth of the cave did, you will be among the rightly guided Muslims. You will have no unnecessary fears or feel overwhelmed with the challenges around you.

Play your part:

Whatever your station in life, you have an important part to play— in the family, at school or work, and in society— as part of the wider Ummah.

Your role as a Muslim youth comes with responsibilities. These responsibilities will not simply be executed without challenges, choices, and changes.

Youthful years brought with them many challenges, from faith issues to other internal conflicts to trying to balance family and friends with study and career.

Understanding the teachings of Islam, especially the message of the Qur'an, will guide you on a path of self-discovery and focusing on your faith, passion, experience, and skills. The Qur'an carries lessons for the youth in all situations and with any kind of challenge.

The life of the Muslim youth is not simply about independence and choosing between black and white. It is a period of change, choices, and challenges, with many shades of grey in between. And these challenges are not without a purpose, just as the entire life of a Muslim is not without a higher purpose beyond fulfilling our immediate needs.

Move forward:

Each time you are faced with issues regarding your faith and Islamic identity, remember the advice of Luqman. Reflect on his words to help you build the best of relationships with your parents and others around you. Emulate Yusuf (peace be upon him) in building a fine character and facing up to daily challenges with patience and trust in Allah Most High.

Follow in his footsteps by repelling evil with good and striving to work hard for your sustenance with excellence. Face up to societal pressure through the example of the youth of the cave. Build a kind of “cave” in your life from time to time so that you can give yourself space away from the noise and busyness around you to reflect on the verses of Allah Most High and nurture the faith within.

Such are the lessons and reminders we find in the Qur'an. The times may be different but the principles and emotions remain the same. Isn’t it time then to take a closer look into the pages of this special Book— to study, reflect, seek answers, and adopt the solutions embedded within it?

Amidst the endless challenges and problems facing the youth today, you can find lasting solutions in the Noble Qur’an. You can uphold Qura'nic lessons and those from the Sunnah and make them your guide through youth.

Keep reading the Qur'an and do not simply recite it; ponder over the meanings and practice what you learn in addition to sharing the message with others. Take a simple step each day and make your intention sincere. Read the Qur'an daily and take lessons from the stories contained within and you will overcome your challenges without any doubt.

May Allah bring us closer to His Book and grant us a sound understanding of His religion and increase us in guidance.

رَ‌بَّنَا آتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَ‌حْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِ‌نَا رَ‌شَدًا

Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance.

Ameen.

And Allah knows best and He alone grant success.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wassallam.

Wassalaam

adapted from understandquran.com