Episode 4
They Are Discovered: Proof of Resurrection and Manners about the Unseen
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God caused the youths to be discovered by the people of the land so that they would know that God's promise of resurrection is true and that the Hour is beyond doubt. For whoever can put a group of people to sleep for centuries and then awaken them is surely able to raise all humankind after death. Then the people disputed about their affair; some said, "Build a structure over their cave," while God knew their condition best. Later, some will say they were three, the fourth their dog; others will say five, the sixth their dog โ merely guessing at the unseen; and some will say seven, the eighth their dog. Say, O Muhammad, "My Lord knows best their number; none knows them but a few." So do not argue about them except with a light discussion, and do not ask anyone about them. God also teaches a lofty manner: never say of anything, "I will surely do that tomorrow," except by adding, "If God wills." And remember your Lord if you forget. As for how long they stayed in the cave, God states that they remained three hundred years and nine added. Say, "God knows best how long they stayed. To Him belongs all the unseen of the heavens and the earth." Reflection: The story of the People of the Cave is a clear proof of the truth of resurrection. The Qur'an teaches us not to busy ourselves with useless unseen matters (like their number), but to take the essence: pure monotheism, reliance on God, and certainty of the Last Day. And every plan for the future should be tied to God's will with the words "If God wills."