Reading outline · Narrative
The companions of the cave
Young people seek refuge in a cave and pray for mercy and guidance.
This outline follows the main passages. Open each reading to follow the story in full.
In this outline
Seeking refuge
Young people seek refuge in a cave and pray for mercy and guidance.
Or deemest thou that the People of the Cave and the Inscription are a wonder among Our portents? When the young men fled for refuge to the Cave and said: Our Lord! Give us mercy from Thy presence, and shape for us right conduct in our plight. Then …
Sleep and awakening
The passage describes their sleep and the sending of one companion to buy food.
And thou mightest have seen the sun when it rose move away from their cave to the right, and when it set go past them on the left, and they were in the cleft thereof. That was (one) of the portents of Allah. He whom Allah guideth, he …
Disagreement and knowledge
The story addresses disputes over their number and the duration of their stay.
And in like manner We disclosed them (to the people of the city) that they might know that the promise of Allah is true, and that, as for the Hour, there is no doubt concerning it. When (the people of the city) disputed of their case among themselves, …
Sources & reading notes
Introductions and explanations are editorial writing. Quoted text retains its named edition; selections may be shortened with an ellipsis.
Seeking refuge. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Sleep and awakening. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Disagreement and knowledge. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Original scene outline
Seeking refuge
Young people seek refuge in a cave and pray for mercy and guidance.
Sleep and awakening
The passage describes their sleep and the sending of one companion to buy food.
Disagreement and knowledge
The story addresses disputes over their number and the duration of their stay.