The story of the Companions of the Cave, referred to as Ashab-ı Kehf in Islamic tradition, is a deeply spiritual narrative found in the Quran, specifically in the Cave Surah (Kehf). It recounts the miraculous tale of a group of young believers who, in the face of religious persecution, seek refuge in a cave and are miraculously kept asleep for centuries by Allah’s will.
“Ashab” translates to companions, friends, or associates, while “Kehf” means cave, rendering “Ashab-ı Kehf” as “Companions of the Cave” or “People of the Cave.” This story is set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire’s dominance over Jerusalem, Jordan, Syria, and Anatolia. The event is believed to have occurred after the era of Jesus Christ and before the birth of Prophet Muhammad, specifically in the latter half of the first century. During this time, the Roman Empire was enforcing the worship of idols and the deification of the emperor, challenging the monotheistic beliefs of the Christian monotheists of the era.
According to interpretations, including those by Kadı Beydavi citing traditions attributed to Ali, the Companions of the Cave were young men of faith who refused to renounce their belief in one God despite the threat of persecution from Emperor Decius. Faced with the demand to worship the emperor as a deity, they courageously declared their unwavering faith in the one true God, asserting that acknowledging anyone else as divine would be nonsensical and blasphemous.
To escape the wrath of Decius and to preserve their faith, these young men, along with their loyal dog, took refuge in a cave on the mountain of Encülüs, near the city of Ersus (now Tarsus). There, they prayed to Allah for mercy and guidance. In response, Allah enveloped them in a deep sleep that lasted for 309 years, shielding them from the persecution outside.
Upon awakening, the young men were unaware of how much time had passed. They sent one among them, Yemliha, to the city to discreetly gather food. However, the ancient coins he used attracted attention, leading to their miraculous survival being discovered. The ruler of the time, a believer in monotheism, learned of their story and recognized it as a divine sign, which led to widespread acknowledgment of their faith.
The tale of the Companions of the Cave is a powerful testament to the themes of faith, perseverance, and divine protection. It serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of truth and the temporary nature of worldly trials. The place of their refuge has since been regarded as a site of spiritual significance, with a mosque eventually being built at the cave’s entrance to commemorate their faith and Allah’s mercy upon them.
This narrative not only underscores the triumph of faith over persecution but also offers a profound insight into the nature of time and divine will, illustrating how Allah’s protection extends beyond human comprehension. It has remained a source of inspiration and spiritual guidance for believers through the centuries, symbolizing the light of faith that guides through the darkest of times.
How to get to Ashab-ı Kehf ?
The Cave of the Seven Sleepers, also known as Eshab-ı Kehf Cave, is located in the northwest of Tarsus, within Dedeler Neighborhood, at the foothills of the Encülüs Mountain. To travel from the city center of Tarsus to the cave, you can take minibuses heading towards Dedeler.
Directions:
- Head to the city center of Tarsus.
- Follow the signs directing towards Dedeler Neighborhood.
- Take a minibus to Dedeler Neighborhood and reach the Cave of the Seven Sleepers.
The cave is approximately 38 km away from Mersin and 59 km away from the nearest airport, Adana Şakirpaşa Airport. If you prefer to travel to the Cave of the Seven Sleepers by private vehicle, you can follow the road from the city center of Tarsus towards Dedeler Village, reaching Ziyarettepe. The entrance to the cave is free.
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