وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَعْثَرْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ لِيَعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ وَعْدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقٌّ وَأَنَّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهَآ إِذْ يَتَنَـٰزَعُونَ بَيْنَهُمْ أَمْرَهُمْ ۖ فَقَالُوا۟ ٱبْنُوا۟ عَلَيْهِم بُنْيَـٰنًا ۖ رَّبُّهُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِهِمْ ۚ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ غَلَبُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَمْرِهِمْ لَنَتَّخِذَنَّ عَلَيْهِم مَّسْجِدًا 21
Translations
And similarly, We caused them to be found that they [who found them] would know that the promise of Allāh is truth and that of the Hour there is no doubt. [That was] when they disputed among themselves about their affair and [then] said, "Construct over them a structure. Their Lord is most knowing about them." Said those who prevailed in the matter, "We will surely take [for ourselves] over them a masjid."
Transliteration
Wa-kathalika a'tharna 'alayhim li-ya'lamu anna wa'da Allahi haqqun wa anna as-sa'ata la rayba fiha idh yatanaza'un baynahum amrahum faqalu ibnū 'alayhim bunyanaan rabuhum a'lamu bihim qala alladhina ghalabū 'ala amrihim la-nattakhidhanna 'alayhim masjidan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This verse describes how Allah caused the people to discover the Companions of the Cave, fulfilling His promise and confirming the certainty of the Hour. While the people debated what to do with the cave, some suggested building a structure over it as a memorial, though their Lord knew best about them. The classical scholars (Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari) emphasize that this discovery was divinely orchestrated as a sign (ayah) for believers, demonstrating that God's promises are absolutely true and the Day of Judgment is inevitable.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the main narrative of Surah Al-Kahf (Meccan chapter), which tells the story of the Sleepers of the Cave as a test of faith and a sign of divine power. The discovery mentioned here serves as historical confirmation of an extraordinary miracle, addressing the Meccan disbelievers' skepticism about resurrection and the afterlife.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned in Sahih Bukhari that three wishes were granted to the Sleepers based on their sincere intention—they sought refuge in the cave with pure faith. Additionally, hadiths warn against excessive veneration of tombs and sites, which relates to the people's desire to build over the cave.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that extraordinary miracles serve as confirmation of divine truth for those who reflect upon them, and that while humans may make plans or build monuments, only Allah's knowledge and wisdom are ultimate—encouraging believers to focus on sincere faith rather than outward displays.