Ramadhan 2016 – Day 17 (Al-Kahf)

Ramadhan 2016 – Day 17 (Al-Kahf) June 22, 2016

quran day 17

This chapter shows the pathway to self-actualization in three stages – the people of the cave, the story of musa and the servant and dhul qarnayn. Before that, the chapter opens with the descent of the writ from Allah, messages of Allah which give instructions and not contain protuberances.

The chapter then goes into the companions of the cave. This metaphor reflects the youth who retreat in order to prepare themselves to face oppression later. It is the first stage of this chapter, showing the phase of training.

After a series of metaphors, this chapter goes into the story of musa and the servant of God. This story is a metaphor symbolizing various aspects of the self. The youth symbolises our vigorous lower selves, musa symbolises our selves which seek reform and the servant is the higher self which has found truth. This higher self leads musa through various events which musa fails to see the underlying cause.

Finally comes the dhul qarnayn stage. This is the stage of one who has mastered the two previous stages and is given access to all paths. He is sought after by people who build powerful institutions that protect the masses.

This chapter ends with the kalimat/words of Allah and the declaration of the Reader that he is an ordinary person with the exception of inspiration. This is a thematic return to the start of the chapter.


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