By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, March 6, GNA – Imam Ahmed Adjei Adjetey, Greater Accra Regional Imam of the Ghana Muslim Mission, has urged Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith and stand for the truth despite societal pressures.
The call forms part of lessons drawn from the first story in Surah Al-Kahf (Quran Chapter 18), which focuses on the Companions of the Cave and the trial of faith.
Imam Adjetey made the call at the first session of the Mission’s annual Ramadan Tafsir series in Accra.
Speaking on the theme: “Lessons from the First Story of Surah Al-Kahf – The Companions of the Cave,” he said life was a test and believers would face different forms of trials, particularly the challenge of remaining firm in a hostile environment.
Imam Adjetey drew the lessons for this year’s Tafsir from the four stories in Surah Al-Kahf, each highlighting a different type of trial and how faith guides believers through them.
The first story, he explained, centred on the Companions of the Cave and the trial of faith; the second on the Men of the Garden and the trial of wealth; the third on Prophet Musa and Khidr and the trial of knowledge; and the fourth on Dhul-Qarnain and the trial of power.
Imam Adjetey noted that some scholars described the trials as deceptions because of how easily people could be misled by them.
He recounted that the story of the Companions of the Cave was revealed following a challenge by the leaders of Quraish in Makkah, who sought to test Prophet Mohammed’s prophethood by asking him about the young men who disappeared long ago, a great traveller and ruler, and the soul.
Imam Adjetey said revelation came after some delay, teaching an important lesson captured in verses 23 and 24 of the chapter, where believers are admonished not to say they would do something the next day without adding “In shaa Allah” (if Allah wills).
He said this demonstrated total reliance on Allah and recognition of His absolute control.
Imam Adjetey also highlighted the opening verse of Surah Al-Kahf, which begins with “Alhamdulillah” (All praise and thanks be to Allah), linking it to praise mentioned at the end of Surah Al-Isra and in Surah Al-Fatiha.
He urged Muslims to constantly praise and thank Allah, especially for the gift of witnessing another Ramadan.
On the story itself, Imam Adjetey explained that a group of young believers fled persecution for their faith and sought refuge in a cave, where Allah caused them to sleep for many years as protection.
Quoting verse 13, he said Allah increased their guidance because they believed in Him, adding that young people who stand firm in their faith despite societal influence would receive divine guidance and success in this world and the Hereafter.
Imam Adjetey said the youths prayed for mercy and right guidance before taking refuge in the cave, underscoring the importance of planning, taking necessary steps and supplicating to Allah.
In verses 11 and 12, he said Allah answered their prayer by casting sleep over them for many years, showing that Allah’s solutions could surpass human imagination.
Imam Adjetey said the youths boldly declared their belief in the Oneness of Allah, refusing to invoke any other deity, and Allah protected them by controlling the position of the sun and turning them from side to side in the cave.
On the debate about their number, he cited verse 22, which states that only Allah knows their exact number, and urged Muslims to avoid arguments over minor issues and focus on the main lessons.
He said the Quran states that they stayed in the cave for 300 solar years or 309 lunar years, and when they awoke, they thought they had remained only a day or part of a day, demonstrating that Allah controls time and reality and affirming the reality of resurrection.
Imam Adjetey encouraged Muslims to take the means available to them, including regular prayers, attending Jumma prayers, contributing to good causes and helping others, while leaving the outcome to Allah.
“Do not do what people do because everybody is doing it. Be different, stand up for Allah, and In Shaa Allah you will succeed,” he advised.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey