Illustration of Ashabul Kahfi (source: modusaceh.co)

Kampus ITS, ITS News — Kahfi Youth, who are famous for their faith, deserve to be a reflection for the life of Muslims. The story that is enshrined in the Qur’an, the Al-Kahfi letter teaches us to continue practicing the good.

The story of Kahfi youth tells us of the seven young men of faith who lived in the times between the Prophet Jesus and the Prophet Muhammad. Not just any ordinary youth, they are children of the rulers and higher-ups of the society they live in.

According to Ustadz Abu Takeru, in an online study conducted by the Manarul Ilmi Mosque Congregation (JMMI) of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) some time ago, the residence of these young people was dominated by people who are toxic. For years the young men struggled to carry out their worship and revered to God in secret.

This Ustadz, whose real name is Rizal Fadli Nurhadi, explained that one day, the seven young men simultaneously went alone to a mountain and sat leaning against a large tree. “Each of them is not aware of the existence of the other because the diameter of the tree is very large,” he clarified.

Eventually, they got to know each other and understood that they had the same problem. They agreed to create a hidden place where they could worship without feeling depressed and disturbed.

Nahas, one day the place of worship was exposed to the residents. They were arrested and judged. The king of the community was very angry and asked them to immediately leave their religion and beliefs. The seven young men who ended up in prison were given one night to make a decision. “The choice was between leaving their religion or get killed,” elaborated the Ustadz who is familiarly called Aa Rizal.

Not wanting to choose both, the seven young men ran off to a cave with a dog. By the power of God, the seven young men slept in the cave for 309 years. Even the dog that was brought also slept on the outside of the cave door. “In the end, they finally woke up at the period when all the residents had believed in Allah,” revealed this Ustadz who was an alumnus of East Preston Islamic College.

For Ustadz Abu Takeru, the story of Ashabul Kahfi teaches Muslims that preaching is a form of patience. Even though the goodness that is to be conveyed is not heard, persevere until God helps. “Take refuge in Allah and emigrate if that place endangers your lives,” he emphasized.

Encouraging youths who often feel not in sync with their environment, Ustadz Abu Takeru advised them to remain patient and sincere. Always be sure that one day you will meet friends who share the same vision. “In accordance with one hadith which has the meaning of the Spirits like an organized army. If you know each other, you will unite, and if you deny each other, you will separate,” he concluded. (ai/hen/ory/ITS Public Relations)