Egyptian Islamic scholar Muhammad Mutwali Al-Shaarawi discussed the wisdom behind a specific Quranic verse in Surah Al-Kahf, or The Cave. The verse in question is "And they remained in their cave for three hundred years and increased nine." This verse, found in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 25, provides insight into the duration that a group of youths, referred to as the Companions of the Cave, spent in slumber.
According to Al-Shaarawi, the verse provides a detailed account of the Companions of the Cave's sleep duration, specifying that they slept for 300 years, which is the actual duration based on solar calculation. The scholar noted that if the duration were calculated based on the lunar calendar, it would be 300 years and nine years. This distinction arises because the People of the Book were familiar with the 300-year period but were uncertain about the additional nine years.
Al-Shaarawi explained that the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, with months beginning on the new moon. In contrast, the solar calendar is based on the Earth's orbit around the Sun. The scholar cited Quranic verse 9:36, which states that there are 12 months in a year according to God's book. This lunar-based calendar is significant in Islam, as it determines the timing of important rituals such as Hajj and fasting.
The scholar highlighted the wisdom behind using the lunar calendar in Islam. He noted that if Islamic rituals were tied to a specific solar date, they would fall on the same day every year, potentially causing difficulties for those who observe them. For example, if Hajj were to take place during winter, it would remain in winter every year, causing hardship for those who find it challenging to perform during that season.
Al-Shaarawi also discussed the rotation of Islamic rituals throughout the year. He explained that because the lunar calendar is used, these rituals occur at different times of the year, allowing individuals to perform them at times that suit them best. This rotation ensures that the rituals are spread across various seasons, making it more convenient for people to participate.
Furthermore, Al-Shaarawi reflected on the broader implications of Islamic rituals being tied to the lunar cycle. He observed that the call to prayer, or Adhan, is a continuous and unbroken phenomenon, with individuals around the world reciting phrases such as "Allahu Akbar" and "Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah" at different times.
The scholar concluded that the connection between Islamic rituals and the lunar cycle is a remarkable aspect of the faith. He emphasized that this connection results in a diverse range of worship and devotion, with various forms of prayer and worship taking place at different times, reflecting the unity and diversity of the global Muslim community.
Key points
- The Quranic verse "and they increased nine" refers to the additional nine years added to the 300-year sleep duration of the Companions of the Cave when calculated using the lunar calendar.
