Introduction of prayer:
This prayer refers to the People of Cave (Al-Kahf). Qur’an describes their story in Surah Al-Kahf. Allah Kareem declares them one of the amazing signs of oneness of Almighty. They were some young men living in Tarsus, (currently located in Turkey). This land was under Roman Empire at that times. The Romans were worshippers of idols. These young men were the followers of Sayyidna Esa (as) and believed in oneness of Allah Kareem. But when the King came in to know about their faith, he warned them to leave their religion otherwise they would have to face severe punishment. They decided to leave the city and went to a cave. When they entered the cave they supplicated Allah Kareem by reciting above mentioned prayer. They were responded and Allah Kareem gave them sleep for almost three hundred. Their dog was sitting on the entrance of cave, so no one dare to enter the cave. They were awakened when the city had believers. They sent one of them to buy some food for them. Thus Allah Kareem made their case known and caused the people to find them. So, the people might know that the promise of Allah is true and the Day of Resurrection is an ultimate Truth.
Explanation and virtues of prayer:
1- رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةًۭ (Our Lord! Grant us mercy ):
When these young men entered in the cave they called upon for the mercy of Almighty. They were escaped from the city to take refuge from a polytheist King. They were threatened of killing if they did not follow the religion of King. They did not left their Faith in Oneness of Allah and in the Day of Resurrection. They supplicated Allah Kareem to save them showering His mercy on them. Every believer facing the hardships and calamities in life, should recite this prayer. As these young men were saved and blessed by the mercy of Almighty, Insha’Allah every reciter, having faith in Allah will be blessed.
2- وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًۭا (and guide us rightly through our ordeal):
Their second supplication was to dispose of their affairs for them in the right way. Allah Kareem responded their prayer and kept them save in the cave and also make them a proof of promise of Allah and truthfulness of the Day of Judgement.
The lesson we learn from this story is that Allah Kareem testifies the faith of believers by putting them in trials. If they remain steadfast, He Almighty showers His blessings and mercy upon them. Allah Kareem assists them in the ways are beyond comprehension. The second lesson which we learn is that the unity of believers attracts the mercy of Allah Kareem. These young men remained united during their trials so they were blessed. The third lesson is that they called upon Allah Kareem to rectify their matters in a right way and Allah Kareem by bestowing His great mercy saved them and made them a sign of His Truthfulness. They were honoured and are remembered as the miracle of Allah Kareem.
Every believer who will call upon Allah Kareem by reciting this prayer will find ease and comfort in his life. This short Du’a shod be learned and recited in every day prayers.
