An Analysis and Comparative Study of the Foundations of the Ashāb al-Kahf Narrative in the Qurʾān and Christian Sources

Year 2024, Volume: 67 Issue: 67, 55 - 78, 30.12.2024

Hüseyin Halil

https://doi.org/10.15370/maruifd.1562488

Abstract

The Qurʾānic narrative of the People of the Cave (Ashāb al-Kahf) is a subject
that has garnered significant interest in both the Islamic world and in Western Qurʾānic
studies. This study moves beyond conventional perspectives on the Ashāb al-Kahf
parable, offering a deeper analysis by drawing upon the Arabic text of the Qurʾān and
early Christian sources. Particular emphasis is placed on how the Qurʾān reconstructs,
reinterprets, and imbues this parable with new significance within the framework of
Islamic culture, while simultaneously addressing and rectifying certain omissions or
inconsistencies found in the Christian narrative. The findings aim to contribute to a
better understanding of the narrative similarities and differences between the two
traditions, reevaluating the Qurʾān’s engagement with Christianity. In this context,
the aim of this paper is to examine the story of Asḥāb al-Kahf in the Qurʾān in detail,
uncovering its relationship with similar stories in Christian sources and highlighting
the differences between them. Our research demonstrates that the Qurʾānic account
of the Ashāb al-Kahf contains distinctive elements absent in Christian sources and is
presented in a wholly original style. In this context, our study supports the thesis that
the Qurʾānic narrative of Ashāb al-Kahf was not derived from Christian sources but
instead represents an independent treatment marked by its unique style. By highlighting
the differences between the two narratives, this study seeks to demonstrate that the
Qurʾān offers an original text in this regard. Indeed, while the Qurʾān shares certain
similarities with existing Christian narratives, it reveals these accounts within an Islamic
framework, presenting a unique theological perspective. Additionally, this study aims to
show that the story of Asḥāb al-Kahf carries an important message that emphasizes the
Islamic understanding of monotheism and God’s omnipotence.

Keywords

Tafsir, the story of Ashāb al-Kahf, Christian Hagiographic Literature, Holy Scriptures, Intertextuality.

Ashâb-ı Kehf Hikâyesinin Kur’ân ve Hristiyan Kaynaklarındaki Temellerinin Analizi ve Karşılaştırılması

Abstract

Kur’ân’daki Ashâb-ı Kehf kıssası, hem İslam dünyasında hem de Batı’daki Kur’ân araştırmalarında geniş bir ilgi alanına sahip olan bir kıssadır. Bu çalışma, ““Ashâb-ı Kehf” efsanesinin, mevcut bakış açısıyla ele alınmasının ötesine geçerek, Kur’ân’ın Arapça metninden ve erken dönem Hristiyan kaynaklarından yola çıkarak daha derinlemesine bir inceleme sunmaktadır. Özellikle, Kur’ân’ın bu efsaneyi nasıl yeniden yapılandırdığı, yorumladığı, ona İslami kültüre uygun yeni bir anlam verdiği ve Hristiyan anlatısındaki bazı eksik noktaları tamamladığı üzerinde durmaktadır. Elde edilen bulgular, Kur’ân’ın Hristiyanlıkla olan etkileşimini yeniden değerlendirerek, iki gelenek arasındaki anlatı farklılıklarının ve benzerliklerinin daha iyi anlaşılmasına katkıda bulunmayı hedeflemektedir. Bu bağlamda, bu makalenin amacı, Kur'ân'da yer alan Ashâb-ı Kehf kıssasını detaylı bir şekilde inceleyerek, Hristiyan kaynaklarındaki benzer anlatılarla olan ilişkisini açığa çıkarmak ve aralarındaki farklılıkları vurgulamaktır.

Keywords

Tefsir, Ashâb-ı Kehf kıssası, Hristiyan Hagiografik Literatürü, Kutsal Kitaplar, Metinlerarasıcılık.

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