Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Once three persons (from the previous nations) were traveling, and suddenly it
started raining and they took shelter in a cave. The entrance of the cave got closed while they were
inside. They said to each other, 'O you! Nothing can save you except the truth, so each of you should
ask Allah's Help by referring to such a deed as he thinks he did sincerely (i.e. just for gaining Allah's
Pleasure).' So one of them said, 'O Allah! You know that I had a laborer who worked for me for one
Faraq (i.e. three Sas) of rice, but he departed, leaving it (i.e. his wages). I sowed that Faraq of rice and
with its yield I bought cows (for him). Later on when he came to me asking for his wages, I said (to
him), 'Go to those cows and drive them away.' He said to me, 'But you have to pay me only a Faraq of
rice,' I said to him, 'Go to those cows and take them, for they are the product of that Faraq (of rice).'
So he drove them. O Allah! If you consider that I did that for fear of You, then please remove the
rock.' The rock shifted a bit from the mouth of the cave.
The second one said, 'O Allah, You know that I had old parents whom I used to provide with the milk
of my sheep every night. One night I was delayed and when I came, they had slept, while my wife and
children were crying with hunger. I used not to let them (i.e. my family) drink unless my parents had
drunk first. So I disliked to wake them up and also disliked that they should sleep without drinking it,
I kept on waiting (for them to wake) till it dawned. O Allah! If You consider that I did that for fear of
you, then please remove the rock.' So the rock shifted and they could see the sky through it. The
(third) one said, 'O Allah! You know that I had a cousin (i.e. my paternal uncle's daughter) who was
most beloved to me and I sought to seduce her, but she refused, unless I paid her one-hundred Dinars
(i.e. gold pieces). So I collected the amount and brought it to her, and she allowed me to sleep with
her. But when I sat between her legs, she said, 'Be afraid of Allah, and do not deflower me but legally.
'I got up and left the hundred Dinars (for her). O Allah! If You consider that I did that for fear of you
than please remove the rock. So Allah saved them and they came out (of the cave)."
Narrated by Narrated Ibn `Umar:
Context
This hadith recounts the story of three men who took refuge in a cave during a storm and found themselves trapped. They realized that only their sincere deeds could save them, prompting each to call upon Allah with a truthful account of their actions. Their prayers were answered, illustrating the power of sincere repentance and the mercy of Allah.
Modern Application
In our lives, this hadith encourages us to reflect on our intentions and actions. When faced with challenges, we can turn to Allah in sincerity, seeking His help based on our genuine efforts to do good, reinforcing the importance of integrity in our deeds.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Repentance and Divine Mercy because it highlights the significance of sincere actions and the mercy of Allah in responding to those who earnestly seek His assistance.
And [He also forgave] the three who were left behind [and regretted their error] to the point that the earth closed in on them in spite of its vastness and their souls confined them and they were certain that there is no refuge from Allah except in Him. Then He turned to them so they could repent. Indeed, Allah is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.
[The youths said to one another], "And when you have withdrawn from them and that which they worship other than Allah, retreat to the cave. Your Lord will spread out for you of His mercy and will prepare for you from your affair facility."
Then one of the two women came to him walking with shyness. She said, "Indeed, my father invites you that he may reward you for having watered for us." So when he came to him and related to him the story, he said, "Fear not. You have escaped from the wrongdoing people."
Those who remained behind of the bedouins will say to you, "Our properties and our families occupied us, so ask forgiveness for us." They say with their tongues what is not within their hearts. Say, "Then who could prevent Allah at all if He intended for you harm or intended for you benefit? Rather, ever is Allah, with what you do, Acquainted.