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The Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Ashabul Kahf)

Jordan

10 story sections

To preserve them, Allah put them to sleep, and when they revived 300 years later (309 lunar years, as mentioned in the Holy Qur'an), they thought they had only been asleep for a day or so. Christianity was widespread by then, and when they were discovered, Allah put them to rest forever. At the cave, Byzantine and Roman ruins still stand, as well as a mosque, which exactly matches the descriptions in the Holy Qur'an.

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

10 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation

    Welcome to the revered site of Ashabul Kahf, deeply nestled within the stony landscapes of the Al Rajib village, just a few kilometers southeast of the bustling Jordanian capital, Amman. You are standing at a threshold where…

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  2. 2The Modern Mosque of King Abdullah

    Your journey begins at the magnificent King Abdullah Mosque, a relatively recent addition to the Ashabul Kahf complex. Inaugurated in the year two thousand and six under the reign of the current King of Jordan, this structure…

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  3. 3The Olive Grove Pathway

    Leaving the modern mosque behind, you now step onto the gently sloping pathway that leads directly toward the ancient cave. The transition is palpable. …

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  4. 4The Ancient Courtyard and Facade

    You have now arrived at the sunken courtyard that directly fronts the Cave of the Seven Sleepers. To enter this space, you descend a short flight of stone stairs flanked by massive, ancient walls. …

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  5. 5The Cave Entrance and the Natural Light Openings

    As you step toward the immediate entrance of the cave, direct your gaze upward and to the sides before fully entering the darkness. One of the most fascinating and scientifically measurable miracles described in the Quranic…

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  6. 6The Inner Cave (Fajwah) and the Eight-Pointed Star

    Now, step fully into the cavernous interior. You are standing in what the Quran refers to as the Fajwah, the spacious inner chamber of the cave. …

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  7. 7The Eastern Burial Niches and the Gathered Bones

    Move deeper into the cave to observe the heavy stone sarcophagi lining the walls. The layout of these ancient burial niches is highly specific. …

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  8. 8The Artifacts Display and Umayyad Relics

    Adjacent to the burial niches, your attention will be drawn to a collection of glass display cases set against the cavern wall. This small but vital museum area contains the physical artifacts unearthed during various…

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  9. 9The Upper Ancient Mosque (The Sanctuary Above)

    For the final stop on our walking route, you will exit the main cave and ascend the weathered stone staircase carved into the exterior of the mountain, leading directly to the roof of the cavern. As you crest the top of the…

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  10. 10Closing

    As you descend from the ancient upper mosque and return to the shaded courtyard, we conclude our journey through the Cave of the Seven Sleepers. You have walked the very path of ancient fugitives, stood in the precise natural…

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What is The Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Ashabul Kahf)?

The Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Ashabul Kahf) is a place in Jordan with 10 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationJordan
TypeHeritage
Story sections10
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates31.8989, 35.9738
Last updated
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