How a Greek Folk Tale Made It into Islam's Holy Book
The 'Seven Sleepers of Ephesus' and the Qur'an
One of the most beloved figures of early American literature was that of Rip van Winkle who went to sleep before the American revolution and woke up 20 years later to an entirely changed country. Our friend Rip had nothing on the ‘Seven Sleepers of Ephesus’ however. Their story was famous across the ancient world, so much so that it was translated into dozens of languages and was retold in countless settings.
The basic details of the story are as follows: During the persecution unleashed by the Roman Emperor Decius (AD 249-251), seven young Christians fled the city of Ephesus to hide in a cave just outside the city. Instead of trying to flush them out, the Romans simply sealed the mouth of the cave. Distressed by their situation but with nothing better to do, the young men fell asleep. They awoke 200 years later, during the reign of Theodosius II (AD 408-450). Oblivious to the fact that they slept for quite a bit longer than a single night, the ‘sleepers’ eventually realised that they have emerged into a totally different world. One where their previously persecuted faith was now dominant.
Interestingly one of the places where the story was retold was in the Islam’s holy book. Qur’an 18:10-22 tells the story of some young people who were prevented from hearing false doctrine while being shut up (and asleep) in a cave for many centuries. This story shows remarkable similarities to the ‘Seven Sleepers of Ephesus’ and is clearly based on it.
What is very interesting, however, is that the author of this part of the Qur’an was, very unclear on some of the details, including the exact number of the sleepers. He, therefore, includes this statement in his retelling of the story: “(Some) say they were three, the dog being the fourth among them; (others) say they were five, the dog being the sixth- doubtfully guessing at the unknown; (yet others) say they were seven, the dog being the eighth. Say thou: "My Lord knoweth best their number; it is but few that know their (real case)." Enter not, therefore, into controversies concerning them, except on a matter that is clear, nor consult any of them about (the affair of) the Sleepers.” (Qur’an 18:22)[3]
This confusion about the number of ‘sleepers’ is powerful confirmation that this is a story borrowed from somewhere else that was perhaps only half-remembered. Isn’t Allah supposed to be the author of this book? If so, why does he not simply tell the readers how many sleepers there were? He is the ‘All Knowing’ after all. Instead, we are faced with a narrator who is uncertain about the exact details of the story and admits as much.
For much more about the history of the origins of the Qur’an, including its sources, please see my book ‘The Mecca Mystery - Probing the Black Hole at the Heart of Muslim history’. Please also consider supporting my work by taking out a paid subscription (link below)
Kind regards,
Peter
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