Dr. Shabir Ally explores the often misunderstood verses 18:23–24 of the Quran, which emphasize saying “insha Allah” (“if God wills”) when speaking about future actions. The context of the verses is tied to the story of the People of the Cave, and possibly to a moment when the Prophet Muhammad promised to answer questions without awaiting divine revelation, leading to a delay and a lesson in humility and dependence on God’s will. Dr. Shabir explains that while the widespread Muslim practice of saying “inshallah” is rooted in this verse and carries valuable spiritual meaning, it can be misapplied in situations requiring clarity and commitment, like marriage vows or business contracts. He stresses the importance of letting the Quran speak for itself without inserting rigid interpretations and encourages a balanced, thoughtful application of its guidance. If you enjoy this video, please support our work financially by: Visiting our website http://www.QuranSpeaks.com OR Sending an etransfer to iGive@QuranSpeaks.com OR Subscribing monthly at Patreon.com/QuranSpeaks ► DONATE: http://www.quranspeaks.com/ ► SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=quranspeaks Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/LetTheQuranSpeak Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/QuranSpeaks.tv Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/Quran_Speaks

Dr. Shabir Ally continues the Misunderstood Quranic Verses series by exploring the story of the People of the Cave in 18:10. He explains that the Quran is not concerned with confirming every historical detail, but rather with conveying deeper moral and spiritual truths. The verse begins with the word “remember,” which signals a call to reflection rather than a factual account. Instead of rejecting the popular tale outright, the Quran engages with it through a method scholars describe as “staging, penetrating, and eclipsing”-starting with familiar narratives, adding new meaning, and ultimately allowing the Quranic message to take precedence. This sophisticated approach helped the Quran resonate with early audiences and continues to shape how Muslims understand the story today. If you enjoy this video, please support our work financially by: Visiting our website http://www.QuranSpeaks.com OR Sending an etransfer to iGive@QuranSpeaks.com OR Subscribing monthly at Patreon.com/QuranSpeaks ► DONATE: http://www.quranspeaks.com/ ► SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=quranspeaks Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/LetTheQuranSpeak Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/QuranSpeaks.tv Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/Quran_Speaks

What if a verse in the Quran is God quoting the words of others, not endorsing them, but showing how stories were being told to the Prophet with exaggeration and drama? In our Misunderstood Quranic Verses series, Dr. Shabir Ally explores Surah al-Kahf (18:18), where it’s said that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would have fled in terror upon seeing the people of the cave. Though these sleepers are revered as righteous, early commentators struggled to explain why their appearance would be frightening. Dr. Shabir suggests that this verse reflects the way people narrated the story to the Prophet. By highlighting how the Quran responds to and reframes popular narratives, he reveals its deeper call to return to the clarity and integrity of divine revelation. If you enjoy this video, please support our work financially by: Visiting our website http://www.QuranSpeaks.com OR Sending an etransfer to iGive@QuranSpeaks.com OR Subscribing monthly at Patreon.com/QuranSpeaks ► DONATE: http://www.quranspeaks.com/ ► SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=quranspeaks Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/LetTheQuranSpeak Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/QuranSpeaks.tv Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/Quran_Speaks

Dr. Shabir Ally discusses Quran 18:24, which mentions the duration the sleepers stayed in the cave (300 years, plus nine more) and explains why it is often misunderstood. Many assume the Quran is directly stating a factual number, but the Arabic text does not clarify whether this is God’s assertion or a report of what others were saying. Early commentators like Qatadah believed it was the latter, especially since the next verse instructs the Prophet to say, “God knows best how long they stayed.” Some scholars rejected this interpretation, but Dr. Shabir notes that the Quran often quotes people’s claims and then tells the Prophet how to respond. He argues that the story’s significance lies not in the historical or scientific details, but in its moral, ethical, and theological lessons. If you enjoy this video, please support our work financially by: Visiting our website http://www.QuranSpeaks.com OR Sending an etransfer to iGive@QuranSpeaks.com OR Subscribing monthly at Patreon.com/QuranSpeaks ► DONATE: http://www.quranspeaks.com/ ► SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=quranspeaks Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/LetTheQuranSpeak Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/QuranSpeaks.tv Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/Quran_Speaks

Dr. Shabir Ally discusses Quran 18:9 as part of our Misunderstood Quranic Verses series. The verse refers to the companions of the cave and the inscription. Although many Muslims view this story of youths who slept for centuries and were miraculously preserved as one of God’s great signs, the verse questions whether it truly ranks among the most wondrous. Dr. Shabir explains that this rhetorical question redirects attention from dramatic miracles to the everyday signs of God all around us. The verse is often misunderstood because it appears to diminish what is traditionally seen as an extraordinary event. Dr. Shabir also explores the meaning of “the inscription” (al-raqeem), likely referring to a plaque mentioned in earlier Christian versions of the story, showing how the Quran adapts the narrative to emphasize God's power without relying on detailed historical or theological embellishments. If you enjoy this video, please support our work financially by: Visiting our website http://www.QuranSpeaks.com OR Sending an etransfer to iGive@QuranSpeaks.com OR Subscribing monthly at Patreon.com/QuranSpeaks ► DONATE: http://www.quranspeaks.com/ ► SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=quranspeaks Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/LetTheQuranSpeak Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/QuranSpeaks.tv Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/Quran_Speaks