Day 9 | Quran Journaling | Surah Kahf Ayat 9 | The Signs of Allah

Once again, I've changed the format for Quran journaling and have decided to write the Arabic and word for word in a separate notebook or use some other format for memorizing the word for word Arabic to English. Instead, I'm making more room for reflection on each page as I'm finding I have more thoughts than can fit on the page. Often my notes in the Quran Notebook, here on this blog and in my journal all differ just a bit as there are many reflections I have and information from different Tafsir resources that I want to include. Originally, I had intended to include ayat 9 and 10 for this page (in addition to ayat 8 at the top), but opted to write only the meaning and reflections for verse 9. Some of you have asked about drawing tips or how I learned to draw. While I enjoy the process deeply, I haven't taken classes and often copy work or make simple elementary drawings of simple motifs like sun, moon, trees, mountains, etc. One tip I'd like to offer is that I believe most people can draw even if they don't have experience or natural talent. I think most people can copy artwork with basic success. To achieve this my tip is to copy artwork in the medium you are using. For this illustration, I search online for 'cave opening drawing' and drew a combo of the first two images provided. I added details and the sky, but the perspective and shadowing would have been hard for me to do otherwise.

This ayat speaks of the signs of Allah. The Quraysh traveled to Yathrib to speak to the Jews and ask about Prophet (saw), since the Jews were familiar with prophets of the book. The Jews told them to ask about three things, one of which was the youths of the cave with inscription. Surah Kahf was revealed in answer. In ayat 9, Allah says (translation of meaning of the Quran), "Do you think that the people of the cave and the inscription were a wonder among Our Signs?' Meaning, that the people of the cave does not compare to the bigger more astonishing Signs of Allah. These signs are the creation of the Heavens and the earth, the alternation of the night and day, and the subjugation of the sun, moon and heavenly bodies. The sign of His (swt) Messenger (saw) and his (saw) character and conduct, and of course the Qur'an. These are greater signs.