I said to the Prophet (ﷺ) when he was in the cave - on one occasion he said: when we were in the cave -: If one of them looks at his feet, he will see us beneath his feet.He said: `O Abu Bakr, what do you think of two, of whom Allah is the third?`
Tafsir of the Hadith from Musnad Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (ra)
This narration from Musnad Ahmad 11 recounts the profound moment when the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and Abu Bakr as-Siddiq sought refuge in the cave of Thawr during the Hijrah (migration) to Medina. The context reveals Abu Bakr's natural human concern for their safety, fearing discovery by the Quraysh pursuers.
Exegesis of the Divine Assurance
When Abu Bakr expressed apprehension that their pursuers might see them, the Prophet's response "What do you think of two, of whom Allah is the third?" embodies the quintessential Islamic understanding of divine protection and companionship. This statement echoes the Quranic verse: "He is with you wherever you are" (57:4).
The numerical reference to "three" while only two were physically present signifies that Allah's presence transcends physical limitations. This teaching establishes that true security comes not from physical concealment but from divine guardianship.
Spiritual Dimensions
Scholars explain that this incident serves as eternal guidance for believers facing adversity. It teaches that when one acts in obedience to Allah, divine support becomes manifest. The cave, though physically constricting, became a sanctuary through Allah's protection.
This narration also illustrates Abu Bakr's elevated status as the companion chosen to witness this miraculous assurance, demonstrating his unique position in Islamic history as the embodiment of unwavering faith in divine promise.