Revelation - Key Events Virtues - Lessons
Introduction
Surah Al-Kahf (the Cave), is the 18th chapter of the Noble Qur’an and was revealed in the Makkan period, prior to Hijrah (migration). The Surah has 110 verses and serves as a beacon of guidance for believers with compelling narratives filled with inspiration and timeless advice. Surah Al-Kahf is based on the story of a few young men who sought refuge in a cave from the trials of their environment. They were miraculously protected and preserved by Allah for over three centuries. Their unique story was embedded in the Noble Qur’an for all times. The main theme of this Surah has been dubbed ‘Faith versus Materialism’.
Revelation of Surah Al Kahf
Nabi ﷺ once addressed the Sahabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) and said, “Shall I not show you a surah that was accompanied by seventy thousand angels (when it was revealed), its greatness fills the space between the sky and the earth, and the one who recites it receives reward equivalent to that?”
The Sahabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) replied, “Certainly inform us of such a surah, O Rasul of Allah ﷺ!”
Nabi ﷺ said, “This surah is the surah of the people of the cave (Surah Al-Kahf). The one who recites this surah on the Day of Jumu’ah, all his (minor) sins will be forgiven until the next Jumu’ah, and for a further three days as well. He will also receive a special divine light that will shine to the sky, and he will be divinely protected from the trial of Dajjal.” (Fazailul Qur’an Libnidharees #203, Tafseer Qurtubi 10/346)
Key Events in the Surah
The Surah contains four telling events:
The Sleepers of the Cave: This story tells of young men who sleep in a cave for over three centuries, divinely protected and preserved by Allah Ta’ala. Their reawakening is a powerful reminder of death, resurrection and the life to come.
The Owner of Two Gardens: Describes a man who gripped by his love for material wealth, loses his two lush gardens, as divine test of his faith. The behaviour of this man described the fleeting nature of power and wealth and the eternity of the hereafter.
Musa (AS) and Khidr: Musa (AS) meets a wise servant of Allah. This servant teaches him about the divine wisdom behind seemingly unjust actions.
Zul-Qarnayn: This part recounts the travels and great works of Zul-Qarnayn. His journey includes visits to the places of sunrise and sunset.
Major Themes of Surah Kahf
1. Trial of Faith - One of the central themes of Surah Kahf is the trial of faith. Each of the main stories within the Surah speaks to a different aspect of this theme. The young men took refuge in the cave as they were fleeing a n environment of disbelief and tyranny that prevented them from practicing their faith.
2. Trial of Wealth - The wealthy man was so enamoured by his world possessions and status that he became proud and forgot the One who blessed him with wealth. Pride and materialism can lead one to deny the hereafter and ultimately lose everything.
3. Trial of Information and Knowledge - The exchange between Musa and Khidr demonstrates man’s lack of complete knowledge and the need of tolerance and patience. Despite man’s advancement in science and technology, he has failed to find his direction and is denial of truth and reality. Human understanding is limited and it is in the best interest of humanity to submit to the will of the Creator and not challenge His divine order.
4. Trial of Power - Zul Qarnain, the great king that possessed power over the east and west, but used his power and position to effect change and bring safety and comfort to people who were being oppressed. Abuse of power through corruption, self-enrichment, injustice and aggression has led to a breakdown of the social order and is a cause of much of the unrest and civil disruption that the world. The world needs competent leaders who serve the interest of their subjects and develop their constituencies on the lines of justice and compassion.
Benefits of Reciting Surah Al-Kahf
Divine Protection from Dajjal and Trials
Hazrat Ali (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that Nabi ﷺ said, “The one who recites Surah Al-Kahf on the Day of Jumu’ah will receive divine protection from Allah Ta‘ala for eight days from every type of fitnah. If Dajjal has to emerge then he will be divinely protected from Dajjal as well.” (Al-Ahadithul Mukhtarah li-Dhiya Maqdisi #430)
In another Hadith, Hazrat Abu Darda (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that Nabi ﷺ said, “Whoever recites the ten verses from the end of Surah Kahf, he will receive divine protection from Dajjal.” (Musnad Ahmad #27516)
It is better to recite the entire surah. However, if one suffices on reciting the first ten verses or last ten verses, then this suffices for divine protection from Dajjal.
Special Light
Hazrat Mu’az bin Anas (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that Nabi ﷺ said, “The one who recites the beginning verses and concluding verses of Surah Al-Kahf, it will become a divine light for him from his feet until his head, and the one who recites the entire surah, it will become a divine light for him from the earth until the sky.” (Musnad Ahmad #15626)
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (Radiyallahu Anhuma) reports, “Whoever recites Surah Kahf on the Day of Jumu’ah, a divine light will shine for him from beneath his feet until the clouds in the sky, and this noor will shine for him on the Day of Qiyaamah, and his (minor) sins (committed) between the two Jumu’ahs will be forgiven.” (Tafseer ibnu Marduyah - At-Targheeb #1097)
Repelling Shaytan from the Home
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mughaffal (Radhiyallahu Anhu) reports that Nabi ﷺ said that if Surah Kahf is recited in any home, then shaytan will not be able to enter that home for that night. (Tafseer ibnu Marduyah – Roohul Ma’ani 8/190)
Assistance for Tahajjud
Hazrat Aishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) reports that Nabi ﷺ said that the one who recites the last five verses of Surah Kahf when retiring to bed, Allah Ta’ala will assist him to wake up at whatever time he wishes to wake up in the night.” (Tafseer Ibnu Marduyah – As-Sirajul Muneer 2/214)
After quoting this narration, Allamah Aaloosi (Rahimahullah) mentions, “I have tried this many times and found it to be most effective.”
Protection from the Punishment in the Grave
It is reported that Hazrat Anas (Radiyallahu ‘Anhu) mentioned that the one who recites Surah Kahaf receives a special noor that shines between the sky and the earth, and through reciting this surah, he is saved and protected from the punishment in the grave. (Tafseer Qurtubi 10/346)
Gaining Entry into Jannah
Hazrat Samurah bin Jundub (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that Nabi (ﷺ) said, “The one who memorises and recites ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf, the fitnah of Dajjal will not harm him, and the one who recites the entire surah will enter Jannah.” (Tafseer Qurtubi 10/346)
Key Points and Lessons
- The need to be ever vigilant about our faith and values. The hostile environment we face is deemed to erode our spirituality and focus.
- The concept of ‘taking to the cave’ is symbolic and significant as it directs us seek refuge from such dangers and to ensure we are not derailed by the pressures that are around us. It calls for a person to live within a circle of positivity, good company and to display good conduct – and to refrain from places and people who pose a danger our faith.
- Strike a fine balance between wealth and worldly pursuits. Do not let pride and greed control us, and always be mindful of the favours of Allah Ta’ala upon us, despite our being undeserving.
- Correct use of technology and to identify and be cognisant of the dangers of spreading misinformation. Use media positively and effectively.
- Surah Al-Kahf talks to real time challenges and presents practical solutions and guidance for our protection and survival.
Darul Ihsan
