The Quran is the holiest book in Islam. It is a book of guidance for the entire world. Every surah, every verse, and every word in this book is full of wisdom, knowledge, and guidance for mankind. Reciting the Quran in itself is a kind of worship. We believe that not a single letter in this holiest book on earth is without any reason and relevance. Verse 2 of Surah Al-Baqarah says:
“This is the Book! There is no doubt about it—a guide for those mindful of Allah.”
In addition to the rewards associated with reading the Quran as part of our daily worship routine, some surahs are believed to have specific benefits and rewards. Surah Kahf is one of such surahs in the Quran.
Surah Kahf – Facts
It is the 18th surah of the Quran, which falls in the 16th Para. It is a Makki surah, comprising 110 verses with a total number of words counting to 1583. The name of this surah comes from the Arabic word kahf, which means “Cave.” This surah’s main subject is the “Ashaab-e-Kahf” (the men in the Cave), hence the name Al-Kahf. However, there are many other incidents and stories narrated in this surah, such as:
- The story of the Prophet Musa and Khidr
- The story of Zul-Qarnayn
- The story of the man of gardens
Additionally, per the pattern of the Quran, many verses of this surah are associated with the general guidance, knowledge, instructions, and teachings of Islam.
Importance of Surah Kahf
As said above, not a single word in the Quran is without any reasons, benefits, and rewards, yet some parts have specific relevance and importance. Surah Kahf is believed to have many benefits associated with its recitation. The specific importance of this Surah is narrated in a Hadith in Sahih Muslim, in the Book of Prayers.
Translation:
“If anyone learns by heart the first ten verses of the Surah al-Kahf, he will be protected from the Dajjal.”
As narrated by many Islamic Scholars, the Prophet Muhammad advised his companions and followers to recite this Surah specifically on Fridays. This will keep their entire week enlightened until the next Friday. It is also believed that if this surah is recited in a home, Shaytan (Satan) will not enter this home on that specific night. MuslimandQuran has a comprehensive list of Duas, which can be read on different occasions.
Summary of Surah Al-Kahf
Surah Al-Kahf comprises four stories, the main being the story of Ashaab-e-Kahf. Here’s a brief description of these four stories:
1. The Story of Ashaab-e-Kahf (the Men in the Cave)
This is the story of some young men who were forced to leave their homes as they firmly believed in Allah. Ultimately, they entered a cave and were set to sleep for around 300 years. But when they awoke, they believed that they had slept for hardly a day or a half. However, there is no mention of how many there were in number, as narrated in verse number 22 of Surah Kahf.
Translation:
Some will say, “They were three, their dog was the fourth,” while others will say, “They were five, their dog was the sixth,” only guessing blindly. And others will say, “They were seven and their dog was the eighth.” Say, O Prophet, “My Lord knows best their exact number. Only a few people know as well.” So do not argue about them except with sure knowledge,1 nor consult any of those who debate about them.
The gist of this story is how Allah protects the righteous people and those who have a firm belief in their creator. So, this is the story about the “test of faith.”
2. The Story of Prophet Musa and Khidr
Once, Prophet Musa was asked by someone who is the most learned person. He replied, “I”. But Allah reprimanded Prophet Musa and commanded him to find Al-Khidr on the junction of the two seas, who is more learned than you. So, Prophet Musa met Al-Khidr and got the knowledge from him. Hence, this is the story about the “test of knowledge.”
3. The Story of Dhul Qarnayan
Another story narrated in Surah Kahf is about the righteous King of his time, Dhul Qarnayn. He used to travel from west to east. Three of his travels are mentioned in the Quran.
It is narrated that on his last journey, he reached a place where people asked him to protect them from the mischievous acts of the people of “Ya Juj and Majuj”. By the will of Allah, Dhul Qarnayn did so. So, this is the story about the “Test of Power”.
4. The Story of a Man Having Two Gardens
This story is about a man who possessed two gardens and was proud of it. 34th verse of Surah Al-Kahf narrates the story of this man.
Translation:
And he had other resources as well. So, he boasted to a poor companion of his while conversing with him, “I am greater than you in wealth and superior in manpower.”
Allah destroyed his gardens and wealth to give him a lesson that everything is from Him. So, this is the story about the “test of wealth”.
Benefits of Reciting Surah Al-Kahf
Proven from various Hadith and Sunnah and narrated by Islamic Scholars, there are enormous benefits associated with reciting Surah Kahf.
Here are some of the benefits of reciting Surah Kahf:
- It Ensures Safety from Fitna-e-Dajjal – As quoted above, the meaning of a Hadith appearing in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad told his companions to recite Surah Kahf so it would protect them from the fitna-e-Dajjal.
- It Enhances Your Faith – The stories narrated in Surah Kahf tell us how the ancient nations were blessed when they firmly believed in Allah. So, reciting this surah will surely enhance our faith in Allah.
- It tells us how to Face the Difficult Times in our Life – Reciting and learning the meanings of this Surah gives us a lesson on how we can face the difficult times of life, as the righteous people did.
- Following the Sunnah – By reciting Surah Kahf, we get the reward of following the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad.
- Huge Rewards and Place in Paradise – Reciting and memorizing any surah of the Quran ensures a higher reward and rank in Jannah (Paradise). So is the reward of reciting or memorizing surah Al-Kahf.
- Teachings of Islam Summarized in Surah Kahf – the three basic teachings of Islam are summarized in the first 10 verses of Surah Kahf. The first verse of this Surah is about the revelation to the Prophet Muhammad. The second and third verses are about the rewards, while the fourth and fifth verses are about Allah’s oneness.
- It gives Peace to its Reciter – Reciting Surah Al-Kahf gives peace and tranquility to its reciter.
- It is a Source of Guidance – Reciting surah Al-kahf on Friday is a source of guidance as mentioned in a Hadith.
- Light from the Feet to the Heavens – Many Islamic Scholars narrate that when a person recites surah kahf on Friday, he gets light from his feet to the sky.
- Light up to the Kaaba – In a similar narration by the scholars, it is explained that the reciter of surah kahf gets a light extended to the House of Allah, the Ka’aba.
- It Connects you to Allah – Reading surah Kahf or any other surah of the Quran gets you closer to Allah.
- Rewards – Reading Surah Kahf or any of the surahs of the Quran gives rewards, one reward for every letter. For example, when we read “alif laam meem,” it is one word but consists of three letters. So, we will get three rewards for reciting this word.
And above all, we will follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad while reciting surah Kahf.
Conclusion
Reciting the Quran is one of the most liked acts of a Muslim in the eyes of Allah and His Messenger, the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). Recitation of the Quran is a kind of worship, but understanding it with detailed meanings is a source of guidance and knowledge.
Though every word of the Quran has its own relevance, some of the surahs have some specific relevance and benefits. Reciting surah Kahf and understanding its lessons and teachings is most beneficial. And reciting it on Fridays is even more beneficial.
