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Meaning of surah Al-Kahf

Surah Al-Kahf is the 18th chapter of the Qur’an and contains 110 verses. It tells the stories of :

  • the People of the Cave, who were saved from persecution by Allah.
  • the Prophet Musa (Moses) and his encounter with a wise man named Khidr.
  • the story of a rich man and a poor man.
  • The story of Dhul-Qarnayn, a just ruler who travelled to the ends of the earth.

The Surah also emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and relying on Allah’s guidance, and warns against materialism, arrogance and disbelief. Many Muslims believe that reciting Surah Al-Kahf on Fridays brings blessings and protection from trials.

When to read surah al kahf?

Many Muslims believe that it is recommended to read Surah Al-Kahf on Fridays. This is based on a hadith (a saying of the Prophet Muhammad) in which he said: “Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, Allah will give him light from one Friday to the next”.

However, there is some disagreement among scholars as to whether this refers specifically to reading the Surah on Friday or whether it can be read at any time. Some Muslims also choose to read Surah Al-Kahf on other occasions, such as during Ramadan or on special occasions. Ultimately, when to read Surah Al-Kahf is a matter of personal preference and spiritual practice.

What does Surah Al-Kahf teach us?

Many of us read Surah Al-Kahf regularly, and you may be wondering what the benefits are of reading this Surah. Below you will find the benefits and lessons that we can adopt from this surah:

  • The first lesson: There is an important warning in Surat Al-Kahf about the need to make what one intends and decides in the future dependent on the will of God.
  •  The second lesson: It contains a stern threat to those who claim that God has a son, as it is a comprehensive sura on matters of faith.
  • The third lesson: Knowledge is according to the measure of patience. If Moses, peace be upon him, had been patient, he would have known more than these three things, which are the secrets of destiny in the breaking of the ship, the killing of the boy and the building of the wall.
  • The fourth lesson: The effect of the father’s righteousness in preserving the offspring, as God led the orphans in the city of Al-Khader, including Moses, to build the wall and protect their rights.
  • The fifth lesson: In the story of Dhul-Qarnayn, an explanation of the greatness of God’s grace and the extent of the possession of the man to whom God gave the authority that enabled him to imprison Gog and Magog despite their strength.
  • The sixth lesson: The effect of monotheism in preserving the righteous as they slept in their cave for centuries and then awoke when the world around them had changed and they were safe.
  •  The seventh lesson: One of the most useful methods of exhortation and the most informative method of rebuke is to remind the creature of the origin of his creation.

What are the benefits of Surah Kahf?

A number of hadiths were mentioned in the Prophet’s Sunnah about the virtue of reading Surat Al-Kahf on Friday, as it was reported that the Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, said: “Whoever recites Surat Al-Kahf on Friday, a light will shine for him between the two Fridays.” Narrated by Al-Hakim.

It was also mentioned about the virtue and ruling of reading Surat Al-Kahf on Friday, and its virtue on all days, that reading it and memorising the first ten verses of it protects from the temptation of the Antichrist, as the Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, said: “Whoever memorises ten verses from the beginning of Surat Al-Kahf and reflects on them will be protected from the Antichrist.“

The infallibility of the Antichrist means that God will protect him and save him from the evil of the temptation of the Antichrist, whose appearance is one of the great signs of the hour of the end of time to claim divinity.

When should I read surah Kahf on Friday?

The time for reading Surat Al-Kahf begins on Friday evening and on its day, and its time begins at sunset on Thursday and ends at sunset on Friday, while Dar Al-Ifta confirmed that it is desirable to read it at any time of the day or night on Friday, and it is also permissible to read it silently or aloud.

And Dar Al-Iftaa affirmed that there is nothing wrong with reading the Qur’an in mosques on Friday before Friday prayers, including Surat Al-Kahf, because it is a good thing that unites people around the Book of God Almighty and prepares them to perform Friday rituals.

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