Friday reflections on Suratul Kahf

The Focus of the Surah and its Virtues

The theme and focus of the Surah can be gleaned from 3 powerful stories narrated in the Surah, each with its unique lessons.
One of the ways to connect with this Surah is paying attention to these stories and extracting their lessons for personal and communal use. The stories are:

  1. Story of the people of the cave in verses 9-29, it is a story of people of Eemaan, who were young, focused and determined as against those who disbelieved in their community. Allah caused them to sleep for over 300 years, thereby showing us that no matter how long we may have died, we shall be raised from the dead, we shall give account of our actions and be rewarded accordingly on the day of Qiyamah. The name of the Surah was extracted from this story.
  2. The story of Musa and Al-Khidr in verses 60-70. The story teaches the etiquettes of seeking Knowledge. It also teaches humility and the fact Allah gift people differently and He does whatever he likes. Despite the fact that Allah favoured Musa with Prophethood, he was still made to seek knowledge from Khidr who was neither a Prophet nor Messenger. The story also gives us a peep into the world of the unseen and to let us know that things are not always the way they seem.
  3. The story of Dhul-Qarnain in verses 83-101. It is the story of a powerful and Just leader and it addresses those who think they possess power in this world. It shows them the example of a powerful leader, who despite the power he possessed and the huge fortresses he has built to ward of enemies, still placed absolute trust in Allah. He believed that the wall he built could only protect him against his enemies if it was the will of Allah and that there would be crack and holes in it if Allah wills it to be so.

Virtues of Suratul Kahf

  1. If anyone learns by heart the first ten verses of Surah al-Kahf, he will be protected from the Dajjal. (Muslim 809)
  2. Whoever reads Surat Al-Kahf on the night of Jumu`ah, will have a light that will stretch between him and the Ancient House (the Kabah). (Ad-Darimi) (classed as sahih by Shaykh al-Albani in Sahih al-Jami, 6471)
  3. Whoever reads Surat Al-Kahf on the day of Jumu`ah, will have a light that will shine from him from one Friday to the next. (Al-Haakim and Al-Bayhaqi) (classed as sahih by Shaykh al-Albani in Sahih al-Jami, 6470)
  4. Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Whoever reads Surat Al-Kahf on the day of Jumu`ah, a light will shine for him from beneath his feet to the clouds of the sky, which will shine for him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will be forgiven (his sins) between the two Fridays. (Al-Targheebwal-Tarheeb 1/298)
    And Allah knows best.
    As you read SuratulKahf today, pay more attention, check the meanings, check the explanation of scholars of Tafsir, reflect on the verses and apply the lessons to your daily life.
    Barakallahufeekum.
    Source: Abu Muhsin