Surah Al-Kahf is a light that illuminates the path of guidance for whoever reads it, as it helps Muslims avoid disobedience and sins, guiding them toward goodness and righteousness. This light may also be a real, tangible light, as it was reported from the Messenger PBUH that whoever recites Surah Kahf on Friday, a light will shine for them from under their feet to the clouds of heaven, and it will shine on the Day of Resurrection. Additionally, Surah Al-Kahf protects its reader from the trials of the Antichrist, and by memorizing Surah Kahf, especially the first ten verses, one gains this protection and its many rewards.
8 Benefits of Learning & Memorizing Surah Al-Kahf
There are many Ayat and Hadith that enumerate the blessings of this surah in its entirety and regarding the first or last 10 Ayat.
1. Prophet PBUH Recommended to Read
We must follow the work and morals of the Prophet (PBUH) as he asks us for what he (peace and blessings be upon him) was. That is why we should consider it Sunnah (and we should follow the paths of the Companions, Caliphs, and so on for our benefit). I am not aware of memorizing any particular surah/ayat except for this one. Since the Messenger (PBUH) is our first savior (as mentioned in the sixth verse), we must always follow his advice.
“Whoever recites Surah Kahf first and foremost he will be enlightened”. Whoever will complete recite it. There will be light between the earth and the sky for him”.
2. Reciting Benefits on Friday
Reciting Surat Al Kahf on Friday is highly desirable and is a general practice for Muslims. Scholars have confirmed that it is obligatory to recite it on Fridays in general. Prophet PBUH said: (Whoever reads Surah Al Kahf on Friday, a light will shine for him between Fridays). Likewise, “Whoever memorizes ten verses from the beginning of Surat Al-Kahf will be protected from the Antichrist “Dajjal”.”
It is desirable to read Surat Al Kahf in full on Friday night, and it is recommended to read it on Friday itself before sunset time. Ibn Abidin said:
“And it is better for them to do this early on Friday, in order to rush to do good and not forget.”
There were authentic hadiths from the Prophet PBUH in the virtue of reading Surat Al-Kahf during the day or night of Friday.
“Whoever reads Surah Al Kahf on the night of Jummah, will have a light that will stretch between him and the Kabah.”
“Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on Friday on the Day of Judgement there will be light for him in the heavens and the earth and the sins between the two Fridays will be forgiven”.
“Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday will have a light shining from him from one Friday to the next.”
3. Higher Ranks in Jannah for Hafiz
We reach higher and higher ranks in reward and jannah the more we memorize. Read and ascend and increase your reward with every verse. Memorization is not just learning but integrating all of that within us to the level that the Quran is perceived through us. People around us can feel and see that we have memorized the Qur’an or part of it deeply. Aisha RAA narrated: “The character of the Prophet (PBUH) was the Quran.”
4. Learning Great Teachings of Islam
The three fundamentals of Islam have been combined in the first ten verses by God Almighty. The unity of God was mentioned in the fourth and fifth verses of this surah, and the revelation to the Prophet PBUH was mentioned in the first verse, and God tells about the reward in the second and third verses. To denote the fear that does not allow us to procrastinate and hope to make us walk for the better.
5. Increasing your Iman “Faith”
Surah Al-Kahf contains many stories that teach you many practical lessons to apply in your daily life. But the first ten verses help you to develop a strong relationship with the Qur’an because there is no possibility of deviation in it (as stated in the first and second verses). We have something to hold on to before the war of Dajjal. So if you want power, you come to this book. Do you only want to fear God, not the Antichrist or anyone else? This book has an answer. It will increase your faith, God willing.
6. Protection from Trial (Fitnah) of Dajjal
Undoubtedly, the Trial of Dajjal is one of the hardest Fitnah for Ummah. But our beloved Prophet (PBUH) has already given us the key to be protected from Dajjal. We should hasten to memorize the first 10 verses of Surah Kahf.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“If anyone learns by heart the first 10 verses of the Surah Al Kahf, he will be protected from the Dajjal.”
“Whoever recites the last ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf he will be safe from the temptation of Dajjal”.
7. Peace and Tranquility to its Reciter
Narrated Al-Bara’ bin ‘Azib:
A man recited Surah Al Kahf (in his prayer) and in the house, there was a (riding) animal that got frightened and started jumping. The man finished his prayer with Taslim, but behold! A mist or a cloud hovered over him. He informed the Prophet (PBUH) of that and the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“O so-and-so! Recite, for the (mist or cloud) was a sign of peace descending for the recitation of the Quran.”
SubhanAllah! Such are the blessings of Surah Al Kahf. Its recitation holds great importance. Also, Surah Al Kahf is a great source of peace and blessings.
8. Attaining Peace & Tranquility
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whenever a group of people assembles in one of the Houses of Allah (i.e. Mosques), reciting the Book of Allah and studying it, tranquility descends upon them, Mercy covers them, angels surround them and Allah makes a mention of them among those who are with Him.”
First 10 Verses of Reciting Benefits
“If anyone learns by heart the first ten verses of Surat Al-Kahf, he will be protected from the Antichrist.” [Muslim] Although memorizing some surahs is obvious (such as Surat Al-Fatihah to check your prayers), it is specifically spoken about memorizing Surah Al-Kahf. “Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday will find his whole week enlightened, until next Friday.” Whoever memorizes ten verses from the beginning of Surat Al-Kahf will be saved from the trial of the Antichrist.”
Last 10 Verses Reciting Benefits
The Prophet asked us to do what he himself did. I have never found memorization of any particular surah/ayat except this one. “If anyone learns by heart the first ten verses of Surat Al-Kahf, he will be protected from the Antichrist.” Although memorizing some surahs is quite obvious (such as Surah Al-Fatihah to check your prayers), only Surah Al-Kahf is mentioned specifically.
Lessons From Surah Kahf
- Being keen on good company in life helps a person remain committed to his religious principles. This was shown in the cave youth who helped each other stand firm when faced with a test of faith.
- We all need to connect with God 100% and make Tawwakul on Him. We all need to escape from the corrupt society we live in. The lasting good deeds that one does are what really matters. Our sole focus must not be on worldly life.
- God Almighty is the Wise. He deals with matters by resolving them, so he can solve them as His Wisdom. We may not realize the wisdom nor appreciate the righteousness of God Almighty’s decisions in our lives, yet there is a hidden good in them.
- Among the most frequent tests that believers face in their lives are trials, persecution, and torture in matters of faith, so that Allah can test them. The believer should not be overwhelmed by this, but rather focus on the Hereafter.
- The result of piety is that God Almighty preserves man’s world and his religion. Besides this, God Almighty also protects his offspring. “It is because of the piety and righteousness of a servant that Allaah Ta’aala protects his children and the children of his children and his family.
- Whoever has a sincere desire to distance himself from sins will always find a better abode just as the People of the Cave found when they left the town to keep their faith. People who are firm in resolve to do something for the sake of Allaah SWA will receive help from Allaah SWT in many different amazing ways.
- Never say that you will do something in the future without remembering God Almighty and say, God willing, at the time of your intention, you do not know whether you will be able to do it or not. Remind yourself to do the remembrance of God Almighty when you forget or overlook.
What is the Best Time to Read Surah Al-Kahf?
The best time to read Surah Kahf is on Friday night or day (Jummah). Sunset on Thursday falls on the night of Friday and the end of Friday is set at sunset. Hence, the time period for reading is from sunset on Thursday until sunset the next day (Friday). It is highly recommended to read Surah Kahf on Friday night or to read it on Friday itself before Maghrib time.
“And it is best to do so early on Friday, in order to avoid forgetting.”
Conclusion
Reading and reciting this surah brings many virtues but are not like memorizing it. Hifz this Surah brings the Muslim unmatched virtues. Surah Kahf ayat 10 benefits are the best protection from Dajjal. Also, Most of us think memorization is extra work, but the following hadith shows how hollow your soul can be when you have nothing of the Qur’an in your heart. And whoever does not memorize anything from the Qur’an is like a perishing house. Because you will rise in the ranks if you save. The more you save, the higher the rank. Read and stand up and increase your reward with every verse.
