Therefore, it is as if Allah revealed this chapter in the early part of Prophethood so that the Muslims would be aware of the challenges they would face, and more importantly how to overcome them. Those trials would change over time and evolve as the situation of the Muslims progressed. The Muslims in the early years of Islam faced various trials and difficulties. This is also why we find certain similar verses repeated throughout the Qur’an, often with very slight variations a word added or removed. The reason is often that only this portion of the story is relevant to the theme. It is for this reason that Allah mentions only certain parts of a story of a particular Prophet in one sūrah and other parts of the same story in another sūrah. The verses, stories and main discussion points of the chapter will then all establish that theme. In this short article I want to analyse the central theme and message of this sūrah as well as why from the 114 chapters of the Qur’an, it is this one which affords us protection from the Dajjāl.Įvery chapter of the Qur’an has a theme a central subject matter which it discusses. Yet over and above this, the four stories mentioned within this sūrah are unique to it. It is the chapter which we are encouraged to recite every Friday and told that by memorising or reading its opening passage we will gain protection from the Dajjāl. It was from amongst the early portions of the Qur’an to be revealed as is mentioned in the ḥadīth of the Prophet. Yet despite years of study and having taught it a dozen times or so, the beauty of this sūrah never ceases to amaze me.

Since 2009, I have been researching and teaching the Tafsīr of Sūrah al-Kahf, the eighteenth chapter of the Qur’an. Indeed, even the most formidable of creations such as the mountains cannot withstand its power. The Pagan Arabs for all their polytheistic beliefs and enmity to Islam were overwhelmed by the linguistic beauty and poetry of the Qur’an. One of the many reasons we find ourselves disconnected from the Qur’an is due to us losing this ability to ponder and reflect over the greatest of Speech. “A Book which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.” Ṣād, 38:29. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.

The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small.Ĭlick here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of AllahĪlhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters.

Surah al kahf pdf