Although all the surahs and verses of the Holy Quran are equally important and each chapter has its own significance, but some of them are really important. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described their importance in different ahadith. When you learn the Quran online, your online Quran tutors will also tell you about all those important verses in their lectures that can help you improve your life and their regular recitation makes your way towards heaven easier.
Surah Al kahf is one of those surahs in the Quran that are really important for all Muslims. This is the 18th surah of the Holy Quran and a part of the 15th chapter. It has 110 verses and is a Makki surah. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has described the importance of this surah and its verses in numerous ahadeeth. In the most important hadith, The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said,
“Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, light shall shine forth for him between the two Fridays.”[narrated by Al-Hakim].
The background of the surah is also wonderful. This surah was revealed against the questions sent by the Jews of Madinah to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They asked about the seven sleepers of the cave and wanted answers from the Holy Prophet (PBUH). They thought that the Prophet would not be able to answer, and they will get success in their purpose. They also asked about a man who travelled from east to west. Their third question was about the soul.
When they challenged the Holy Prophet (PBUH), he admitted that he had no answer but will answer in the morning. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) forgot to say Inshallah while answering the question. The next morning, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) could not answer the question because Allah did not send his message in the morning. This event created doubts in the minds of the people, but eventually, after 15 days, Allah sent the verses of Surah Al Kahf against the questions sent by the Jewish rabbis of Madinah to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The content of Surah Al Kahf is its great stories. This surah tells us how to behave in the trial (Fitna) of every era. Therefore, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommends this surah recite to survive in the Dajjal era, who will be the greatest fitna of all the times. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says,
“Who amongst you would survive to see Dajjal should recite over him the opening verses of Surah Al-Kahf.” [recorded by Muslim]
Along with the stories of seven sleepers, there is a story of Adam (AS) and Devil, Moses (AS), Khadir and Joshua, and Dhulqarnain. This surah also guides us to manage the trials through these stories. In one verse of Surah Al Kahf, Allah Almighty says,
“And recite what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord.” [Quran 18:27]
In another verse, Allah conveys his guidance by saying,
“Whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord – let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.” [Quran 18;110]
Due to its importance in the current era of trials, we must recite Surah Al Kahf every Friday. It will help us handle all the fitnas with great courage and confidence.