Discover the virtues of reciting Surah Al-Kahf every Friday, its protection from Dajjal, the blessings of divine light, and powerful lessons from its parables. A comprehensive Islamic reflection for a renewed week.
Surah Al-Kahf is the 18th chapter of the Holy Qur’an, consisting of 110 verses (Ayat). It is highly recommended to recite it on the night before Friday or on Friday morning to avoid forgetting, as advised by scholars. Ibn Abidin said:And it is best to do so early on Friday, in order to avoid forgetting.”
[Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar, Bab al-Jumu`ah]
The Surah begins with the story of a group of young believers who sought refuge in a cave—accompanied by a dog—after facing persecution for their faith. Allah caused them to sleep for many years as a form of divine protection. Their story symbolizes a timeless lesson: whoever seeks Allah’s protection will find sufficiency, safety, and mercy, just as the cave protected the youths from the tyrant king.
Surah Al-Kahf is rich in both spiritual virtues and powerful moral lessons derived from its parables. But why do Muslims recite Surah Al-Kahf every Friday? What blessings does it bring into a new week?
Virtues of Reciting Surah Al-Kahf Every Friday
1 — Protection from Al-Dajjal (The False Messiah)
Abu Darda’ narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“If anyone learns by heart the first ten verses of Surah al-Kahf, he will be protected from the Dajjal.”
Reference: Sahih Muslim 809a – Book 4, Hadith 1766
Dajjal, the false messiah, will appear near the end of time to mislead people. It is said he will emerge from the East, between Syria and Iraq. Memorizing and reciting Surah Al-Kahf is a shield against his trials.
2 — A Light That Shines Until the Next Friday
Abu Sa’id reported the Prophet (PBUH) as saying:
“If anyone recites Surah al-Kahf on Friday, light will shine brightly for him till the next Friday.”
Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 2175
Ibn Umar (RA) narrated:
“A light will shine for him from beneath his feet to the clouds of the sky, and he will be forgiven between the two Fridays.”
Other narrations mention that reciting it on the night or day of Friday brings a light stretching all the way to the Ka’bah.
Lessons from the Parables of Surah Al-Kahf
1 — The Companions of the Cave: Seek Protection Only from Allah
(Verses 9–26)
The story recounts faithful youths who fled persecution and sought shelter in a cave. Allah put them into a miraculous sleep for 300 years, then resurrected them as a sign of His power.
Their story teaches:
✨ When you seek Allah’s protection sincerely, He never fails you.
✨ Divine protection can come in ways beyond imagination.
2 — The Man with Two Gardens: The Value of Gratitude
(Verses 32–45)
One man was blessed with two fertile gardens, yet arrogance blinded him to the source of his blessings. As a result, Allah removed what he had taken for granted.
The moral:
• Never boast about wealth, power, or status.
• All blessings come from Allah, and He alone can sustain or remove them.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Pride is My cloak and majesty is My lower garment; whoever competes with Me regarding one of them, I will throw him into Hell.”
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 4090
3 — The Story of Moses and Al-Khidr: Patience on the Path of Knowledge
(Verses 60–82)
Prophet Moses met Al-Khidr, a righteous servant of Allah, and embarked on a journey filled with mysterious events. Moses repeatedly questioned what he could not yet understand, and Al-Khidr reminded him to be patient.
Lesson:
📌 Seek knowledge with humility and patience.
📌 Do not rush to conclusions—understanding requires time and sincerity.
4 — Dhul-Qarnayn: Power Guided by Piety
(Verses 83–98)
Dhul-Qarnayn was a powerful and righteous ruler whom Allah granted authority. He used his strength to help those in need, including building a barrier to protect people from Gog and Magog.
His story teaches:
• True power is a trust from Allah.
• Authority must be used for justice, protection, and goodness.
A Perfect Way to Begin the Week
Reciting Surah Al-Kahf each Friday renews the heart and mind. It brings:
✨ Divine protection — even from the greatest trial, Al-Dajjal
✨ A radiant light that guides you throughout the week
✨ A reminder of gratitude, humility, patience, and reliance on Allah
There is simply no better spiritual reset for the coming week.
Wassalaam,
Maha Youssuf
Chief Editor, Muslim Tribune
& the Editorial Team
