Praise be to Allah,
Surah al-Kahf is Makki. It has 110 verses and 12 sections. However, it should be noted that although this chapter is most commonly known by this name, most of the names of the Qur’aanic chapters were not mentioned by the Prophet (PBUH) himself. The majority of chapter titles were chosen by the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) and scholars of later generations for identification purposes. There are, however, a few chapters which the Prophet (PBUH) referred to by titles. For example, the first chapter commonly known as Soorah al-Faatihah was referred to by the Prophet (PBUH) as “Faatihatul-Kitaab,” “Ummul-Kitaab,” “Sooratul-Hamd” as well as a variety of other names. It was not until the third century after the hijrah (ninth century C.E.) that people began the practice of writing chapter names in the Qur’an, numbering the verses, and adding symbols in the margin indicating the divisions of the Qur’aan[i].
This surah takes the name from verse 9 in which the word Kahf occurs. It appears from the theme of the surah that it was revealed at the beginning of the fifth year of the prophethood when despite the persecution and opposition, migration to Abyssinia did not take place. That is why the story of the ashab-al-kahf (sleepers of the cave) has been related to comfort and encourage the persecuted Muslims and to show them how the righteous people have been saving their faith in the past[ii].
Shaykh Uthaymeen (May Allah have mercy on him) said,
Surah Al-Kahf is a Makki surah although few scholars exclude some of its verses from this, such as the first part of the surah from verse one until verse eight, verse 28, and from verse 107 to verse 110, saying these verses are Madani verses. However, these exceptions lack proof.
The verse:
“This day those who disbelieve have despaired of [defeating] your religion; so, fear them not, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islām as religion. But whoever is forced by severe hunger with no inclination to sin – then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful”.[ Translation Surah Al-Ma’ida 5: 3]
Although this verse was sent down on Arafah during the farewell pilgrimage is a Madani as it was revealed after the migration[iii].
The cause of revelation:
Imam ibn Jarir al-Tabari has reported from ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas that the Quraysh of Makkah (disturbed by the rising influence of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as a prophet) sent two of their men,
Nadr ibn Harith and ‘Uqbah ibn Abi Mu’ayt, to the Jewish scholars of Madinah. Their mission was to find out what they said about him as they were learned in past scriptures of the Torah and Injeel. The Jewish scholars told them, “Put three questions before him. If he answers these correctly,” you should know that he is a prophet and messenger of Allah, and if he fails to do that, you should know that he is a pretender and not a messenger. Firstly, ask him about the young men who had left their city in the distant past and what had happened to them, for this is a unique event. Secondly, ask him about the person who had traveled through the East and West of the Earth and what had happened to him. Thirdly, ask him about the Rooh (soul, spirit) as to what it was?”
The two Quraysh emissaries returned to Makkah al-Mukarramah, informed their tribesmen that they had come back with a decisive plan of action, and told them all about their encounter with the Jewish scholars of Madinah. Then, these people took these questions to the Prophet (PBUH). He heard the questions and said that he will answer them tomorrow. But he forgot to say ‘insha’Allah’ at that time. These people went back, and the Prophet (PBUH) kept waiting for the Divine revelation in the hope that he will be told about answers to these questions through wahy. But, no wahy came until the next day as promised. In fact, fifteen days went by, and things stood as they were, neither did angel Jibra’il come nor did the revelation. The Quraysh of Makkah started throwing taunts which caused real pain to the Prophet (PBUH). After fifteen days, came angel Jibra’il with Surah al-Kahf wherein the delay caused has also been explained by saying that one should say ‘insha’Allah’ when promising to do something in the future. Since this was not done in the event concerned, therefore, the revelation was delayed as a measure of reminder[iv]. This narration is quoted in almost all the classical commentaries as the reason for the revelation of the chapter as well as several of its verses. However, the narration is not authentic[v].
Allah, however, not only gave a complete answer to their questions but also employed the three stories to their disadvantage of the opponents of Islam in the conflict that was going on at the time at Makkah between Islam and unbelief[vi].
The theme of the Surah
The most important thing to be noted about this surah is its preponderant narration of events that took place in the past.
First, we have the story of the sleepers in the cave, followed by that of the man with two gardens, then a reference to Adam and Satan. In the middle of the sūrah, we see what happened between Moses and the pious man, and at the end, there is an account of Dhu’l-Qarnayn. These stories form a major part of the surah, taking 71 out of its 110 verses. Most of the remaining verses comment on the stories and outline the lessons to be learnt from them. In addition, the sūrah also contains some scenes of the Day of Judgement, and others are drawn from human life to explain an idea or emphasize a concept. In all these, we see examples of the Qur’ānic method of emphasizing its ideas through vivid imagery.
The sūrah begins and ends with declaring God’s oneness, rejecting any concept that associates partners with God, accepting revelation as true, and making a clear and absolute distinction between God and other beings.
The main purpose of the surah is to make faith the basis for the evaluation of concepts, ideas, practices, and values. This is shown in various places. All proper and good values are attributed to faith and good action. Any other value which does not have its basis in faith is unworthy, even though it may seem highly attractive. All that appears fascinating and beautiful in this life is meant as a test. It will all come to an end.
The sūrah addresses the Prophet, requiring him to persevere and be patient, associating with those who believe, paying no regard to the adornments of this world or to those who overlook their duty towards God.[vii]
Virtues of the surah al-kahf
Imam Ibn Katheer ( May Allah have mercy on him) mentions the following narrations on the virtues of this surah[viii]:
Imam Ahmad recorded that Al-Bara’ said: “A man recited Al-Kahf and there was an animal in the house which began acting in a nervous manner. He looked and saw a fog or cloud overhead. He mentioned this to the Prophet who said:
‘Keep on reciting so and so, for this is the tranquillity which descends when one reads Qur’an or because of reading Qur’an;[ix].
Imam Ahmad recorded from Abu Ad-Darda’ that the Prophet said:
‘Whoever memorizes ten Ayat from the beginning of Surat Al-Kahf will be protected from the Dajjal’[x].
In another narration,
‘Whoever memorizes three Ayat from the beginning of Al-Kahf’. He said, it is “Hasan Sahih.
In his Mustadrak, Al-Hakim recorded from Abu Sa` id that the Prophet said:
‘Whoever recites Surat Al-Kahf on Friday, it will illuminate him with light from one Friday to the next. Then he said: “This Hadith has a Sahih chain.
The Prophet said:
“Whoever recites Surat Al-Kahf as it was revealed, it will be a light for him on the Day of Resurrection”[xi].
Allah Knows Best
[i] Tafseer Surah Al-Kahf, Dr Abu Ameena Bilal Philips, Page 6-7
[ii] Towards understanding the Quran, Sayid Abul A’la Mawdudi. Translated by Zafaq Ishaq Ansari. Page 4
[iii] Tafseer Surah Al-Kahf, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Saalih Al-Uthaymeen (May Allah have mercy on his soul) Page- 21
[iv] Ma’aariful Quran by Maulana Mufti Muhammad Sha’fi, Revised by Justice Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani. Translated by Prof Hasan Askari and Prof Muhammad Shameem. Page 570-571 of chapter Surah Kahf.
[v] Tafseer Surah Al-Kahf, Dr Abu Ameena Bilal Philips, Page 6-7
[vi] Towards understanding the Quran, Sayid Abul A’la Mawdudi. Translated by Zafaq Ishaq Ansari. Page 4
[vii] In the Shade of the Quran, Sayyid Qutub Vol-11. Page 182-186
[viii] Tafseer Ibn Kathir (Abridged) Vol- 6 Darussalam, Chapter Surah Al-Kahf, Page 109-110
[ix] This was also recorded in the Two Sahihs
[x] This was also recorded by Muslim, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa’i, and At -Tirmidhi. According to the version recorded by At -Tirmidhi,
[xi][xi] Al-Hafiz Abu Bakr Al-Bayhaqi also recorded it in his Sunan from Al-Hakim, then he narrated with his own chain