Surah Al Kahf – 4 Stories

Surah Al-Kahf is the 18th chapter of the Holy Quran which mentions 4 stories about:

1. The People of Cave
2. The Companion of Two Gardens
3. Musa and Khidr
4. Dhul Qarnayn

It may seem that none of these stories are related to one another, but we see that the purpose or theme of all these stories are about Fitnah. Surah Al-Kahf explains Fitnah in different aspects of life.

1. Fitnah of Religion (Story of the People of the Cave)
2. Fitnah of Wealth (Story of the Man with Two Gardens)
3. Fitnah of Knowledge (Story of Musa and Khidr)
4. Fitnah of Power (Dhul Qarnain)

Each of these stories outline how each of these 4 things can bring us fitnah. It also outlines how the believer should approach these trials and tribulations.

1. FITNAH OF RELIGION: THE WAY TO DEAL WITH THIS IS MENTIONED IN AN AYAAH AFTER THE STORY:
2. FITNAH OF WEALTH: THE WAY TO DEAL WITH THIS IS MENTIONED HERE:
3. FITNAH OF KNOWLEDGE:
4. FITNAH OF POWER:

ENDING OF THE SURAH:

Surah al-Kahf ends with the most perfect way to deal with all types of fitnah, and that is to remember the hereafter.

“So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.” (Surah al-Kahf: 110)

Something to definitely reflect when we read it every Friday. As well, it is mentioned that one of the wisdoms behind reading this surah on Jumu’ah is because we are asked to leave the fitnah of this worldly life and join the congregation. How appropriate!

EXTRA KNOWLEDGE:

Hadith about the first 10 verses of Surah Kahf:

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: If anyone learns by heart the first ten verses of the Surah al-Kahf, he will be protected from the Dajjal. (Sahih Muslim)