Surah Kahf | Surah Kahf PDF | Surah Al Kahf in English

Introduction

Surah Al Kahf (The Cave) , the 18th chapter of the Quran, holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims due to the profound spiritual and moral lessons it imparts. It is named after the “Cave,” referring to a significant story within Surah Al-Kahf. Surah Kahf comprises four captivating narratives, each carrying timeless wisdom that resonates with believers across generations.

It is believed that reciting Surah Kahf at Friday brings abundant blessings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged the recitation of Surah Al-Kahf on Fridays.

This blog-post will help you to find Surah Al Kahf, Surah Kahf PDF, Surah Kahf First 10 Verses, Surah Kahf last 10 Verses and Surah Kahf Transliteration.

Name	Surah Al-Kahf
Classification	Meccan
No. of Verses	110
No. of Rukus	12
Total No. of Words	1583
Position in the Quran	15th and 16th Juz’ (sections)

Historical Background

The historical background of Surah Kahf is rooted in the early days of Islam, during the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the city of Mecca. This Surah, also known as “The Cave,” was revealed gradually over a period of time in response to specific events and inquiries from the Quraysh, the dominant tribe in Mecca, who questioned the Prophet about certain matters.

The main theme of Surah Kahf revolves around the concept of faith, the transient nature of worldly possessions, the importance of trust in Allah, and the reward and punishment in the Hereafter. The Surah also contains four distinct narratives, each with its own lesson and moral, emphasizing faith, patience, gratitude, humility, and the pursuit of justice.

Persecution of Early Muslims:

During the early years of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad and his followers faced severe persecution from the leaders of the Quraysh, who opposed the monotheistic message being preached. The Muslims, who were a minority in Mecca at the time, endured significant hardships, including social boycotts, economic sanctions, and physical abuse. Despite these challenges, the believers remained steadfast in their faith, trusting in Allah’s support.

Revelation in Mecca:

Surah Kahf was revealed in the Meccan period of the Prophet’s life. This period was marked by the revelation of shorter, powerful verses that emphasized the core principles of Islam, such as monotheism, moral values, and the inevitability of the Day of Judgment. The message of Surah Kahf was particularly relevant to the early Muslims, as it provided them with guidance and comfort during their struggles.

The Seeking of Divine Guidance:

The Quraysh, in their efforts to challenge the Prophet Muhammad and discredit his message, posed a series of questions to him. They sought to test his claims of prophethood and his knowledge of past events. In response to these inquiries, Allah revealed the stories contained within Surah Kahf. These narratives served not only as answers to the Quraysh’s questions but also as timeless lessons for all believers.

Protection for the Vulnerable:

Another aspect of the historical context is the protection of vulnerable believers, particularly those who faced persecution and were in need of spiritual guidance and support. Surah Kahf provided these individuals with stories of faith, courage, and divine intervention, reinforcing their trust in Allah and giving them hope in the face of adversity.

Surah Kahf in Arbic

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Surah Al-Kahf English Translation

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. All praise is due to Allah, Who has revealed this Book to His servant and has not made any crookedness in it.
2. (He has made it) straight, to give warning of stern punishment from Him and to give good tidings to the believers, who do righteous deeds, that they shall have an excellent reward,
3. They will abide therein forever.
4. And to warn those who say, “Allah has taken a son.”
5. They have no knowledge of this, nor did their forefathers. Grave is the word that comes out of their mouths; they speak not except a lie.
6. Then maybe, you will kill yourself with grief, sorrowing after them, if they do not believe in this Message.
7. Surely, We have made all that is on the earth an adornment for it, in order that We test them as to which of them is best in deeds.
8. And surely, We shall make all that is on it a bare, dry soil.
9. Or do you think that the Fellows of the Cave and the Inscription were of Our wonderful signs?
10. When the young men sought refuge in the cave, they said: “Our Lord! Give us mercy from Yourself, and furnish us with rectitude in our affair.”
11. So We put a cover over their ears in the cave for a number of years.
12. Then We raised them up, that We might know which of the two parties would best calculate the time period that they had stayed.
13. We narrate to you their story with truth. Verily, they were young men who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance.
14. And We made their hearts firm and strong when they stood up and said: “Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. Never shall we call upon any god other than Him, if we did, we would say an outrageous thing.”
15. “These people of ours have taken gods besides Him. Why do they not bring clear evidence about them? Who is more unjust than he who fabricates a lie against Allah?”
16. “And when you withdraw from them and from what they worship except Allah, seek refuge in the cave; your Lord will spread out for you of His mercy and furnish you with a gentle disposition, to make your affair easy.”
17. And you might have seen the sun when it rose move away from their cave towards the right, and when it set turn aside from them towards the left, and they were in the open space thereof. That is of the signs of Allah; whomever Allah guides, he is indeed guided, and whomever He sends astray, for him there is no guide.
18. And you might have thought that they were awake, although they were sleeping, and We turned them to the right and to the left. And their dog stretching forth his two forelegs on the threshold was witnessing.
19. Had you come upon them, you would have surely turned away from them in flight and would have surely been filled with awe of them.
20. And similarly, We raised them up that they might question one another. A speaker among them said, “How long have you stayed here?” They said, “We have stayed here a day or a part of a day.” They said, “Your Lord knows best how long you have stayed here. Now send one of you with this money to the city and let him see which food is more lawful there, and bring you some provision from there and let him act with care and let no one become aware of you.”
21. “For surely, if they discover you, they will stone you or force you back to their faith, and in that case you will never attain prosperity.”
22. And similarly, We raised them up that they might question one another. A speaker among them said, “How long have you stayed here?” They said, “We have stayed here a day or a part of a day.” They said, “Your Lord knows best how long you have stayed. Now send one of you with this money to the city and let him see which food is more lawful there, and bring you some provision from there and let him act with care and let no one become aware of you.”
23. “For surely, if they discover you, they will stone you or force you back to their faith, and in that case you will never attain prosperity.”
24. And similarly, We made them known so that they might know that Allah’s promise is true, and that there is no doubt about the Hour. When they disputed among themselves about their matter and said, “Erect a building over them, their Lord knows best about them.” Those who prevailed in their matter said, “We will certainly build a place of worship over them.”
25. They will say, “(They were) three, the fourth of them being their dog; and (others will) say, “(They were) five, the sixth of them being their dog” – guessing at the unseen. And (others) will say, “(They were) seven, and the eighth of them was their dog.” Say: “My Lord knows best about their number. None knows them except a few.” So, do not dispute with them except for a plain argument and do not question any of them about them.
26. And never say about anything, “I shall do this tomorrow,”
27. Except if Allah wills. And remember your Lord when you forget, and say: “Perhaps my Lord will guide me to a nearer course to the right than this.”
28. And they stayed in their cave three hundred years and increased by nine more.
29. Say: “Allah knows best how long they stayed. To Him belong the unseen of the heavens and the earth. How clear His sight and keen His hearing! There is no protector for them against Him, and He makes none to share in His judgment.”
30. And relate the story to them of the two men. We gave each of them two gardens of vine, and We surrounded both with date palms and placed crops in between them.
31. Both gardens yielded their produce and did not fail in any way. And We made a river to flow in between them,
32. So, he had fruits, and he said to his companion, while conversing with him: “I am greater in wealth than you and stronger in respect of men.”
33. And he went into his garden while he was unjust to himself. He said: “I do not think that this will ever perish,”
34. And I do not think the Hour will ever come. And even if I am brought back to my Lord, I shall surely find something better than this in exchange.”
35. His companion said to him, while conversing with him: “Do you disbelieve in Him Who created you from dust, then from a small life germ, then He fashioned you into a man?”
36. “But as for me, He is Allah, my Lord, and I do not associate anyone with my Lord.”
37. “And why did you not, when you entered your garden, say, ‘It is as Allah has pleased, there is no power except in Allah’? If you see that I have less than you in wealth and children,”
38. “Then it is possible that my Lord may give me something better than your garden, and He may send down on your garden thunderbolts from the sky, so that it will become bare and become as if it had never existed.”
39. “Or the water of it will become deep-sunken, so that you will never be able to find it.”
40. So his fruits were encompassed with destruction, and he began wringing his hands for all that he had spent on it while it lay fallen on its trellises, and he said, “Would that I had not associated anyone with my Lord.”
41. And there was no group to help him other than Allah, and he could not even protect himself.
42. In such a situation, the one who had a high position over him called out to him, while he was in grief: “Do you still believe that it is not likely that you will return to your garden?”
43. “Would that my Lord give me something better than it in exchange and as a punishment from Him, and that a severe punishment from Him may not come upon it before it is restored.”
44. And on that Day he was abandoned by those who had believed before, and his affectionate relations too, if they return.
45. And they all tried to blame each other.
46. Then he became of those who regretted.
47. Those who were closest to him said: “Did I not say to you, ‘Why do you not glorify Allah?'”
48. He said: “Glory be to my Lord! I was indeed in wrong.”
49. They continued to address one another in blame.
50. They said: “Woe to us! We were indeed transgressors.”
51. Maybe, our Lord will give us a better than this in exchange; to our Lord do we make our humble petition.
52. Such was the punishment, but greater still was the punishment in the Hereafter. If only they knew.
53. As for those who believed and did righteous deeds, for them will be gardens of Paradise as a place of hospitality for all that they did.
54. And as for those who did evil, their abode will be the Fire. Whenever they wish to get out of it, they will be brought back in it, and it will be said to them, “Taste the punishment of the Fire which you used to belie.”
55. And, indeed, We made all that is on the earth an embellishment for it, in order that We might test them, to see which of them is the best in deeds.
56. And, surely, We shall make all that is on it bare, dry soil.
57. Or, do you think that the Fellows of the Cave and the Inscription were a wonder among Our signs?
58. When the young men sought refuge in the cave, they said: “Our Lord! Give us mercy from Yourself, and furnish us with rectitude in our affair.”
59. So We put a cover over their ears in the cave for a number of years.
60. Then We raised them up, that We might know which of the two parties would best calculate the time period that they had stayed.
61. We narrate to you their story with truth. Verily, they were young men who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance.
62. And We made their hearts firm and strong when they stood up and said: “Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. Never shall we call upon any god other than Him, if we did, we would say an outrageous thing.”
63. “These people of ours have taken gods besides Him. Why do they not bring clear evidence about them? Who is more unjust than he who fabricates a lie against Allah?”
64. “And when you withdraw from them and from what they worship except Allah, seek refuge in the cave; your Lord will spread out for you of His mercy and furnish you with a gentle disposition, to make your affair easy.”
65. And you might have seen the sun when it rose move away from their cave towards the right, and when it set turn aside from them towards the left, and they were in the open space thereof. That is of the signs of Allah; whomever Allah guides, he is indeed guided, and whomever He sends astray, for him there is no guide.
66. And you might have thought that they were awake, although they were sleeping, and We turned them to the right and to the left. And their dog stretching forth his two forelegs on the threshold was witnessing.
67. Had you come upon them, you would have surely turned away from them in flight and would have surely been filled with awe of them.
68. And similarly, We raised them up that they might question one another. A speaker among them said, “How long have you stayed here?” They said, “We have stayed here a day or a part of a day.” They said, “Your Lord knows best how long you have stayed here. Now send one of you with this money to the city and let him see which food is more lawful there, and bring you some provision from there and let him act with care and let no one become aware of you.”
69. “For surely, if they discover you, they will stone you or force you back to their faith, and in that case you will never attain prosperity.”
70. And similarly, We raised them up that they might question one another. A speaker among them said, “How long have you stayed here?” They said, “We have stayed here a day or a part of a day.” They said, “Your Lord knows best how long you have stayed. Now send one of you with this money to the city and let him see which food is more lawful there, and bring you some provision from there and let him act with care and let no one become aware of you.”
71. “For surely, if they discover you, they will stone you or force you back to their faith, and in that case you will never attain prosperity.”
72. And similarly, We made them known so that they might know that Allah’s promise is true, and that there is no doubt about the Hour. When they disputed among themselves about their matter and said, “Erect a building over them, their Lord knows best about them.” Those who prevailed in their matter said, “We will certainly build a place of worship over them.”
73. They will say, “(They were) three, the fourth of them being their dog; and (others will) say, “(They were) five, the sixth of them being their dog” – guessing at the unseen. And (others) will say, “(They were) seven, and the eighth of them was their dog.” Say: “My Lord knows best about their number. None knows them except a few.” So, do not dispute with them except for a plain argument and do not question any of them about them.
74. And never say about anything, “I shall do this tomorrow,”
75. Except if Allah wills. And remember your Lord when you forget, and say: “Perhaps my Lord will guide me to a nearer course to the right than this.”
76. And they stayed in their cave three hundred years and increased by nine more.
77. Say: “Allah knows best how long they stayed. To Him belong the unseen of the heavens and the earth. How clear His sight and keen His hearing! There is no protector for them against Him, and He makes none to share in His judgment.”
78. And relate the story to them of the two men. We gave each of them two gardens of vine, and We surrounded both with date palms and placed crops in between them.
79. Both gardens yielded their produce and did not fail in any way. And We made a river to flow in between them,
80. So, he had fruits, and he said to his companion, while conversing with him: “I am greater in wealth than you and stronger in respect of men.”
81. And he went into his garden while he was unjust to himself. He said: “I do not think that this will ever perish,”
82. And I do not think the Hour will ever come. And even if I am brought back to my Lord, I shall surely find something better than this in exchange.”
83. His companion said to him, while conversing with him: “Do you disbelieve in Him Who created you from dust, then from a small life germ, then He fashioned you into a man?”
84. “But as for me, He is Allah, my Lord, and I do not associate anyone with my Lord.”
85. “And why did you not, when you entered your garden, say, ‘It is as Allah has pleased, there is no power except in Allah’? If you see that I have less than you in wealth and children,”
86. “Then it is possible that my Lord may give me something better than your garden, and He may send down on your garden thunderbolts from the sky, so that it will become bare and become as if it had never existed.”
87. “Or the water of it will become deep-sunken, so that you will never be able to find it.”
88. So his fruits were encompassed with destruction, and he began wringing his hands for all that he had spent on it while it lay fallen on its trellises, and he said, “Would that I had not associated anyone with my Lord.”
89. And there was no group to help him other than Allah, and he could not even protect himself.
90. In such a situation, the one who had a high position over him called out to him, while he was in grief: “Do you still believe that it is not likely that you will return to your garden?”
91. “Would that my Lord give me something better than it in exchange and as a punishment from Him, and that a severe punishment from Him may not come upon it before it is restored.”
92. And on that Day he was abandoned by those who had believed before, and his affectionate relations too, if they return.
93. And they all tried to blame each other.
94. Then he became of those who regretted.
95. Those who were closest to him said: “Did I not say to you, ‘Why do you not glorify Allah?'”
96. He said: “Glory be to my Lord! I was indeed in wrong.”
97. They continued to address one another in blame.
98. They said: “Woe to us! We were indeed transgressors.”
99. Maybe, our Lord will give us a better than this in exchange; to our Lord do we make our humble petition.
100. Such was the punishment, but greater still was the punishment in the Hereafter. If only they knew.
101. Surely, for those who believe and do righteous deeds, there are Gardens of bliss,
102. Wherein they shall live forever; they shall desire no change from it.
103. Say: “If the sea were ink for the Words of my Lord, surely the sea would be exhausted before the Words of my Lord are finished, even though We brought the like thereof as further help.”
104. Say: “I am but a man like you, it is revealed to me that your God is One God. So, whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous deeds and make no one share in the worship of his Lord.”
105. And they think that they have a clear understanding of the different factions, whereas they themselves are a disunited group.
106. Verily, your Lord fully knows the one who strays from His path, and He knows well those who are guided.
107. So do not yield to those who deny the truth, and strive hard against them with this Qur’an, a mighty struggle.
108. It is He who has sent forth both the two seas, this one sweet and thirst quenching, and that one salty and bitter, and has set a barrier between them, a partition that is forbidden to be trespassed.
109. And it is He who has created human beings from water, then has made for them blood-relationships and marriage relationships, and your Lord has the power to do anything.
110. Yet they worship, besides Allah, that which can neither profit them nor harm them. The disbeliever has invariably turned his back on his Lord.

The Four Stories within Surah Kahf

1. The Companions of the Cave (Ashab al-Kahf)

The story of the young men who sought refuge in the cave is a testament to unwavering faith and trust in Allah’s protection. These individuals, persecuted for their belief in the One God, demonstrated immense courage by seeking refuge in the cave, relying on Allah’s mercy. This story teaches us the importance of faith, resilience, and the power of relying on Allah during challenging times.

2. The Man with Two Gardens

The parable of the man with two gardens is a profound lesson in gratitude and the transient nature of worldly possessions. The man, blessed with abundant gardens, mistakenly attributed his success solely to his efforts. However, his gardens were destroyed overnight, leading him to realize the impermanence of worldly wealth. This story emphasizes the importance of gratitude, recognizing that all blessings come from Allah, and material wealth should not lead to arrogance.

3. Moses and Khidr

The interaction between Prophet Moses (Musa) and the enigmatic figure, Khidr, holds invaluable lessons in knowledge, patience, and submission to Divine wisdom. Despite Moses’ status as a prophet, he learns from Khidr, who possesses unique knowledge from Allah. This story highlights the humility required to seek knowledge, the importance of patience, and the recognition that Allah’s wisdom may transcend our immediate understanding.

4. The Story of Dhul-Qarnayn

The tale of Dhul-Qarnayn, the righteous ruler, teaches us about the responsible use of power, justice, and humility before Allah. Dhul-Qarnayn used his authority to establish justice and protect the oppressed. This narrative underscores the importance of leadership with a sense of righteousness and accountability. It also reminds us that true strength lies in submitting to Allah’s guidance.

Key Lessons and Wisdom

The four stories in Surah Kahf collectively emphasize fundamental lessons that are essential for every Muslim’s spiritual journey.

1. Faith and Trust in Allah

The story of the Companions of the Cave illustrates unwavering faith and trust in Allah’s protection, even in the face of adversity. This unwavering faith serves as a guiding light for believers, reminding us that no matter how challenging the circumstances may be, Allah’s mercy and protection are always there for those who place their trust in Him.

2. Gratitude and Humility

The parable of the man with two gardens teaches us about the importance of gratitude for the blessings we receive. It’s a reminder that material wealth is temporary and that we should never let it lead to arrogance. True humility comes from recognizing that all blessings are from Allah, and we should be grateful for what we have, regardless of our material possessions.

3. Seeking Knowledge and Practicing Patience

The interaction between Prophet Moses and Khidr highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and the virtue of patience. Despite Moses’ elevated status, he demonstrates humility by seeking to learn from Khidr. This story teaches us that no one has a monopoly on knowledge, and we should always be open to learning from others. Additionally, it emphasizes that patience is essential when faced with life’s uncertainties, as Allah’s wisdom may not be immediately apparent.

4. Responsible Leadership and Justice

The story of Dhul-Qarnayn showcases the qualities of a just and responsible leader. Dhul-Qarnayn used his power to establish justice and protect the weak. This narrative reminds us that leadership comes with great responsibility. Those in positions of authority should strive for justice, compassion, and humility, recognizing that they are accountable before Allah for their actions.

Benefits of Surah Al-Kahf

Muslims believe that there are numerous spiritual, moral, and worldly benefits associated with reciting this Surah, especially on Fridays. Here are some of the benefits commonly attributed to reciting Surah Al-Kahf:

1. Protection from the Dajjal (Antichrist): One of the most well-known benefits is the protection it offers from the trials and tribulations of the Dajjal. It is believed that reciting Surah Al-Kahf regularly, particularly on Fridays, can serve as a shield against the false teachings and chaos that the Dajjal is said to bring.

2. Increased Blessings on Fridays: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged the recitation of Surah Al-Kahf on Fridays. It is believed that doing so , and it serves as a means to attain Allah’s mercy and rewards for the week.

3. Light in the Home: Reciting Surah Al-Kahf is thought to bring a divine light to one’s home. This spiritual illumination is believed to dispel darkness, both literally and metaphorically, promoting an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony.

4. Forgiveness of Sins: It is said that reciting Surah Al-Kahf with sincerity and reflection can lead to the forgiveness of one’s sins. Seeking forgiveness and repentance from Allah while reciting this Surah is a powerful act of devotion.

5. Learning from the Stories: Surah Al-Kahf contains four captivating narratives, each with profound moral lessons. By reciting and reflecting on these stories, believers can gain valuable insights into faith, patience, gratitude, and humility, which can guide them in their daily lives.

6. Stress Relief: Reciting Surah Al-Kahf can provide solace and relief from stress and worries. The stories within this Surah depict individuals facing various challenges and how their faith and trust in Allah led them through difficult times, serving as a source of comfort for those going through hardships.

7. Connection with the Quran: Regular recitation of Surah Al-Kahf deepens one’s connection with the Quran. It reminds believers of the power of Allah’s words and reinforces the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom from the Quran.

8. Attaining Allah’s Mercy: Surah Al-Kahf is a chapter filled with supplications and mentions of Allah’s mercy. By reciting these verses, Muslims seek Allah’s mercy and blessings, hoping to draw closer to Him and gain His favor.

9. Spiritual Reflection: The themes and lessons within Surah Al-Kahf encourage believers to reflect on their faith, values, and the transient nature of worldly affairs. This Surah provides an opportunity for deep introspection and self-improvement.

10. Protection in the Hereafter: It is believed that the recitation of Surah Al-Kahf will intercede on behalf of the believer on the Day of Judgment, seeking Allah’s mercy and protection from the trials of that day.

It’s important to note that while these benefits are widely mentioned in Islamic tradition, sincerity and faith in Allah’s mercy are crucial when reciting any portion of the Quran. The intention behind the recitation, along with reflection on the meanings, is essential to derive the spiritual benefits from Surah Al-Kahf or any other chapter of the Quran.

Relevance to Modern Life

The teachings of Surah Kahf are not confined to the past; they hold immense relevance in our contemporary lives. The challenges faced by Muslims today, both individually and collectively, can find solutions and guidance in the wisdom of this Surah.

1. Upholding Faith in Challenging Times

In a world filled with trials and tribulations, the story of the Companions of the Cave serves as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that even in the most difficult circumstances, we should remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that Allah’s mercy and protection are always near. Whether facing persecution, personal hardships, or societal issues, our faith should remain unshaken.

2. Gratitude Amidst Materialism

In a society often driven by materialism and consumerism, the lesson of gratitude from the parable of the man with two gardens is crucial. We must not let our possessions define our self-worth, nor should we forget to be grateful for the blessings we have. Gratitude leads to contentment, and contentment is the path to spiritual fulfillment.

3. Pursuit of Knowledge and Patience

In an age of rapid information exchange, the story of Moses and Khidr reminds us of the value of seeking knowledge and practicing patience. We should seek knowledge from diverse sources, remain humble in our quest for understanding, and exercise patience when faced with challenges. The wisdom of Allah may not always be immediately evident, but with patience and a sincere heart, it will eventually become clear.

4. Responsible Citizenship and Justice

The story of Dhul-Qarnayn calls for responsible leadership and the establishment of justice. As citizens in diverse societies, Muslims should advocate for justice, compassion, and the well-being of all. Whether through social activism, community service, or political engagement, we should strive to contribute positively to our communities, upholding the principles of justice and compassion.

Conclusion

Surah Kahf, with its captivating narratives and timeless lessons, serves as a source of guidance and inspiration for Muslims around the world. The stories of faith, gratitude, knowledge, patience, and responsible leadership hold profound relevance in our modern lives. As we face the challenges of today, may we turn to the teachings of Surah Kahf, internalize its wisdom, and strive to embody its virtues in our daily actions. By doing so, we can draw closer to Allah and make a positive impact on the world around us.

**This blog post is intended to provide a general understanding of the topic based on scholarly opinions available at the time of writing. It is advisable to consult with knowledgeable Islamic scholars for specific guidance tailored to your circumstances.

During the creation of this blog-post we took references from The Quran, Sahih Muslim, Sahih Bukhari, Wikipedia and many other Islamic websites. For more details you may read Disclaimer.

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