An overview of the 18 chapter of the Quran and its significance

1. Abu Ad-Dardaa reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Anyone who memorizes ten aayahs from the beginning of Soorat Al-Kahf will be protected from the Dajjaal .” Muslim, Riyaad As-Saaliheen by Imaam An-Nawawee 183 #1012 One narration says, “ from the end of Soorat Al-Kahf”. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “ Whoever recited Soorat Al-Kahf in the same manner in which it was revealed, it will serve for him as a light on the Day of Judgment, from his domicile to Makkah. And whoever recited the last ten verses, and it happens that the Dajjaal should appear after that, Dajjaal will not be empowered over him.” Al-Haakim 1/564 & Adh-Dhahabee بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

2. Remembering the Hereafter Calling to Allaah Soorat Al-Kahf = 4 stories Trial of authority Trial of knowledge Trial of wealth and children Trial of religion Good companions Knowing the reality of life Humility Sincerity Boats of success The People of the Cave The Owner of the Two Gardens Moosaa & Khidr Dhul Qarnayn The story of the great king that joined both knowledge and strength, and traveled to all parts of the earth, helping people and spreading goodness. - He overcame the problem of Gog and Magog by building a dam and was able to put to work the strength of a people who could hardly understand a word. When Moosaa was asked, “Who is the most knowledgeable person in the earth? He said, “Me” Then Allaah revealed to him that there was someone more knowledgeable than him. - Moosaa traveled to meet him in order to learn from him how sometimes we do not understand Allaah’s Wisdom but He is invariably Wise (i.e. – the ship, the boy, the wall) In approximately the middle of the Soorah comes the story of Iblees - the one who pulls the strings of fitnah. Will you then take him and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you What an evil is the exchange for the wrongdoers. Aayah 50 The story of the man who Allaah had blessed, but he forgot the One who had blessed him, transgressed and had doubts in his faith. He didn’t give thanks for the blessings, even though his friend reminded him. - Destruction of the crops and harvest + - Regret after it was too late The story of the believing young men who were living in a disbelieving country. They decided to leave their homes and run away with their religion after a confrontation between them and their people. - Allaah rewarded them with the mercy of the cave and care of the sun + - They woke up to find their village were all believers

4. The Boats of Success Good Companionship: And keep yourself (O Muhammad) patiently with those who call on their Lord (i.e. your companions who remember their Lord with glorification, praising in prayers, etc., and other righteous deeds, etc.) morning and afternoon, seeking His Face, and let not your eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our Remembrance, one who follows his own lusts and whose affair (deeds) has been lost. Soorat Al-Kahf, aayah 28 Knowing the Realities of Life: And put forward to them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Alaah is Able to do everything. Soorat Al-Kahf, aayah 45

5. ” اللهم نجنا من الفتن ما ظهر منها وما بطن“ Oh Allaah, save me from the trials, that which is obvious and that which is hidden” The Boats of Success Humility He (Moses) said: "If Allaah will, you will find me patient, and I will not disobey you in aught.“ Soorat Al-Kahf, aayah 69 Sincerity Say (O Muhammad): "I am only a man like you. It has been inspired to me that your Ilaah (God) is One Ilaah. 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.“ Soorat Al-Kahf, aayah 110

6. Finally . . . Wa as-Salaamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh. Spread the word, as the one who guides to goodness is like one who does it Did you understand the secret of reading Soorat Al-Kahf every Friday? Did you realize it’s place in helping us understand the trials of this life, and the way to be saved from them? Do you now know its great importance for us in guarding us from the Dajjaal? So . . .there is no room for negligence in reading it every Friday, and of course following its commands afterwards.