Last week we looked at the merits of Surah Kahf, and how valuable it is in terms of reward, and as a weapon against the Dajjal. This week I hope to highlight a few main points to reflect on, about Surah Kahf.

Firstly, it is the only Surah that is explicitly linked to the Dajjal, as we learnt from the hadiths, mentioned in the previous article regarding its virtues. This is of vital importance, for we are living in the end times; the hour is near, and a prelude to the hour is the arrival of the Dajjal. This surah should play a major role for us in our preparative preventative measures, against the Anti-Christ. The Dajjal is one the greatest fitan to come, and throughout Surah Kahf we see a recurring theme of trials and tribulations linking it back to the coming of the false Messiah.

Surah Kahf mentions four main narratives in its pages. The first being that of Ashab Al Kahf or the People of the Cave. These youth were tested by Allah in regards to their iman. They were given the choice to abandon their belief in Allah to save their lives or face persecution and death. Ultimately they chose their belief in Allah, for it is priceless, no pleasure can buy it, nor money. This connects to the trial of the Dajjal, for the first and biggest test he will come with, is the trial of iman; faith and belief in Allah. He will appear with many powers, and will even have a paradise and hellfire. Many will fall into disbelief; may Allah protect us from disbelief and the trial of the Dajjal.

The second story is that of the two men and the two gardens. One man, possessed wealth and whose garden yielded a large harvest, yet he denied Allah, and the second man being poorer, with less harvest, yet he knew his provision was secured with his Lord. This is the trial of wealth. How many today are granted wealth, yet deny the One who bestowed this favour upon them? It is a reminder to us, that Allah blesses whomsoever He wills, and we should be grateful for the bounties we have. Success in the dunya, and in one’s wealth does not mean success in the Akhirah. This again refers back to the Dajjal. For the Dajjal will induce many with wealth, to the point that he will call out to the wealth of a valley and it will come out following him. Those who follow the Dajjal will be in abundance of wealth, and he will afflict those who shun him with severe poverty. Thus the believer should have his wealth in his hand, so that it is easy to release, and his faith and trust in Allah rooted in his heart, so that it remains unaffected by the fitnah of wealth.

The third narrative is perhaps to many, the most intriguing; it is the story of Musa and Al Khadr (or Khidr). Musa, was a great prophet of Allah, and was endowed with knowledge, yet Allah instructed him to seek out Al-Khadr, who also possessed a different type of knowledge. Knowledge should humble a person and not make them arrogant. Today, Muslims have neglected the Qur’an and Sunnah, and many find it a burden, thinking that it is outdated and the knowledge it contains is ancient, and this is the trial of knowledge; will we truly hold on to the guidance of Allah? When the Dajjal appears he will distort what is left of the knowledge. May Allah protect us, and enable to cling on to the true authentic knowledge of his deen.

The fourth and final account is that of Dhul-Qarnayn; a powerful king who ruled with justice. He is the very king that sealed off Gog and Magog, whose release is also a major portent of the final hour. The story of Dhul-Qarnayn, though not in detail, exemplifies one who is granted power and authority and uses this in the service of Allah. A minor sign of the hour is tyrannical and foolish leaders, who are astray and lead the people astray. Leadership is an amanah, there are a lot of responsibilities attached to being a ruler. This trial, relates to the Dajjal for the Dajjal will give authority to those who favour him, and will deprive the true believers.

So, the next time you read Surah Kahf, try to remember these points, reflect upon the tales of truth contained in it. I ask Allah to protect me and you from the trial of the Dajjal.