Ever wonder WHY it’s Sunnah to read Surah al-Kahf again and again every Friday?

by Asma bint Shameem It’s to be reminded REPEATEDLY of some VERY IMPORTANT LESSONS contained in the Surah. LESSON 1: YOU’LL BE TESTED IN YOUR FAITH The first story that Allaah mentions is the story of the young men of the Cave or Kahf in Arabic (Hence the name al-Kahf) They were a group of young men who believed in the Oneness of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala while the rest of the community committed shirk. When these young Muslims were persecuted beyond limit, they fled to a cave where Allaah miraculously hid them and protected them for several hundred years. This beautiful story reminds us every week that one of the most common trials that we, as Muslims, will face is the trial of FAITH. So know, for sure that we will be tested when we practice our Deen. But if we are strong in our Imaan just like these young men and not waver, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala Himself will shower us with His Mercy, protect us and provide for us from ways we can’t even imagine. As Allaah says: وَإِذِ اعْتَزَلْتُمُوهُمْ وَمَا يَعْبُدُونَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ فَأْوُوا إِلَى الْكَهْفِ يَنشُرْ لَكُمْ رَبُّكُم مِّن رَّحْمَتِهِ وَيُهَيِّئْ لَكُم مِّنْ أَمْرِكُم مِّرْفَقًا “And when you withdraw from them, and that which they worship, except Allaah, then seek refuge in the Cave, your Lord will open a way for you from His Mercy and will make easy for you your affair.” (Al-Kahf, 18:16) So remind yourself every Friday of this cardinal lesson... The tests will come but don’t let that daunt you. Just ignore the people, their snide remarks, their hateful stares. Don’t worry if they mock your beard or laugh at your hijaab. And don’t give it a second thought if they give you a hard time. You’re obeying Allaah and He will protect you and show you Mercy. He will reward you for your patience and find ways of provision for you. And He will grant you relief from your difficulties from sources you did not even know existed. Believe. Then Stand Strong. NOTHING can stand in your way if He’s with you. To be continued....