Notes on Soorah al-Kahf Verse 1

Notes on Soorah al-Kahf


Introduction

• Kahf means ‘cave’ in verse 9 (Ashaabul Kahf)
• Earlier times titled “Soorah ashaab al kahf”

Place of Revelation

• Subject-matter and style is in Makkah. Some scholars consider verses 1-8, 28 and 107-110 in Madeenah.
• Inauthentic narration from Ibn kathir quoting Tabari about three Quraish men asking the Jews about Prophet Muhammad. The three questions were 1) the youth who disappeared in earlier times 2) traveler to from East toWest 3) Concerning the Soul. Ibn Is’haaq’s teacher was unknown.

The Merits of the Soorah

• Descent of Tranquility – Hadeeth of Al Baraa about a man reciting Soorah al kahf when an animal in his house became agitated and there was cloud hovering over him. The prophet instructed him to continue his recitation. Sahih Muslim.
• Protection from Dajjaal – First ten verses (Sahih Muslim) or lat ten verses (Sahih Muslim) from Soorah al Kahf.
• A Source of light – illumination by its light from one Friday to the next (Mustadrak – Saheeh al Jaami’) and as a light on the Day of Resurrection (Mustadrak – Saheeh at Targheeb).
• Forgiveness – “ …he would be forgiven for his sins between the two Fridays” a mawqoof narration from Ibn Umar according to Ibn Kathir. [The meaning is correct according to hadeeth].

Soorah al-Kahf (The Cave) 18

Verse 1. Praise be to Allah, Who revealed to His Servant the Scripture in which He did not allow any deviation.

• Do not praise yourselves (53:32). Allah is the source of all goodness and blessings. Self praise by Allah is not a vice but a virtue and right.

• Alhamd means “Describing the one praised with perfection as an expression of love and glorification”. Hamd is more general praising for one’s character and thanks for what he has done. Shukr is only thanking for what one has hone and not for characteristics. (Ibn Kathir).

• Allah can be called God because al-Ilaah is one of His attributes.

• Virtues of Alhamdulillah

o Best Supplication – Hadeeth of Jabir ibn Abdillah “The best way to remember Allah is Laa ilaha illallah and the best supplication is alhamdulillah. (Saheeh Sunan Ibn Maajah).

o Giving thanks for Blessings - giving thanks for blessing is itself a cause for increased blessings. [14:7]

• The Occasions for alHamdulillah
o On Awakening from Sleep [Alhamdulillah alladhee ahyana ba’da ma amaatana wa ilayhin-nushorr] [All praise is due to Allah who brought us to life after causing us to die and to him belongs the resurrection.] (Sahih Al Bukhari)
o On Completion of Meals
o On Seeing Suffering

• “Who revealed to His Servant”
o Prophet Muhammad is described as ‘His Servant’ in three context” 1) When describing the revelation of the Qur’an 2) When speaking in his defence 3) On the occasion of his ascension. Thoug all creatures are His servants, because he was the greatest servant of Allah amongst human beings. In the most honorable positions of the Prophet, Allah described him as a servant. Thus, the most blessed description of a human being is that of a “Servant of Allah”.

• “The Scripture”
o Primarily here the Qur’an. It is the greatest blessing which He has granted the people of the earth – takes them out for darkness into light.

• “He did not allow any deviation”
o Two characteristics of perfection from all sides

 Negating from it any deviation (its information is free from lies, and its commands or prohibitions free from oppression or frivolity).
 Affirming uprightness (it only informs about and commands the most important issues that which fills the hearts with understanding, faith and reason.
o See 4:82
o Compared to the Old Testament where the prophets of God are described in the most corrupt terms. Prophet Abraham as drunkard; Prophet Lot committing incest with his daughters; Prophet David committing adultery’ and Prophet Solomon worshipping idols in his old age.

o Hindu Scriptures – god incarnate [avatar] Krishna hiding clothes of women swimming naked in lakes (Govindpuran).

From Tafseer Soorah al Kahf by Dr. Bilal Philips