Surah Al-Kahf — Read the Full Surah in Arabic
110 verses · Meccan· Hafs ‘an ‘Asim · reading time ~15 minutes · recommended on Fridays
Listen to the recitation
By Saad Al-Ghamdi
Surah Sections
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
About Surah Al-Kahf
Surah Al-Kahf is the eighteenth surah in the order of the mushaf and is Meccan — revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ) before the migration to Madinah. It contains 110 verses, and takes its name from the story of the People of the Cave with which it opens.
The text shown on this page is according to Hafs ‘an ‘Asim, the recitation adopted in most of the Muslim world, in the Uthmani script of the Madinah mushaf.
The surah contains four great stories, each addressing one of the four trials a person may be tested with: the trial of religion, the trial of wealth, the trial of knowledge, and the trial of authority.
The Virtues of Surah Al-Kahf
1. Reading it on Friday
Abu Sa‘id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, a light will shine for him from one Friday to the next” (Hakim and Bayhaqi, authenticated by al-Albani).
2. Memorizing its opening for protection from the Dajjal
Abu ad-Darda’ (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever memorizes ten verses from the beginning of Surah Al-Kahf will be protected from the Dajjal” (Muslim). Another narration says: “from the end of Surah Al-Kahf.”
3. Reflecting on the lessons of the trials
The surah contains four great stories addressing the four trials a Muslim faces in life. Reflecting on them is a key to deliverance and patience in adversity.
The Four Stories of Surah Al-Kahf
1. The People of the Cave — the trial of religion
Youths who believed in their Lord and withdrew from their disbelieving people, taking refuge in a cave to flee with their religion. Allah caused them to sleep there for three hundred years and added nine more, then resurrected them as a sign for their people. The lesson: standing firm in religion in the face of trial.
Read the story in the surah (verses 9–26) →2. The Owner of the Two Gardens — the trial of wealth
A man whom Allah gave wealth and bounty was deceived by what he had been given and assumed his blessing would never end, until Allah destroyed his garden over him. The lesson: beware of being deluded by blessings and forgetting the One who gave them.
Read the story in the surah (verses 32–44) →3. Moses and al-Khidr — the trial of knowledge
The journey of Moses (peace be upon him) to meet a righteous servant whom Allah had given special knowledge. Moses witnessed three events with hidden wisdom. The lesson: above every possessor of knowledge is one more knowing — and humility before the truth.
Read the story in the surah (verses 60–82) →4. Dhul-Qarnayn — the trial of authority
A king whom Allah established in the land. He traveled the earth establishing justice and built the barrier between Gog and Magog to protect people. The lesson: power and authority are a trust to be used to reform the earth, not to corrupt it.
Read the story in the surah (verses 83–98) →Tips for Reading and Memorization
- Make a habit of reading it every Friday — or on Thursday night after Maghrib.
- Memorize the first ten verses (1–10) and the closing verses for protection from the trial of the Dajjal.
- Reflect on the meanings of the verses and the four stories — a treasury of wisdom and lessons.
- Use the “font size” buttons above the page to pick a comfortable size for your eyes.
- You can print the surah from your browser (Ctrl+P) for a clean paper copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many verses are in Surah Al-Kahf?
Surah Al-Kahf contains 110 verses and is the eighteenth surah in the order of the mushaf. It is a Meccan surah.
Why is it recommended to read Surah Al-Kahf on Friday?
Several hadiths describe the virtue of reading Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, including the Prophet’s (ﷺ) words: “Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, a light will shine for him from one Friday to the next” (Hakim and Bayhaqi). Reading it is also a protection from the trial of the Dajjal for those who memorize its opening.
What is the virtue of memorizing the first ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf?
Muslim narrated from Abu ad-Darda’ (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever memorizes ten verses from the beginning of Surah Al-Kahf will be protected from the Dajjal.” Another narration says: “from the end of Surah Al-Kahf.”
What are the four stories in Surah Al-Kahf?
Surah Al-Kahf contains four central stories: the People of the Cave (the trial of religion), the Owner of the Two Gardens (the trial of wealth), Moses and al-Khidr (the trial of knowledge), and Dhul-Qarnayn (the trial of authority).
Is this surah Meccan or Medinan?
Surah Al-Kahf is Meccan — revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ) before the migration to Madinah.
Which recitation is the text on this page?
The text shown on this page is according to Hafs ‘an ‘Asim — the recitation adopted in most of the Muslim world — in the Uthmani script of the Madinah mushaf.
How long does it take to read Surah Al-Kahf in full?
Reading Surah Al-Kahf in full takes about 12 to 18 minutes at a moderate pace, depending on speed and reflection — roughly under a quarter of an hour.
Why is it called Surah “Al-Kahf” (The Cave)?
It takes its name from the story of the People of the Cave (Ashab al-Kahf) mentioned in its opening (verses 9–26) — the youths who believed in their Lord and took refuge in a cave to flee with their religion.
How can I protect myself from the trial of the Dajjal?
It is reported in authentic hadith that reading or memorizing the first ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf protects from the trial of the Dajjal, and that reading it weekly on Friday is encouraged.
How can I enlarge the text for clearer reading?
Use the “font size” buttons above the text to choose the size that suits you: normal, large, or extra-large. Your choice is saved automatically for future visits.
More surahs to read
- Surah Al-Fatihah — full text — Mother of the Book — recited in every rakah of every prayer
- Surah As-Sajdah — full text — recited in the Fajr prayer on Fridays and every night before sleep
- Surah Yasin — full text — the Heart of the Quran
- Surah Ar-Rahman — full text — the Bride of the Quran
- Surah Al-Waqi‘ah — full text — the terrors of the Day of Judgment and the three groups of people
- Surah Al-Mulk — full text — recommended every night before sleep
- Surah Al-Insan — full text — recited with As-Sajdah in the Fajr prayer on Fridays
- Surah An-Naba — full text — the first surah of Juz ‘Amma — a powerful proof of the Resurrection
Selected verses
- Ayat al-Kursi — the greatest verse of the Holy Quran
- Khawatim Surah Al-Baqarah — “whoever recites them at night, they will suffice him”
- Allah does not burden a soul — the closing verse of Surah Al-Baqarah
Listen and watch
- Saudi Quran Radio — listen to recitations of the Holy Quran
- Live broadcast of Masjid al-Haram