Benefits of Reciting the First 10 Verses of Surah Kahf on Friday

Friday is the best of days, as evidenced by the statement of the Prophet ﷺ: “The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday. On it Adam was created, on it he was admitted into Paradise, on it he was expelled from it, and the Hour will not be established except on Friday.”

Friday is the day of congregational prayer, remembrance, and renewed connection with the Qur’an. Among the well-known and widely practiced Sunnah acts associated with Friday is the recitation of Surah Al-Kahf. Within this noble Surah, special attention has been given by scholars to the first 10 verses of Surah Kahf on Friday, why? What are its spiritual benefits?, and practical ways to incorporate it into your weekly routine, this article explores these points.

Why Reciting the First 10 Verses of Surah Kahf on Friday Is Recommended

The simple answer to why we recite the first 10 verses of Surah Kahf on Friday is that they protect a Muslim from the trial of the Dajjal.

Who is the Dajjal?

The word Dajjal is derived from dajl, which means lying and deception. It refers to a person who will appear at the end of times, claiming lordship. Allah will allow extraordinary events and apparent miracles to occur at his hands, making his trial extremely severe for humanity. His emergence will cause confusion and shaking of beliefs, and people will be divided regarding him: some will believe in him and follow him out of desire or fear, while others will reject him, flee from his trial, or resist and oppose him.

All the prophets warned their nations against him, and the Prophet ﷺ elaborated extensively on the danger he poses to people’s faith and beliefs. He then gave us what protects us from this great trial: memorizing the first ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf.

It is narrated from Abu Al-Darda’ that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever memorizes ten verses from the beginning of Surah Al-Kahf will be protected from the trial of the Dajjal.”

In other narrations, it is mentioned that the last ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf offer this protection. Therefore, let us take the goodness of the entire Surah and remain consistent in reciting it every Friday, as the Prophet ﷺ encouraged us to do.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, a light will shine for him from beneath his feet to the heights of the sky; it will illuminate for him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will be forgiven for what is between the two Fridays.”

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Step-by-Step Guide to Memorizing These Verses

Memorizing the first 10 verses of Surah Kahf on Friday is achievable for Muslims of all ages with consistency and sincerity. Here is a simple and effective step-by-step approach:

1. Begin With Correct Intention

A person who is sincere in intention is helped by Allah to obey Him. The phrase “Whoever draws near to Me a handspan” is part of a noble sacred (Qudsi) hadith, and its meaning is that Allah, Glorified and Exalted, rewards His servant for obedience and drawing closer to Him with something far greater and much faster in return.

2. Listen Before You Read

Listen to a skilled Qur’an reciter known for accurate pronunciation (tajwid). Repeated listening helps fix the verses in both heart and mind.

3. Read With Meaning

Understanding the meaning of the first 10 verses of Surah Kahf on Friday deepens concentration and strengthens memory.

4. Break the Verses Into Small Sections

5. Repeat Daily, Especially on Fridays

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Spiritual Benefits of Reading the First 10 Verses of Surah Kahf on Friday

1. Reciting Surah Al-Kahf is a cause for the descent of tranquility (sakīnah).

Al-Bukhari رحمه الله stated in his Sahih  from Al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib رضي الله عنه who said:

“A man was reciting Surah Al-Kahf while beside him was a horse tied with two ropes. A cloud came over him and began to draw nearer and nearer, and his horse started to become restless. When morning came, he went to the Prophet ﷺ and mentioned that to him. The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘That was tranquility (sakīnah) descending because of the Qur’an.’”

2. Memorizing ten verses from the beginning of Surah Al-Kahf is a protection from the Dajjal.

In this regard, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“Whoever among you encounters him, let him recite to him the opening verses of Surah Al-Kahf.”

It is also narrated from Abu Al-Darda’ رضي الله عنه that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever memorizes ten verses from the beginning of Surah Al-Kahf will be protected from the Dajjal.”

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3. It is among the early and ancient surahs that were memorized by the Companions.

It is reported from ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud رضي الله عنه that he said:

“Surat Bani Isra’il, Al-Kahf, Maryam, Ta-Ha, and Al-Anbiya’ are among the earliest revealed surahs, and they are among my treasured memorization.”

4. It is narrated from Abu Sa‘id Al-Khudri رضي الله عنه that the Prophet of Allah ﷺ said:

“Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf as it was revealed will have a light extending from his place to Makkah, and whoever recites ten verses from its end, and the Dajjal emerges, he will not be given power over him.”

5. It is narrated from ‘Aisha رضي الله عنه that she said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“Shall I not inform you of a surah whose greatness fills the space between the heavens and the earth, and for its scribe there is a reward equal to that? Whoever recites it on Friday will be forgiven for what is between that Friday and the next, with an additional three days. And whoever recites its last five verses at the time of sleeping, Allah will raise him at whatever time of the night He wills.”
They said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.”
He said: “It is the Surah of the Companions of the Cave (Surah Al-Kahf).”

Al-Darimi narrated from Muhammad ibn Kathir, from Zirr ibn Hubaysh, who said:
“Whoever recites the end of Surah Al-Kahf at the time he intends to stand for night prayer, Allah will cause him to rise at that time.”

‘Abdah said: “We tried this and found it to be true.”
Ibn Kathir said: “We also tried it many times during expeditions, and I would wake up at the exact time I intended.”

Incorporating This Practice Into Your Weekly Routine

Consistency is the key to benefiting fully from the first 10 verses of Surah Kahf on Friday. Surah Al-Kahf presents, through its eloquent style—dominated by a narrative approach—various forms of lofty guidance that lead to sound belief and upright conduct in the daily routine of a Muslim’s life as following: 

(A) Establishing a daily supplication to thank Allah for His blessings—and the Qur’an is among the greatest of these blessings: When we read Surah Al-Kahf, we see that it opens with praise of Allah Almighty, highlighting the status of the Prophet ﷺ and the Qur’an that was revealed to him. It then warns those who attribute to Allah, Exalted and Majestic, what does not befit Him, branding them with the vilest forms of falsehood.

(B) Relying upon Allah in all our affairs and remembering the story of the Companions of the Cave, who placed their trust in Allah’s support and victory for them: as the surah  narrated their words when they sought refuge in the cave, and described aspects of Allah’s care for them, His mercy, and His protection.

(C) Maintaining consistency in giving charity and caring for those in need: as the noble surah commands the Prophet ﷺ to care for the poor among his companions and praises them for calling upon their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face alone. 

(D) Practicing humility, remembering Allah’s blessings upon us, and not being among the ungrateful: as the surah sets forth an example of the grateful and the ungrateful, portraying in an eloquent and deeply moving style the remarkable dialogue that took place between the wealthy, arrogant owner of the two gardens and his poor, believing, and grateful companion. This dialogue concludes by clarifying the evil outcome of that ignorant and ungrateful man.

Ulum Al-Azhar Academy Tips on Quran Recitation for Friday

Qur’an recitation and memorization with Ulum Al-Azhar Academy is not about speed, but presence of heart and correctness of recitation. The following principles are widely taught in traditional centers of Qur’anic learning:

1. Observe Proper Tajwid
2. Balance Between Melody and Meaning
3. Combine Recitation With Understanding

Step-by-step guidance for memorizing the whole Quran by heart under the supervision of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif tutors through Quran Memorization online Course.

Conclusion

The practice of reciting the first 10 verses of Surah Kahf on Friday is a timeless act of worship deeply rooted in authentic Islamic teachings. It combines remembrance, protection, reflection, and renewal of faith into a simple yet powerful weekly habit.

By understanding its significance, memorizing the verses gradually, and incorporating them into your Friday routine, you allow the Qur’an to actively shape your spiritual journey. May Allah grant us sincerity in reciting His Book and allow the first 10 verses of Surah Kahf on Friday to be a source of light, guidance, and protection for us all.

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FAQs

Is it sufficient to recite only the first 10 verses of Surah Kahf on Friday?
Yes, it may be sufficient but  reading the entire Surah brings additional reward.

Can I recite these verses at any time on Friday?
Yes, the recitation is valid from the maghrib of Thursday until sunset of Friday.

Do I have to memorize them to receive the reward?
Memorization is recommended as some hadiths said “Whoever memorizes ten verses from the beginning of Surah Al-Kahf”