Lessons from Surah al-Kahf (Pearls from the Qur'an)

by Abu Ammaar Yasir Qadhi

Not everybody is qualified to give da‘wah verbally. We can all give da‘wah by our actions and we can preach at a basic level what we know, but not everyone is qualified to respond to argumentation.

The meaning of Khiḍr a is ‘green’. Ibn Ḥajar and others have said that he was called Khiḍr because of his blessings, such that wherever he went the land would turn green behind him, that he would flourish and Allah S blessed him.

The one who does not have manners, even if he has knowledge that knowledge will not benefit him. On the other hand, the one who has manners but doesn’t have knowledge can still be of some benefit.

This teaches us that any time we’re having a conversation or debate, we should always put ourselves in the shoes of the other person, to try to see the world from their perspective. This will lead to empathy and sympathy.

Hence, it is allowed to give zakat to someone who owns some items that might be worth value but he is still struggling to get by.

Life is a test and every week we face challenges. When we read Surah al-Kahf we calm ourselves, we remind ourselves that trials are a part of this life and we should turn to Allah S. It reminds us to thank Allah S for His blessings, to seek refuge in Him from evil and to have a strong tawakkul and yaqīn in Allah S. For all these reasons Surah al-Kahf is also the protection from Dajjāl.