Whoever memorizes the first ten verses of Surat al-Kahf will be protected from the Antichrist." Another version reads: "the last ten verses of Surat al-Kahf
Abu Ad-Dardā’ (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said:
Abu Ad-Dardā’ (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever memorizes the first ten verses of Surat al-Kahf will be protected from the Antichrist." Another version reads: "the last ten verses of Surat al-Kahf."
Attribution: Narrated by Muslim
Grade: Authentic
Explanation
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed that whoever memorizes ten verses from the beginning of Surat al-Kahf by heart will be protected, guarded, and shielded from the trial of the Antichrist, who will appear at the end of time and claim divinity. His trial will be the greatest trial on Earth from the time of Adam's creation until the advent of the Hour, due to the supernatural events that Allah Almighty will allow him to perform to deceive his followers. This is because the beginning of Surat al-Kahf contains wonders and signs that are greater than what the Antichrist will use to deceive the people. Therefore, whoever reflects upon it will not be deceived by the Antichrist. Another version reads: The last ten verses of the Surah from His statement: {Do the disbelievers think that they can take My slaves...}.
Benefits
Pointing out the merit of Surat al-Kahf and that its beginnings or endings protect against the trial of the Antichrist.
It informs about the Antichrist and outlines the means of protection against him.
Encouraging the memorization of Surat al-Kahf in its entirety, and if one is unable to do this, then he may memorize its first and last ten verses.
Al-Qurtubi said regarding the reason for this: It is said: This is because of the wonders and signs found in the story of the People of the Cave; whoever reflects on it will not be astonished by the matter of the Antichrist and will not be alarmed by it, thus he will not be misled by him. It is also said that it is due to His saying: {To warn of severe punishment from Him}, emphasizing the severity of the punishment and its divine origin. This aligns with what the Antichrist will claim regarding divinity, his dominance, and the magnitude of his trial. This is why the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized the seriousness of his matter, warned against him, and sought refuge from his trial. Therefore, the meaning of the Hadīth is that whoever reads these verses, reflects on them, and understands their meaning will be cautious and safe from him.
