According to a hadith in Sahih Muslim, whoever memorizes or reads the first 10 verses of Surah Al-Kahf will be protected from the trial of the Dajjal. Below: this hadith's source, the differences in detail across various reports, the content of these verses, and why they're specifically associated with the trial of the Dajjal, with sources.
The Hadith's Source
In a hadith conveyed from Abu al-Darda (may God be pleased with him) and found in Sahih Muslim's "Kitab al-Fitan" section, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever memorizes the first ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf will be protected from the trial of the Dajjal." This hadith is considered reliable because it appears in Muslim, one of the authentic hadith sources, and is the most frequently cited report on the subject.
Which Juz Is Surah Al-Kahf In?
Surah Al-Kahf spans juz 15 and 16: it begins in juz 15, continuing directly from Surah Al-Isra (17), and stays within that juz through verse 74; from verse 75 onward it moves into juz 16, where it ends. The first 10 verses referenced in the hadith are in juz 15 — well before the juz-15/16 boundary at verse 74, so there is no ambiguity about which juz they belong to. See our Juz page to see where every surah starts and ends.
The First Ten or the Last Ten? Differences Between Reports
Some reports in hadith sources state "the first ten verses," while others state "the last ten verses." Hadith commentators generally note that both reports are conveyed through authentic chains of transmission, and that reading or memorizing either the first or the last ten verses can therefore be considered meritorious. This difference in detail does not change the hadith's core message — that a certain section of Surah Al-Kahf carries a protective merit.
What Do the First 10 Verses Say?
The first 10 verses of Surah Al-Kahf form the surah's opening: praise of God, the Quran being revealed as a book without deviance, warning wrongdoers and giving good news to those who believe and do righteous deeds, worldly life being a place of trial, and then the opening of the story of the People of the Cave (18:9-10). These verses close with an emphasis on God's oneness and the supplication of the People of the Cave seeking refuge in God ("Our Lord, grant us mercy from Yourself and prepare for us right guidance in our affair") — a supplication that is itself a request for refuge and for staying on the right path. Despite its brevity, this ten-verse section carries both the theme of God's oneness and of seeking refuge together, which makes the protective merit specifically emphasized in the hadith more understandable; this also makes it a valuable starting point both for memorization and for reflection. Its brevity also offers a reasonable, attainable, and motivating goal for those attempting memorization for the first time; someone who completes these ten verses can move on to longer, more ambitious goals with confidence. This small but meaningful achievement adds a concrete sense of progress to a person's relationship with the Quran.
Why Is It Associated with the Dajjal?
The Diyanet Kur'an Yolu Tafsir and hadith commentators note that at the root of this association is the resemblance between the theme in the story of the People of the Cave — "preserving faith against worldly pressures and deceptive powers" — and the nature of the trial of the Dajjal (deceptive miracles, material power, false claims). That is, the association is not arbitrary but directly connected to the story's content: remaining firm in faith, not being taken in by deceptive appearances.
Is Memorizing Necessary, or Is Reading Alone Enough?
The word "memorizes" (hifz) in the hadith has been interpreted by some scholars as literal memorization, and by others as "reading carefully and dwelling on it." Rather than seeking a definitive obligation on this point, it is recommended that a person, according to their capacity, both read these verses and try to grasp their meaning. For those who want to memorize, the first 10 verses are a relatively attainable goal because of their brevity; they can be memorized with a few weeks of regular repetition.
What Is Its Relationship with Friday?
The merit hadith about the first 10 verses of Surah Al-Kahf is a matter independent of the separate reports about reading the surah on Friday; but in practice, many people combine the two, both reading the surah (or a portion of it) on Friday and separately giving attention to the first 10 verses. This combination is not obligatory; it has simply become widespread as a practical habit in daily life. See our article Reading Surah Al-Kahf on Friday for details on the Friday reading practice.
The Lesson Between the People of the Cave and the Trial of the Dajjal
The shared characteristic of the young people described in the first 10 verses is that they did not compromise their beliefs despite pressure from those around them; this forms a symbolic model of preparation against the trial of the Dajjal, who is described as misleading people with false miracles and deceptive promises. Commentators summarize this connection as "the real trial is being able to stand firm against things that appear pleasing to the eye but are hollow within." This reading makes the verses valuable not just for memorization, but also as a source of awareness against deceptive influences encountered in daily life.
How Can We Make This Report Meaningful?
Those who want to connect a topic that seems abstract and distant, like the trial of the Dajjal, with daily life can also read these verses as a practice of "staying alert against deceptive appearances." Remaining cautious in the face of exaggerated promises and misleading images encountered on social media, in advertising, or in daily relationships is an attitude that aligns with the general principle these verses carry. This interpretation makes the verses meaningful not just as a historical hadith text, but as counsel applicable to present-day life. This perspective makes it easier to keep in mind, while memorizing the verses, not just their sound but also the counsel they carry.
Practical Plan
A practical way for those who want to read these verses regularly: on Friday mornings, you can use the Friday — Selections from Al-Kahf listening routine to listen to the first 10 verses while following their translation, then repeat them weekly with a memorization goal.
The first 10 verses of Surah Al-Kahf form a powerful reading passage with both its message on God's oneness and the opening of the story of the People of the Cave; the report on the merit of these verses appears in Sahih Muslim. Whether you choose the first ten or the last ten, what matters is reading these verses with understanding and carrying the counsel they hold into your daily life — a far more lasting gain than a mere memorization exercise. You can listen to the Arabic text, translation, and audio recitation starting from verse 1 of Surah Al-Kahf. See our article What Does Surah Al-Kahf Talk About? for what the surah as a whole talks about. Our FAQ page can also help with your questions. For a full Friday routine built around Jumu'ah and Surah Al-Kahf, see A Thoughtful Friday Routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times should Ayat al-Kursi be recited?
There is a known report of reciting it once before sleep. Numbers without a source should not be presented as obligatory.
Can it be recited when leaving the house?
Yes, a person may recite it whenever they wish. No definite guarantee against accident or harm can be established from this.
Is reading the Turkish translation enough?
The translation is valuable for learning the meaning; whether it substitutes for the Arabic recitation is a separate matter.
Can it be recited for a child?
It can be recited. If there is a health or behavioral concern, professional evaluation should not be neglected.
Note: This content is for general information; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views. Consult a scholar you trust for personal religious decisions.
Sources
- Sahih Muslim, Kitâbü'l-Fiten
- Diyanet's Kur'an Yolu Tafsir — Kehf Suresi
- TDV Encyclopedia of Islam, 'Kehf Sûresi' maddesi