Al-Barā said that when a man was reciting sūra al-Kahf (Qur’ān,18) with a horse tied with two ropes at his side a cloud overshadowed him, and as it began to come nearer and nearer his horse began to take fright. He went and mentioned that to the Prophet in the morning and he said, “That was the Shechina* which came down by reason of the Qur’ān.” *The word in Arabic is as-sakīna which may be translated calmness; but here it has the article which indicates something more precise. It may therefore here refer to the Jewish idea of the Shechina which indicates a divine visitation,(Bukhārī and Muslim.)
The Excellent Qualities of the Qur'an - Mishkat al-Masabih 2117
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings upon His final Messenger Muhammad. This narration from Al-Barā ibn 'Āzib, preserved in the authentic collections of Bukhārī and Muslim, demonstrates the profound spiritual reality that accompanies the recitation of Allah's revealed words.
The Nature of As-Sakīna
The term "as-Sakīna" mentioned by the Prophet (peace be upon him) refers to a divine tranquility and presence that descends from Allah. While some modern translators render it merely as "calmness," the classical scholars understood it as a specific divine manifestation - a spiritual presence that brings peace to hearts and indicates Allah's approval and nearness.
This is distinct from the Jewish concept of Shechina, though the terms share etymological roots. In Islamic understanding, as-Sakīna is a creation of Allah that descends by His command, not an attribute of His essence. It represents divine support and confirmation, particularly during recitation of the Qur'an or times of spiritual need.
The Virtue of Sūrat al-Kahf
This incident specifically occurred during the recitation of Sūrat al-Kahf (The Cave), which contains numerous profound lessons and blessings. The chapter's narratives about the People of the Cave, the story of Moses and Khidr, and Dhul-Qarnayn provide protection from trials, particularly the trial of the Dajjāl.
The descent of as-Sakīna during its recitation indicates the special merit of this sūrah and serves as evidence that certain chapters of the Qur'an carry particular spiritual weight and divine attention when recited with presence of heart and proper intention.
The Visible Manifestation
The physical manifestation described - the cloud approaching and the horse's reaction - demonstrates that the spiritual realities associated with Qur'anic recitation can have tangible effects in the physical world. This aligns with numerous authentic narrations where companions witnessed supernatural phenomena during the Prophet's recitation or times of divine revelation.
The horse's fright indicates that animals, being pure in nature, can perceive spiritual realities that may be hidden from humans whose hearts are clouded by worldly concerns. This serves as a reminder that the Qur'an's power transcends human comprehension and affects all creation.
Practical Lessons
This narration encourages believers to recite the Qur'an regularly, especially Sūrat al-Kahf on Fridays, and to seek the divine tranquility that accompanies proper recitation. It teaches that when one engages with Allah's words sincerely, Allah sends down special blessings and spiritual support.
The incident also demonstrates the importance of consulting knowledgeable scholars about unusual spiritual experiences, as the companion did by approaching the Prophet for explanation. This prevents misunderstanding and ensures proper interpretation of divine signs.
May Allah grant us the ability to recite His book with proper understanding and to experience the divine tranquility that brings peace to our hearts. Āmīn.