Abūd Dardā’ reported God’s messenger as saying, “If anyone learns by heart ten verses at the beginning of sūra al-Kahf (Qur’ān, 18) he will be protected from the dajjal.” Muslim transmitted it.
The Excellence of Sūrat al-Kahf's Opening Verses
This noble ḥadīth from the compilation Mishkāt al-Masābīḥ (Reference 2126) extols the profound spiritual protection granted to those who commit to memory the first ten verses of Sūrat al-Kahf. The Dajjāl represents the ultimate trial of faith in eschatological times, a false messiah whose deception will be all-encompassing. Memorizing these specific verses serves as a divine shield, grounding the believer's heart in truth and safeguarding it from this great fitnah.
Exegesis of the Protection
The protection is multifaceted. Primarily, it is a protection of one's creed ('aqīdah). The opening of Sūrat al-Kahf firmly establishes core Islamic beliefs—the oneness of God, the truth of revelation, and the reality of the hereafter—which are the very truths the Dajjāl seeks to corrupt.
Secondly, it is a protection of one's perception and intellect. The Dajjāl's trial is one of sensory and intellectual deception. The light of the Qur'ān, internalized through memorization and reflection, illuminates the mind, allowing the believer to distinguish truth from falsehood despite overwhelming illusions.
The Nature of the Act and Its Reward
The act prescribed is "learning by heart" (ḥafiẓa), which implies not merely rote memorization but an engagement that leads to internalization and understanding. The verb indicates a firm holding and safeguarding within one's heart and mind.
The reward, being "protected from the Dajjāl," is absolute in its wording. This demonstrates the immense power and barakah (blessing) inherent in these specific words of Allah. It is a promise from the Prophet, upon him be peace, that this specific spiritual practice yields this specific, unparalleled result.
Scholarly Context from "The Excellent Qualities of the Qur'an"
This tradition is a cornerstone in chapters discussing the unique virtues of specific Qur'ānic chapters. Scholars note that the entire sūrah is a narrative of great trials—of faith, wealth, knowledge, and power—making it a fitting antidote to the ultimate trial of the Dajjāl. By internalizing its beginning, the believer internalizes the sūrah's fundamental lessons of steadfastness.
The specification of "the beginning" of the sūrah directs the believer to the verses that contain praises of God, the revelation's purpose, and warnings to those who deny the truth—thematic pillars that directly counter the Dajjāl's message.