Adapted from Tafsir Ibn Ashur

Themes and purpose:

This Makkan surah was revealed primarily to answer three challenge questions posed by the polytheists, providing guidance against the trials of the world. It tells three major narratives: the Sleepers in the Cave, Musa with al-Khaḍir, and Dhū al-Qarnayn, to console the Prophet (ﷺ) and affirm that faith must be proven in the face of materialism, persecution, and arrogance.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan by unanimous agreement.

Context: The surah was revealed specifically in response to the Quraysh, who (after consultation with Jewish rabbis) sought to test the Prophet (ﷺ) with three questions: the youths who disappeared (the Cave), the great traveler (Dhū al-Qarnayn), and the Soul. The Prophet (ﷺ) promised to answer but did not say "in shā’ Allah (if God wills)" causing a delay in revelation (of three days in some reports, and fifteen in others), which brought him distress. The surah then descended all at once, answering the first two questions (the answer concerning the Soul was revealed in Sūrat al-Isrā’ [17:85]).

Chronology: It has been counted as the 68th surah in order of revelation in the well-known chronology of Jābir ibn Zayd, revealed after Sūrat al-Ghāshiyah and before al-Shūrā.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah's established name is "Sūrat al-Kahf" (The Cave), used by the Prophet (ﷺ) himself. It is also called "Sūrat Aṣḥāb al-Kahf" (The Companions of the Cave).

Virtue: The Prophet (ﷺ) states, “Whoever memorises ten verses from the beginning of al‑Kahf (and in another report: “from its end”) will be protected from the Dajjāl.” [Muslim] One Companion experienced tranquility descending upon him like a cloud while reciting the surah. [Bukhārī]

Ayah Count: The count varies: 105 (Makkah/Madīnah), 110 (Kūfah), or 111 (Baṣrah).

Surah Overview:

• Praising Allah for the Quran’s revelation and defending its lofty status against its opponents from the polytheists (and their confidantes from the Jews); warning those who attribute a son to Him. [1-5]
• Consoling the Prophet (ﷺ) regarding the disbelief and mockery of his people and concerning the delay of the revelation. [6]
• Warning against the trial of worldly life and its adornments, a signal of its great tests. [7-8, 45-46]
• Telling the story of the Companions of the Cave (a trial of faith). [9-26]
• Reminders and parables about the fleeting nature of dunya. [27–31, 45–46] 
• Telling the parable of the two men and the gardens (a trial of wealth). [32-44]
• Reminding of the Resurrection and Judgment. [47-53]
• Warning of the enmity of Satan and his rejection of Adam. [50]
• Telling the story of Moses and al-Khaḍir (a trial of knowledge/patience). [60-82]
• Telling the story of Dhū al-Qarnayn (a trial of power). [83-99]
• Closing scenes of the Day of Judgement; the futility relying on “partners” besides Allah; and a final declaration that the Messenger (ﷺ) is but a human servant honored by revelation, and that true hope lies only in meeting Allah with pure faith and righteous action. [100–110]