Seeking refuge before reciting
أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
A'udhu billahi min al-shaytan al-rajim
I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan.
Qur'an 16:98
When to read it
The window runs from Maghrib on Thursday to Maghrib on Friday. Reading it in the morning leaves the day free, and reading it before Maghrib fits the hour of response.
The four trials of the surah
Surah al-Kahf recounts four trials: faith (the people of the cave), wealth (the owner of the two gardens), knowledge (Musa and al-Khidr) and power (Dhul-Qarnayn) — the same trials the Dajjal will bring.
Memorising the first ten verses is reported as protection from the Dajjal.
Supplications
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I listen to Surah al-Kahf instead of reading it?
Listening attentively carries reward, but the reported virtue is tied to reciting. Read what you can and follow along with a recitation.
Do I need wudu to read Surah al-Kahf?
Wudu is required to touch a physical mushaf according to the majority. Reciting from memory or a screen without wudu is permitted.