Q: The person asking this question faces a problem when he recites Surah Al-Kahf. He says that he recites the Qur’an from Surah Al-Fatihah to the end of Surah Al-Isra’ while feeling absolutely fine, but once he starts reciting Surah Al-Kahf, he feels ill and loses consciousness. He only recovers consciousness a few hours later. When he comes to himself, he recites from Surah Maryam (Mary) to Surah Al-Nas. He only feels ill when he recites Surah Al-Kahf; therefore, he has stopped reciting it for three years. He is now asking if he is sinful for not reciting it? Or is it permissible for him to leave it? Finally, how can he solve this problem?

(Part No. 4; Page No. 254)  A: The Qur’an is the Words of Allah wherein there is guidance, light and healing for the ills of the hearts. Whoever recites it sincerely, ponder its Ayahs, and acts according to its laws, Allah will grant them deep insight in religion, certainty of faith and will avert from them the deceit of the devils. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to protect himself before going to sleep by reciting these three Surahs: Surah Al-Ikhlas, Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "He is Allâh, (the) One. And Surah Al-Falaq, Say: "I seek refuge with (Allâh), the Lord of the daybreak, and Surah An-Nas, Say: "I seek refuge with (Allâh) the Lord of mankind, He used to recite them three times, blow into his palms after each time, and then rub his hands against his face and any other parts he could reach of his body. He enjoined his followers to recite Ayat-ul-Kursy (the Qur’anic Verse of the Throne, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255) before going to bed as protection from Satan until morning. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also approved of the deed of the Companion who recited Al-Fatihah as a Ruqyah (supplications recited over the sick seeking healing) to cure a leading figure of the disbelievers who had been bit by a snake and was cured thereby. He enjoined his followers to use the Qur’an in general as a Ruqyah, for the Qur’an brings all good things, blessings, and healing. “Goodness can never bring evil,” as said the Prophet (peace be upon him); rather a person may bring evil upon himself through insincerity or misapplication.Consequently, the questioner’s complaint of feeling ill or losing consciousness while reciting Surah Al-Kahf is either true or merely an illusion. If it is an illusion, he should fear Allah and forget these illusions. If it is true, then it may be incitement from the evil Jinn or from Satan to stop the person from reciting the whole Qur’an or a particular Surah, making him suffer when reciting it. If the person avoids reciting this Surah, the devil proves triumphant, thus reaching his goal. He will go further in tempting him until he gains full control over him and makes him a brother of the devils, whom the devils plunge deeper into error, and they never stop. (Part No. 4; Page No. 255) To rescue oneself from this evil, the person should seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan with deep sincerity, true supplication, making recourse to Allah to protect him from the devils. This way the person becomes a pious servant not a brother of devils. Allah guides us to this in His Saying (which means): And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaitân (Satan), then seek refuge with Allâh. Verily, He is All-Hearer, All-Knower. Verily, those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2), when an evil thought comes to them from Shaitân (Satan), they remember (Allâh), and (indeed) they then see (aright). But (as for) their brothers (the devils) they (i.e. the devils) plunge them deeper into error, and they never stop short. Our advice to the questioner, is to seek refuge with Allah from Satan when you start reciting the Qur’an in general along with having sincerity of faith, humbleness of heart, and recourse to Allah. You should not abandon reciting Surah Al-Kahf or any other Surah to escape suffering. The neglect of the frailty, the fears and illusions which Satan casts into your heart will frustrate him and thwart his evil tricks. Have glad tidings, for Allah will be with you as Allah is always with those who are pious and those who are good-doers.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.