Written by Mahvesh Siddiqui
This post draws from the beautiful notes of the late Farheen Azeemuddin (may Allah grant her the highest Jannah), as well as from a lecture by Shaykh Omar Suleiman that I attended through AlMaghrib Institute. These reflections pertain to Surah Kahf (Chapter 18 in the Qur’an), and are a combination of my own thoughts and hers. I share them here as a reminder to myself first.
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What is Wisdom?
Wisdom is not tied to age, degrees, or experiences. One may never have gone to school or traveled the world and yet possess deep wisdom. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was illiterate, had limited worldly experiences, and rarely traveled, yet he was the wisest of all human beings.
True wisdom begins with humility: knowing that you don’t know everything, being open to truths beyond your understanding, and listening to others with sincerity. Wisdom is the ability to step back, admit the limits of your knowledge, and trust that there is more at play than what you can see.
This humility in wisdom also helps us understand the struggles in our world today, including the current genocide in Palestine. Behind every hardship is a Divine plan unfolding—one we may not fully comprehend, but one that is written by the Most Wise.
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Allah as Al-‘Aleem and Al-Hakeem
Allah ﷻ is Al-‘Aleem (The All-Knowing) and Al-Hakeem (The Most Wise). He writes the best script for each of our lives. What feels like a delay, a setback, or even a loss may in reality incorporate the perfect timing and the perfect plan. Wisdom is trusting that Allah ﷻ will always do what is best—not only for us individually, but for all of humanity.
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Surah Kahf: A Timeless Reminder
The stories of Surah Kahf remind us that nothing happening today—whether in our personal lives or on the world stage—is truly new. History repeats itself, and believers are asked to hold on to faith through it all.
The encounter between Musa (AS) – Prophet Moses – and Khidr (AS) in verses 60–82 teaches us that belief in Allah’s Power is not enough; we must also believe in His Wisdom. Power is often easier to recognize. Wisdom, on the other hand, requires patience, trust, and surrender. This is where tawakkul comes in—trusting that Allah ﷻ will take care of you, just as He always has.
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Benefits of Surah Kahf
- Protection from Dajjal: The first and last ten ayahs protect us from the trials of Dajjal, which will manipulate perceptions and blur reality. Only belief in Allah’s decree will keep us grounded.
- Strengthening Trust in Allah: It reminds us not to lose faith when we cannot make sense of the world.
- Seeking Knowledge: Musa (AS) traveled far to seek knowledge from Khidr (AS), modeling humility and a lifelong pursuit of learning.
- Perspective on Trials: The story about the sleepers of the cave is about men living in a corrupt society, looking to escape. They take refuge in a cave and make sincere dua to Allah (swt) to help them. Their prayers are answered in the most beautiful way. They go to sleep for 300 years and wake up in a completely different time and society. This story teaches us to seek guidance, be patient, and place trust in Divine wisdom.
- Everyday Miracles: Unlike Surah Maryam, which highlights prophets, Surah Kahf shows us that miracles can happen to ordinary people who submit to Allah ﷻ.
The overarching theme is simple yet profound: Servitude leads to trust, and trust leads to miracles.
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Reflections from Musa (AS)’s Life
Musa (AS) is mentioned more than any other person in the Qur’an. His life, full of fear, exile, danger, and resilience, parallels the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in many ways. Both were orphans, both grew up in corrupt societies, and both faced trials that required complete reliance on Allah ﷻ.
- Tests are a Sign of Love
The ones Allah loves most are tested most. Prophets endured unimaginable hardships, not as punishment, but as purification and elevation. Ease itself can also be a test, like in the story of the man with two gardens who had unimaginable wealth and his wealth was his test.
- Trust the Divine Plan
Musa (AS)’s mother placed him in a basket to protect him from Pharaoh, only for him to be delivered into Pharaoh’s own household—yet still be nurtured by his mother. What appeared impossible was, in fact, the perfect Divine script.
- Courage Despite Fear
Musa (AS) is often described as fearful, yet fear did not disqualify him from greatness. Courage is not the absence of fear, but moving forward in spite of it. Prophet Musa’s words exemplifying that trust are preserved in the Qur’an: “…Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.” [26:62]
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Closing Reminder
The stories of Surah Kahf, the lessons of Musa (AS), and the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ all converge on one central truth: Wisdom is trusting Allah’s plan even when we cannot see the full picture.
In moments of crisis, grief, or confusion—whether in our own homes or in the face of global injustice—remember that Allah ﷻ is both All-Powerful and Most Wise.
Our role is to seek knowledge, practice sabr (patience), live as true servants of Allah, and trust in His decree. With that trust comes miracles, in this world and the next.
About the Author
Mahvesh Siddiqui works full-time in healthcare IT and is a mom of three. She teaches a weekly Seerah class for teenage girls and, while she does not hold formal Islamic education, she is passionate about learning and sharing knowledge with others. Outside of work and teaching, Mahvesh enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring Houston’s halal culinary scene, diving into fantasy novels, and watching Korean dramas.