إِنَّا مَكَّنَّا لَهُۥ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَءَاتَيْنَـٰهُ مِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍ سَبَبًا 84
Translations
Indeed, We established him upon the earth, and We gave him from everything a way [i.e., means].
Transliteration
Inna makkanna lahu fil-ardi wa ataynahu min kulli shay'in sababa
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Dhul-Qarnayn, to whom Allah granted tremendous power and authority on earth, providing him with the means and resources to accomplish his great deeds, particularly the construction of the wall against Gog and Magog. Ibn Kathir explains that 'sababa' (means/causes) encompasses knowledge, strength, materials, and divine support—all the tools necessary for his mission. Al-Tabari and Al-Qurtubi note this demonstrates Allah's favor upon those He chooses, equipping them with both material resources and wisdom to use them justly.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the Story of Dhul-Qarnayn in Surah Al-Kahf (ayahs 83-101), a Meccan surah revealed to provide comfort to the Prophet Muhammad and believers facing persecution. The story illustrates divine power and justice, serving as a reminder that Allah grants authority to those who use it righteously. This particular ayah introduces Dhul-Qarnayn's character and divine empowerment before describing his righteous works.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly addresses this ayah, Sahih Bukhari records hadiths about seeking knowledge and means to accomplish good deeds. Related is the principle found in authentic collections that 'Actions are judged by intentions' (Sahih Bukhari 1), emphasizing that possessing means requires righteous intention—a quality exemplified by Dhul-Qarnayn in his subsequent actions.
Themes
Key Lesson
Allah grants power, knowledge, and resources to those whom He chooses, but such blessings come with the responsibility to use them justly and for the benefit of humanity. True success lies not merely in possessing means, but in directing them toward righteous purposes guided by wisdom and faith in Allah.
Related Ayahs
قَالَ هَـٰذَا رَحْمَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّى ۖ فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعْدُ رَبِّى جَعَلَهُۥ دَكَّآءَ ۖ وَكَانَ وَعْدُ رَبِّى حَقًّا
[Dhul-Qarnayn] said, "This is a mercy from my Lord; but when the promise of my Lord comes [i.e., approaches], He will make it level, and ever is the promise of my Lord true."
ٱلْمَالُ وَٱلْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا ۖ وَٱلْبَـٰقِيَـٰتُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلًا
Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.
أَمْ حَسِبْتَ أَنَّ أَصْحَـٰبَ ٱلْكَهْفِ وَٱلرَّقِيمِ كَانُوا۟ مِنْ ءَايَـٰتِنَا عَجَبًا
Or have you thought that the companions of the cave and the inscription were, among Our signs, a wonder?
فَٱنطَلَقَا حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَكِبَا فِى ٱلسَّفِينَةِ خَرَقَهَا ۖ قَالَ أَخَرَقْتَهَا لِتُغْرِقَ أَهْلَهَا لَقَدْ جِئْتَ شَيْـًٔا إِمْرًا
So they set out, until when they had embarked on the ship, he [i.e., al-Khiḍr] tore it open. [Moses] said, "Have you torn it open to drown its people? You have certainly done a grave thing."