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
مَّا لَهُم بِهِۦ مِنْ عِلْمٍ وَلَا لِـَٔابَآئِهِمْ ۚ كَبُرَتْ كَلِمَةً تَخْرُجُ مِنْ أَفْوَٰهِهِمْ ۚ إِن يَقُولُونَ إِلَّا كَذِبًا
They have no knowledge of it, nor had their fathers. Grave is the word that comes out of their mouths; they speak not except a lie.
وَعَرَضْنَا جَهَنَّمَ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْكَـٰفِرِينَ عَرْضًا
And We will present Hell that Day to the disbelievers, on display -
وَلَبِثُوا۟ فِى كَهْفِهِمْ ثَلَـٰثَ مِا۟ئَةٍ سِنِينَ وَٱزْدَادُوا۟ تِسْعًا
And they remained in their cave for three hundred years and exceeded by nine.
وَكَذَٰلِكَ بَعَثْنَـٰهُمْ لِيَتَسَآءَلُوا۟ بَيْنَهُمْ ۚ قَالَ قَآئِلٌ مِّنْهُمْ كَمْ لَبِثْتُمْ ۖ قَالُوا۟ لَبِثْنَا يَوْمًا أَوْ بَعْضَ يَوْمٍ ۚ قَالُوا۟ رَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا لَبِثْتُمْ فَٱبْعَثُوٓا۟ أَحَدَكُم بِوَرِقِكُمْ هَـٰذِهِۦٓ إِلَى ٱلْمَدِينَةِ فَلْيَنظُرْ أَيُّهَآ أَزْكَىٰ طَعَامًا فَلْيَأْتِكُم بِرِزْقٍ مِّنْهُ وَلْيَتَلَطَّفْ وَلَا يُشْعِرَنَّ بِكُمْ أَحَدًا
And similarly, We awakened them that they might question one another. Said a speaker from among them, "How long have you remained [here]?" They said, "We have remained a day or part of a day." They said, "Your Lord is most knowing of how long you remained. So send one of you with this silver coin of yours to the city and let him look to which is the best of food and bring you provision from it and let him be cautious. And let no one be aware of you.