فَأَتْبَعَ سَبَبًا 85
Translations
So he followed a way
Transliteration
Fa-attaba'a sababan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Dhul-Qarnayn followed a path or means (sabab) to achieve his goal of building a wall against Gog and Magog. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that 'sabab' here refers to the practical methods and resources Dhul-Qarnayn employed—gathering workers, materials, and utilizing natural geographical advantages. This demonstrates the Islamic principle that while we must rely on Allah's help, we are also commanded to use reasonable means and effort (asbab) to accomplish our objectives.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Dhul-Qarnayn (verses 83-98 of Surah Al-Kahf), which was revealed in Mecca. The broader context addresses themes of Divine testing, human responsibility, and the use of knowledge and resources for beneficial purposes. The story serves as an example of righteous leadership and proper stewardship.
Related Hadiths
The principle of using means (asbab) is supported by the hadith: 'Trust in Allah, but tie your camel' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi), which teaches that we must combine reliance on Allah with practical effort and precaution.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches Muslims that faith in Allah and practical effort are complementary, not contradictory—we should pursue legitimate means while trusting in Allah's ultimate plan and provision for success.
Related Ayahs
خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا لَا يَبْغُونَ عَنْهَا حِوَلًا
Wherein they abide eternally. They will not desire from it any transfer.
أَفَحَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَن يَتَّخِذُوا۟ عِبَادِى مِن دُونِىٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ ۚ إِنَّآ أَعْتَدْنَا جَهَنَّمَ لِلْكَـٰفِرِينَ نُزُلًا
Then do those who disbelieve think that they can take My servants instead of Me as allies? Indeed, We have prepared Hell for the disbelievers as a lodging.
وَٱضْرِبْ لَهُم مَّثَلَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخْتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلْأَرْضِ فَأَصْبَحَ هَشِيمًا تَذْرُوهُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحُ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ مُّقْتَدِرًا
And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allāh is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.
وَلَوْلَآ إِذْ دَخَلْتَ جَنَّتَكَ قُلْتَ مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ ۚ إِن تَرَنِ أَنَا۠ أَقَلَّ مِنكَ مَالًا وَوَلَدًا
And why did you, when you entered your garden, not say, 'What Allāh willed [has occurred]; there is no power except in Allāh'? Although you see me less than you in wealth and children,