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
وَٱتْلُ مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَيْكَ مِن كِتَابِ رَبِّكَ ۖ لَا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَـٰتِهِۦ وَلَن تَجِدَ مِن دُونِهِۦ مُلْتَحَدًا
And recite, [O Muḥammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord. There is no changer of His words, and never will you find in other than Him a refuge.
وَعَرَضْنَا جَهَنَّمَ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْكَـٰفِرِينَ عَرْضًا
And We will present Hell that Day to the disbelievers, on display -
۞ وَتَرَكْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ يَمُوجُ فِى بَعْضٍ ۖ وَنُفِخَ فِى ٱلصُّورِ فَجَمَعْنَـٰهُمْ جَمْعًا
And We will leave them that day surging over each other, and [then] the Horn will be blown, and We will assemble them in [one] assembly.
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغَ مَطْلِعَ ٱلشَّمْسِ وَجَدَهَا تَطْلُعُ عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍ لَّمْ نَجْعَل لَّهُم مِّن دُونِهَا سِتْرًا
Until, when he came to the rising of the sun [i.e., the east], he found it rising on a people for whom We had not made against it any shield.