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
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.
فَأَرَدْنَآ أَن يُبْدِلَهُمَا رَبُّهُمَا خَيْرًا مِّنْهُ زَكَوٰةً وَأَقْرَبَ رُحْمًا
So we intended that their Lord should substitute for them one better than him in purity and nearer to mercy.
ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ عَلَىٰ عَبْدِهِ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَلَمْ يَجْعَل لَّهُۥ عِوَجَا ۜ
[All] praise is [due] to Allāh, who has sent down upon His Servant [Muḥammad (ﷺ)] the Book and has not made therein any deviance.
ذَٰلِكَ جَزَآؤُهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ بِمَا كَفَرُوا۟ وَٱتَّخَذُوٓا۟ ءَايَـٰتِى وَرُسُلِى هُزُوًا
That is their recompense - Hell - for what they denied and [because] they took My signs and My messengers in ridicule.