حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغَ مَغْرِبَ ٱلشَّمْسِ وَجَدَهَا تَغْرُبُ فِى عَيْنٍ حَمِئَةٍ وَوَجَدَ عِندَهَا قَوْمًا ۗ قُلْنَا يَـٰذَا ٱلْقَرْنَيْنِ إِمَّآ أَن تُعَذِّبَ وَإِمَّآ أَن تَتَّخِذَ فِيهِمْ حُسْنًا 86
Translations
Until, when he reached the setting of the sun [i.e., the west], he found it [as if] setting in a body of dark water, and he found near it a people. We [i.e., Allāh] said, "O Dhul-Qarnayn, either you punish [them] or else adopt among them [a way of] goodness."
Transliteration
Hattaa izaa balagha maghriba ash-shamsi wajadaha taghruba fee AAynin hamiah wa wajada AAindaha qawman qulna ya tha al-qarnayn imma an tuAAadhdhiba wa imma an tattakhidha feehim husna
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Dhul-Qarnayn's journey to the western horizon where he witnesses the sunset appearing to descend into a murky sea, and discovers a people dwelling there. Allah then presents him with two options regarding these people: either to punish them or to treat them with kindness. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that the 'setting into the sea' is described from Dhul-Qarnayn's perspective as an optical phenomenon, not a literal geological occurrence, and the two options Allah presents represent a test of his justice and mercy as a leader.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Dhul-Qarnayn (18:83-101), a major figure in Meccan revelation. The surah was revealed during the Meccan period when the Quraysh questioned the Prophet Muhammad about Dhul-Qarnayn. The broader context illustrates how Allah grants knowledge, strength, and authority to righteous leaders, and tests their character through the responsibilities they bear.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly addresses this specific ayah, Sunan Ibn Majah and other sources transmit reports that Dhul-Qarnayn is identified with Iskandar (Alexander the Great) by some scholars, though classical mufassirun differ on his exact historical identity. Hadiths emphasize that this narrative is primarily didactic rather than biographical.
Themes
Key Lesson
Leaders are tested through their choices in how they exercise power—whether through punishment or compassion—and true strength lies in choosing mercy and justice. The ayah reminds us that what appears extraordinary to us is within Allah's design, and our perception of events should not override our moral principles.
Related Ayahs
قَالَ أَلَمْ أَقُلْ إِنَّكَ لَن تَسْتَطِيعَ مَعِىَ صَبْرًا
[Al-Khiḍr] said, "Did I not say that with me you would never be able to have patience?"
وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَعْثَرْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ لِيَعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ وَعْدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقٌّ وَأَنَّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهَآ إِذْ يَتَنَـٰزَعُونَ بَيْنَهُمْ أَمْرَهُمْ ۖ فَقَالُوا۟ ٱبْنُوا۟ عَلَيْهِم بُنْيَـٰنًا ۖ رَّبُّهُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِهِمْ ۚ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ غَلَبُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَمْرِهِمْ لَنَتَّخِذَنَّ عَلَيْهِم مَّسْجِدًا
And similarly, We caused them to be found that they [who found them] would know that the promise of Allāh is truth and that of the Hour there is no doubt. [That was] when they disputed among themselves about their affair and [then] said, "Construct over them a structure. Their Lord is most knowing about them." Said those who prevailed in the matter, "We will surely take [for ourselves] over them a masjid."
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ جَنَّـٰتُ عَدْنٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهِمُ ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ يُحَلَّوْنَ فِيهَا مِنْ أَسَاوِرَ مِن ذَهَبٍ وَيَلْبَسُونَ ثِيَابًا خُضْرًا مِّن سُندُسٍ وَإِسْتَبْرَقٍ مُّتَّكِـِٔينَ فِيهَا عَلَى ٱلْأَرَآئِكِ ۚ نِعْمَ ٱلثَّوَابُ وَحَسُنَتْ مُرْتَفَقًا
Those will have gardens of perpetual residence; beneath them rivers will flow. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and will wear green garments of fine silk and brocade, reclining therein on adorned couches. Excellent is the reward, and good is the resting place.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ إِنَّا لَا نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ مَنْ أَحْسَنَ عَمَلًا
Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of any who did well in deeds.