ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَ سَبَبًا 92
Translations
Then he followed a way.
Transliteration
Thumma atba'a sababan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Dhul-Qarnayn continued his journey by following a path or way (sabab) to reach the next location. According to classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, the word 'sabab' refers to a route, method, or means of access. This verse emphasizes Dhul-Qarnayn's systematic and purposeful approach in his mission to build the wall against Gog and Magog, showing his determination to progress despite challenges.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the story of Dhul-Qarnayn in Surah Al-Kahf, which narrates his travels and his construction of a wall to protect people from the aggression of Ya'juj wa Ma'juj (Gog and Magog). The surah was revealed in Mecca during the middle Meccan period, and this story serves as a lesson about righteousness, resourcefulness, and divine assistance in confronting challenges.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly references this specific ayah, the broader theme relates to the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned Dhul-Qarnayn as a righteous servant of Allah who used his knowledge and resources to benefit his people.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to actively seek and utilize the means available to them (through effort, planning, and resources) while trusting in Allah's guidance, reflecting the Islamic principle that we must do our part and trust Allah with the results. It encourages purposeful action and persistence in pursuing noble objectives.
Related Ayahs
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغَ مَغْرِبَ ٱلشَّمْسِ وَجَدَهَا تَغْرُبُ فِى عَيْنٍ حَمِئَةٍ وَوَجَدَ عِندَهَا قَوْمًا ۗ قُلْنَا يَـٰذَا ٱلْقَرْنَيْنِ إِمَّآ أَن تُعَذِّبَ وَإِمَّآ أَن تَتَّخِذَ فِيهِمْ حُسْنًا
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."
وَإِذِ ٱعْتَزَلْتُمُوهُمْ وَمَا يَعْبُدُونَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ فَأْوُۥٓا۟ إِلَى ٱلْكَهْفِ يَنشُرْ لَكُمْ رَبُّكُم مِّن رَّحْمَتِهِۦ وَيُهَيِّئْ لَكُم مِّنْ أَمْرِكُم مِّرْفَقًا
[The youths said to one another], "And when you have withdrawn from them and that which they worship other than Allāh, retreat to the cave. Your Lord will spread out for you of His mercy and will prepare for you from your affair facility."
قَالَ فَإِنِ ٱتَّبَعْتَنِى فَلَا تَسْـَٔلْنِى عَن شَىْءٍ حَتَّىٰٓ أُحْدِثَ لَكَ مِنْهُ ذِكْرًا
He said, "Then if you follow me, do not ask me about anything until I make to you about it mention [i.e., explanation]."
قُلْ إِنَّمَآ أَنَا۠ بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ أَنَّمَآ إِلَـٰهُكُمْ إِلَـٰهٌ وَٰحِدٌ ۖ فَمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ لِقَآءَ رَبِّهِۦ فَلْيَعْمَلْ عَمَلًا صَـٰلِحًا وَلَا يُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِۦٓ أَحَدًۢا
Say, "I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone."