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
وَكَانَ لَهُۥ ثَمَرٌ فَقَالَ لِصَـٰحِبِهِۦ وَهُوَ يُحَاوِرُهُۥٓ أَنَا۠ أَكْثَرُ مِنكَ مَالًا وَأَعَزُّ نَفَرًا
And he had fruit, so he said to his companion while he was conversing with him, "I am greater than you in wealth and mightier in [numbers of] men."
قَالَ إِنَّكَ لَن تَسْتَطِيعَ مَعِىَ صَبْرًا
He said, "Indeed, with me you will 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."
لَّـٰكِنَّا۠ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ رَبِّى وَلَآ أُشْرِكُ بِرَبِّىٓ أَحَدًا
But as for me, He is Allāh, my Lord, and I do not associate with my Lord anyone.