فَمَا ٱسْطَـٰعُوٓا۟ أَن يَظْهَرُوهُ وَمَا ٱسْتَطَـٰعُوا۟ لَهُۥ نَقْبًا 97
Translations
So they [i.e., Gog and Magog] were unable to pass over it, nor were they able [to effect] in it any penetration.
Transliteration
Fama ista'aa'u an yazharūhu wa mā istata'aw lahu naqbā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the inability of Dhul-Qarnayn's people to scale or penetrate the wall he built against Gog and Magog (Ya'jūj wa Ma'jūj). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as emphasizing the impenetrability of the fortification—neither could they climb over it nor dig through it—demonstrating divine aid in constructing an insurmountable barrier. The verse illustrates how Allah grants capability to His chosen servants to accomplish great works that serve the interests of righteousness and protection of communities.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the Dhul-Qarnayn narrative in Surah Al-Kahf (18:83-98), which discusses his journey and construction of a wall. The broader surah addresses tests of faith, and this story exemplifies trust in Allah's provision and wisdom. The narrative is Meccan, serving to strengthen the faith of early Muslims during persecution by highlighting divine protection and providential care.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly addresses this specific verse, Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim contain traditions about Ya'jūj wa Ma'jūj (Gog and Magog) and their eschatological significance, including hadiths from 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr and other companions regarding the signs of the Hour.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that when we align our efforts with righteousness and divine will, Allah grants us the ability to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks; it reminds us that obstacles to evil can be established through sincere effort combined with reliance on Allah's strength and wisdom.