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
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?"
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.
قَالَ هَـٰذَا رَحْمَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّى ۖ فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعْدُ رَبِّى جَعَلَهُۥ دَكَّآءَ ۖ وَكَانَ وَعْدُ رَبِّى حَقًّا
[Dhul-Qarnayn] said, "This is a mercy from my Lord; but when the promise of my Lord comes [i.e., approaches], He will make it level, and ever is the promise of my Lord true."
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.