حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغَ بَيْنَ ٱلسَّدَّيْنِ وَجَدَ مِن دُونِهِمَا قَوْمًا لَّا يَكَادُونَ يَفْقَهُونَ قَوْلًا 93
Translations
Until, when he reached [a pass] between two mountains, he found beside them a people who could hardly understand [his] speech.
Transliteration
Hattá idhá balaghá bayna as-saddayn wajada min dúnahimá qawman lá yakádún yafqahúna qawlá
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Dhul-Qarnayn's arrival between two mountains (as-saddayn), where he discovered a people who could barely understand speech. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as referring to the people of Gog and Magog (Ya'júj wa Ma'júj), whose language and communication were so primitive or foreign that they scarcely comprehended normal discourse. This portrayal emphasizes their isolation and underdeveloped civilization, setting the stage for Dhul-Qarnayn's subsequent mission to build the wall against them.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative section of Surah Al-Kahf (18:83-98) concerning Dhul-Qarnayn and his journeys. The surah was revealed in Mecca during the middle Meccan period. The broader context involves the story of Dhul-Qarnayn as a righteous king chosen by Allah to build a barrier against the destructive people of Gog and Magog, illustrating themes of divine protection and human responsibility.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly comments on this verse, Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim contain multiple hadiths about Ya'júj wa Ma'júj (Gog and Magog) and their role in the signs of the Hour, contextualizing the significance of this people mentioned in the Quran.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that throughout history, Allah has guided righteous leaders to address societal challenges and protect communities from harm. It also teaches that understanding and clear communication are blessings from Allah, and that divisions—whether linguistic, cultural, or geographical—require wisdom and divine guidance to overcome.