Surah Kahf Tafseer Part 5 (Ayah 83-110) - The story of Dhul Qarnayn & Conclusion

And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about Dhul-Qarnayn. Say, "I shall recite to you something of his story."

We have already mentioned how the disbelievers of Makkah sent word to the Jews and asked them for some information with which they could test the Prophet SAWW. The Jews said, `Ask him about a man who travelled extensively throughout the earth, and about some young men, and about the Ruh (the soul) (IK)

This story is about the trial of power. Allah narrates the story of a righteous king, who had the rare combination of power and taqwa.  Power gives one instant access to fame, wealth, fortune and control over people, and this often corrupts the mind and soul. In the history of humanity, most people that were given power became trapped in a cycle of greed and desired even more power.  Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Seven people Allah will give them His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but the Shade of His Throne (i.e., on the Day of Resurrection): And they are: a just ruler; a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah; a person whose heart is attached to the mosques, two men who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom an extremely beautiful woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer and) says: 'I fear Allah'; a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand does not know what the right has given; and a man who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes become tearful". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Narrated `Abdur-Rahman bin Samura:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "O `Abdur-Rahman! Do not seek to be a ruler, for if you are given authority on your demand then you will be held responsible for it, but if you are given it without asking (for it), then you will be helped (by Allah) in it." (Bukhari)

Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "It is out of reverence to Allah in respecting an aged Muslim, and the one who commits the Qur'an to memory and does not exaggerate pronouncing its letters nor forgets it after memorizing, and to respect the just ruler".[Abu Dawud]

Dhul Qurnayn: According to some opinions, Dhul Qarnayn was a Prophet. Allah says we gave him power, but Allah did not mention that he was given revelation/knowledge. The majority opinion is that Dhul Qarnayn was a righteous king who was blessed with a huge kingdom.  He spent his life in traveling and conquering the world, establishing the deen of Allah and justice wherever he went.

Dhul qarnayn was not his name but it was his title.

Qarn=horn OR a long period of time/era. Why was he given this title?

He ruled over the world for a long period of time(more than a century)

1= He had conquered the east and west of the world (as the Arabs often say ‘qarni-ash-Shams’ which means ‘two horns of the sun’ intending the east and the west of the world, where the sun rises and sets)

2= He had a crown with two horns

3= He had two locks of hair

4= Two marks on his forehead, shaped like horns

According to some commentators, this refers to Alexander, but this is an incorrect opinion as Alexander was a polytheist. According to some, it refers to Cyrus, who was a Persian ruler that saved Bani Israel from an oppressive king, and was a monotheist. Allah knows best.  (MQ)

However, it is not definitely known that how long Dhul-Qarnayn ruled, what his real name was, how long he lived, whether he was a prophet or a righteous servant, why his name was Dhul-Qarnayn, how much kingdom and forces he had, whether he was Alexander or Cyrus, what part of the land he ruled, how long was the length and the width of the dam he built, what age it was, and so on. (YQ)

Instead of saying Zikruhu, the ayah says minhu zikran. The purpose of this structure is to emphasise that Allah will tell SOMETHING about him/a PART of his story, but not the complete story. Allah will only narrate the part that is relevant to our faith and amal. (MQ)

 Indeed We established him upon the earth, and We gave him the means of everything

Allah says We had given him great power, so that he had all that kings could dream of e.g. might, armies, war equipment and siege machinery. He had dominion over the east and the west, all countries and nations submitted to him.

We had also given him Sabab the means of everything i.e. knowledge, means, resources, insight, experience, power etc. Min kulli shaiyin means that he was given all things possibly required by a ruler to govern a kingdom. Allah had given him practically everything he needed to defeat the wrongdoers, conquer the world, and establish universal peace and justice. (MQ

So he followed a way

 It could mean that he followed different routes to conquer the world. It could also mean that he followed the routes and landmarks of the earth. (IK)

Until, when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it [as if] setting in a spring of dark mud, and he found near it a people. Allah said, "O Dhul-Qarnayn, either you punish [them] or treat them with kindness.

He followed a route until he reached the furthest point that could be reached in the direction of the sun's setting, which is the west of the earth. As for the idea of his reaching the place in the sky where the sun sets, this is something impossible, and the tales told by storytellers that he travelled so far to the west that the sun set behind him are not true at all. Most of these stories come from myths and the fabrications.

Hami'ah could refer to cloudy/muddy/murky water. It could be water beneath which there is mud, causing the water to appear black. It is not clear what exactly the nature of the water was, but it was unusual. He saw the sun as if it were setting in the ocean. This is something which everyone who goes to the coast can see: it looks as if the sun is setting into the sea but in fact it never leaves its path in which it is fixed. The onlooker perceives it as setting into the sea because there is no other land/habitation in sight. (IK)

He conquered this nation  of infidels. Allah gave him power over them and a choice: if he wanted to, he could punish them straight way, or he could treat them with kindness and invite them to goodness/truth. This was a test for him and his justice and faith became apparent in the ruling he pronounced. (IK)

Allah speaking to Dhul Qarnayn does not have to be direct speech/revelation. It could be that Allah communicated to Dhul Qarnayn AS through another Prophet, and not through Wahy. It could also be Ilhaam i.e. to give inspiration/put something in his heart. This happened to Musa AS’s mother too when she was inspired to put Musa AS in a basket. Ilhaam was even given to bees and animals. (MQ)

He said, "As for one who wrongs, we will punish him. Then he will be returned to his Lord, and He will punish him with a terrible punishment.

The one who does wrong refers to the criminal who persists in Kufr and in associating others in worship with his Lord. He will be punished in this world and he will receive a severe, far-reaching and painful punishment in akhirah.  (IK)

But as for one who believes and does righteousness, he will have a reward of Paradise, and we will speak to him from our command with ease."

"yusr" - we'll speak kindly, easily. So on the day of judgment, Allah will give them an easy reckoning. According to scholars, it means almost no reckoning at all, just a superficial look over their book of deeds without going into the nitty gritty details.  (SK)

Then he followed a way

Until, when he came to the rising of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had not made against it any shield.

Allah tells us that Dhul-Qarnayn then traveled from the west of the earth towards the east. Every time he passed a nation, he subjugated the people and called them to Allah. From every nation he took what his armies needed to fight the next nation.  Dhul-Qarnayn continued his journey until when he reached the last flourishing point of that land, where the sun rises, and he found a nation that had no shield against the sun.

What does Sitr/shield refer to?

1= they were in a land where there were no trees or mountains. Nothing grew, so when the sun rose they would go into tunnels until it had passed its zenith, then they would come out to go about their daily lives and earn themselves a living.

2= they were uncivilized and could not make buildings/roofs for protection.

They lived with passing their lives primitively and without facilities e.g. living in the wild.  (IK)

So(it was). And We had encompassed [all] that he had in knowledge.

This means that Allah knew everything about him and his army, and nothing was hidden from Him, even though they came from so many different nations and lands.

Truly, nothing is hidden from Allah, in the earth or in the heaven.(3:5)

So, it was i.e. just as it was before. He did the same with this nation.

Then he followed a way

Until, when he reached [a pass] between two mountains, he found beside them a people who could hardly understand [his] speech.

Then he travelled from the east of the earth until he reached a place between two mountains that were next to one another, with a valley in between. Saddain refers to the two mountains that stood as a barrier against Yajuj Majuj.

This nation was so isolated from other people that they were unable to communicate normally. This indicates that Dhul Qarnayn went to a far away land that was cut off from human civilization.  (YQ)

They said, "O Dhul-Qarnayn, indeed Gog and Magog are [great] corrupters in the land. So may we assign for you an expenditure that you might make between us and them a barrier?"

Yajuj and Majuj were causing evil in the land, so the people communicated to Dhul Qarnayn to help them by building a barrier between the two mountains. They recognized that Dhul Qarnayn was a righteous king and they offered to collect money among themselves to give to him in return of this service.

He said, "That in which my Lord has established me is better [than what you offer], but assist me with strength; I will make between you and them a dam.

Dhul-Qarnayn said that what Allah has given me is better for me than what you have collected for me. He asked them to help him with their physical strength i.e., with manual labour and raw material.

He changed the word for the barrier from Sadd to Radm. Sadd means a dam, while Radm refers to a special fortified dam/barrier, which usually has two walls with a sand layer in between.

Bring me sheets of iron" - until, when he had leveled [them] between the two mountain walls, he said, "Blow [with bellows]," until when he had made it [like] fire, he said, "Bring me, that I may pour over it molten copper."

Zubar is the plural of Zubrah, which refers to the pieces/nuggets/chunks of Hadeed. He put the blocks on top of one another, starting at the bottom, until he reached the top of the mountains, filling the width and height of the gap. He lit a fire until the wall was molten and burning hot. He then asked for Qitran (molten copper) to pour over the wall. Copper gave a smooth finish, so it prevented them from climbing and scaling the wall. (IK)

So Gog and Magog were unable to pass over it, nor were they able [to effect] in it any penetration.

Ya'juj and Ma'juj could not climb OVER the barrier or dig a hole THROUGH it.

Note: Varying forms of the verb are used here in the Arabic text. More letters are used for digging through the barrier (Istataau), and a shorter form of the verb is used for climbing over it(Istaau). The purpose of the longer verb form is to highlight the difficult of the action of digging compared to climbing. Different forms of verbs are used here to avoid repetition. (IK)

 [Dhul-Qarnayn] said, "This is a mercy from my Lord; but when the promise of my Lord comes, He will make it level, and ever is the promise of my Lord true."

He did not associate this massive achievement with himself but immediately emphasized that the construction of this huge barrier is a mercy from Allah. He did not become deceived by his own power. Then he reminded the people that the barrier is temporary and it will be levelled when the appointed time comes. Dakka means that He will make it flat. The Arabs use Dakka' to describe a female camel whose back is flat and has no hump.  (IK)

This is the wall from from which Ya'juj and Ma'juj will emerge before the day of Judgement and spread fitnah on the earth, destroying crops and people. Ya'juj and Ma'juj are humans and from among the progeny of Adam, more specifically from Yafith, the son of Nuh AS. They will spread throughout the earth, and the Muslims under Isa AS will flee from them until the remainder of the Muslims are in their cities and fortresses, taking their flocks with them. They will pass by a river and drink from it, until they leave nothing behind, and the last of them will follow in their footsteps and one of them will say: 'There was once water in this place.' They will prevail over the earth.

Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "On the day of Resurrection Allah will say, 'O Adam!' Adam will reply, 'Labbaik our Lord, and Sa`daik ' Then there will be a loud call (saying), Allah orders you to take from among your offspring a group for the (Hell) Fire.' Adam will say, 'O Lord! What is the group of the (Hell) Fire?' Allah will say, 'Out of each thousand, take out 999.' At that time every pregnant female shall drop her load (have a miscarriage) and a child will have grey hair. And you shall see mankind as in a drunken state, yet not drunk, but severe will be the torment of Allah." (22.2) (When the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned this), the people were so distressed (and afraid) that their faces got changed (in color) whereupon the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "From Gog and Magog nine-hundred ninety-nine will be taken out and one from you." (Bukhari)

And We will leave them that day surging over each other, and [then] the Horn will be blown, and We will assemble them in [one] assembly

This could refer to the release of Yajuj and Majuj when the last hour approaches, or this could refer to the Day of judgement itself. Yajuj and Majuj are only mentioned twice in the Qur’an. They are so many in number that they are like swarming bees, climbing over one another. When the day of Judgement will approach, they will be released. These are among the final signs of the Day of Judgment:

And there is prohibition upon [the people of] a city which We have destroyed that they will [ever] return. Until when [the dam of] Gog and Magog has been opened and they, from every elevation, descend. And the true promise has approached… (21:95-96)

Hudhaifa b. Usaid al-Ghifari reported:  Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came to us all of a sudden as we were (busy in a discussion). He said: What do you discuss about? They (the Companions) said. We are discussing about the Last Hour. Thereupon he said: It will not come until you see ten signs before and (in this connection) he made a mention of the smoke, Dajjal, the beast, the rising of the sun from the west, the descent of Jesus son of Mary (Allah be pleased with him), the Gog and Magog, and land-slides in three places, one in the east, one in the west and one in Arabia at the end of which fire would burn forth from the Yemen, and would drive people to the place of their assembly. (Sahih Muslim)

The major signs are: coming of Dajjal and his rule over the Earth. This is followed by the descent of Isa AS and the battle between Isa AS/Imam Mahdi and Dajjal. After that, the believers will take sanctuary at the Tur mountain. Then Yajuj and Majuj will come out and cause destruction, and they will exhaust all the resources on Earth. Then Isa AS will make dua and Allah will cause all of them to be killed. This will be followed by Earthquake in the east, west and Arabian peninsula, Smoke, Beast, the sun rising from the west, a fire in Yemen.

It was narrated from Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"Gog and Magog people will be set free and they will emerge as Allah says: "swoop(ing) down from every mound."[21:96] They will spread throughout the earth, and the Muslims will flee from them until the remainder of the Muslims are in their cities and fortresses, taking their flocks with them. They will pass by a river and drink from it, until they leave nothing behind, and the last of them will follow in their footsteps and one of them will say: 'There was once water in this place.' They will prevail over the earth, then their leader will say: 'These are the people of the earth, and we have finished them off. Now let us fight the people of heaven!' Then one of them will throw his spear towards the sky, and it will come back down smeared with blood. And they will say: 'We have killed the people of heaven.' While they are like that, Allah will send a worm like the worm that is found in the noses of sheep, which will penetrate their necks and they will die like locusts, one on top of another. In the morning the Muslims will not hear any sound from them, and they will say: 'Who will sell his soul for the sake of Allah and see what they are doing?' A man will go down, having prepared himself to be killed by them, and he will find them dead, so he will call out to them: 'Be of good cheer, for your enemy is dead!' Then the people will come out and let their flocks loose, but they will not have anything to graze on except their flesh, and they will become very fat as if they were grazing on the best vegetation they ever found.' (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Narrated Zainab bint Jahsh:

The Prophet (ﷺ) got up from his sleep with a flushed red face and said, Laa ilaha illallah. Woe to the Arabs, from the Great evil that is nearly approaching them. Today a gap has been made in the wall of Gog and Magog like this." (and he made a circle with his index finger and thumb) It was asked, "Shall we be destroyed though there are righteous people among us?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Yes, if evil increases." (Bukhari)

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"Gog and Magog people dig every day until, when they can almost see the rays of the sun, the one in charge of them says: "Go back and we will dig it tomorrow." Then Allah puts it back, stronger than it was before. (This will continue) until, when their time has come, and Allah wants to send them against the people, they will dig until they can almost see the rays of the sun, then the one who is in charge of them will say: "Go back, and we will dig it tomorrow if Allah wills.' So they will say: "InshaaAllah." Then they will come back to it and it will be as they left it. So they will dig and will come out to the people, and they will drink all the water. The people will fortify themselves against them in their fortresses. They will shoot their arrows towards the sky and they will come back with blood on them, and they will say: "We have defeated the people of earth and dominated the people of heaven." Then Allah will send a worm in the napes of their necks and will kill them thereby.'(Sunan Ibn Majah)

Immediately after mentioning one of the signs of the Day of Judgement, Allah mentions the scene of the day of Judgement when all mankind will be assembled before Him. When the trumpet is blown from the first time, every creature will die. When the second trumpet is blown, people will be gathered and presented before Allah. This Ayah refers to the second trumpet. The akhirah comes naturally to our mind after hearing about Yajuj and Majuj.   (YQ)

And we shall gather them all together so as to leave not one of them behind. (18:47)

Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "How can I feel at ease when the Angel of the Trumpet, (Israfil) has put his lips to the Trumpet and is waiting for the order to blow it". He (ﷺ) perceived as if this had shocked his Companions, so he (ﷺ) told them to seek comfort through reciting: 'Hasbunallah wa ni'mal-Wakil [Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)]".[At-Tirmidhi]

It was narrated that 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud said:

"On the night on which the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was taken on the Night Journey (Isra'), he met Ibrahim, Musa and 'Eisa, and they discussed the Hour. They started with Ibrahim, and asked him about it, but he did not have any knowledge of it. Then they asked Musa, and he did not have any knowledge of it. Then they asked 'Eisa bin Maryam, and he said: 'I have been assigned to some tasks before it happens.' As for as when it will take place, no one knows that except Allah. Then he mentioned Dajjal and said: 'I will descend and kill him, then the people will return to their own lands and will be confronted with Gog and Magog people, who will: "swoop down from every mound."[21:96] They will not pass by any water but they will drink it, (and they will not pass) by anything but they will spoil it. They (the people) will beseech Allah, and I will pray to Allah to kill them. The earth will be filled with their stench and (the people) will beseech Allah and I will pray to Allah, then the sky will send down rain that will carry them and throw them in the sea. Then the mountains will turn to dust and the earth will be stretched out like a hide. I have been promised that when that happens, the Hour will come upon the people, like a pregnant woman whose family does not know when she will suddenly give birth.'" (One of the narrators) 'Awwam said: "Confirmation of that is found in the Book of Allah, where Allah says: "Until, when Gog and Magog people are let loose (from their barrier), and they swoop down from every mound (21:96)." (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Then Gog and Magog will emerge and they will, as Allah describes, "swoop down from every mound."[21:96] The first of them will pass by lake Tiberias and drink from it, then the last of them will pass by it and will say: "There was water here once." The Prophet of Allah, 'Eisa and his companions will be besieged there until the head of an ox would be dearer to any one of them than one hundred Dinar are to any one of you today. Then, the Prophet of Allah, 'Eisa and his companions will supplicate Allah. Then Allah will send a worm in their necks and the next morning they will all die as one. The Prophet of Allah 'Eisa and his companions will come down and they will not find even the space of a hand span that is free of their stink, stench and blood. They will pray to Allah, and He will send birds with necks like the necks of Bactrian camels, which will pick them up and throw them wherever Allah wills. Then Allah will send rain which will not leave any house of clay or hair, and it will wash the earth until it leaves it like a mirror (or a smooth rock). Then it will be said to the earth: "Bring forth your fruits and bring back your blessing." On that day a group of people will eat from a (single) pomegranate and it will suffice them, and they will seek shelter beneath its skin. Allah will bless a milch- camel so that it will be sufficient for a large number of people, and a milch-cow will be sufficient for a whole tribe and a milch-ewe will be sufficient for a whole clan. While they are like that, Allah will send a pleasant wind which will seize them beneath their armpits and will take the soul of every Muslim, leaving the rest of the people fornicating like donkeys, and upon them will come the Hour.'" (Sunan Ibn Majah)

MINOR SIGNS:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The Hour will not be established (1) till two big groups fight each other whereupon there will be a great number of casualties on both sides and they will be following one and the same religious doctrine, (2) till about thirty Dajjals (liars) appear, and each one of them will claim that he is Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), (3) till the religious knowledge is taken away (by the death of Religious scholars) (4) earthquakes will increase in number (5) time will pass quickly, (6) afflictions will appear, (7) Al-Harj, (i.e., killing) will increase, (8) till wealth will be in abundance ---- so abundant that a wealthy person will worry lest nobody should accept his Zakat, and whenever he will present it to someone, that person (to whom it will be offered) will say, 'I am not in need of it, (9) till the people compete with one another in constructing high buildings, (10) till a man when passing by a grave of someone will say, 'Would that I were in his place (11) and till the sun rises from the West. So when the sun will rise and the people will see it (rising from the West) they will all believe (embrace Islam) but that will be the time when: (As Allah said,) 'No good will it do to a soul to believe then, if it believed not before, nor earned good (by deeds of righteousness) through its Faith.' (6.158) And the Hour will be established while two men spreading a garment in front of them but they will not be able to sell it, nor fold it up; and the Hour will be established when a man has milked his she-camel and has taken away the milk but he will not be able to drink it; and the Hour will be established before a man repairing a tank (for his livestock) is able to water (his animals) in it; and the Hour will be established when a person has raised a morsel (of food) to his mouth but will not be able to eat it." (Bukhari)

And We will present Hell that Day to the Disbelievers, on display –

Allah tells us what He will do to the disbelievers on the Day of Resurrection. He will present and display Hell to them, before they are thrown into it.

'Abdullah bin Mas'ud narrated that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said:

"Hell will be brought forth on that Day (of Resurrection) having seventy thousand bridles, and with every handle will be seventy thousand angels dragging it'". (Tirmidhi)

Those whose eyes had been within a cover [removed] from My remembrance, and they were not able to hear.

Ghitaa= a cover. Allah mentions that their eyes are within a cover. Islam is a rational religion that appeals to the intellect, heart and soul. Some people deliberately choose to remain blind to the signs of Allah although they have been exposed to the truth. This verse refers to spiritual blindness and deafness i.e. they see signs and hear the truth, but choose to ignore. (YQ)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind. He will say, "My Lord, why have you raised me blind while I was [once] seeing? [ Allah ] will say, "Thus did Our signs come to you, and you forgot them; and thus will you this Day be forgotten. And thus do We recompense he who transgressed and did not believe in the signs of his Lord. And the punishment of the Hereafter is more severe and more enduring. (20: 124-127)

Then do those who disbelieve think that they can take My servants instead of Me as allies? Indeed, We have prepared Hell for the disbelievers as a lodging.

This refers to the Jews, Christians and Mushrikoon who had associated partners with Allah e.g. Isa A.S., false gods, angels etc.

Wali is someone who resolves matters, fulfils needs, and hence is the true object of worship

Nuzul= It is a welcome gift/the appetizer before the full course meal. So, after a Nuzul, there is anticipation for more hospitality. Allah is being sarcastic and telling them that Hell has been prepared for them as hospitality.

Say, [O Muhammad], "Shall we [believers] inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds?

 [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work."

Akhsareena=worst losers.

This Ayah is general and refers to everyone who thinks that his deeds will be accepted, but he is mistaken and his deeds will be rejected. This is because their deeds were not purely for the sake of Allah but were for the wrong motives.

Saee=effort. This includes efforts done for the dunya and the religious efforts that were done with the wrong intentions (for associates other than Allah or for the ske of creation).  They think that they are doing well in work and they have achieved something great, but they are mistaken. Our efforts only count if they are made in the right direction. Their deeds will be wasted because of kufr and shirk. (IK)

And We shall turn to whatever deeds they did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust.(25:23)

Those are the ones who disbelieve in the verses of their Lord and in [their] meeting Him, so their deeds have become worthless; and We will not assign to them on the Day of Resurrection any importance.

They denied the signs of Allah in this world, the proofs that He has established of His Oneness and of the truth of His Messengers, and they denied the Hereafter. We will not make their Balance heavy because it is empty of any goodness.(IK)

That is their recompense - Hell - for what they denied and [because] they took My signs and My messengers in ridicule.

These people made a mockery of the revelation and messengers, so Allah will make a mockery of them in the akhirah.

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - they will have the Gardens of Paradise as a lodging,

Firdaws is the centre of Paradise, and the highest level of paradise, and the best part of paradise. Jannah is like a pyramid, so Firdaus is the highest level and the middle.

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Allah has said: I have prepared for My righteous servants what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no heart has conceived. So recite if you wish: No person knows what is kept hidden for them of delights of the eye as a reward for what they used to do (32:17). And in Paradise there is a tree under whose shade a rider can travel for one hundred years without stopping. Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3292

'Ubadah bin As-Samit narrated that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said:

"In Paradise, there are a hundred levels, what is between every two levels is like what is between the heavens and the earth. Al-Firdaus is the highest level, and from it the four rivers of Paradise are made to flow forth. So when you ask Allah, ask Him for Al-Firdaus." (Tirmidhi)

Narrated Abu Huraira:

So, when you ask Allah (for something), ask for Al-firdaus which is the best and highest part of Paradise." (i.e. The sub-narrator added, "I think the Prophet also said, 'Above it (i.e. Al-Firdaus) is the Throne of Beneficent (i.e. Allah), and from it originate the rivers of Paradise.") (Bukhari)

“In Paradise there are one hundred degrees that Allah has prepared for those who strive in the cause of Allah; the distance between each two degrees is like the distance between heaven and earth. So if you ask of Allah, then ask Him for al-Firdaws, for it is the middle of Paradise and the highest part of Paradise. I think that above it is the Throne of the Most Merciful, and from it spring the rivers of Paradise.” (Bukhari)

Imaan and good deeds are paired together at multiple places in the Qur’an. Allah does not praise Imaan that is devoid of  any amal, because that is not true Imaan. If we truly believed in Allah, it would cause us to act accordingly. We cannot claim to love Allah and live a life of disobedience to Him. Iblees was also technically a believer in Allah, the prophets, the books, and the day of judgement, but he did not have true faith. He refused to act on Allah’s command of prostrating to Adam AS, so Allah rejected him. (YQ)

Wherein they abide eternally. They will not desire from it any transfer

They will stay there and never leave and they will never choose or want anything else. This Ayah tells us how much they love and desire it, even though one might imagine that a person who is to stay in one place forever would get tired and bored of it. It is part of our nature to get bored of things easily. Our excitement for new things is very short lived and fades away quickly. We always want to upgrade to the latest models. We are never satisfied. But the pleasures will be eternal in Firdaus.(IK)

Recall that Nuzula is like an appetizer, and after the initial hospitality, one is in anticipation of more i.e. change. Hiwala means change. Allah is implying that we will be happy with what we have been given and will not desire Hiwal/change, but Allah will still continue to give us Nuzul/constant entertainment. (NAK)

Say, "If the sea were ink for [writing] the words of my Lord, the sea would be exhausted before the words of my Lord were exhausted, even if We brought the like of it as a supplement."

 Even if those oceans were ink for the Words of Allah, and all the trees were pens, the pens would be broken and the water of the sea would run dry, and the Words of Allah would remain, for nothing can outlast them. For no one can comprehend the greatness of Allah. Our Lord is as He says He is and He is beyond what we can say or know. Allah’s knowledge is unlimited, and He has given us only a part of knowledge. We can never encompass Allah’s complete knowledge.

"The parable of the knowledge of all of mankind, in comparison to the knowledge of Allah, is that of a drop of water in comparison to all of the oceans.''  (IK)

And if whatever trees upon the earth were pens and the sea [was ink], replenished thereafter by seven [more] seas, the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise. (31:27)

Why would the oceans run out when the Qur’an is not a huge book? Kalimaat not only refers to Allah’s revelation in the form of Qur’an but to every single one of his instructions/knowledge. “Kun” is also a kalima, so imagine how many tasks are being carried out every single moment. (NAK)

Midaad comes from madd= extension. It implies that the ink becomes the extension of our thoughts, hands, understanding i.e. a part of you is now on paper. It is also used for a large amount of ink.

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."

After mentioning the greatness of Allah, we are being reminded of the status of RasulAllah SAWW. He was a man like us with similar human challenges, but he was blessed with high status because of the Wahy from Allah.

These are the two basic features of acceptable deeds: their intent is for the sake of Allah alone, and are done in accordance with the instructions of the Messenger of Allah. Showing off and hoping for reward from others is also a form of shirk. We must safeguard out intentions and check them repeatedly. This is the meaning of seeking the pleasure of Allah alone with no associate or partner.  (IK)

“You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything)” [al-Faatihah 1:5]

What I fear the most for you is the small Shirk. "They said: What is the small Shirk, O Messenger of Allah'' He said, (Showing off (Ar-Riya'). Allah will say on the Day of Resurrection, when the people are rewarded or punished for their deeds, "Go to the one for whom you were showing off in the world and see if you will find any reward with him.'' (Musnad Ahmed)

 “Shall I not tell you about what I fear for you more than the presence of the False Messiah(Dajjal)?” We said, “Of course!” He said, “Hidden idolatry; that a man stands for prayer and beautifies his prayer because he sees another man looking at him.” (Ibn Majah Hadith 4202)

It was narrated from Abu Sa’d bin Abu Fadalah Al-Ansari, who was one of the Companions, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“When Allah assembles the first and the last on the Day of Resurrection, a day concerning which there is no doubt, a caller will cry out: ‘Whoever used to associate anyone else in an action that he did for Allah, let him seek his reward from someone other than Allah, for Allah is so self-sufficient that He has no need of any associate.’ (Tirmidhi)

It is okay to do actions for the sake of Allah, and receive appreciation from people in return. But if you start doing actions for the sake of praise, then that is Raya. We constantly need to rectify our niyyahs and make them exclusive for the sake of Allah. We can do a good deed openly with the niyyah of encouraging someone, but not with the niyyah of impressing them. (SK)

“When the Day of Resurrection comes, Allaah, may He be blessed and exalted, will come down to judge between His slaves, and every nation will be kneeling. The first ones to be called forth will be a man who learned the Qur’aan by heart, a man who fought for the sake of Allaah, and a man who had a lot of wealth. Allaah will say to the Qur’aan-reader, ‘Did I not teach you that which I revealed to My Messenger?’ He will say, ‘Yes, O Lord.’ He will say, ‘What did you do with that which I taught you?’ He will say, ‘I used to read it night and day.’ Allaah will say to him, ‘You have lied,’ and the angels will say to him, ‘You have lied.’ Allaah will say, ‘Rather you wanted it to be said that So and so is a reader of Qur’aan, and that is what was said.’ Then the wealthy man will be brought forth, and Allaah will say to him, ‘Did I not give you ample provision so that I did not leave you in need of anybody?’ He will say, ‘Yes, O Lord.’ He will say, ‘What did you do with that which I gave you?’ He will say, ‘I used to uphold the ties of kinship and give in charity.’ Allaah will say to him, ‘You have lied,’ and the angels will say to him, ‘You have lied.’ Allaah will say, ‘Rather you wanted it to be said that So and so is generous, and that is what was said.’ Then the one who was killed for the sake of Allaah (apparently) will be brought forth and Allaah will say to him, ‘Why were you killed?’ He will say, ‘I was commanded to fight in Jihaad (battle) for Your sake, so I fought until I was killed.’ Allaah will say to him, ‘You have lied,’ and the angels will say to him, ‘You have lied.’ Allaah will say, ‘You wanted it to be said that So and so was courageous, and that is what was said.’” Then the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) struck my knee and said, “O Abu Hurayrah, these three are the first of the creation of Allaah who will be dragged into the Fire on the Day of Resurrection.” (Tirmidhi)

MAIN THEMES OF SURAH KAHF:

We are reminded to recite this Surah every Friday because we are constantly being challenged by fitnahs. This Surah reminds us how to deal with all trials and survive all challenges. It also reminds us how to deal with the biggest trial ever i.e. the fitnah of Dajjal.

1.Importance of good Companionship

This Surah teaches us the importance of good company. The people of the cave found strength in each other’s company. The man of two gardens was reminded of the reality of dunya by his companion. Musa AS benefited from the company of Khidr AS and Yusha Ibn Nun. Choose your company wisely.

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair(deeds) has gone beyond all bounds. (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 28)

2.Knowing the reality of Dunya and Akhirah

The Surah repeatedly emphasises the temporary nature of the world and the everlasting nature of akhirah. The concept of akhirah is linked to Allah’s absolute justice.

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope. (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 45-46)

And the record [of deeds] will be placed [open], and you will see the criminals fearful of that within it, and they will say, "Oh, woe to us! What is this book that leaves nothing small or great except that it has enumerated it?" And they will find what they did present [before them]. And your Lord does injustice to no one. (Surat Al-Kahf, verses 49)

3.Humility

The Surah also warns against arrogance. Iblees slipped because of his arrogance. The man’s garden was destroyed as a punishment for his arrogance.

Musa AS, on the other hand, humbled himself and gained more knowledge. Similarly, Dhul Qarnayn AS was tested with the fitnah of power, and he proved himself to be upright and humble.

And [mention] when We said to the angels, "Prostrate to Adam," and they prostrated, except for Iblees. He was of the jinn and departed from the command of his Lord. (Surah Al Kahf, verse 53)

4.Sincerity

The importance of good deeds with pure sincerity for the sake of Allah is also emphasized. The people of the cave were sincere in their faith, so Allah reward them. Musa AS was sincere in his thirst for knowledge so Allah led him to true knowledge.

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." (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 110)

5.Calling to Allah and remembering Him

The people of the cave praised Allah and sought his Rahmah. The companion of the man with two gardens praised Allah and reminded him of Allah’s blessings. Khidr AS praised Allah’s ultimate knowledge. Dhul Qarnayn built a barrier and immediately remembered Allah.

The Surah begins and ends with the mention of the revelation of Allah. Emphasis is placed on the role of the Quran in a believer’s life. In the middle of the Surah, Allah asked to recite what was revealed of the Quran.

And recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord. There is no changer of His words, and never will you find in other than Him a refuge. (Surah Al Kahf, verse 27)

(Remember) when the young men fled for refuge (from their disbelieving folk) to the Cave, they said: "Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy especially from You, and facilitate for us our affair/decision in the right way!" (Surah Al Kahf, verse 10)

6. Importance of InshaaAllah

Revelation was delayed because Prophet SAWW did not say InshaaAllah. Musa AS said InshaaAllah you will find me patient when he accompanied Khidr AS. The wall of Yajuj Majuj will be penetrated the day they say InshaaAllah.

And never say of anything, "Indeed, I will do that tomorrow,"

 Except [when adding], "If Allah wills." And remember your Lord when you forget [it] and say, "Perhaps my Lord will guide me to what is nearer than this to right conduct." (Surah Al Kahf, verse 24-25)

7. Tawakkul

In the first story, the people of the cave stood up for their faith in Allah, and Allah showed them miracles. We learn that Allah controls every aspect of our lives and everything is full of khayr for us. Every calamity has a hidden blessing. The harm will be outweighed by the good if we have yaqeen in Allah.

7. Reality of Knowledge

Throughout the Surah, Allah warns people about pseudo/false/useless knowledge. Allah reminds us of the truth of knowledge.

8. Concern for others

Muslims should have concern for the spiritual and physical well being for all people. RasulAllah SAWW had immense love and concern for people. The companion of the man of two gardens had concern for him. Dhul Qarnayn had concern for his whole kingdom.