Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. A polite reminder to recite and understand magnificent Al Kahf this blessed day.
In this Ayah cluster series, main theme has been to differentiate between Divine Guidance and Divine Decree. In today’s cluster from Ayah 83-110 (last) Allah swt brings us to the story of Zulqarnain, where we see, once again, how Divine guidance is upheld, this time by a person of power. Here, we learn that those people whom Allah swt has given resources and power must use these means to provide justice where it is needed and protect the innocent from oppressive people. We also learn how Divine guidance inspires leaders to demonstrate creativity and utilise technology to devise long-term solutions for pressing issues.
However, despite all the innovation, technology, and strategy that a leader may employ, he or she must accept the fact that all power ultimately comes from Allah swt. If He decrees something to change, that change is inevitable, no matter how much effort or how many resources one may invest in an attempt to make it last. In the end, nothing lasts but Allah swt.
Zulqarnain’s three travels have been discussed in detail in our Ayah by Ayah series.
As the Surah concludes, last ten Ayahs give us the fundamental morals of the different stories in Surah Al-Kahf: that our actions will only bring us benefit if they are done purely for the sake of Allah swt, such as the youth’s isolation, Khizar AS’ fulfilment of Allah’s commands, and the administration of Zulqarnain. On the other hand, those who work to please other than Allah will find no lasting benefit for themselves, regardless of how much effort they apply to their work, like the man with the two gardens, Iblis, or Ya’juj and Ma’juj.
Allah’s knowledge of reality is inexhaustible, and there is no truth that escapes Him. If He promises the believers their reward, then whoever places their faith in Him and strives for His cause can never fail.
May Allah swt help us keep the faith in these trying times. Ameen
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