Surah Kahf, lesson 4: Dhul Qarnayn

Allah had endowed Dhul Qarnayn with the power and resources to accomplish monumental tasks. On one particular expedition, he found a group of people whom Allah ordered him to either punish or treat gently. He punished those who committed sins and was kind to those who didnu2019t. On his next journey, he went past people who had not been granted any shelter by God. He continued until he encountered some weak people at a place between two mountains. These people struggled to communicate with him but were able to request him to build a wall in exchange for payment. The purpose of this wall was to protect them from the rampaging, destructive Gog and Magog.<br><br>Dhul Qarnayn said that Allahu2019s provisions for him were superior to any amount they could offer him but asked the people to lend him men to assist. They were thus able to close the gap between the mountains using iron and molten copper. This barrier sufficed their aim to repel Gog and Magog, a blessing from Allah. However, Dhul Qarnayn also stated that Allah promised to flatten it eventually, following which Gog and Magog will wreak havoc. This will be one of the signs of the last day.<br><br>Dhul Qarnaynu2019s fair treatment of the first group of people, punishing only the wrongdoers, and being kind to the others is among the many lessons we find in Surah Al-Kahf. Indeed, all rulers and people in positions of power should similarly exercise justice without any discrimination. Furthermore, we should use our strength to assist and not exploit the weak, the way he did when he helped the people by building a wall for them. Indeed, Muslim leaders and those with power should lead from the front the way Dhul Qarnayn did, taking charge in times of crisis and playing a leading role in tackling major issues.<br><br>According to a Hadeeth recorded in Saheeh Muslim, memorizing the first ten verses of Surah Kahf protects one from Dajjal (The Anti-Christ). Thus, the recitation of this Surah contains plenty of benefits. Besides, the four lessons derived from the four stories of Surah Kahf are incredibly beneficial for Muslims, providing us with prudent guidance on how to conduct ourselves in a wide variety of scenarios, as we strive to become upright Muslims.

quranforkids + Follow