سُوْرَةُ الْكَهْفِ

Surah Al-Kahf (18) — Ayah 64

The Cave · Meccan · Juz 15 · Page 301

قَالَ ذَٰلِكَ مَا كُنَّا نَبْغِ ۚ فَٱرْتَدَّا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَارِهِمَا قَصَصًا ﴿64﴾
[Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "That is what we have been seeking." So they went back retracing their footsteps.
قَالَ qāla He said
ذَٰلِكَ dhālika That
مَا (is) what
كُنَّا kunnā we were
نَبْغِ ۚ nabghi seeking
فَٱرْتَدَّا fa-ir'taddā So they returned
عَلَىٰٓ ʿalā on
ءَاثَارِهِمَا āthārihimā their footprints
قَصَصًۭا qaṣaṣan retracing

Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

(Ayah 64){فَارْتَدَّا عَلٰۤى اٰثَارِهِمَا قَصَصًا:} This incident is evidence in several ways that the Prophets and Saints, especially Musa, Yusha bin Nun, and Khidr (peace be upon them), do not possess knowledge of the unseen: ➊ Musa (peace be upon him) saying that no one is more knowledgeable than him, even though there were those with more knowledge than him. ➋ Allah Almighty being displeased. ➌ Musa (peace be upon him) asking Allah Almighty for Khidr’s whereabouts. ➍ The need for the sign of the fish and the place where the two seas meet is not required by the Knower of the unseen. ➎ Not knowing about the fish escaping. ➏ Not knowing the reason for feeling tired on the next journey. ➐ What need is there to return while looking at the footprints for the one from whose sight nothing is hidden? See the following verses for more.

Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

64. 1. Hazrat Musa (علیہ السلام) said, O servant of Allah! The place where the fish came alive and disappeared, that was indeed our desired destination, for which we have been traveling. So, following their traces, they returned and came back to that very Majma‘ al-Bahrayn. The meaning of قَصَصَا is to follow behind, to walk behind. That is, they kept walking behind, following the footprints.

Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

The tafsir of this ayah is included with the following verse(s).