Surah Al-Kahf (18) — Ayah 98
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
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.
➋ { فَاِذَا جَآءَ وَعْدُ رَبِّيْ جَعَلَهٗ دَكَّآءَ …:} From the words of Dhu’l-Qarnayn, it is also understood that even after receiving the kingship of the whole world, one should always be concerned about the Hereafter, because the world is perishable and the Hereafter is everlasting. This promise refers to the time near the Day of Judgment when Gog and Magog will be released, as mentioned in Surah Al-Anbiya (96, 97). Zaynab bint Jahsh (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates: [ اِسْتَيْقَظَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّي اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مِنَ النَّوْمِ مُحْمَرًّا وَجْهُهُ وَهُوَ يَقُوْلُ لاَ إِلٰهَ إِلاَّ اللّٰهُ، وَيْلٌ لِلْعَرَبِ مِنْ شَرٍّ قَدِ اقْتَرَبَ، فُتِحَ الْيَوْمَ مِنْ رَدْمِ يَأْجُوْجَ وَمَأْجُوْجَ مِثْلُ هٰذِهِ وَعَقَدَ سُفْيَانُ تِسْعِيْنَ أَوْ مِائَةً قِيْلَ أَنَهْلِكُ وَفِيْنَا الصَّالِحُوْنَ ؟ قَالَ نَعَمْ إِذَا كَثُرَ الْخَبَثُ ] [ بخاری، الفتن، باب قول النبي صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم : ویل للعرب… : ۷۰۵۹ ] “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) woke up from sleep saying ‘La ilaha illallah’, while his face was red, and said: ‘Woe to the Arabs from the evil that has drawn near! Today, a hole as big as this has been opened in the wall of Gog and Magog.’ And Sufyan made a knot of ninety (90) or one hundred (100), meaning he joined his thumb and index finger to make a round circle. It was asked: ‘Will we be destroyed while there are righteous people among us?’ He said: ‘Yes, when evil becomes prevalent.’”
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
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.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
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.
[80] When this wall was constructed, Dhul-Qarnayn expressed gratitude to Allah, Who granted him the ability to build this wall and to deliver the people from constant troubles. However, he also informed the people that although this wall is very strong and stable, it is not everlasting; whatever is created is ultimately destined to perish. It will remain as long as Allah wills, and by "the appointed time," either the destruction of this wall is meant, or it refers to the Day of Judgment, when everything will perish, as the following verse supports this latter meaning.
[81]
The Qualities of Dhul-Qarnayn:
With this verse, Dhul-Qarnayn's address to those people also ends, as does the story of Dhul-Qarnayn. In this, not only was the question of the disbelievers of Makkah answered, but it was also explained that Dhul-Qarnayn, despite being a great conqueror and a king of grandeur and glory, was a believer in monotheism and the Hereafter. Besides justice and fairness, he acted with generosity. He behaved with gentleness and was not narrow-minded like you, who, after attaining minor chieftaincies, become arrogant and look down upon others.
