سُوْرَةُ الْكَهْفِ
Surah Al-Kahf (18) — Ayah 95
قَالَ مَا مَكَّنِّى فِيهِ رَبِّى خَيْرٌ فَأَعِينُونِى بِقُوَّةٍ أَجْعَلْ بَيْنَكُمْ وَبَيْنَهُمْ رَدْمًا ﴿95﴾
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
He said: "That (wealth, authority and power) in which my Lord had established me is better (than your tribute). So help me with strength (of men), I will erect between you and them a barrier.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
قَالَ
qāla
He said
مَا
mā
What
مَكَّنِّى
makkannī
has established me
فِيهِ
fīhi
[in it]
رَبِّى
rabbī
my Lord
خَيْرٌۭ
khayrun
(is) better
فَأَعِينُونِى
fa-aʿīnūnī
but assist me
بِقُوَّةٍ
biquwwatin
with strength
أَجْعَلْ
ajʿal
I will make
بَيْنَكُمْ
baynakum
between you
وَبَيْنَهُمْ
wabaynahum
and between them
رَدْمًا
radman
a barrier
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.
(Ayah 95) ➊ {قَالَ مَا مَكَّنِّيْ فِيْهِ رَبِّيْ خَيْرٌ:} Dhu’l-Qarnayn said, “What Allah has given me control over is far better than the expenses you offer, so do not worry about spending. However, you should help me with manpower and effort, so that I may build a strong wall between you and them.” From this, Dhu’l-Qarnayn’s contentment, generosity, and magnanimity are evident, as well as his arrangement of the strongest defense to protect his subjects from the enemy. Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon), peace be upon him, also sent a similar reply to the Queen of Sheba when she sent him gifts: «{ فَمَاۤ اٰتٰىنِۧ اللّٰهُ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّاۤ اٰتٰىكُمْ }» [ النمل : ۳۶ ] “What Allah has given me is better than what He has given you.” The democratic rulers who impose taxes on every moment of their subjects’ lives and consider monarchy a curse should learn from the conduct of those kings who became a mercy from Allah for their people.
➋ The meaning of { فَاَعِيْنُوْنِيْ بِقُوَّةٍ …: ’’ رَدْمًا ‘‘} is to fill the empty space with stones and a thick wall made of stones; {’’سَحَابٌ مُرْدَمٌ‘‘ } means layered clouds.
➋ The meaning of { فَاَعِيْنُوْنِيْ بِقُوَّةٍ …: ’’ رَدْمًا ‘‘} is to fill the empty space with stones and a thick wall made of stones; {’’سَحَابٌ مُرْدَمٌ‘‘ } means layered clouds.
