Surah Al-Kahf
Chapter 18 · Verse 83 · Revealed in Makkah
“And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about Dhul-Qarnayn. Say, "I will recite to you about him a report."”
Translation: Saheeh International
Listen to recitation
Mishary Rashid Alafasy
Reflection — Ibn Kathir
The Story of Dhul-Qarnayn Allah says to His Prophet ,
وَيَسْـَلُونَكَ
(And they ask you) O Muhammad ,
Reflection — Maarif ul Quran
Commentary
Verse 84 opens with the statement: يَسْأَلُونَكَ (They ask you). Who is asking? Related narratives show that they were the Quraysh of Makkah, those who were coached to ask three questions from the Holy Prophet ﷺ . The purpose was to test his prophethood and veracity. The questions were about Ruh (spirit), Ashab al-Kahf (People of Kahf) and Dhul-Qarnain. Two of these have already been answered. The story of the People of Kahf has appeared earlier in this Surah, 9-26. The question about 'Ruh' has appeared towards the later part of the previous Surah (Bani Isra'il 17:85). Who was Dhul-Qarnain and what happened to him? This is the third question. (Al-Bahr al-Muhit)
What does this verse bring up for you today?