18. Surah Al-Kahf; The Cave 🗻 (Part II)

 Part 3- the Story of Adam AS and Ibis

Iblis’ arrogance led to his downfall—reminding us that pride distances us from Allah and obedience is the path to success

In verse 50 of Surah Al-Kahf, Allah recounts the well-known story of Adam (AS) and Iblis: “And \[remember] when We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate before Adam,’ so they all did—but not Iblis. He was one of the jinn, and he rebelled against the command of his Lord…” This verse is unique in that it explicitly clarifies Iblis’ origin—he was not an angel but a jinn. This settles the common debate, as angels do not disobey Allah, whereas Iblis, though once devout, was created from fire and chose arrogance over submission.

Despite his status, Iblis refused to bow due to pride, deeming himself superior. Scholars note that Iblis argued from a place of perceived difference—fire vs. clay—but this doesn’t excuse his disobedience. If he had a reason (albeit false) to justify defiance, what excuse do we have when we knowingly disobey Allah? Allah warns us not to take him and his descendants as allies—they are our enemies, even if disguised as helpers. The deeper message here is clear: arrogance was the first sin ever committed, even before murder, and it will bar us from Paradise if we do not root it out.

When we give in to Shaytan's whispers and stray from Allah’s commands, we are not harming Allah—we are oppressing our own souls. In verse 54, Allah states: “We have surely set forth in this Quran every kind of lesson for people, but humankind is the most argumentative of all beings.” The Quran is full of wisdom, guidance, and examples, yet we persist in doubting, resisting, or debating. The Prophet ﷺ even used this verse when addressing Fatima and Ali (RA), showing that even the most righteous can fall into needless argument. The solution is simple but powerful: turn back to Allah through istighfar.

We must approach the Quran not just as a text, but as a living reminder—a manual for life that only benefits when applied. Its messages become most powerful when we act upon them during our moments of trial.

Part 4- The Story of Musa AS

Musa (AS) learns that true knowledge comes with humility, patience, and trust in Allah’s unseen wisdom (the ettiquites of knowledge)

The story of Musa (AS) and the mysterious servant of Allah is a powerful reminder that knowledge is a test, not just a virtue. It begins when Musa (AS), while delivering a sermon to Bani Israel, was asked who the most knowledgeable person on Earth was. He answered that he himself was, without attributing this knowledge back to Allah. In response, Allah corrected him and informed him that there was someone more knowledgeable than him—a servant of Allah—who could be found at the junction where two seas meet, marked by the loss of a fish. Determined to find him, Musa (AS) set off with his assistant, saying, “I will never give up until I reach the junction of the two seas, even if I travel for ages.” (18:60)

When they arrived and the fish miraculously made its way into the sea, Musa (AS) realized this was the sign. Retracing their steps, they found the man described as, “a servant of Ours, to whom We had granted mercy from Us and enlightened with knowledge of Our Own.” (18:65) This interaction taught Musa—and us—that no matter how high our status, we must never claim knowledge or success without praising Allah. Everything we have is from Him.

Musa humbly asked to accompany the servant, known in tafsir as Khidr, to learn from him. Khidr agreed but warned him not to question anything until he explained it. This set the tone for a lesson in humility, patience, and trust. First, Khidr damaged a ship belonging to poor sailors, which Musa immediately questioned. Then, he killed a seemingly innocent boy, prompting even more shock from Musa. Finally, he repaired a collapsing wall in a town where they were denied hospitality—again questioned by Musa. After these events, Khidr explained the divine wisdom behind each one: the ship was saved from being seized by a tyrant; the boy was destined to grow into an evil disbeliever and bring harm to his pious parents; and the wall hid a treasure meant for orphans in the town, and Khidr’s act was for their future protection.

Through this journey, we learn that not everything is as it appears. Divine wisdom often lies beyond our understanding. The story also teaches that there will always be someone more knowledgeable than us, that praise must always return to Allah, and that the closer we are to Him, the more refined and public our tests may become. Ultimately, knowledge requires humility, patience, and perseverance.

Part 5- The story of Dhul-Qarnayn

Dhul-Qarnayn’s story shows how true leadership is defined by humility, justice, and using power to serve humanity for the sake of Allah.

The story of Dhul-Qarnayn, whose name translates to “The One with Two Horns,” highlights the temptation of power and the importance of using it justly under Allah’s guidance. Scholars differ on the meaning of his name—some say it refers to the "horns" of the east and west due to the vastness of his rule, while others suggest it refers to braids or locks in his hair. The story, introduced in verse 83 of Surah Al-Kahf, is not just historical but carries a moral lesson on how to wield authority responsibly. Dhul-Qarnayn was a ruler who travelled to all four corners of the Earth—east, west, north, and south—and ruled with wisdom, justice, and fairness. Allah granted him immense resources: a powerful army, deep knowledge, and advanced technology, which he used to benefit creation rather than spread corruption.

One of his most significant achievements was building a barrier to protect a weak people from the corruption of Ya’juj and Ma’juj, a savage and destructive group believed to be human but extremely harmful. Despite having the power and resources to act alone, Dhul-Qarnayn humbly acknowledged that what Allah had given him was better, and he involved the people in building the barrier. He instructed them to bring blocks of iron and molten copper, creating a massive wall between two mountains that held back the corrupters. This event is not just a historical feat but also a prophetic one—verse 99 reveals that the eventual release of Ya’juj and Ma’juj will be a major sign of the Day of Judgement.

The story teaches that any power or knowledge we possess is from Allah and must be used for good, never for arrogance or self-glorification. Dhul-Qarnayn remained humble despite his vast empire, always crediting his success to Allah. He is a model of how to act when blessed with influence: to serve others, heed divine warnings, and remember the temporality of this world.

Ultimate lessons from Surah Kahf 

-Stay firm in your faith even when pressured by society

-Wealth is a test, and gratitude keeps us grounded

-True knowledge requires humility and patience 

-Power should be used with justice and responsibility

-Always attribute blessings to Allah