Al-W¥^idÏ's Asb¥b al-Nuz‰l - The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies ...

Chapter 18: Surah al-Kahf
(Say: Though the sea became ink for the Words of my Lord…) [18:109].
Ibn ‘Abbas said: “When the Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace, told them (… and knowledge ye
have been vouchsafed but little), the Jews said: ‘How can this be when we have been given the Torah He
who has been given the Torah has been given abundant goodness!’ Upon which this verse was revealed
(Say: Though the sea became ink for the Words of my Lord…)”. 4
(And whoever hopeth for the meeting with his Lord…) [18:110].
Said Ibn ‘Abbas: “This verse was revealed about Jundub ibn Zuhayr al-‘Amiri who said: ‘I do the deed
seeking Allah but I get happy when other people come to know about it’. The Messenger of Allah, Allah
bless him and give him peace, said to him: ‘Allah, exalted is He, is pure and does not accept except that
which is pure. He does not accept that in which other than Him is associated’. Allah, exalted is He, then
revealed this verse”. 5
Said Tawus: “A man said: ‘O Prophet of Allah, I love striving in the way of Allah, but I also love to be
seen!’ Allah, exalted is He, revealed this verse [about this]”. 6
Mujahid said: “A man went to see the Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace, and said: ‘I give alms
and keep my ties of kinship and do this only for Allah, glorious and exalted is He. However, when other
people mention this and praise me for it, it makes me happy and I like it’. The Messenger of Allah, Allah
bless him and give him peace, did not respond to him. Then, Allah, exalted is He, revealed (And whoever
hopeth for the meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous work, and make none sharer of the worship due
unto his Lord)”. 7
4
Qurtubi, :68.
5
Qurtubi, :69; Durr, :469.
6
Tabari, :40; Qurtubi, :69; Durr, :469.
7
Qurtubi, :70; Durr, :469.
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