Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

gain authority and power, denies Allah, abuses power and oppresses his
people. In contrast to this sets the story of Dhul-Qarnain. The latter is
presented as a just king who attributes his wealth and power to Allah (SWT)
alone. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “He said: “As for him (a
disbeliever in the Oneness of Allah) who does wrong, we shall punish him,
and then he will be brought back unto his Lord, Who will punish him
with a terrible torment (Hell). “But as for him who believes (in Allah’s
Oneness) and works righteousness, he shall have the best reward,
(Paradise), and we (Dhul-Qarnain) shall speak unto him mild words (as
instructions)…but no one knows its true meanings except Allah” (TMQ,
18:87-88). Dhul-Qarnain said: “This is a mercy from my Lord...” (TMQ,
18:98).
The stimulus of temptation
The four basic trials and temptations mentioned above represent the thread that tie the
four stories together in Surat Al-Kahf. Half-way in the Surah, between the first two
stories and the two remaining others, we are told that the stimulus of temptation is the
enemy of Allah (SWT), namely, Iblis (Satan). Allah (SWT) says what can be translated
as, “Will you then take him (Iblîs) and his offspring as protectors and helpers
rather than Me while they are enemies to you What an evil is the exchange for
the Zâlimûn (polytheists, and wrong-doers)...but no one knows its true meanings
except Allah” (TMQ, 18:50). Who, in their right mind, would take Allah’s enemy
and theirs as a master and defender
Protection from temptation
The main idea of the Surah is protection from temptation. As it is mentioned in the
Hadith before, the Surah safeguards one from the greatest trial in the history of
Mankind, from Prophet Adam (AS) until the Day of Judgment. It is that of Al-Dajjal.
In this respect, the Prophet (SAWS) says: “Between the creation of Adam and the Day
of Judgment, there exists no greater trial than that of Al-Dajjal.” 7 A question is then to
be raised : What is the connection between the trial of Al-Dajjal and the four
aforementioned trials and temptations
Al-Dajjal will appear before the Day of Judgment and present the four temptations.
He will try to push people to abandon their faith and will ask them to worship him
and not Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) will give him the ability to perform miracles: Al-
Dajjal then may promise to bring to life one’s mother and father if one rejects Allah
(SWT) and believes in him instead. Everybody will be tempted except those blessed
by Allah (SWT). Al-Dajjal has the temptation of wealth: he simply commands the sky
to rain down on a particular piece of land and vegetation then flourishes. He will be
able to transform a barren desert land into a beautiful green garden. He also has the
temptation of knowledge: he captivates people with what he knows which leads some
of them to believe in him. Finally, he has the temptation of power: he subjugates
people to his strength and authority in many parts of the earth except Makkah and Al-
Madinah. These are serious temptations that all Muslims, in all parts of the land and
throughout all of time, must beware of. Reading Surat Al-Kahf and understanding the
7 Muslim: 2946.