Surah Al-Kahf 18:98
سُورَةُ الكَهۡفِ · Meccan · Verse 98 of 110
قَالَ هَٰذَا رَحْمَةٌۭ مِّن رَّبِّى ۖ فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعْدُ رَبِّى جَعَلَهُۥ دَكَّآءَ ۖ وَكَانَ وَعْدُ رَبِّى حَقًّۭا
Translation
and he said, ‘This is a mercy from my Lord. But when my Lord’s promise is fulfilled, He will raze this barrier to the ground: my Lord’s promise always comes true.’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
'He said: This is a mercy from my Lord. But when the promise of my Lord comes, He will level it; and the promise of my Lord is ever true.' al-Saadi and Ibn Kathir note the two crowning marks of true greatness, he credits his mightiest achievement entirely to God's mercy ('hadha rahmatun min rabbi'), and he humbly admits that even this monumental barrier is temporary, destined to be leveled at God's appointed time. Ask yourself: here is the exact opposite of the garden-owner. At the summit of achievement, Dhul-Qarnayn does two things I so often fail to do: he says 'this is from my Lord', not 'look what I built'; and he says 'this too will pass', refusing to imagine his work permanent. Crediting God for my successes and holding them lightly as impermanent, this is the whole difference between the ruler who was praised and the man whose garden was destroyed. At my proudest moment, can I say both 'this is a mercy from my Lord' and 'this too will one day be leveled'?
Grounded in classical tafsir: al-Saadi, Ibn Kathir, Ibn Ashur.
Wording
After completing the monumental barrier, Dhul-Qarnayn makes a profound declaration, attributing his success not to his own might but to a higher power, and acknowledges the impermanence of all things. This verse invites us to reflect on the deep wisdom embedded in his words.
Acknowledging Divine Mercy
Dhul-Qarnayn begins by saying, "This is a mercy from my Lord" (هَٰذَا رَحْمَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّى). The word `هذا` (this) points directly to the mighty barrier he just completed, a colossal structure built from iron and molten copper. Yet, as scholars like al-Zamakhshari and al-Jalalayn note, it could also refer to the divine enabling and strength granted to him to accomplish such a feat. By describing it as `رحمة` (mercy), Dhul-Qarnayn immediately shifts focus from his own achievement to Allah's benevolence. Ibn Ashur explains this choice of word highlights that the barrier serves as protection for humanity from the corruption of Gog and Magog, making it a direct manifestation of divine mercy. This humble declaration sets the tone, reminding us that even the greatest human endeavors are ultimately blessings facilitated by Allah.
The Inevitable End
Following his statement of gratitude, Dhul-Qarnayn immediately speaks of the barrier's ultimate fate: "But when the promise of my Lord comes, He will flatten it" (فَإِذَا جَاءَ وَعْدُ رَبِّى جَعَلَهُ دَكَّآءَ). The conjunction `فَ` (fa) here implies a swift and certain consequence, a transition from the present reality of the standing barrier to its inevitable future. `وعد ربي` (the promise of my Lord) refers to the appointed time for its destruction, which many scholars like al-Jalalayn and al-Razi link to the approach of the Day of Judgment and the emergence of Gog and Magog. Ibn Ashur further explains this `وعد` (promise) is a metaphorical reference to Allah's decreed lifespan for the barrier, or perhaps a direct inspiration to Dhul-Qarnayn that all creations have an end.
The Quran uses the word `دكّاء` (dakka'a) for its destruction. Al-Zamakhshari explains this means it will be "leveled, flattened with the ground," like everything that was once tall and then collapses. Ibn Ashur highlights the eloquent choice of this word, noting that `دكّاء` (with a long 'a') can describe a camel without a hump, serving as a powerful simile for something utterly flattened and devoid of its former prominence. This emphasizes the absolute and complete nature of its demolition, leaving nothing of its height or form.
Allah's Promise is True
Dhul-Qarnayn concludes with a powerful affirmation: "And the promise of my Lord is true" (وَكَانَ وَعْدُ رَبِّى حَقًّۭا). This final phrase acts as a definitive statement, reinforcing the certainty of Allah's decree. Al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi affirm this as the concluding part of Dhul-Qarnayn's speech. Ibn Ashur sees it as a beautiful `تذييل` (tadheeyl), a concluding remark that generalizes the wisdom: Allah's timings and promises are always firm and never fail. It's a reminder that while humans build and strive, all things are ultimately subject to Allah's plan and timeline. This profound reflection from Dhul-Qarnayn, immediately after his great accomplishment, serves as a timeless lesson in humility, awareness of divine power, and the transient nature of worldly achievements.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Qur'anic Worlds
In this profound verse, Surah 18:98, we hear the conclusion of Dhul-Qarnayn's monumental endeavor to build a barrier against the destructive forces of Ya'juj and Ma'juj. Having completed the mighty iron and copper wall, Dhul-Qarnayn humbly declares, "This is a mercy from my Lord" (هَٰذَا رَحْمَةٌۭ مِّن رَّبِّى). He attributes his ability and the resulting protection not to his own strength or ingenuity, but entirely to Allah's grace and compassion for humanity. He then immediately turns his gaze to the future, adding, "But when the promise of my Lord comes, He will make it level to the ground, and the promise of my Lord is truth" (فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعْدُ رَبِّى جَعَلَهُۥ دَكَّآءَ ۖ وَكَانَ وَعْدُ رَبِّى حَقًّۭا). This statement encompasses a vast span of time, from a historical moment of protection to a future event signaling the end of times.
The World of Past Nations
This verse is deeply rooted in the "Worlds of Past Nations." It recounts a pivotal moment in the story of Dhul-Qarnayn, a righteous ruler, and his interaction with communities oppressed by Ya'juj and Ma'juj. The wall itself stands as a testament to his divinely-guided leadership and his use of power for justice and protection. This story highlights how Allah enables certain individuals to bring about great good in the world, addressing the immediate suffering of people. Dhul-Qarnayn's humility after completing such an awe-inspiring feat, acknowledging it as pure mercy from Allah, teaches us a timeless lesson about attributing all blessings and successes back to their true Source.
The World of the Unseen Future
Beyond the past, the verse explicitly connects to the "World of the Unseen Future," touching upon one of the major signs of the Hour: the emergence of Ya'juj and Ma'juj. Dhul-Qarnayn's prophecy, "when the promise of my Lord comes, He will make it level to the ground," points to a time when this seemingly impregnable barrier will crumble, releasing Ya'juj and Ma'juj upon the earth. Scholars like al-Baghawi and Ibn Kathir explain that the word دَكَّآءَ (dakka') means flattened or leveled with the earth, signifying a complete destruction of the wall.
This "promise of my Lord" (وَعْدُ رَبِّى) has been interpreted in two ways by scholars, including those referenced in Ma'arif al-Quran: either it refers specifically to the time when Ya'juj and Ma'juj are destined to emerge, or it refers to the Day of Judgment itself. Both interpretations underscore that the wall's existence is temporary, lasting only until Allah's appointed time. Hadith narrations, mentioned by Mufti Shafi, describe how Ya'juj and Ma'juj will continuously attempt to breach the wall until, nearing their destined emergence, they will remember to say "Insha'Allah" (if Allah wills) and succeed. This highlights a powerful divine lesson that even disbelievers can be granted success when they acknowledge Allah's will, even if inadvertently. The sheer scale of their eventual emergence is described in prophetic traditions, signaling a global event that will precede the final hour.
A Reminder for Today
For us, this verse serves as a profound reminder within our own "World of Revelation." It teaches us that all human efforts, no matter how grand, are ultimately transient and dependent on Allah's will. Just as the mightiest wall will eventually be leveled, so too will all our worldly constructs and achievements. The verse instills humility, encourages gratitude for divine mercy, and anchors our understanding in the ultimate truth of Allah's promises and the certainty of the Last Day. It shifts our perspective from temporary protections to the eternal reality of Allah's plan, urging us to prepare for a future promised with undeniable truth.
Sources: Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), al-Tabari (Jami al-Bayan), Ibn Kathir, Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Kahf 18:98 is discussed in 8 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Kahf 18:98 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.