Tafsir of Al-Kahf 18:90-91

Surah Al-Kahf: Verses 90–91

[90] Until, when he reached the place where the sun rises, he found it rising on a people for whom We had not made against it any shelter.

[91] Thus. And We had encompassed [in knowledge] whatever he had.

Commentary on Verse 90:

After explaining that Dhul-Qarnayn first intended the westernmost inhabited region (where the sun sets), the Almighty followed this by clarifying that he then intended the easternmost inhabited region (where the sun rises).

Allah the Exalted stated that he found the sun rising upon a people for whom We had made no shelter from it. There are two interpretations regarding this lack of shelter:

1. Physical Shelter: It means there were no trees, mountains, or buildings to shield them from the sun's rays. Because of this, when the sun rises, they enter deep underground tunnels (asrāb) or plunge into the water. Thus, at sunrise, their livelihood becomes difficult, and at sunset, they busy themselves securing their needs. Their condition is the opposite of that of the rest of creation.
2. Clothing/Covering: It means they had no clothing and were perpetually naked, like animals. It is mentioned in astronomical texts that this is the condition of most Zanj people, and indeed, of all who dwell in regions near the Equator.

Some commentators mention that one traveler reported: "I traveled until I passed China and asked about these people. I was told they were a day and a night's journey away. I reached them, and I saw one of them spreading one of his ears and using the other as a garment. When the sun was about to rise, I heard a sound like the rattling of metal, and I fainted. When I awoke, they were rubbing oil on me. When the sun rose, it appeared above the water like oil. They took me into one of their tunnels. When the day grew high, they began to fish, throwing the fish into the sun, and it would cook."

Commentary on Verse 91:

{Thus. And We had encompassed [in knowledge] whatever he had.}

There are several interpretations of this statement:

1. Dhul-Qarnayn's Actions: Meaning, Dhul-Qarnayn acted in this manner, following these means until he reached his destination. We knew, when We granted him sovereignty, that he possessed the fitness and capability for that rule and independence.
2. The People's Condition: Meaning, Allah established the affairs of these people just as He informed His Messenger (peace be upon him) in this narration.
3. Consistency in Justice: Meaning, his situation with the people of the East was the same as his situation with the people of the West: he judged them by punishing the oppressors and showing kindness to the believers.
4. Completion of the Narrative: Meaning, the speech concluded at the word {Thus} (Kadhalik). The meaning is that Allah said: Dhul-Qarnayn dealt with these people as he found them. Then, He said afterward: {And We had encompassed [in knowledge] whatever he had}, meaning, We were fully aware that the situation was as described.

[7] Then he followed a way * Until, when he reached between two mountains, he found before them a people who could scarcely understand a word. * They said, "O Dhul-Qarnayn, indeed Gog and Magog are [great] corrupters in the land. So may we assign for you an expenditure that you might make between us and them a barrier?" * He said, "That in which my Lord has established me is better; but assist me with strength; I will make between you and them a barrier."