Lessons from Surah al-Kahf: Understanding the Trial of Power
🌿 Ever wonder why it’s Sunnah to read Surah al-Kahf every Friday?
One reason we read Surah al-Kahf weekly is to remind ourselves that Allah will test us with the blessings of Faith, Wealth, and Knowledge. Another significant blessing that Allah tests us with is the blessing of Power, as mentioned in the story of Dhul-Qarnayn.
Dhul-Qarnayn was a powerful king and leader blessed by Allah with knowledge, might, and authority—everything necessary to become a conqueror and ruler of the world. However, all that power and might did not corrupt him. Instead, he established the sovereignty of Allah on earth wherever he went and shouldered the responsibility of a ruler with fairness, justice, and wisdom. He ruled by Allah’s laws, rewarding those who did good and punishing the wrongdoers, while being kind and caring, protecting the weak and oppressed.
When offered monetary help, Dhul-Qarnayn refused out of humility, recognizing that power and authority come from Allah alone. As Allah says in Surah Al-Kahf:
“Indeed We established him upon the earth, and We gave him to everything a way (means).” (18:84)
Lessons Learned
🍃 1. Never Let Power Corrupt You
No matter how much control or authority you have, always refer your blessings back to Allah. Your position, authority, and control are all a trust and a test to see how you behave, react, and whom you turn to. Always remember that Allah gave you this position and can take it away whenever He wills. So, be humble like Dhul-Qarnayn and say, Alhamdulillaah.
Reflect on how our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, despite being offered power and wealth, chose humility and devotion to Allah. He reminded us: “Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will elevate him.” (Muslim)
🍃 2. We Are All Leaders
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock” (al-Bukhari, Muslim). This means we all have leadership roles in some capacity and responsibilities we will be held accountable for in front of Allah. Are we fulfilling these responsibilities? Are we just and kind in our dealings? As parents, are we providing an Islamic upbringing for our children?
Consider the example of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), who, despite his powerful position as the second Caliph, would patrol the streets at night to ensure his people were safe and their needs were met.
🍃 3. Help Whenever You Can
If you are in a position to help someone in need, do so. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The Muslim is the brother of his fellow Muslim; he does not wrong him or let him down. The one who meets the needs of his brother, Allah will meet his needs. Whoever relieves a Muslim of distress, Allah will relieve him of distress on the Day of Resurrection” (al-Bukhari, Muslim).
Reflect on the story of Abu Bakr (RA), who would milk the goats of the widows and orphans of Madinah, even after becoming the Caliph, exemplifying humility and service to others.
🍃 4. Always Be Fair and Judge by Allah’s Laws
In all your dealings, whether with family, friends, employees, or neighbors, be fair and just. Rule by Allah’s laws, do what pleases Him, and avoid what displeases Him. Allah commands us in the Quran:
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.” (4:135)
These are just a few morals we learn from this beautiful story. Remember these and other lessons when you read Surah al-Kahf every Friday. Get inspired by Dhul-Qarnayn’s pious commitment to Allah’s commands and strive to emulate his qualities of humility, compassion, self-control, and dedication to justice.
🌷 There’s a reason why it’s Sunnah to repeat Surah al-Kahf every Friday. And Allah knows best.
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