Dhul-Qarnayn and the Sun Setting in a Dark Sea
(Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 18:86):
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغَ مَغۡرِبَ ٱلشَّمۡسِ وَجَدَهَا تَغۡرُبُ فِى عَيۡنٍ حَمِئَةٍ۬ وَوَجَدَ عِندَهَا قَوۡمً۬اۗ قُلۡنَا يَـٰذَا ٱلۡقَرۡنَيۡنِ إِمَّآ أَن تُعَذِّبَ وَإِمَّآ أَن تَتَّخِذَ فِيہِمۡ حُسۡنً۬ا
Translation (Sahih International): “Until, when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it [as if] setting in a spring of dark mud, and he found near it a people. Allah said, ‘O Dhul-Qarnayn, either you punish [them] or else adopt among them [a way of] goodness.’”
In this verse, the word “وَجَدَ” means “he found.” Who is this “he”? It refers to Dhul-Qarnayn. Why did he perceive it this way? Because, at that time, the nature of the sun and its relation to the Earth was not known as it is today.
One thing is certain here: Dhul-Qarnayn did not literally see the sun “swimming” in a spring of dark mud or anything similar, as this is simply not possible. This was his perception, based on the knowledge and understanding available to him at the time.
What role does Allah play in this? Allah, being all-knowing, observes what Dhul-Qarnayn perceives and narrates it exactly as Dhul-Qarnayn found it, without altering or correcting it. This verse reflects Dhul-Qarnayn’s observation and understanding, not a declaration from Allah Almighty about the physical reality of the sun.
Similar Cases in Surah Jinn and Surah Al-Falaq
- In Surah Jinn, Allah describes what the jinn were discussing amongst themselves. Allah does not authenticate or verify their words but simply narrates their conversation.
- In Surah Al-Falaq, Allah mentions the evil practice of “the blowers in knots.” This refers to a common superstition at the time, where some people believed in harmful psychological effects caused by such acts. Allah condemns this practice for its potential to harm innocent people but does not endorse or validate the belief in its effectiveness.
In these examples, Allah is simply narrating human or jinn perspectives and practices, often reflecting their limited understanding or superstitions, without endorsing or authenticating their views or beliefs.
This nuanced understanding of these verses allows us to appreciate the Quran’s engagement with human perspectives while maintaining its divine wisdom.