Transliteration:( Qaala maa makkannee feehi Rabbee khairun fa-a'eenoonee biquwwatin aj'al bainakum wa bainahum radmaa )
"He said, 'What my Lord has given me is better [212]. Help me with your strength [213], so I can build a strong barrier between you and them [214].'"
When the people offered him a tribute, Dhul-Qarnayn replied that he did not need their wealth. He acknowledged that what Allah had granted him was far better, both in terms of material provisions and divine support. This shows his sincerity and selflessness—he wasn’t motivated by worldly gain, but by righteous purpose.
Despite rejecting material reward, Dhul-Qarnayn asked the people to assist him with their strength. This teaches that seeking help from people for a lawful task is permissible, and does not contradict the principle of "You alone we ask for help" (Surah Al-Fatiha, 1:4). It becomes unlawful only if assistance is sought in defiance of Allah or with belief in others’ divine power. Even Hazrat Isa (عليه السلام) asked: "Who will be my helpers towards Allah?" (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:52), showing that collaboration in obedience to Allah is valid.
Dhul-Qarnayn proposed a partnership: he would oversee and manage the construction, while the people would provide manpower. It’s possible he also expected some material contribution, but the emphasis was on physical labor and cooperation. This highlights how great leaders involve communities in protecting themselves, building both security and unity through shared responsibility.
The tafsir of Surah Kahf verse 95 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Kahf ayat 92 which provides the complete commentary from verse 92 through 96.
(18:95) He answered: “Whatever my Lord has granted me is good enough. But help me with your labour and I will erect a rampart between you and them.[70]
70. That is, as a ruler it is my duty to protect you from the ravages of your enemies: therefore it is not lawful for me to levy any extra taxes on you for this purpose. The treasury that Allah has placed in my custody suffices for this purpose. You shall, however, have to help me with your manual labor.
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