An Analytical Study of Surah al-Kahf in the Light of Tafsir Majdi: Themes, Lessons, and Contemporary Relevance

Abstract

This study, An Analytical Study of Surah al-Kahf in the Light of Tafsir Majdi: Themes, Lessons, and Contemporary Relevance, explores the multidimensional wisdom contained within Surah al-Kahf as interpreted by Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi in his renowned work Tafsir Majdi. The research highlights Daryabadi’s balanced exegetical approach, which integrates linguistic, rational, and spiritual dimensions of the Qur’an, reflecting both classical Islamic scholarship and modern intellectual insight. The study examines the major narratives of Surah al-Kahf—the Companions of the Cave, the owner of the two gardens, Prophet Musa and Khidr, and Dhul-Qarnayn—emphasizing their moral, ethical, and philosophical implications. Through the lens of Tafsir Majdi, these stories are analyzed as timeless parables guiding believers toward steadfast faith, humility before divine knowledge, moral restraint, and the pursuit of truth amidst worldly trials. Moreover, the research underscores how Daryabadi’s interpretation remains relevant in addressing contemporary challenges of materialism, skepticism, and moral decline. By connecting the Qur’anic themes of patience, divine wisdom, and the transient nature of worldly power with modern human experiences, the study concludes that Surah al-Kahf provides enduring guidance for personal and collective reform. This analytical inquiry thus contributes to understanding the enduring relevance of Qur’anic interpretation and the intellectual legacy of Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi in modern Qur’anic scholarship.