ثُمَّ أَتبَعَ سَبَبًا

Then he followed a means.

EXEGESIS

Thumma (then) as was mentioned in verse 89 usually means ‘thereafter’ (sequential), although it might also mean ‘furthermore’ (non-sequential).

EXPOSITION

This is the third time this statement is repeated in the story. Like in the previous story, anaphora is utilised both for the sake of making the verses more memorable and enjoyable to recite, but also for emphasis. In this case it emphasises the constant moving about of Dhū al-Qarnayn. He was a conqueror king who was always expanding his empire. This fits well with Cyrus, and it is interesting that he is said to have died far from his homeland.

We could note here how travel has played a prominent role in three of the surah’s stories. The youths flee to the safety of the cave and then send one of their number back to the city, who then returns with the people of the city to the cave. Moses (a) travels with his lad in search of Khiḍr (a) and they undertake three journeys together. Dhū al-Qarnayn also travels to the west, east, and (presumably) north.