The Story of Dhul-Qarnayn and the Barrier

The Quran recounts the story of Dhul-Qarnayn, a powerful ruler, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:83-101). The narrative describes his journeys and encounters with various peoples. In one of his expeditions, Dhul-Qarnayn reached a place between two mountains where he found a people who could barely understand his language.[1]

According to Dr. Mustafa Khattab's translation, the people pleaded with Dhul-Qarnayn, stating that Gog and Magog were spreading corruption in the land and asking if he would build a barrier between them and these corrupters in exchange for tribute.[2] The Saheeh International translation also mentions this request, highlighting the destructive nature of Gog and Magog.[3]

Dhul-Qarnayn responded that what his Lord had provided him was better, but he would assist them in building a barrier.[2] He requested their help and resources to construct a dam.[3] He then instructed them to bring him blocks of iron, which he used to fill the gap between the two mountains.[2] After leveling the iron between the mountain walls, he ordered them to blow, and when the iron became like fire, he asked for molten copper to pour over it.[2]

Gog and Magog

The Quran states that the barrier was built to protect the people from Gog and Magog, who were causing corruption in the land.

The result was a barrier that Gog and Magog could neither scale nor penetrate.[2] Dhul-Qarnayn declared that this was a mercy from his Lord, but when the promise of his Lord comes to pass, the barrier would be leveled.[2] The Saheeh International translation adds that the promise of the Lord is ever true.[3]

The Barrier's Significance

The Quran describes Gog and Magog as corrupters in the land.[2] The Tafheem-ul-Quran commentary suggests that Gog and Magog were wild tribes of North Eastern Asia who made incursions on settled kingdoms and empires.[4]

The Location of the Barrier

The story of Dhul-Qarnayn and the barrier serves as a reminder of divine power and the eventual fulfillment of God's promises. The barrier, though strong, is not permanent, and its destruction is linked to the Day of Judgment.[2]

The People's Understanding

The location of the "two mountain-barriers" is not explicitly stated in the Quran or any authentic tradition.[5] Commentators have speculated about the Caucasus region, but these are considered irrelevant to the story's main purpose, which is to illustrate ethical principles.[5]

The Purpose of the Story

The Quran mentions that the people Dhul-Qarnayn encountered "could hardly understand [his] speech."[1] This suggests a language barrier, but they were able to communicate with him, as evidenced by their requests and his responses.[5]

The story of Dhul-Qarnayn, like other stories in Surah Al-Kahf, addresses questions posed by the disbelievers of Makkah.[6] It highlights themes of justice, faith, and the transient nature of worldly power, and the importance of believing in the Day of Judgment.

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