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The question asks about the role of Gog and Magog in Islamic eschatology, drawing on the most authoritative and recent sources available as of July 6, 2025.
Islamic eschatology, as described in the Quran and hadith, details the events preceding the Day of Judgment. These events include the appearance of apocalyptic figures and the destruction of the world. Gog and Magog (Yājūj and Mājūj in Arabic) are central to this eschatological narrative, representing forces of chaos and destruction that will be unleashed upon the earth before the final judgment.[1]
The Quran mentions Yājūj and Mājūj in Suras 18 and 21. They are described as hostile and corrupt forces that will ravage the earth before the end of the world. According to the Quran, Dhū al-Qarnayn (a figure identified by some scholars as Alexander the Great) constructed a great wall to contain Yājūj and Mājūj, trapping them until just before the Last Judgment.[1] A hadith states that they dig under the wall every night, only for it to be restored by Allah each morning. Only at the appointed time will Allah allow the wall to collapse, freeing Yājūj and Mājūj.[1]
Later traditions expand on the portrayal of Yājūj and Mājūj, providing various descriptions. They are said to appear in large numbers in the northeast of the ancient world, then proceed south towards Israel, drinking up waters and killing people. When there are no more human targets, they will shoot at the sky, hoping to destroy heaven. Then Allah will attack their necks with worms, killing them.[1]
The story of Dhul-Qarnayn, who is often identified with Alexander the Great, is closely linked to the legend of Gog and Magog. The Quranic narrative shares similarities with the Syriac Alexander Legend, which describes Alexander building a wall in the Caucasus Mountains to keep Gog and Magog out of civilized lands.[2] The use of the Islamic epithet "Dhu al-Qarnayn," meaning "the two-horned," is interpreted as a reference to Alexander the Great.[2]
In Islamic apocalyptic literature, the release of Gog and Magog is a sign of the end times. Their destruction by God will usher in the Day of Resurrection.[3] Some modern interpretations identify Gog and Magog with Communist Russia and China.[3]
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