The Story of Ya'juj and Ma'juj
In the Qur'an:
The Qur'an mentions the story of Ya'juj and Ma'juj near the Jabal al-Salasi (the Three-Peak Mountain). During the reign of a ruler named Dhul-Qarnayn (A.S.), a powerful barrier was built to keep them out. During his reign, the destructive tribe of Ya'juj and Ma'juj caused widespread chaos around the world. They were a people who were exceedingly destructive and created havoc for others.
The Qur'an states:
“He (Dhul-Qarnayn) said, ‘That which my Lord has empowered me with is better (than what you offer). So assist me with strength, and I will make between you and them a barrier.’ Bring me blocks of iron.’ Then when he filled the space between the two mountain cliffs, he said, ‘Blow!’ until when he had made it (as hot) as fire, he said, ‘Bring me molten copper to pour over it.’ So they could not scale it or cross it. He said, ‘This is a mercy from my Lord. But when the promise of my Lord comes, He will make it level, and the promise of my Lord is ever true.’ And We will leave them that day surging over each other, and the trumpet will be blown, and We will gather them together in one place.’ (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:93-99)
The Qur'an (Surah Al-Kahf 18:94-95) also states:
“Then [Dhul-Qarnayn] said, ‘This is a mercy from my Lord. But when the promise of my Lord comes, He will make it level, and the promise of my Lord is ever true.’”
In the Hadith:
The Hadiths provide even more detailed accounts of the story of Ya'juj and Ma'juj. According to famous narrations, when Ya'juj and Ma'juj will be released, the world will face great calamities. They will be immensely powerful and possibly of such a vast number that they will bring the world to the brink of destruction.
Some of the conditions mentioned in the Hadith about Ya'juj and Ma'juj are:
They will cause an indescribable disaster for humanity.
They will be capable of conquering multiple nations in a single day.
They will destroy fresh water and food resources.
Specifically, they will besiege Medina and Makkah.
The Release of Ya'juj and Ma'juj:
It is also mentioned in the Hadith that the release of Ya'juj and Ma'juj will be one of the major signs of the Day of Judgment. They will eventually breach the barrier (built by Dhul-Qarnayn) and begin to spread chaos across the world.
The Prophet (PBUH) stated that when Ya'juj and Ma'juj will be released, they will move with great speed and destroy the world.
The Nature and Location of Ya'juj and Ma'juj:
Ya'juj and Ma'juj are two tribes or nations that have been described in various historical and mythological accounts. However, in Islamic tradition, they are believed to reside in an unknown location on Earth, behind a powerful barrier.
Location: The exact location of Ya'juj and Ma'juj is not precisely known, but the Qur'an and Hadith suggest they are in a remote mountainous region or subterranean area. In Islamic tradition, a ruler named Dhul-Qarnayn built a strong barrier to keep them from advancing, and this barrier still prevents them from moving forward.
The Army: The army of Ya'juj and Ma'juj is vast and extremely destructive. Their numbers are so great that their activities will cause tremendous chaos and confusion across the world.
Dhul-Qarnayn and the Barrier:
In Islamic tradition, Dhul-Qarnayn (who some Muslim historians believe to be Alexander the Great) was a great ruler who expanded his rule across various parts of the world. He eventually came upon the stronghold of Ya'juj and Ma'juj, who were a danger to humanity.
When Dhul-Qarnayn became aware of their power, he sought Allah's help to protect the people by constructing a massive barrier to keep them out. The Qur'an (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:93-98) mentions:
"But they could not scale it, and they could not pierce it."
This barrier prevents them from advancing, but before the Day of Judgment, by the will of Allah, this barrier will break, and they will spread destruction and chaos on Earth.
The Release of Ya'juj and Ma'juj and the Day of Judgment
The Ya'juj and Ma'juj community are descendants of Adam (A.S.). The ruler Dhul-Qarnayn blocked them behind a wall (Surah Al-Kahf, verses 92-97). Before the Day of Judgment, during the second coming of Hazrat Isa (A.S.), they will break through this wall and emerge, consuming everything in their path. According to Islamic eschatology, Ya'juj and Ma'juj will be released at the end of times, bringing chaos to the world. There are descriptions of their release in the Hadith:
Hadith Description: The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"When Ya'juj and Ma'juj are released, they will spread chaos and violence throughout the world. They will spread across the earth in ways unimaginable."
Their calamity: At the time of their emergence, they will not only bring destruction but will also ruin all water resources, crops, and possessions. The entire world will be in turmoil.
The Coming of Hazrat Isa (A.S.)
After the world suffers the devastation caused by Ya'juj and Ma'juj, Hazrat Isa (A.S.) will return to the earth. The purpose of Isa's (A.S.) return will be to destroy Ya'juj and Ma'juj and establish peace on Earth. It is narrated in Hadith:
"When Ya'juj and Ma'juj create chaos on earth, Hazrat Isa (A.S.) will fight them, and by Allah's mercy, He will destroy them." (Sahih Muslim)
Isa’s (A.S.) Return: The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"When Ya'juj and Ma'juj emerge, Isa (A.S.) will fight against them, and with Allah's help, He will destroy them."
Isa’s (A.S.) Victory: Isa (A.S.) will establish peace on earth and undertake a great mission to spread Islam. After their destruction, the earth will be peaceful and orderly once again.
Ya'juj and Ma'juj and the End Times
The story of Ya'juj and Ma'juj is considered one of the major signs of the Day of Judgment in Islam. Their release and the arrival of Isa (A.S.) are viewed as the beginning of a great second life and resurrection. Ya'juj and Ma'juj will consume all the water in the rivers. No one will be able to fight them. At one point, they will reach a hill near Bayt al-Maqdis and say, "We have killed those on earth; now we will kill those in the sky." They will shoot arrows into the sky. At that time, Isa (A.S.) will pray to Allah, and as a result, a type of pestilence will emerge from their shoulders, and Allah will destroy them. Their corpses will be scattered across the earth. Allah will send birds with claws to remove their bodies. (Bukhari and Muslim)
Terrible Situation: After their emergence, they will spread rapidly across the earth, causing destruction and putting humanity in great danger. According to Allah's will, their actions will lead to a catastrophic calamity across the world.
Connection with Isa (A.S.): After the return of Isa (A.S.), Allah will destroy them, and the earth will become peaceful and orderly once again.
Conclusion:
The story of Ya'juj and Ma'juj is a significant event in the Islamic eschatological narrative. Before the Day of Judgment, their emergence will cause immense destruction and chaos, followed by the arrival of Hazrat Isa (A.S.), who, with Allah's help, will destroy them and restore peace and order to the earth. The story of Ya'juj and Ma'juj is an important account regarding the end of times. It serves as a warning and lesson for humanity, reflecting Allah's power and judgment. The devastation caused by Ya'juj and Ma'juj and the subsequent victory of Isa (A.S.) will establish peace on earth, which will be a great gift from Allah.
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