The Wall of Dhul-Qarnayn

In Islamic tradition, Dhul-Qarnayn (whom some Muslim historians identify as Alexander the Great) was a great ruler who extended his rule to various parts of the world. At one point, he discovered the territory of Gog and Magog (Ya'juj and Ma'juj), who were dangerous to mankind.

Who was Dhul-Qarnayn?

Dhul-Qarnayn (ذو القرنين) is mentioned in the Qur'an as a powerful, just, and faithful ruler. Allah granted him authority, wisdom, and the ability to travel extensively. The name “Dhul-Qarnayn” means "the one with two horns", and there are various interpretations regarding this title. Some believe it to be metaphorical, while others compare him to historical figures such as Alexander the Great or Cyrus the Great. However, the Qur'an does not specify any exact name.

Journeys of Dhul-Qarnayn:

In Surah Al-Kahf (Verses 83–98), three journeys of Dhul-Qarnayn are described:

Journey to the West: Where he found the sun setting in a “dark body of water” (interpreted as a sea or muddy spring).

Journey to the East: Where he found a people who lived without protection from the sun.

Journey between Two Mountains: Where he encountered a people being oppressed by Gog and Magog, a destructive nation.

Construction of the Wall by Dhul-Qarnayn

Context:

A helpless group of people complained to Dhul-Qarnayn that Gog and Magog were attacking and ravaging them.

They offered to pay him if he would build a barrier (wall) to protect them.

Dhul-Qarnayn’s Reply: "That in which my Lord has established me is better [than what you offer], so help me with strength, and I will make between you and them a barrier." — (Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 95)

Steps of Building the Wall (as per the Qur'an):

Dhul-Qarnayn collected sheets of iron.

He filled the gap between the two mountains with iron.

Then he poured molten copper (brass) over the iron to make the wall stronger and impenetrable.

Verse 96:

"Bring me sheets of iron" — until, when he had leveled [them] between the two mountain walls, he said, “Blow [with bellows],” until when he had made it [like] fire, he said, “Bring me molten copper to pour over it.”

Result of the Wall:

Verse 97:

“So they (Gog and Magog) were unable to scale it, nor were they able to pierce it.”

Meaning, the wall was so strong that Gog and Magog could neither climb over it nor break through it.

Prophecy about the Future:

Verses 98–99:

“[Dhul-Qarnayn] said: This is a mercy from my Lord. But when the promise of my Lord comes, He will level it, and the promise of my Lord is ever true. And We will leave them that day surging over each other..."

Meaning: Before the Day of Judgment, the wall will collapse, and Gog and Magog will be released once again to cause great chaos on Earth.

Where is the Wall?

The exact location of this wall is not specified in the Qur'an. However, researchers have speculated:

It might be in the Caucasus region (between modern-day Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan).

Some associate it with the ancient Great Wall of Derbent or the Caspian Gates.

Conclusion:

Dhul-Qarnayn was a righteous leader empowered by Allah.

He built a strong iron wall to protect people from Gog and Magog.

This wall will be destroyed before the Day of Judgment, after which Gog and Magog will reappear and cause widespread devastation.