Ahsan Ansari
Hazrat Dhul-Qarnayn was a great and righteous ruler mentioned in the Holy Quran in Surah Al-Kahf. Allah granted him power, knowledge, and strength on Earth, and he traveled to different parts of the world to establish justice and fairness. The Quran describes him as a pious and just ruler, but it does not provide clear details about his true identity. Some historical accounts associate him with famous kings like Alexander the Great or Cyrus the Great, but the strongest belief is that he was a contemporary of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him).
The Quran mentions three major journeys of Hazrat Dhul-Qarnayn. First, he traveled toward the west and reached a land where the sun appeared to set in a dark, murky body of water. There, he found a nation, and Allah gave him the authority to either punish them or treat them kindly. Hazrat Dhul-Qarnayn, being a just ruler, punished the wrongdoers while rewarding and treating the righteous people with kindness.
After this, he traveled eastward, where he found a people who lived in harsh conditions without any natural shade from the scorching sun. The Quran does not provide many details about this nation, but it is clear that Hazrat Dhul-Qarnayn left them as they were and moved forward.
In his third journey, he traveled northward and reached a region where a desperate nation sought his help. This nation was under constant threat from the savage and destructive tribes of Gog and Magog (Yajuj and Majuj), who frequently attacked them, destroyed their settlements, and plundered their resources. These people approached Hazrat Dhul-Qarnayn, offering him wealth in exchange for building a barrier to protect them from the attacks of Gog and Magog. However, he refused to take any compensation and agreed to help them solely for the sake of justice.
Hazrat Dhul-Qarnayn devised a plan to construct a strong wall to block Gog and Magog. He instructed the people to gather large sheets of iron, which were stacked upon one another to form a massive barrier. The structure was then heated with fire until it became red-hot, and finally, molten copper was poured over it to strengthen it further. This wall became so impenetrable that Gog and Magog were unable to climb over or break through it.
After completing the wall, Hazrat Dhul-Qarnayn declared that it would remain intact until Allah willed otherwise. He emphasized that this barrier was built not by human power alone but by divine decree. However, he also foretold that when the Day of Judgment draws near, this wall will collapse, allowing Gog and Magog to spread corruption on Earth once again.
Islamic traditions describe Gog and Magog as extremely numerous and destructive tribes who will emerge near the end of times, causing widespread chaos and devastation. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned that every day, they attempt to dig through the wall, but when they are about to break through, they are told to return the next day. However, the next day, they find the wall restored to its original state. Finally, when Allah wills, one day, they will succeed in breaching the wall, and their rampage will begin. However, Allah will send a divine punishment to eliminate them and save the world from their devastation.
The story of Hazrat Dhul-Qarnayn teaches us valuable lessons about justice, wisdom, and unwavering faith in Allah. Despite possessing immense power, he remained a righteous and fair ruler, punishing the wrongdoers and protecting the innocent. His construction of the Wall of Gog and Magog symbolizes the importance of leadership, intelligence, and strategic planning in safeguarding a nation.
While the Quran highlights his character and achievements, it does not emphasize his nationality or exact identity, as his deeds and righteousness are more significant than his personal details. The most credible belief is that he lived during the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and may have been one of his followers. Some reports suggest that he even performed Hajj at the Kaaba, which was built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
The rule of Hazrat Dhul-Qarnayn and his principles of justice and governance serve as an exemplary model for rulers of all times. He was a leader who governed according to divine guidance and worked for the betterment of humanity. His story teaches us that the true purpose of power and authority is not dominance, but justice, mercy, and righteousness.
The Wall of Gog and Magog remains a powerful reminder that no force can harm a nation unless Allah wills it, and when the Day of Judgment approaches, all events will unfold as decreed by Allah.
Regarding his birth, age, and death, the Quran and Hadith do not provide any details, and historical sources offer various conflicting theories. Therefore, while his exact time period and lifespan remain unknown, the Quran clearly describes him as a just, powerful, and righteous ruler whom Allah granted wisdom and dominion over the land.