Dhul Qarnayn: The Righteous Ruler in the Quran
A trial of power
Dhul Qarnayn is a powerful and righteous ruler mentioned in the Quran. Blessed with immense knowledge and authority, he was granted dominion over vast lands and undertook remarkable journeys, facing unique challenges along the way. The Quran highlights three of his significant expeditions, illustrating his wisdom, justice, and reliance on Allah’s guidance.
Allah’s Blessings Upon Dhul Qarnayn
The Quran introduces Dhul Qarnayn in Surah Al-Kahf (The Chapter of the Cave):
"And they ask you about Dhul Qarnayn. Say, ‘I will recite to you a mention of him.’" (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf. Chapter of the Cave, Verse 83)
Allah granted him the means and strength to achieve great feats:
"We established him in the earth and gave him to everything a way." (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf. Chapter of the Cave, Verse 84)
Dhul Qarnayn recognized that his power and resources were divine gifts, using them wisely to benefit humanity and uphold justice.
The Three Journeys of Dhul Qarnayn
1. The Journey to the West: Justice and Compassion
"So he went his way." (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf. Chapter of the Cave, Verse 85)
Dhul Qarnayn traveled to a distant western land where the sun appeared to set into a murky spring. There, he encountered a people and was presented with a choice:
"O Dhul Qarnayn, you may either punish them or treat them with kindness." (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf. Chapter of the Cave, Verse 86)
His response demonstrated his fairness and wisdom:
"As for the one who does wrong, we will punish him, then return him to his Lord, who will punish him severely. But as for the one who believes and does good, he will have the finest reward, and we will speak to him gently." (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf. Chapter of the Cave, Verse 87-88)
This decision showcased his role as a just and merciful leader.
2. The Journey to the East: A People Without Shelter
"Then he went his way." (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf. Chapter of the Cave, Verse 89)
He then traveled east, reaching a land where the sun rose upon a people who had no protection from its scorching heat.
"He found it rising on a people for whom We had provided no shelter from it." (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf. Chapter of the Cave, Verse 90)
This passage emphasizes Allah’s all-encompassing knowledge:
"Thus! And We have full knowledge of everything." (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf. Chapter of the Cave, Verse 91)
3. The Journey Between Two Mountains: The Barrier Against Ya’juj (Gog) and Ma’juj (Magog)
"Then he went his way." (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf. Chapter of the Cave, Verse 92)
Arriving between two mountains, Dhul Qarnayn met a people who barely understood speech. They pleaded for his help against the corrupt tribes of Ya’juj and Ma’juj:
"O Dhul Qarnayn, Ya’juj and Ma’juj are spreading corruption in the land. Can we pay you to build a barrier between us and them?" (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf. Chapter of the Cave, Verse 94)
Declining their payment, Dhul Qarnayn relied instead on Allah’s blessings and requested their physical assistance:
"What my Lord has granted me is better. But assist me with strength, and I will build a fortified dam between you and them." (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf. Chapter of the Cave, Verse 95)
He instructed them to bring iron sheets, which he placed between the two mountains. After heating the iron, he poured molten copper over it, creating an impenetrable barrier:
"They could neither climb over it nor dig through it." (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf. Chapter of the Cave, Verse 97)
A Mercy from Allah and a Reminder of the Hereafter
Dhul Qarnayn acknowledged that his success was due to Allah’s mercy:
"This is a mercy from my Lord. But when my Lord’s promise comes, He will level it, for His promise is true." (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf. Chapter of the Cave, Verse 98)
The Quran reminds us that on the Day of Judgment, all barriers will fall, and humanity will be gathered:
"On that Day, We will let them surge against one another, and the Horn will be blown, and We will gather them all." (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf. Chapter of the Cave, Verse 99)
Lessons from Dhul Qarnayn’s Story
Justice and Compassion – Dhul Qarnayn balanced punishment for wrongdoing with mercy for the righteous.
Resourcefulness – He used Allah’s blessings effectively to solve problems.
Humility – He recognized that his power came from Allah alone.
Preparation for the Hereafter – The story reminds believers of the temporary nature of worldly barriers and the certainty of the Day of Judgment.
As always, Allah knows best.