They ask thee concerning Zul-qarnain. Say, "I will rehearse to you something of his story." 83 Indeed We gave him authority in the land and bestowed him the means of everything. 84 One (such) way he followed, 85 until, when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring, and nearby he found a nation. 'ThulKarnain' We said, 'you must either punish them or show them kindness' 86 He said: as for him who doeth wrong, presently we shall torment him, and thereafter he shall be brought back to his Lord, and He shall torment him with a torment formidable. 87 And as for him who believes and does good, he shall have goodly reward, and We will speak to him an easy word of Our command. 88 He then followed (another) road 89 Till, when he reached the rising-place of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had appointed no shelter therefrom. 90 Even so! and We had a full knowledge of what he had. 91 Then he set out on another expedition 92 when he reached between the two barriers he found on one side of them a nation who could barely understand speech. 93 They said: "O Dhu al-Qarnayn, Gog and Magog are spreading corruption in this land. So shall we pay you taxes on the understanding that you will set up a barrier between us and them?" 94 He said, 'That wherein my Lord has established me is better; so aid me forcefully, and I will set up a rampart between you and between them. 95 Bring me ingots of iron," (which they did) until the space between two mountain sides was filled up. "Blow your bellows," he said; (and they blew) until it was red hot. "Bring me molten brass," he said, "that I may pour over it." 96 Such was the rampart that Gog and Magog could not scale, nor could they pierce it. 97 Dhu al-Qarnayn said: "This is a mercy from my Lord: but when the time of my Lord's promise shall come, He will level the rampart with the ground. My Lord's promise always comes true." 98 ۞ We shall leave them on that day surging like waves pressing one against the other, and the trumpet blast will be sounded, when We shall gather them all together. 99 And on that Day We shall place hell, for all to see, before those who denied the truth 100 whose eyes were covered against My remembrance, and they were not able to hear. 101