They ask thee concerning Zul-qarnain. Say, "I will rehearse to you something of his story." 83 Verily We! We established him in the earth, and vouchsafed unto him of everything a way. 84 One (such) way he followed, 85 to the West where he found the sun setting into a warm source (spring) of water and a people living near by. We asked him, "Dhu 'l-Qarnayn, you may punish them or treat them with kindness?" 86 He replied, "I shall punish the unjust ones among them and then they will return to their Lord, who will punish them more sternly". 87 "But whoever believes, and works righteousness,- he shall have a goodly reward, and easy will be his task as We order it by our Command." 88 And once again he chose the right means [to achieve a right end]. 89 [And then he marched eastwards] till, when he came to the rising of the sun he found that it was rising on a people for whom We had provided no coverings against it: 90 Thus indeed it was. We had full knowledge of him. 91 He again pursued a purpose. 92 Till, when he came between the two mountains, he found upon their hither side a folk that scarce could understand a saying. 93 'ThulKarnain' they said, 'Look, Gog and Magog are corrupting the earth. Build for us a barrier between us and them, and we will pay you a tribute' 94 He replied: 'That which my Lord has given me is better, therefore help me with all your power, and I will build a barrier between you and between them. 95 "Give me pieces (blocks) of iron," then, when he had filled up the gap between the two mountain-cliffs, he said: "Blow," till when he had made it (red as) fire, he said: "Bring me molten copper to pour over it." 96 Thus they were not able to mount it, nor were they able to burrow through it. 97 He said: This is a mercy from my Lord; but when the promise of my Lord cometh to pass, He will lay it low, for the promise of my Lord is true. 98 ۞ AND ON that Day" We shall [call forth all mankind and] leave them to surge like waves [that dash] against one another; and the trumpet [of judgment] will be blown, and 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 veiled against My warning, and they could not hear. 101