They ask thee concerning Zul-qarnain. Say, "I will rehearse to you something of his story." 83 Behold, We established him securely on earth, and endowed him with [the knowledge of] the right means to achieve anything [that he might set out to achieve]; 84 So he followed a certain road 85 until when he reached the very limits where the sun sets, he saw it setting in dark turbid waters; and nearby he met a people. We said: "O Dhu al-Qarnayn, you have the power to punish or to treat them with kindness." 86 He said: "As for him (a disbeliever in the Oneness of Allah) who does wrong, we shall punish him; and then he will be brought back unto his Lord; Who will punish him with a terrible torment (Hell). 87 "But as for him who believes (in Allah's Oneness) and works righteousness, he shall have the best reward, (Paradise), and we (Dhul-Qarnain) shall speak unto him mild words (as instructions)." 88 Then he followed (another) course. 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 thus [We had made them, and thus he left them; and We did encompass with Our knowledge all that he had in mind 91 Then followed he (another) way, 92 Till he reached a place between two mountains, and found this side of it a people who understood but little of what was spoken. 93 They said, "O Dhul-Qarnayn, indeed Gog and Magog are [great] corrupters in the land. So may we assign for you an expenditure that you might make between us and them a barrier?" 94 He said: "That (wealth, authority and power) in which my Lord had established me is better (than your tribute). So help me with strength (of men), I will erect between you and them a barrier. 95 "Bring me blocks of iron." At length, when he had filled up the space between the two steep mountain-sides, He said, "Blow (with your bellows)" Then, when he had made it (red) as fire, he said: "Bring me, that I may pour over it, molten lead." 96 So they were unable either to scale it or pierce it. 97 He said, 'This is a mercy from my Lord. But when the promise of my Lord comes to pass, He will make it into powder; and my Lord's promise is ever true.' 98 ۞ Upon that day We shall leave them surging on one another, and the Trumpet shall be blown, and We shall gather them together, 99 And We shall bring hell in front of the disbelievers. 100 Those whose eyes were hoodwinked from My reminder, and who could not bear to hear. 101