And they ask you regarding Zul-Qarnain; say, “I shall recite his story to you.” 83 We established him in the land, and We gave him a way to 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 he found nearby a people. We said, 'O Dhool Karnain, either thou shalt chastise them, or thou shalt take towards them a way of kindness.' 86 He replied: 'The evildoer we shall punish. Then he shall return to his Lord and He will punish him with a stern punishment. 87 But as for him who believes and acts righteously, his will be a goodly reward and we shall enjoin upon him only mild commands." 88 Then he followed (another) course. 89 To the extent that when he reached the rising-place of the sun, he found it rising upon a nation for which We had not kept any shelter from it. 90 So (it was). And We knew all concerning him. 91 Then he followed a way 92 Until, when he reached [a pass] between two mountains, he found beside them a people who could hardly understand [his] speech. 93 They said, 'O Dhool Karnain, behold, Gog and Magog are doing corruption in the earth; so shall we assign to thee a tribute, against thy setting up a barrier between us and between them?' 94 He said: That in which my Lord has established me is better, therefore you only help me with workers, I will make a fortified barrier between you and them; 95 Bring me ingots of iron!" Then, after he had [piled up the iron and] filled the gap between the two mountain-sides, he said: "[Light a fire and] ply your bellows!" At length, when he had made it [glow like] fire, he commanded: "Bring me molten copper which I may pour upon it." 96 And thus [the rampart was built, and] their enemies were unable to scale it, and neither were they able to pierce it. 97 He said, “This is the mercy of my Lord; then when the promise of my Lord arrives, He will blow it to bits; and my Lord’s promise is true.” 98 ۞ On that Day, We shall let them surge against each other like waves and then the Trumpet 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 had become blind against My admonition and who were utterly disinclined to hear it. 101