They ask thee concerning Zul-qarnain. Say, "I will rehearse to you something of his story." 83 Surely We established him in the land and granted him means of access to every thing. 84 He set out (westwards) on an expedition, 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 said: "I shall punish whosoever is wicked. He will then be sent back to his Lord who will inflict on him a terrible punishment. 87 But he who believes and does the right will have an excellent reward, and we shall make things easy for him." 88 Then followed he (another) way, 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 it was. And surely We have encompassed all that was with him in knowledge 91 Then he followed the road, 92 Until, when he reached between two mountains, he found, before (near) them (those two mountains), a people who scarcely understood a word. 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 answered: "That wherein my Sustainer has so securely established me is better [than anything that you could give me]; hence, do but help me with [your labour's] strength, [and] I shall erect a rampart between you and them! 95 Bring me ingots of iron." Then after he had filled up the space between the two mountain-sides, he said: "(Light a fire) and ply bellows." When he had made it (red like) fire, he said: "Bring me molten copper which I may pour on 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 comes to pass, He will make it into powder; and my Lord's promise is ever true.' 98 ۞ And We shall leave them on that day surging one against other and the trumpet shall be blown, and then We shall assemble them together. 99 We will fully expose the view of hell on that Day to the disbelievers, 100 The ones whose eyes were covered from My remembrance, and who could not bear to hear Truth. 101