And they ask you regarding Zul-Qarnain; say, “I shall recite his story to you.” 83 Say: "I will cite before you his commemoration." We gave him authority in the land and means of accomplishing every end. 84 He therefore pursued a purpose. 85 Until, when he reached the setting place of the sun, he found it setting in a spring of black muddy (or hot) water. And he found near it a people. We (Allah) said (by inspiration): "O Dhul-Qarnain! Either you punish them, or treat them with 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 as for him who believes, and does righteousness, he shall receive as recompense the reward most fair, and we shall speak to him, of our command, easiness.' 88 Then he followed a way 89 until he reached the limit where the sun rises and he found it rising on a people whom We had provided no shelter from it. 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 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 They said, "Dhu 'l-Qarnayn, Gog and Magog are ravaging this land. Would you establish a barrier between us and them if we pay you a certain tax?" 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 Thus were they made powerless to scale it or to dig through it. 97 and he said, "This is a mercy from my Lord. But when the promise of my Lord comes to pass, He will level it to dust. My Lord's promise is ever true!" 98 ۞ And We will leave them that day surging over each other, and [then] the Horn will be blown, and We will assemble them in [one] assembly. 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