And they ask thee of Zul Qarnain. Say thou: I shall recite unto you of him some mention. 83 Say: "I will cite before you his commemoration." We gave him authority in the land and means of accomplishing every end. 84 Then he followed a way. 85 Until when he reached the setting-place of the sun, he perceived it setting in a miry spring, and he found beside it a nation. We said: Zul Qarnian! either chastise them or take in respect of them the way of 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 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 a way 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, We encompassed in knowledge what was with him. 91 He travelled 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, “O Zul-Qarnain – indeed Yajuj and Majuj* are spreading chaos in the land – so shall we assign for you a consideration upon the condition that you set up a wall between us and them?” (* Gog and Magog.) 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 they were not able to mount it, nor were they able to burrow through 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 ۞ 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 will bring forth hell, exposed to view, on that day before the unbelievers. 100 whose eyes were covered against My remembrance, and they were not able to hear. 101