They ask you about Dhu'l-Qarnain. 83 Say: "I will cite before you his commemoration." We gave him authority in the land and means of accomplishing every end. 84 and so he chose the right means [in whatever he did]. 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: "We will chastise him who does wrong, whereafter he will be returned to his Lord and He will chastise him grievously. 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 He again pursued a purpose. 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 So; and We encompassed in knowledge what was with him. 91 Then he followed (another) course. 92 until when he reached a place between the two mountains, he found beside the mountains a people who scarcely understood anything. 93 They said: "O Dhu al-Qarnayn, Gog and Magog are spreading corruption in this land. So shall we pay you taxes on the understanding that you will set up a barrier between us and them?" 94 He said: better is that wherein my Lord hath established me; so help me with might, and I shall place between you and them a rampart. 95 Bring me lumps of iron. Then when he had evened up between the two mountain-sides, he said: blow! Then when he had made it fire, he said: bring me and I shall pour thereon molten copper. 96 Thus were they made powerless to scale it or to dig 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 level with the ground, and the promise of my Lord 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 will present Hell that Day to the Disbelievers, on display - 100 whose eyes had become blind against My admonition and who were utterly disinclined to hear it. 101