And they ask you regarding Zul-Qarnain; say, “I shall recite his story to you.” 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 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: "As for him (a disbeliever in the Oneness of Allah) who does wrong, we shall punish him; and then he will be brought back unto his Lord; Who will punish him with a terrible torment (Hell). 87 But he who believes and does the right will have an excellent reward, and we shall make things easy for him." 88 Then he followed (another) course. 89 Until when he reached the rising place of the sun, he perceived it rising upon a nation for whom against it We had not set a veil. 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 Then he followed a way 92 Until when he reached (a place) between the two mountains, he found on that side of them a people who could hardly understand 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 said: That wherein my Lord hath established me is better (than your tribute). Do but help me with strength (of men), I will set between you and them a bank. 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 So Gog and Magog were unable to pass over it, nor were they able [to effect] in it any penetration. 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 ۞ On that day We shall leave them to surge like waves on one another: the trumpet will be blown, and We shall collect them all together. 99 And on that Day We shall present Hell to the disbelievers, plain to view, 100 Whose eyes were veiled against My warning, and they could not hear. 101