They ask thee concerning Zul-qarnain. Say, "I will rehearse to you something of his story." 83 We established him in the land, and We gave him a way to everything; 84 One (such) way he followed, 85 until, when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring, and nearby he found a nation. 'ThulKarnain' We said, 'you must either punish them or show them kindness' 86 He said, "We shall certainly punish him who does wrong; then he shall be brought back to his Lord who will punish him with a grievous punishment, 87 but whoever believes and does good works shall have a good reward and We shall facilitate his matter by Our command." 88 He again pursued a purpose. 89 until, when he reached the rising of the sun, he found it rising upon a people for whom We had not appointed any veil to shade them from it. 90 So; and We encompassed in knowledge what was with him. 91 Then he followed (another) way, 92 until, when he reached between the two barriers, he found this side of them a people scarcely able to understand speech. 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 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 "Give me pieces (blocks) of iron," then, when he had filled up the gap between the two mountain-cliffs, he said: "Blow," till when he had made it (red as) fire, he said: "Bring me molten copper to pour over it." 96 And (Gog and Magog) were not able to surmount, nor could they pierce (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 ۞ On that Day, We shall let them surge against each other like waves and then the Trumpet will be blown and We shall gather them all together. 99 On that Day We shall lay Hell bare before those who deny the truth, 100 who have turned a blind eye to My reminder and a deaf ear to My warning. 101