And they ask you regarding Zul-Qarnain; say, “I shall recite his story to you.” 83 Verily, We established him in the earth, and We gave him the means of everything. 84 He therefore pursued a purpose. 85 Till he reached the point of the setting sun, and saw it set behind a muddy lake, and near it found a people. We said: "O Dhu'l-Qarnain, you may either punish them or treat them with 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 As for he who believes and does good works he shall receive a fine reward in recompense and we shall speak to him with a mild command' 88 Thereafter he followed a way. 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 it is; and Our knowledge encompasses all that he possessed. 91 He again pursued a purpose. 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 They said: O Dhu'l-Qarneyn! Lo! Gog and Magog are spoiling the land. So may we pay thee tribute on condition that thou set a barrier between us and them? 94 He said, “That which my Lord has given me control over is better, therefore help me with strength – I shall set up a barrier between you and them.” 95 bring me blocks of iron." Then, when he had filled the gap between the mountain sides [he said], "Now blow on the fire with your bellows." When the iron blocks were red with heat, he said, "Bring me molten brass to pour on them." 96 So they were unable either to scale it or 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 into powder; and my Lord's promise is ever true.' 98 ۞ And on that day we shall let some of them surge against others, and the Trumpet will be blown. Then We shall gather them together in one gathering. 99 We will fully expose the view of hell on that Day to the disbelievers, 100 Whose eyes were veiled against My warning, and they could not hear. 101