This story, including the story of the People of the Cave, was revealed in response to the efforts by the Jews of Mecca to discredit Rasulullah SAW. He said: So Dhul Qarnain is teaching us that even a great king, when he achieved something great they attribute it to Allah. (Al Qur’an 18:98 – 18:99). This was a trial from Allah, and also for admonishing Rasulullah SAW for not saying “Insha Allah” before making a commitment. The final story in Surah Al Kahf is in relation to Dhul-Qarnayn. So help me with your strength so that I can put between you and me a barrier. Often, we become confident in our ability to deliver, and we attribute such abilities to our own might and strength: a casual promise, or even the undertaking to meet a deadline or attend an appointment. These were apparently revealed in response to three questions asked by the Quraish. But the scholars say Dhul-Qarnayn(he of two Hornes) here is meant that he reached the West and the East. Bring me sheets of iron” – until, when he had leveled [them] between the two mountain walls, he said, “Blow [with bellows],” until when he had made it [like] fire, he said, “Bring me, that I may pour over it molten copper.” So Gog and Magog were unable to pass over it, nor were they able [to effect] in it any penetration. We get lost in the competitive arenas of our careers, and together with it, our original objective is also lost, dunia and akhirah. Anger Management in the Light of Quran and Sunnah. (Al Qur’an 18:91). This story, including the story of the People of the Cave, was revealed in response to the efforts by the Jews of Mecca to discredit Rasulullah SAW. The Story of the Dhul Qarnayn (A Righteous King) – A Trial of Power. As time passed, people speculated that Rasulullah SAW did not rise up to the challenge thrown by the Jews. Who exactly is Dhul-Qarnayn? Allah the Almighty praised Dhul-Qarnain in the Glorious Quran for his justice. So may we assign for you an expenditure that you might make between us and them a barrier?” (Al Qur’an 18:94). Was Dhul Qarnayn Alexander the Great? He worshipped God fearing Him, so he had good name, therefore his subjects did not fear him, they revered him, and they praised him and many of them loved him as well. Unravelling the Truth About Eve: Her Position in History…, Armenia and Islam: How Armenia’s Historical Connections with…, Then he followed a way. He roared like a lion in every town and caused lightening, thunder, and darkness. This is the very principle which Dhul Qarnayn utilized. (Al Qur’an 18:95 – 18:97). This story, including the story of the people of the cave (Al-kahf) was revealed in response to the efforts by the Jews of Mecca to discredit Rasulullah SAW. Question: Assalaamualaikum dear Shuyookh,. A vast just government cannot turn away from the varieties of the life of people and their different conditions. {And he found the sun was coming up over a people we have not put from them meaning from the sun any covering}. The Qur’an mentions three of his journeys. Allah knows best. Not having Jewish or Christian ancestry, these stories were not known to the community of Mekkah at that time and were not part of their traditions. The last and final story Allah (swt) shares with us in Surah al-Kahf is the story of the great ruler, Dhul-Qarnayn. (al-Kahf, 83-84) The Ruler of the Earth It is doubtful whether Hz. Sign up here to get the latest news, updates delivered directly to your inbox. 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How many of us have already been stuck in some unforeseen circumstance – a traffic jam, or a broken server, an illness, which took away our ability to keep to our commitment? {That in which my Lord has enabled me is better [than what you offer], but assist me with strength; I will make between you and them a barrier.} Story Of Prophet Sulaiman Or Solomon (AS), The Story of Moses: Lessons from the life of Prophet Moses. Then he decided to move on and he took another path until he reached where the sun comes up. He said: I can see that these people are spreading mischief… come and support me in this cause that you want me to finish. Until, when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it [as if] setting in a spring of dark mud, and he found near it a people. Several Quran exegeses shed light upon why Allah refers to him as ‘Dhul Qarnain‘, or “the possessor of (ذِي) the two horns (الْقَرْنَيْنِ)”. Your email address will not be published. (Al Qur’an 18:84 – 18:85). Indeed, all rulers and people in positions of power should similarly exercise justice without any discrimination. This is a flash card based around the topic of the story of Dhul Qarnain which contains questions on one side and answers on the other side. All Rights Reserved. Dhul Qarnain was a righteous and just king, who traveled the lands from West to East. A.) Where did he go? He shared and imparted his knowledge to them, taught them the skills required such as carpentry and agriculture, and then continued on his journey. At the present time, we are running on very limited funds. This is a transcript of a video on the story of Dhul Qarnain. Dhul-Qarnayn was a conqueror, and only a few of us have this immense ability. Gog and Magog were unique people, human beings but they are people who have significant mischief. However, the precise identity of Dhul-Qarnayn is not described in the Qur’an and Hadith, and Allah did not provide us with the details for a wisdom that He knows. Dhul Qarnayn was a pious man and a God-fearing waliy who owned vast lands stretching from east to west. Dhul-Qarnayn travelled extensively in his life. The Teacher’s Toolbox is FREE for everyone to use, whether you use any of our other services or not. According to an old belief, he is the same as Alexander the Great (reign: 356BC-323BC). Dhul-Qarnayn travelled extensively from one end of the earth to another, in order to spread justice, to alleviate the suffering people and to educate and advance them by spreading his knowledge to them. All those who opposed him and were inimical to him were destroyed by these supernatural phenomena. This is a distortion of the original intention of the phrase. 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However, we all have different skills – some of us are persuasive talkers, some of us are wealthy, some of us are good at organizing projects, some of us have extensive knowledge of the akhirah, and some of us have extensive knowledge of the useful things in dunia (for example, medicine, engineering, life skills). According to Muslim accounts, this chapter was revealed to Muhammad when his tribe, Quraysh, sent two men to discover whether the Jews, with their superior knowledge of the scriptures, could advise them on whether Muhammad was a true prophet of God.The rabbis told them to ask Muhammad about three things, … The main lesson that can be learnt from the story of Dhul-Qarnayn is that all ability, might and power comes from Allah, and when one’s inclination is towards goodness, he should use those abilities to do good. Then he will be returned to his Lord, and He will punish him with a terrible punishment. The final story in Surah Al Kahf is in relation to Dhul-Qarnayn. }, {As for the one who wronged himself, then we’ll punish that person, then he’ll be taken back to his Lord, after he dies, then Allah will punish him a punishment that is tremendous or unheard of. So he followed a way. Dhul-Qarnayn did not waste these abilities on himself, but rather, travelled from one remote place to another to help elevate his fellow mankind in dunia and akhirah. The Qur’an relates the story of Dhul-Qarnayn ("he of the two horns") in Sura' al-Kahf. As with many other Qur’anic stories, Allah only reveals essential information to us, and if details are not revealed, then the knowledge of such details is inconsequential to our journey of iman and we should not enquire or debate any further about it. Allah gave him the knowledge and equipped him with ability and means. The Quran narrates the story of how Allah establishes Dhul-Qarnayn as a powerful ruler on earth and allows the king the freedom to do with his subjects as he pleases. He was the one who provided relief to … Allah gave Dhul-Qarnayn the knowledge to solve the predicament of the people there, and so he instructed them to build a gigantic wall or dam of iron between the two mountains and then pour molten copper to strengthen and increase its impenetrability. No, he was not a Prophet. Was Dhul Qarnayn Alexander the Great? Despite his wealth and power and strength, Allah gave him a king who worshipped Allah sincerely, and Allah had given him phonemical strength, phenomenal both physical strength, able to lift things, carry things and move things but also his army that Allah given him was a formidable army, and one of the things that Dhul Qarnain loved to do or had a vision of was, he wanted to bring a lot of the world under the rule of Allah, yes under his rule and authority but the point was that he would spread monotheism at the same time as well. I have heard parts of a tradition relating that Sayyidina Dhul Qarnayn (as) and Sayyidina Khidr (as) went in search of the “fountain of youth” or “water of life” and that is how Sayyidina Khidr (as) is alive until today through drinking that blessed water. Dhul-Qarnayn, translated as "the possessor of the two horns," is a legendary king mentioned in Chapter 18 of The Quran, Sura al-Kahf ("The Cave"). The enemies were almost destroyed by the fear that they had in their hearts. This is a reference to the story of Dhul-Qarnayn in the Quran. Security is the foremost condition of a safe social life which is why Dhul Qarnayn undertook the most laborious works to provide it with them. However, the qadr of Allah is still to pass. As for the one who believes and does righteous deeds, then I’ll give him good rewards and I will say to him from my affair that which will be easy for him.}. The flash cards can be laminated and students can use them to test each others knowledge on what they have learnt. In this location he discovered a community who were living under oppressed conditions. First of all, he had no financial worry, he was a king. The story of Dhul-Qarnayn (in Arabic ذو القرنين, literally "The Two-Horned One", also transliterated as Zul-Qarnain or Zulqarnain) is found in the 18 th Surah of the Qur'an, al-Kahf (the Cave). Dhul- Qarnain) said: "This is a mercy from my Lord, but when the Promise of my Lord comes, He shall level it down to the ground. And they were able to bring large pieces of iron to help Dhul Qarnain. In order for us to run Islam Religion Guardian service efficiently, we are in need of donations. Some said it’s Africa, some said it’s Asia… This would have been somewhere in the east. The story of Dhul Qarnayn is a fantastical story of a man who travelled to the East and West, and trapped the nation of Gog and Magog between mountains. © 2020 - Islamreligionguardian. Having completed his task, he and his army continued on their journey, until one day, against the rising sun, he found a people who were backward and ignorant, living in the open without any shelter or protection against the sun. In fact, the Qur’an relates three incidents in this Surah, and the story of Dhul-Qarnayn is one of them. What is known is that Dhul-Qarnayn was a man endowed by Allah with many talents and abilities, including military prowess, the ability to rule kingdoms, and extensive practical knowledge on many aspects of life. There are many theories of who this man was and in what era he lived. Rafa’il, an honoured angel and friend of Dul Qarnayn, would visit him from time to time. Dhul Qarnain was a righteous and just king, who traveled the lands from West to East. Zulqarnain / Dhul-Qarnayn Dhul-Qarnayn was a well-known figure in the folklore of the Arabian Peninsula. In this case, however, day after day passed and as time went by, Jibril AS did not materialize. The final story in Surah Al Kahf is in relation to Dhul-Qarnayn.. Dhul Qarnain created big cauldrons; he started to melt the iron until he had then closed off the gap between the two mountains. Question: Assalaamualaikum dear Shuyookh,. Dhu l-Qarnayn (Arabic: ذوالقَرنَین) is the title of a character mentioned in the Qur'an.There are basic disagreements in Islamic sources about his identity, the historical period in which he lived, and the details of his life. And the Promise of my Lord is ever true."} Who are Gog and Magog? The story of Dhul-Qarnayn is related in chapter 18 of the Quran, al kahf (“The Cave“).This chapter was supposedly revealed to Muhammad when his tribe, Quraysh, sent two men to discover whether the Jews, with their superior knowledge of the scriptures, could advise them on whether Muhammad was a … However, the objective is a high one – not for worldly fortune, but for the empowerment and betterment of people for the sake of Allah. Everyone is welcome to benefit from the resources on this site. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aba98a95933b562563f9d90be5feed3f" );document.getElementById("d702884592").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about Dhul-Qarnayn. He conquered in order to spread the rule of Allah over the land. I have heard parts of a tradition relating that Sayyidina Dhul Qarnayn (as) and Sayyidina Khidr (as) went in search of the “fountain of youth” or “water of life” and that is how Sayyidina Khidr (as) is alive until today through drinking that blessed water. The story teaches us how a Muslim should be dynamic and to be a high achiever. So can we give you some money so that you can put a barrier between us and them?}. Eventually however, Allah revealed the answers to Rasulullah SAW, and they are contained in the eighteenth chapter of the Qur’an, Surah Al Kahf. However, nothing in this earth happens without Allah’s will or permission. This is a transcript of a video on the story of Dhul Qarnain. In doing so, he was also guided by Allah, and governed his actions accordingly to Allah’s rulings. In the Quran Zulkarnain is mentioned as a Dhul-Qarnayn (Arabic ذو القرنين) meaning “The Two-Horned One“. Story#4: The fourth story that Allah Almighty mentions in Quran in this particular Surah is the story of great king Dhul-Qarnayn who travelled all across the world to help the people who were in need and spread good wherever he went. Dhul-Qarnayn, translated as “the possessor of the two horns,” is a legendary king mentioned in Chapter 18 of The Quran, Surah al-Kahf (“The Cave”).. The more we are sincere in wanting to perform good deeds, the more Allah will increase our ability to spread the message, meaning such parts of our abilities that enable us to benefit others. (Al Qur’an 18:90). This story, including the story of the People of the Cave, was revealed in response to the efforts by the Jews of Mecca to discredit Rasulullah SAW. He was also a pious and steadfast Muslim who constantly contemplated over the signs of Allah and lived his days travelling from one destination to the next in order to establish justice in the land and alleviate the suffering of the people. (Al-Kahf, 83-98) Was He a Prophet? It is said that he ruled the earth from east to west, but it is noted that Allah only revealed part of this story to us. We as Muslims, are obligated to say “Insha Allah” when promising to deliver something, for without Allah’s will, nothing can happen. Ibn Abbas mentioned that they were Turkish Mongol in origin, other scholars mention that their origins are from Mongolian, Turkish, Chinese mixed with Asian feature… and unfortunately they created a lot of mischief. Accept We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Verily We established his power on earth, and We gave him the ways and the means to all ends. Therefore he took another path in order to travel. The final story in Surah Al Kahf is in relation to Dhul-Qarnayn. {They ask you about Dhul Qarnain, verily we (Allah) established him in the earth and we gave him from everything single matter a way and a path, meaning we eased his affair in every matter}. The final story in Surah Al Kahf is in relation to Dhul-Qarnayn. Hence we will not be exploring the speculations of the scholars, but will take a literal approach and quote only the text in the Qur’an for the purpose of this story. On his last journey, he reaches a place between two mountains where he met a tribe of people. to Turkey or around that area until he reached that area which is Turkmenistan, he reached two mountains. The flash cards can be laminated and students can use them to test each others knowledge on what they have learnt. One day, close to the end of time, the barrier will be levelled and from there, Ya’juj and Ma’juj will be liberated and will spread great corruption and discord throughout the land. The final story in Surah Al Kahf is in relation to Dhul-Qarnayn. As a final note, Allah gives each of us different abilities. Allah knows. Allah said, “O Dhul-Qarnayn, either you punish [them] or else adopt among them [a way of] goodness.” (Al Qur’an 18:86). Remember that this is not going to stay all the time but if the promise of Allah comes, Allah will destroy this barrier. Say 'I will rehearse to you something of his story. When asked to describe these incidents, Rasulullah SAW asked the questioners to return the following day, and that he would answer their questions then – but he omitted from saying“Insha Allah” (God willing). His enemies feared him and so even before he attacked them. The story of Dhu al-Qarnayn is related in Surah 18 of the Quran, al-Kahf ("The Cave"). 22 November, 2016. The story along with the story of the People of the Cave was revealed to the Prophet (saw) in response to the disbelievers who challenged the Prophet (saw) to tell them about these famous stories from the past. Dhul-Qarnayn was a prophet or a saint. Everyone is welcome to benefit from the resources on this site. But as for one who believes and does righteousness, he will have a reward of Paradise, and we will speak to him from our command with ease.” (Al Qur’an 18:87 – 18:88). He liberated the community from the oppression that they were subject to, inflicted punishment upon the oppressors, criminals and evildoers and aided the weak and oppressed until justice was established in the land. However, his story is narrated in the Quran. Until, when he came to the rising of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had not made against it any shield. Some scholars say it’s a black sea, others said it’s Aegean sea, and upon that area, he found a people. The story of a great king, a worshipper, a slave of Allah, was probably not a prophet of God, however definitely he was a Muslim, a Unitarian, only believes in one God. There is extensive ongoing debate on who exactly was the historical character of Dhul-Qarnayn. The story of Dhul-Qarnayn appears in sixteen verses of the Qur'an, specifically the 16 verses 18:83-98 (Al Kahf). We therefore record what is revealed in the Qu’ran, and will not cite information which is not verified by authentic sources. Yes its a fascinating story. Dhul Qarnayn’s fair treatment of the first group of people, punishing only the wrongdoers, and being kind to the others is among the many lessons we find in Surah Al-Kahf. Little is known about Ya’juj and Ma’juj – what race they are, their exact location and what form they appear in. The Teacher’s Toolbox is FREE for everyone to use, whether you use any of our other services or not. The purpose of Dhul-Qarnayn’s travels were not for the sake of amassing fortune and power, but to establish justice in the land and rid it of oppression. Then he followed a way. Immediately,… If we are sincere, Allah will give us the capacity as well as the victory, according to our piety, connection to Allah and faith in Allah. The story of a great king, a worshipper, a slave of Allah, was probably not a prophet of God, however definitely he was a Muslim, a Unitarian, only believes in one God. This is why the end of Surah Al Kahf talks about the purity and sincerity of intention, for without them, all good deeds are wasted. He educated the community there on what they needed to do. So he took a path, meaning he wanted to go somewhere, so he took a path of travel until he had come to a place where the sun sets (in the west). All those who opposed him and were inimical to him were destroyed by these supernatural phenomena. So Gog and Magog were unique people, human beings but they are people who have significant mischief. “Insha Allah” is only to be used when someone intends to keep his commitment and will use his best efforts to keep his promise, but also has the humility to acknowledge that it is only Allah who can carry his commitments to fruition. While he is never mentioned explicitly by name, the story is clearly based upon a legendary account of Alexander the Great. So they were basically savages who didn’t have even proper dwellings who didn’t even cover themselves properly, who had basically no barrier against the sun. The fourth and last story that Allah has narrated in Surah Al-Kahf is about this just, Allah-fearing ruler and his conquests. There are various ahadeeth however, which categorically describes them as being corrupters of the land, and it is prophesized in both Al Qur’an and ahadeeth that they will, close to the end of time, appear on the land and cause great trouble and strife. The Quran narrates the story of how Allah establishes Dhul-Qarnayn as a powerful ruler on earth and allows the king the freedom to do with his subjects as he pleases. This reminder is in fact recorded in the Qur’an: And never say of anything, “Indeed, I will do that tomorrow,” Except [when adding], “If Allah wills.” And remember your Lord when you forget [it] and say, “Perhaps my Lord will guide me to what is nearer than this to right conduct.” (Al Qur’an; 18:24). Dhul-Qarnayn, translated as “the possessor of the two horns,” is a legendary king mentioned in Chapter 18 of The Quran, Sura al-Kahf (“The Cave”). According to some of the narrations shows that these mountains are in south Turkey.