Dhul-Qarnayn

Mentioned in Surah al-Kahf (Chapter 18) in response to questions posed by Makkan pagans, Dhul-Qarnayn was a powerful ruler to whom Allah gave "means to all things."

He launched three major expeditions:

1. To the West: He reached the setting place of the sun, which appeared to set in a muddy spring.
2. To the East: He reached the rising place of the sun, encountering a people with no shelter from it.
3. To the North: He reached a mountain pass where people complained of the terror of Gog and Magog (Yajuj and Magog).

Rather than taking money, Dhul-Qarnayn helped them construct a massive barrier made of molten copper and iron blocks. This barrier remains intact, holding Gog and Magog until the end times, as promised by Allah.

Scholars debate his identity—some identifying him as Cyrus the Great, Alexander the Great, or an ancient pre-historic king—but the Quran emphasizes his righteousness, justice, and absolute submission to Allah.