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something of his story.
'We made him mighty in the land and gave him means to (achieve) all
things. He journeyed on a certain road until he reached theWest and saw
the sun setting in a pool of blackmud. Hard by he found a certain people.
‘“Dhul-Qarnain,” We said, “you must either punish them or show
themkindness.”
'He replied: “The wicked we shall surely punish. Then they shall
return to their Lord and be sternly punished by Him. As for those that
have faith and do good works, we shall bestow on them a rich reward
and deal indulgentlywith them.”
'He then journeyed along another road, until he reached the East and
saw the sun rising upon a people for whomWe provided no protection
against it. So it was; andWe had full knowledge of what he had.
'Then he followed yet another route, until he came between the Two
Mountains and found beneath them a people who could barely
understand a word. “Dhul-Qarnain,” they said, “Gog and Magog are
ravaging this land. Build us a barrier against them and we will pay you
tribute.”
'He replied: “The power which my Lord has given me is better (than
any tribute). Lend me a force of labourers, and I will raise a barrier
between you and them. Come, bringme blocks of iron.”
'At length, when he dammed up the valley between the Two
Mountains, he said: “Blow (with your bellows).” And when he made
the iron blocks red with heat, he said: “Bring me molten brass to pour
on them.”
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THE CAVE
THE QURAN