lQarnayn

lQarnayn is a figure mentioned in the Quran, the Islamic holy book. The name lQarnayn translates to "The Two-Horned One." In Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18), verses 83-101, a narrative describes lQarnayn's conquests and his construction of a barrier against Gog and Magog. The Quran presents him as a just and powerful ruler who traveled widely across the earth. He is depicted as having been granted great power and the means to achieve his goals by God. During his travels, he encountered a people who suffered from the depredations of Gog and Magog, a destructive force. In response, lQarnayn, with the help of the people, built a massive wall or barrier of iron and molten copper to keep them at bay. He then indicated that this barrier was a mercy from God and that it would remain until God's appointed time. The identity of lQarnayn has been a subject of much debate among scholars and exegetes. Some identify him with historical figures such as Alexander the Great, Cyrus the Great, or other ancient rulers. However, there is no definitive consensus, and the Quranic account focuses on his piety, justice, and the divine favor he received, rather than a precise historical identification. The story serves as a moral lesson on leadership, divine power, and the eventual judgment.