The Story of Dhul-Qarnayn

Dhul-Qarnayn was a righteous king to whom Allah granted the sources of power (1) for dominion and conquest—gifts no other ruler enjoyed.

Thus the Qur’an highlights the excellence of his conduct, his mercy, the might of his sovereignty, and the extent of his journeys to both east and west, providing all that is necessary to understand his life and circumstances. For this reason Allah says: “They ask you about Dhul-Qarnayn. Say: I shall recite to you something of his story” (18:83)—meaning, only part of his account.

It is evident that whatever Allah relates in His Book is the finest and most beneficial narrative for His servants. He tells us that He endowed Dhul-Qarnayn with every means that establishes political strength: knowledge of governance, sound administration, weaponry that subdues nations, vast armies, facilitated lines of communication, and everything else he required. Yet Dhul-Qarnayn also made use of those means; not everyone who receives beneficial resources follows them or acts upon them.

Dhul-Qarnayn combined both blessings: he was granted the means and he pursued them. With his formidable armies he campaigned through the nearest parts of Africa and its farthest reaches until he reached the western ocean. He came to a place where, at sunset, “he found it setting in a spring of murky water” (18:86)—that is, to the eye it appeared as though the sun were sinking into the sea, whose dark hue resembled thick mud (2). In short, he arrived at the furthest limit to which hoof and foot could carry one in the lands of Africa.