which is quiescent in both names.

Every proposed derivation of their names accords with their condition. The derivation from māja, meaning “to be in turmoil,” is supported by the words of Allah: “And We shall leave some of them, on that Day, surging against one another” [al-Kahf: 99]. This will occur when they emerge from behind the barrier (1).

Gog and Magog are human beings, descended from Adam and Eve, peace be upon them both.

Some scholars, however, have said that they are descended from Adam but not from Eve (2), claiming that Adam had a nocturnal emission and his semen became mixed with the earth, from which Allah created Gog and Magog.

There is no evidence for this claim, nor has it been reported from anyone whose word must be accepted (3).

Ibn Hajar said: “We have not found this view held by any of the early generations except Kaʿb al-Ahbār. It is refuted by the hadith traced back to the Prophet stating that they are descendants of Noah—and Noah was unquestionably a descendant of Eve” (4).

Gog and Magog are descended from Japheth, the forefather of the Turks, and Japheth was a son of Noah, peace be upon him (5).