when their release draws near, as is related from Kaʿb al-Aḥbār.

Alternatively, the meaning of His words, “and they could not pierce it” (18:97), may be that they were unable to open a passage through it; this does not rule out their licking at it without actually breaking through. Allah knows best.

On this understanding, one may reconcile the above with what is recorded in the two Ṣaḥīḥs from Abū Hurayrah: “Today a breach like this has been opened in the barrier of Gog and Magog,” whereupon he joined his fingers, indicating ninety—that is, a breach that goes all the way through it. Allah knows best.