A Reconsideration of the Issue of Dhū al-Qarnayn’s Barrier According to the Holy Qurʾan

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Abbas Esmaeelizadeh ¹

Seyede Fateme Nikookar ²

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Qur'an and Hadith Studies, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

² MA Student of Qur'an and Hadith Studies, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

10.22067/jquran.2025.92565.1819

Abstract

The issue of Dhū al-Qarnayn’s barrier and its ultimate fate has long been a subject of debate in Qurʾanic exegesis. The narrative presented in verses 83–99 of Surah al-Kahf recounts three journeys of Dhū al-Qarnayn, the third of which involves the construction of a uniquely described barrier. The Qurʾanic depiction of this barrier has prompted numerous theories and attempts throughout history to identify its geographical location. Employing a descriptive–analytical approach based on library research method, this study categorizes and critically examines exegetical views on these verses, aiming to present an interpretation grounded in textual coherence. The findings indicate that neglecting the discontinuity of verse 99 from the preceding context has led to the assumption that the barrier will remain until the Day of Resurrection, an interpretation sometimes supported by verse 96 of Surah al-Anbiyāʾ. However, structural analysis of Surah al-Kahf and its seven thematic contexts reveals that verse 99 initiates an independent context and is disconnected from the continuation of Dhū al-Qarnayn’s story. Accordingly, the Qurʾan remains silent regarding the final fate of the barrier, and claims of its persistence until the end of time stem from a misreading of the textual context.

Keywords

Contexts of surahs

Dhū al-Qarnayn’s barrier

Surah al-Kahf

Gog and Magog

Subjects

• Qurʾanic Exegesis and its methods

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