In Islamic eschatology, the figures of Gog and Magog, also known as Yajuj and Majuj in Arabic, are mentioned in various prophetic traditions attributed to the Prophet Muhammad. These traditions typically describe Gog and Magog as two tribes or nations that will appear towards the end of time, causing widespread chaos, corruption, and destruction.
The most well-known reference to Gog and Magog in Islamic tradition comes from the Quran, in Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18, verses 94-98), where Dhul-Qarnayn, a figure often identified with Alexander the Great, is described as having built a barrier to contain Gog and Magog:
"When he reached a pass between two mountains, he found beside them a people who could scarcely understand his words. They said, ‘Dhul-Qarnayn, Gog and Magog are ravaging this land. Can we pay you to build a barrier between us and them?’ He replied, ‘The power my Lord has granted me is better than any payment. Just help me with your labour, and I’ll build a defensive barrier between you and them. Bring me ingots of iron!’ Then, once he had filled the gap between the two high mountain-sides, he said, ‘Now blow!’ and [they] made it [red] hot until it became like fire. He said, ‘Bring me tar to pour over it!’ So, they [Gog and Magog] were not able to climb it, nor could they make a breach in it."
The prophetic traditions (Hadith) expand upon this narrative, providing additional details about Gog and Magog and their eventual release before the Day of Judgment. They describe Gog and Magog as a vast, barbaric people who will break through the barrier constructed by Dhul-Qarnayn, unleashing chaos and havoc upon the world. They will spread corruption, violence, and destruction, and their numbers will be so immense that they will drink up entire bodies of water.
According to these traditions, Gog and Magog will wreak havoc across the earth, but ultimately they will be defeated by divine intervention. A righteous figure, often identified as Jesus in Islamic tradition, will lead the believers against them, and Gog and Magog will be destroyed. This will mark a significant event preceding the Day of Judgment.
It's important to note that interpretations of these prophecies vary among scholars and within different Islamic traditions. Some view Gog and Magog as metaphorical representations of evil and chaos, while others interpret them more literally. Additionally, the timing and specifics of these events are subject to interpretation and debate among Muslim scholars.
