The story of the Prophet Dhul-Qarnayn and his travels - in the Quran

The story of the Prophet Dhul-Qarnayn and his travels is mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf (chapter 18) of the Quran. According to the story, Dhul-Qarnayn was a righteous and powerful king who traveled extensively, reaching the farthest reaches of the earth. He traveled to the west and the east and encountered various people and tribes. Along his travels, he built a barrier to protect people from the harm of the tribes of Gog and Magog. The story also mentions Dhul-Qarnayn's justice and piety, and how he attributed his power and success to Allah. The exact identity of Dhul-Qarnayn is debated among Islamic scholars, with some suggesting he may have been Alexander the Great or a mythical figure.

The story of Prophet Dhul-Qarnayn is narrated in Surah Al-Kahf, which is the 18th chapter of the Quran. The name Dhul-Qarnayn means "the one with two horns" or "the two-horned one", which is believed to refer to either his physical appearance or the two kingdoms he ruled over.

The Quran describes him as a righteous and just king who was given great power and resources by Allah. Dhul-Qarnayn is said to have traveled extensively, reaching the farthest corners of the earth. He encountered various tribes and people on his journeys, and he treated them with fairness and justice.

One of the most well-known episodes of his travels was when he encountered a people who were suffering from the attacks of the tribes of Gog and Magog. They asked Dhul-Qarnayn to help them, so he built a great barrier of iron and copper to protect them. The barrier was so strong that neither the people of Gog and Magog nor anyone else could penetrate it.

The Quran also describes Dhul-Qarnayn as a pious and humble king who recognized that his power and success were gifts from Allah. He attributed his accomplishments to Allah and was grateful for His blessings.

The exact identity of Dhul-Qarnayn is a matter of debate among scholars. Some suggest that he was Alexander the Great, while others argue that he was a mythical figure. Regardless of his identity, the story of Dhul-Qarnayn serves as an example of righteousness, justice, and humility in leadership.

There are 3 verses in the Quran that mention the story of the Prophet Dhul-Qarnayn and his travels.

"They ask you, [O Muhammad], about Dhul-Qarnayn. Say, "I will recite to you about him a report." Indeed We established him upon the earth, and We gave him to everything a way [i.e., ability, means, method]. So he followed a way. Until, when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it [as if] setting in a spring of black muddy (or hot) [or boiling] water. And he found near it a people. Allah said, "O Dhul-Qarnayn, either you punish [them] or else adopt among them [a way of] goodness." [Quran 18:83-84]

"He said, "As for one who wrongs, we will punish him. Then he will be returned to his Lord, and He will punish him with a terrible punishment. But as for one who believes and does righteousness, he will have a reward of Paradise, and we will speak to him from our command with ease." Then he followed a way until he came to the rising of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had not made against it any shield." [Quran 18:87-91]

"And thus [We had encompassed all that he had in knowledge] he had encompassed the land [i.e., the whole world] and knew how to reach the utmost boundaries [or the paths across the land]. Then he followed a way until, when he reached between two mountains, he found before them a people who could hardly understand [his] speech." [Quran 18:93-94]

The story of the Prophet Dhul-Qarnayn and his travels is mentioned in three verses of the Quran: Surah Al-Kahf (18:83-98). It tells the story of a righteous and just ruler who travels to the ends of the earth, where he meets various peoples and encounters different challenges. He ultimately builds a barrier to protect a community from harm, and is praised by Allah for his deeds. The identity of Dhul-Qarnayn is debated, with some scholars suggesting that he was Alexander the Great, while others believe he was a different figure from history or mythology.