Ẕū l-Qarnayn (ذو القرنين)
Definition and Overview
Ẕū l-Qarnayn (ذو القرنين) - Literally translated as “He of the Two Horns.” A celebrated personage mentioned in the 18th chapter of the Qur’an (Sūrah al-Kahf), Ẕū l-Qarnayn is a figure shrouded in mystery and subject to various interpretations. Islamic scholars have debated his true identity, commonly associating him with Alexander the Great, while others place him in a different historical context, such as being contemporary with the Prophet Abraham.
Etymology
- Arabic: ذو القرنين (Ẕū l-Qarnayn)
- Turkish: Zülkarneyn
The name “Ẕū l-Qarnayn” literally translates to “the one with two horns.” The etymology may denote his dominion over the eastern and western extremities of his empire or could be a reference to a horned diadem or hairstyle.
Qur’anic Description
In the Qur’an, Ẕū l-Qarnayn’s story is narrated as follows (Sūrah al-Kahf, 18:82-96):
- Establishment of Power: God endowed him with extensive authority and resources.
- Journey to the West: Ẕū l-Qarnayn reaches the place where the sun sets, finding it to set in a muddy spring.
- Journey to the East: He then travels to where the sun rises, discovering a people without any shelter from the sun.
- Encounter with Gog and Magog: He reaches a valley between two mountains inhabited by a people troubled by the barbaric tribes of Gog and Magog. He constructs a barrier to protect them.
Historical and Theological Interpretations
Identifications and Scholarly Opinions
- Alexander the Great: A common identification, though contested by some scholars who argue that the timeline and details differ.
- Sakandar: Some Islamic narratives place him as a King named Sakandar, contemporary with the Prophet Abraham.
- Al-Baiẓāwī and Al-Kamālain: These scholars argue that he is either Sakandar ar-Rūmī, King of Persia and Greece.
Speculations about Two Horns
- King of the East and West: Signifying his empire’s vast expanse.
- Horned Diadem or Hair: Speculative suggestions about his appearance or regal insignia.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The History of al-Tabari” by Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari
- “Tafsir al-Qurtubi” by Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Qurtubi
- “The Complete Works of Ibn Khaldun” by Ibn Khaldun
- “The Archaeology of Islam” by Timothy Insoll
Takeaways
- Ambiguity and Speculation: The figure of Ẕū l-Qarnayn is a subject of much debate and speculation within Islamic scholarship.
- Moral and Ethical Lessons: The Qur’anic story emphasizes faith, justice, and the utilization of God-given resources for the betterment of humanity.
- Intercultural Interpretations: Reflects cross-cultural influences and interpretations possibly drawn from pre-Islamic traditions.
Conclusion
Ẕū l-Qarnayn stands as a complex and enigmatic figure within Islamic tradition, serving as a bridge between historical narrative, theological teaching, and moral exemplification. His depiction in the Qur’an, concurrent with various scholarly interpretations, highlights the rich tapestry of Islamic thought and the ongoing relevance and engagement with these ancient stories for contemporary faith practice.
