Gog and Magog
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: ياجوج و ماجوج (Yājūj wa Mājūj)
- Alternate Spelling: ماʾجوج و يʾجوج (Maʾjūj wa Yaʾjūj)
- Turkish Translation: Ye’cüc ve Me’cüc
Qur’anic References
Gog and Magog (Yājūj wa Mājūj) are mentioned in the Qur’an in two significant passages:
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Surah Al-Kahf (18:93-97):
<p>“They said, ‘O Dhul-Qarnain! Verily, Gog and Magog do great mischief in the land. Shall we then pay you a tribute in order that you might erect a barrier between us and them?’ He said, ‘The power in which my Lord has established me is better (than the tribute): help me therefore with strength (of men), I will erect between you and them a strong barrier. Bring me blocks of iron.’ At length, when he had filled up the space between the two steep mountain-sides, he said, ‘Blow (with your bellows),’ Then when he had made it (red) as fire, he said: ‘Bring me, that I may pour over it, molten brass.’ Thus Gog and Magog were made powerless to scale it or to dig through it. He said: ‘This is a mercy from my Lord’. But when the promise of my Lord comes to pass, He will make it dust; and the promise of my Lord is true.”</p>
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Surah Al-Anbiya (21:95-96):
<p>“There is a ban on every city (which We have destroyed) that they shall not return, till Gog and Magog are let through (their barrier), and they swiftly swarm from every high place.”</p>
Historical and Eschatological Significance
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Barbarous People: Gog and Magog are depicted as barbarous tribes from Central Asia, often associated with Turkomans. Early Islamic commentators, like Al-Baiḍāwī, suggest that they are descended from Japheth, the son of Noah, categorizing Yājūj with Turks and Mājūj with the Jīls.
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Prophetic Context: The Qur’an places them during the era of Dhul-Qarnain, widely regarded by some scholars to be Alexander the Great. Their obstruction by a great barrier (usually considered a divine construct) symbolizes protection for other civilizations.
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End Times Prophecy: Eschatologically, they are expected to reappear before the Last Day, causing widespread chaos and signaling approaching judgment. Their emergence from behind the barrier will be a cataclysmic event.
Comparative Context
Gog and Magog also appear in Judeo-Christian scriptures:
- Ezekiel 38-39: Gog is a prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal whereas Magog represents his land. Both are prophesied to wage war against Israel.
- Book of Revelation 20:8: They symbolize nations opposing the forces of God in a great battle at the end.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The End Of The World: Signs of the Hour Major and Minor” by Dr. Muhammad Al-‘Areefi
- “The Islamic Antichrist: The Shocking Truth about the Real Nature of the Beast” by Joel Richardson
- “The History of al-Tabari Vol. 1: General Introduction and From the Creation to the Flood” translated by Franz Rosenthal
Takeaways and Conclusion
Gog and Magog, as described in the Islamic tradition, serve both as historical figures and eschatological markers. Their narrative encapsulates themes of divine intervention, protection, and the eventual end times. Understanding their place in Islamic theology aids in broader comprehension of Islamic eschatology and interfaith scriptural studies.
In conclusion, Gog and Magog offer a vivid narrative filled with moral and theological lessons reiterated across different faiths. Their story underscores the transient nature of worldly power and the omnipresent nature of divine will.
