Gog and Magog in the Quran: Unveiling the Mystical Narrative of Spiritual Triumph and Worldly Trials
Gog and Magog are briefly referenced twice in the Quran. The first mention occurs in Surah Al-Kahf (18:92-99), where the narrative of Zul-Qarnayn involves the construction of a barrier to protect a community from the mischief of Gog and Magog. The second mention is found in Surah Anbiya (21:95-97), underscoring their corrupt nature and signaling their role in events leading up to the Day of Judgment.
Hazrat Zul-Qarnayn, who had a deep connection with the spiritual realm, could see the souls of different kinds of people. There were three main types: the regular folks, also known as Gog and Magog, the religious individuals, and the ones devoted to God. He decided to start by observing the souls of people who followed religions. In the west, he found individuals with the capacity for both good and bad deeds. Then, as he moved eastward, he encountered souls always inclined towards goodness – these were the people dedicated to God. Finally, he reached a special spiritual place where the messenger of God could shield believers from the negative influence of worldly souls. In such cases, believers were obliged to follow the messenger’s guidance without question.
So, to shield themselves from the harm caused by the people of the world, also known as Gog and Magog, believers turned to Hazrat Zul-Qarnayn (Imam of the time). With the combined efforts of his spiritual wisdom and the actions of his followers, they built a powerful barrier that Gog and Magog couldn’t break through. This wall provided strong protection, keeping believers safe from their negative influence. Hazrat Zul-Qarnayn said:
This is a mercy from my Lord, but when the promise (of Resurrection) of my Lord comes to pass, He will smash it to pieces. And thee promise of my Lord is true
Holy Quran 18:98
In a different part of the Quran, Gog and Magog are described as follows:
And there is a ban upon any community which we have destroyed, that they shall not return (i.e., it is impossible for the souls of the people who have been destroyed by Divine punishment to return to this world), until Gog and Magog are let loose, and thet hasten out of every height
Holy Quran 21:95-96
It’s important to understand that “every height” in this context refers to the elevated spirituality of true believers, surpassing that of worldly people. When Hazrat Israfil blows the trumpet from the spiritual essence of a true believer, Gog and Magog, along with other souls, will rush towards the trumpet’s sound. Afterwards, they will disperse once again in the world. According to the Holy Quran:
Then when the trumpet will be blown, behold! They will start running from their graves towards their Lord
Holy Quran 36:51
That is, all the souls residing within human bodies will, by God’s command, assemble around the trumpet of Israfil. This trumpet is located within the true believer, where the divine light takes the form of the supreme Name of their Lord.
The wise Quran clearly suggests that at the start of the spiritual cycle, Gog and Magog (representing the souls of worldly people) will have a chance. During this time, some will engage in physical wrongdoing, while others will be involved in spiritual corruption. After a while, the trumpet will be sounded, bringing all the souls of the world together, weaving them into a single thread of communal unity.
The Quran references Gog and Magog as symbolic representations of “worldly souls,” prone to both good and bad deeds. They stand in contrast to the souls dedicated to God. The article interprets Hazrat Zul-Qarnayn’s barrier not as a physical wall, but as a spiritual protection for believers from negative worldly influences. Its eventual destruction signifies the end of the current spiritual cycle and the Day of Judgement. At this point, Gog and Magog, along with all other souls, will be called forth by the trumpet of Israfil, symbolizing a chance for spiritual renewal. Ultimately, the Quran suggests a future unity of all souls, transcending worldly divisions and achieving a higher spiritual state. This interpretation emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance and protection from worldly distractions in preparation for the final judgement and potential spiritual transformation.