Transliteration:( Aatoonee zubaral hadeed, hattaaa izaa saawaa bainas sadafaini qaalan fukhoo hattaaa izaa ja'alahoo naaran qaala aatooneee ufrigh 'alaihi qitraa )
"Bring me blocks of iron [215]." When he had leveled the iron between the two mountains, he said, "Blow" until it became red-hot. Then he said, "Bring me molten copper [216] so I can pour it over the iron."
Dhul-Qarnayn instructed the people to bring blocks of iron, which he used to fill the space between the two mountain cliffs. He first dug the foundation deep enough to reach water, then laid down sheets of iron at the bottom and the top. In between, he packed wood and coal, which were then set on fire and fanned until the iron turned red-hot. The result was a solid column of smelted iron, forming the base structure of the barrier. He continued building until the height of the wall matched the height of the mountains on either side.
To strengthen and seal the structure, Dhul-Qarnayn requested molten copper, which he poured over the hot iron. This acted as a plaster or coating, similar to how cement is applied in modern-day masonry. The molten copper filled all gaps, made the structure smooth, and added durability, making it impossible to climb or breach. This method shows not only Dhul-Qarnayn’s technical brilliance but also the divinely guided planning that protected the people from the threat of Gog and Magog.
The tafsir of Surah Kahf verse 96 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Kahf ayat 92 which provides the complete commentary from verse 92 through 96.
(18:96) Bring me ingots of iron.” Then after he had filled up the space between the two mountain-sides, he said: “(Light a fire) and ply bellows.” When he had made it (red like) fire, he said: “Bring me molten copper which I may pour on it.”
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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