Gog and Magog (Yajuj and Majuj)

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The concept of Yajooj and Majooj, also referred to as Gog and Magog, is deeply rooted in Islamic eschatology and has fascinated scholars and believers for centuries. Their emergence is considered one of the major signs of the Day of Judgment. Their mention in both the Qur'an and Hadith emphasizes their significance and the profound impact they will have on humanity. 

Origins of Yajooj and Majooj in the Qur'an

Yajooj and Majooj are mentioned explicitly in two chapters of the Qur'an: Surah Al-Kahf and Surah Al-Anbiya. The narrative in Surah Al-Kahf revolves around the righteous ruler Dhul-Qarnayn, who is tasked with containing the corruption caused by these unruly tribes. The people living in a vulnerable region requested his help:

 “They said: 'O Zhul-Qarnayn! Indeed, Gog and Magog are [great] corrupters in the land. So may we assign for you an expenditure that you might make between us and them a barrier?'” (Surah Al-Kahf: 94).

In response, Zhul-Qarnayn constructed a massive barrier made of iron and molten copper to seal them away:

"So they were unable to scale it, nor were they able to penetrate it." (Surah Al-Kahf: 97).

This barrier was intended to confine Yajooj and Majooj until a preordained time when Allah would allow them to break free and emerge.

In Surah Al-Anbiya, their eventual release is described as a catastrophic event:

 "Until when [the dam of] Gog and Magog has been opened, and they, from every elevation, descend." (Surah Al-Anbiya: 96).

Who Are Yajooj and Majooj?

Islamic traditions portray Yajooj and Majooj as nations or tribes that are enormous in number and destructive in nature. While the Qur'an does not delve into their physical characteristics, various Hadith provide details:

• Overwhelming Numbers: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated:

"On the Day of Judgment, Allah will say, 'O Adam!' Adam will reply, 'Here I am at Your service, and all good is in Your Hands.' Allah will say, 'Bring out the portion of Hell.' Adam will ask, 'What is the portion of Hell?' Allah will say, 'Out of every thousand, take 999.'" (Sahih Bukhari, Book of Tafsir).

This Hadith highlights that the vast majority of this portion will belong to Yajooj and Majooj, emphasizing their sheer numbers.

• Destructive Behavior: They are described as a force that will consume resources indiscriminately, leaving devastation in their wake.
• Relentless Efforts to Escape: It is said that Yajooj and Majooj continually attempt to break through the barrier built by Dhul-Qarnayn. Every day, they dig until they nearly penetrate it, but they stop before completing the task. It is only when Allah permits that the barrier will collapse, signaling their emergence.

The Emergence of Yajooj and Majooj

The release of Yajooj and Majooj is one of the major signs preceding the Day of Judgment. Their emergence will occur during the time of Prophet Isa (peace be upon him). After the defeat of the false messiah (Dajjal), Yajooj and Majooj will emerge, descending from every high place, as described in the Qur'an:

"And [when] the true promise has approached, then suddenly the eyes of those who disbelieved will be staring [in horror, while they say], 'O woe to us; we had been unmindful of this; rather, we were wrongdoers.'" (Surah Al-Anbiya: 97).

According to Hadith, their sheer numbers and destructive actions will cause global chaos:

• They will drink up entire rivers, leaving people in despair.
• Their corruption will force believers, led by Prophet Isa, to seek refuge in mountains and other secure locations.

Prophet Isa and his followers will pray to Allah for deliverance. Allah will then send a disease upon Yajooj and Majooj, killing them all in a single night. Their corpses will litter the earth, creating a stench that will necessitate divine intervention. Allah will send birds to carry away their bodies and purify the land with rain.

Lessons and Symbolism

The story of Yajooj and Majooj offers profound lessons for believers:

• Faith and Patience: The trials associated with their emergence test the faith and resilience of believers. It serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in worship and reliance on Allah.
• Allah’s Absolute Power: The barrier constructed by Dhul-Qarnayn, their eventual release, and their destruction all underscore Allah’s control over the events of the universe.
• Unity Among Believers: The need for collective prayers and refuge during this tribulation highlights the importance of unity among Muslims.

Islamic scholars have debated whether Yajooj and Majooj are literal tribes or symbolic representations of human corruption and chaos. While the majority view them as real entities, others interpret them metaphorically, representing forces of moral and societal decay. The Qur'an and Hadith leave room for interpretation, allowing scholars to explore the subject from various perspectives.

The narrative of Yajooj and Majooj is a powerful reminder of the trials humanity will face before the Day of Judgment. Their story, as preserved in the Qur'an and Hadith, serves as a testament to Allah’s ultimate authority and the necessity of faith in times of tribulation.and allah (swt) knows best.

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