The Wall of King Zulqarnain as a Tangible Proof of Effort

28th November 2024, (afternoon)

The Wall of King Zulqarnain as a Tangible Proof of Effort

Prophet Khidr AS came to me again while I was with my friend, creating a safe and comfortable space in my yard for my dogs and two cats. They are entrusted to me by Allah.

Prophet Khidr said:

"O Ahmad, as Allah has recounted the story of King Zulqarnain to your honorable grandfather, Prophet Muhammad SAW, I have come to deliver the story of King Zulqarnain to you. Listen and write it down, so you and your followers may understand what Allah has commanded you.

O Ahmad, when Zulqarnain received Allah’s command to travel to the corners of the land, he came upon a poor community. He was then commanded to build a city, prosper its people, provide them with homes, and revitalize their agriculture. This was because Allah endowed Zulqarnain with intelligence, rank, and wealth entrusted to him. Truly, Zulqarnain did not seek worldly gains but only received gifts in return.

O Ahmad, when Zulqarnain arrived in a land where Allah granted him authority to punish or bless its people, he implemented Allah’s laws. He punished those who were disbelievers and tyrants, entrusting their ultimate torment to Allah in the Hereafter. As for those who believed in Allah and did righteous deeds, Zulqarnain provided them with security and work, enabling them to live peacefully and reap the benefits of trade and agriculture. Such was Zulqarnain’s justice in that land, reflecting Allah’s supreme justice over Zulqarnain’s obedience to Him.

O Ahmad, when Zulqarnain encountered a people oppressed by Gog and Magog, he built a high wall separating them from the surrounding lands. This brought peace and tranquility to those regions, protected from the savagery and tyranny of Gog and Magog. This was because Allah granted Zulqarnain sharp intellect and made him a wise and pious king.

O Ahmad, I tell you, did Zulqarnain build all this by himself, with his own hands? Observe the towering iron wall before you, separating Gog and Magog from the other lands. Where did the iron layers come from? The iron was collected by the residents of the surrounding regions. Then Allah caused Gog and Magog to fall into a deep slumber, allowing Zulqarnain to construct the towering iron wall in mere months. The fire Zulqarnain kindled with wood and stone was intensified by Allah’s will, melting the iron and copper within seconds. Using perforated stones, Zulqarnain built the wall with molten iron and copper. Yet Allah assisted Zulqarnain by cooling the molten metals as they touched each layer, from the foundation to the peak. Indeed, Allah is Most Capable of whatever He wills, and it is effortless for Him to assist His devout and generous servants.

O Ahmad, the iron and copper were not delivered directly to Zulqarnain. Instead, they were gathered by the oppressed residents near Gog and Magog, facilitated by Allah’s angels on earth. Do you know? Mountains and rocks are rich with iron and copper. It is easy for Allah to guide His servants to discover and extract them. Thus, the towering iron wall was built by Allah’s decree for Zulqarnain.

O Ahmad, behind the story I am commanded by Allah to convey to you and your followers lies a profound lesson. Lofty ambitions and noble goals commanded by Allah to you and your followers will not materialize if they merely dream of glory by your side, sitting idly and waiting for Allah to ‘send down iron from the heavens.’ Those who say so are no different from those who exploit your noble grandfather Prophet Muhammad SAW’s name or mine to deceive the masses for worldly gain. Allah detests those who indulge in vain imaginations, lying comfortably with full bellies while their leader struggles and toils for their welfare and justice.

O Ahmad, Allah’s command to you concerning your followers is akin to Zulqarnain building the great wall separating the oppressed from the tyrannical Gog and Magog. Save one of your followers, whose name I convey to you, from ignorance and debt. He deserves your guidance under Allah’s command. He was once stubborn and arrogant in his wealth until Allah humbled him through a worldly competition for status. What you will say and do for him is for the good of his wife and descendants.

O Ahmad, establish rules and agreements that benefit the descendants of those who aid you in your endeavors. Their rights must be fulfilled, extending to their offspring until the Day of Judgment. Such a legacy will bring Allah’s love upon you and them. Allah commands me to teach you to appreciate and respect those who strive alongside you in your mission. Tell them, O Ahmad, that you, Ahmad bin Abdullah Al-Syams, have no claim over the company except the gifts they offer within it. The rights of the company belong to them and their descendants for as long as the company is run wisely and justly. It is a grave dishonor for anyone donning the guise of a pious figure to seek worldly gain or recognition, turning their appearance into a tool for begging wealth and admiration. Allah despises those who pretend to be righteous yet crave human praise and material assistance, especially among your followers who act without your consent.

O Ahmad, prepare yourself and do not tire of facing slander and insults. Those who slander and insult you, and those who act presumptuously before you, are fools and contemptible in Allah’s eyes.

O Ahmad, continue to be Al-Makhfiy (the concealed) in your efforts for the land of your followers. It is not important for people to know you or sit by your side. Nor is it significant for you to be recognized or praised. What matters is that your endeavors bring tangible benefits to the ummah.

Be patient, for I, Balya bin Malkan, will always pray for and accompany you, as Allah has commanded. Were it not for Allah’s command, I would have long left you due to the mistakes made during our time together and the sins still clinging to you."

— Ahmad F. bin Abdullah Al-Syams —