Yajuj and Majuj Two Mighty Peoples of the End Times

Gog and Magog (Yajuj and Majuj) are two vast peoples from the progeny of Adam. In the end times, they will emerge upon the earth and cause terrible destruction and chaos. The Quran and authentic Hadith contain many descriptions of them. However, interpretations and discussions vary regarding their current location and true nature. This article presents their identity and characteristics based on Islamic scriptures.

Yajuj and Majuj in the Quran: In the Light of Surah Al-Anbiya

In Surah Al-Anbiya, Allah speaks about the fate of destroyed peoples. This helps us understand the situation of Yajuj and Majuj. In Verse 95, Allah says:

وَحَرَامٌ عَلَىٰ قَرْيَةٍ أَهْلَكْنَاهَا أَنَّهُمْ لَا يَرْجِعُونَ

“And there is a ban upon [the people of] a city which We have destroyed that they will not return.”

(Quran, Al-Anbiya 21:95)

In this verse, ‘Yarji’oon’ (يَرْجِعُونَ) means ‘to return’. It states that the inhabitants of a destroyed city will not return to the earth. This implies that when Allah destroys a city or people, He creates a divine barrier or obstruction (‘Barzakh’ – بَرْزَخْ). This barrier prevents the inhabitants from returning to the earth.

Normally, when people die, their souls separate from their bodies, and this ‘Barzakh’ forms between them and the earth. We call this death. However, Allah destroyed the cities where Gog and Magog lived and created this ‘Barzakh’, but they did not die. The very next verse clarifies this:

Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 96:

حَتَّىٰ إِذَا فُتِحَتْ يَأْجُوجُ وَمَأْجُوجُ وَهُم مِّن كُلِّ حَدَبٍ يَنسِلُونَ

“Until when Gog and Magog are let loose, and they will swarm down from every elevation.”

(Quran, Al-Anbiya 21:96)

The word ‘Hattaa’ (حَتَّى) connects this verse to the previous one. ‘Kulli Hadab’ (كُل حَدَبٍ) means ‘every elevation’ or ‘every high place’. This is not specific to one region. It refers to all elevated places on earth that allow for easy descent onto the surface. We understand from this that they may not be on the earth’s surface now. They might reside above it or in another place. When Allah releases them, they will use these high places to quickly swarm down onto the earth.

Some reflections on how they might be located above the earth’s surface appear at the end of this article.

The Basic Nature of Yajuj and Majuj and Their Connection to Shaytan

Shaytan’s temptation is the primary reason humans inhabit this earth. Humankind’s original home was Paradise. But Shaytan deceived them. They disobeyed Allah and were transferred to this earth.

Historically, many people followed Shaytan (a type of Jinn) instead of worshipping Allah. They worshipped him and came completely under his control. The Quran strongly condemns such actions. It warns of severe punishment.

Previous scriptures also mention Gog and Magog. In the Bible, the Book of Revelation describes a similar event. Chapter 20, verses 7 and 8, state:

“When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle.”

(Bible, Revelation 20:7-8)

This biblical account mentions Satan’s release and the gathering of Gog and Magog. Islamic belief indicates that in the end times, the Dajjal will appear. He will be Shaytan’s chief agent. Authentic Hadith mentions the Prophet (peace be upon him) speaking of the Dajjal’s imprisonment. When Allah releases the Dajjal, he will come to earth and severely mislead people. Then Allah will send Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) to kill the Dajjal. After Isa (peace be upon him) kills the Dajjal, Allah will immediately release Gog and Magog. According to Hadith, no human will have the strength to fight them. Allah will instruct Isa (peace be upon him) to take the believers and seek refuge on Mount Tur. Then Allah will destroy Gog and Magog. He will send a type of worm or microbe upon their necks, annihilating them all at once, not by destroying their cities as before.

This discussion shows that Gog and Magog are subject to Shaytan’s will and power. Shaytan’s will and power connect with the will and power of Gog and Magog.

The Source of Power: Shaytan and His Followers

We say: لَا حَوْلَ ولَا قُوًّةَ إلَّا بالله – This means: There is no might nor power except with Allah.

For all human actions in life – like eating, resting, working – we need two basic things: will and the strength or ability to carry out that will. Nothing happens in life without will and power. When a person dies, they have a body, but they lack the power of will and strength. Thus, a human being combines some will and some power. Similarly, Shaytan’s or Jinn’s actions also centre around these two basic things. Shaytan is simply a combination of some will and some power.

When people worship Shaytan and come under his control, their entire will and power become subject to Shaytan’s will and power. Through Shaytan’s power, they may do certain things. On the other hand, Shaytan uses this subjugated human strength to harm others.

Both humans and Shaytan have limitations on Earth. Many matters exist where humans have power, but Shaytan does not. Conversely, many issues exist where humans have no power, but Shaytan does. For instance, a human can kill another human without reason. But Shaytan, although he can whisper evil suggestions, cannot kill a person without cause, unless he gains that power through magic or disbelief.

Yajuj and Majuj are associates or helpers of Shaytan. Shaytan uses them as he wishes. On the other hand, Yajuj and Majuj achieve their goals using Shaytan’s power. Their will and power link essentially to Shaytan’s will power.

Yajuj and Majuj in Surah Al-Kahf and the Barrier Built by Zulqarnain

Around 600 BCE, Zulqarnain was a powerful ruler. Surah Al-Kahf mentions he built a barrier at the entrance used by Gog and Magog. This community used to enter the earth from a specific place and cause destruction. So Zulqarnain built a strong barrier there.

What was this entrance? We know that Shaytan influences this earth. He can use his will and power here. However, Allah destroyed the cities of Yajuj and Majuj and created a divine barrier. They could not reside directly on earth, so they could not use their own will and power normally here. Essentially, that entrance was the place where they entered the earth under Shaytan’s power. When Zulqarnain built the barrier, their entry became limited. Since human effort built this barrier, breaking it requires their effort. Shaytan can tempt them, but power to break this barrier directly does not belong to Shaytan; its breaking is subject to Allah’s will.

Gog and Majuj wanted to enter the earth. They tried to break that wall day and night. As they break more of the wall, they will gain more opportunity to use their will and power on earth. From Shaytan’s perspective, he will use the power of Yajuj and Majuj on earth accordingly. A Hadith from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) narrates that towards the end of his time in Madinah, they made small holes in the wall. He mentioned it as a danger for Muslims.

The Hadith used the word ‘Futihah’ (فَتَحَ), the same word Allah used in Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 96. This clarifies that Allah will determine the extent they can access the earth by how much He opens the barrier. Their ability to use their will and power will be proportionate. Therefore, we can say they influence the whole world, even if only slightly. Wherever Shaytan influences the world, a connection with their presence might exist. Shaytan somehow uses their power.

Protection from Shaytan’s Influence and Our Responsibilities

To protect ourselves from Shaytan’s followers like Yajuj and Majuj and maintain social peace, some actions are essential. We must adopt the best conduct and behaviour with people. Keep away from quarrels and disputes. Protect yourself from anger, envy, and negative thoughts towards others. Be extremely cautious when saying or commenting negatively about someone, especially callers to Islam, scholars, or public figures. Your negative comment could cause great harm in their life. Mindfulness regarding matters of the heart is important. It prevents unintentionally harming others. Try your best to love people with your heart. Wish good for them, even if you strongly oppose someone. This is because Shaytan primarily exploits negative human tendencies.

The Release of Yajuj and Majuj and Their Fate

Finally, after Isa (peace be upon him) arrives, Allah will completely open the barrier between them and the earth. Shaytan will gather them to fight against Isa (peace be upon him). Then they will use all elevated places on earth and rapidly swarm across the land.

They will kill almost everyone except those who can seek refuge in fortresses or secure places. After taking control of every place on earth, they will shoot arrows towards the sky. They might target angels or show defiance towards Allah’s power. After a certain period, by Isa (peace be upon him)’s prayer, Allah will destroy them all at once. He will send a type of worm or microbe upon their necks.

Some Authentic Hadiths Concerning Gog and Magog

To show their vast numbers, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that on the Day of Resurrection, out of every thousand humankind, 999 will go to Hellfire. One will be from Muhammad’s Ummah, and 999 will be Gog and Magog.

It was narrated from Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Allah will say, ‘O Adam!’ Adam will say, ‘Labbaik wa Sa’daik (Here I am, and all good is in Your Hands)!’ Allah will say, ‘Bring out the people of the Fire.’ Adam will say, ‘Who are the people of the Fire?’ Allah will say, ‘Out of every thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine.’ The Sahaba (companions) said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, who will be that one [out of a thousand] from us?’ He said, ‘Receive glad tidings, for one person will be from among you and a thousand will be from Gog and Magog.'”

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3111, as per Islamic Foundation reference)

Their first group will drink all the water of Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee in Israel). This indicates their immense number.

It was narrated from Nawwas ibn Sam’an al-Kilabi (Radhi Allahu ‘anhu):

“Allah the Almighty will reveal to Isa (peace be upon him): ‘I have sent forth certain servants of Mine with whom none will be able to fight. So, take My servants safely to Tur.’ Then Allah the Almighty will send forth Gog and Magog, and they will swarm down from every height, as Allah the Almighty has stated in His description. Their first contingent will pass by Lake Tiberias (located in Israel) and drink up all its water. Such will be the situation that when their last contingent passes by this lake, they will say, ‘There was water here once upon a time.'”

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 2243, as per Islamic Foundation reference)

When Allah destroys them by sending a plague of worms on their necks, no space of a handspan on earth will lack their decaying bodies and stench. This again shows their multitude.

It was narrated from Nawwas ibn Sam’an al-Kilabi (Radhi Allahu ‘anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“Then Isa (peace be upon him) and his companions will plead with Allah. Allah the Almighty will send upon their necks a type of germ like ‘Naghaf’ (a kind of worm or parasite). They will all die and be destroyed, as if a single soul has died. Then Isa (peace be upon him) and his companions will descend from the mountain, but they will not find a single space of a handspan where there is no decaying fat, blood, and stench of Gog and Magog.”

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 2243, as per Islamic Foundation reference)

No human can stand against their might. Isa (peace be upon him) will be told to seek refuge on Mount Tur, not to fight them.

It was narrated from Nawwas ibn Sam’an al-Kilabi (Radhi Allahu ‘anhu):

“Allah the Almighty will reveal to Isa (peace be upon him): ‘I have sent forth certain servants of Mine with whom none will be able to fight. So, take My servants safely to Tur.’ Then Allah the Almighty will send forth Gog and Magog, and they will swarm down from every height…”

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 2243, as per Islamic Foundation reference)

Due to their subjugation to Shaytan, their power differs from that of earth’s people. As allies of Shaytan, they oppose the angels. Thus, they will shoot arrows towards the sky.

It was narrated from Nawwas ibn Sam’an al-Kilabi (Radhi Allahu ‘anhu):

“After being freed, Gog and Magog will head towards Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem). They will say to one another: ‘We have killed those on earth, now let’s finish those in the sky.’ Then they will shoot their arrows towards the sky. Allah the Almighty will return their arrows stained with blood. Isa ibn Maryam (peace be upon him) and his companions will be besieged. Their condition will become so severe that what you consider a hundred gold coins valuable today, a bull’s head will seem far better to them at that time.”

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 2243, as per Islamic Foundation reference)

Their death will be like ‘a single soul’s death’ (كمَوتِ نَفْسٍ واحِدَةٍ). When Allah causes a person to die with a virus or worm on their neck, their death is sudden and complete. Similarly, all Yajuj and Majuj will die simultaneously. This indicates Shaytan’s power; all are included under his control. Allah says in Surah Luqman (31:28) regarding human creation and resurrection:

مَّا خَلْقُكُمْ وَلَا بَعْثُكُمْ إِلَّا كَنَفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ

“Your creation and your resurrection are but as that of a single soul.”

(Quran, Luqman 31:28)

It was narrated from Nawwas ibn Sam’an al-Kilabi (Radhi Allahu ‘anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“Then Isa (peace be upon him) and his companions will plead with Allah. Allah the Almighty will send upon their necks a type of worm. Due to this, they will all die, like the death of a single person. Then Isa (peace be upon him) and his companions will descend from the mountain, but they will not find a single space of a handspan where there is no decaying fat, blood, and stench of Gog and Magog. Then Isa (peace be upon him) and his companions will again plead with Allah. Then Allah the Almighty will send a type of bird with necks like those of camels. These birds will carry the dead bodies of Gog and Magog and throw them into low-lying pits. Muslims will use the bows, arrows, and quivers left behind by them as fuel for seven years. Allah the Almighty will send a heavy rain, which no city or village house will be spared from. The entire earth will be washed clean and become as bright as a mirror.”

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 2243, as per Islamic Foundation reference)

My Thoughts on the Location of Yajuj and Majuj Above the Earth

Quranic verses suggest Gog and Magog are located above the earth. However, the Quran or Hadith does not clearly state exactly how they are there. Based on some information from the Quran and Hadith, here are some of my own thoughts:

Thought 1: An authentic Hadith from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) narrates that the Dajjal will have his Paradise and Hellfire. Naturally, Paradise and Hellfire are not on this earth. They are above its surface or in a different location. Gog and Magog might be in the Dajjal’s Paradise or such a place.

It was narrated from Hudaifa (RA):

“He said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: The Dajjal’s left eye will be blind. He will have thick hair (on his body). He will have with him Paradise and Hellfire. (But in reality) his Hellfire will be Paradise and his Paradise will be Hellfire.”

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 7100, as per Islamic Foundation reference)

Thought 2: In Surah At-Talaq (65:12), Allah states that He created seven heavens and seven similar earths or layers. If we view these as stacked layers, then perhaps they are not on the layer of earth we know. They might be in another layer above this earth.

ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَـٰوَٰتٍ وَمِنَ ٱلْأَرْضِ مِثْلَهُنَّ يَتَنَزَّلُ ٱلْأَمْرُ بَيْنَهُنَّ

“It is Allah who created seven heavens and of the earth the like thereof. [His] command descends among them.”

(Quran, At-Talaq 65:12)

Read related another article Masih ad Dajjal and the End Times

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MD. Sujon Ahmed