Dhul-Qarnayn is an enigmatic figure mentioned in the Quran, whose identity has been the subject of considerable debate. Some scholars identify him with Alexander the Great, while others propose that he is Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. This article will explore these two theories, focusing on why Cyrus the Great offers a stronger match. A closer look at Cyrus’s achievements, his religion, and Biblical references provides compelling evidence that the Quranic Dhul-Qarnayn aligns more with Cyrus.
Dhul-Qarnayn in the Quran
The Quran presents Dhul-Qarnayn as a ruler endowed with divine guidance who traveled to the ends of the earth, ensuring justice and building a great barrier to protect people from the attacks of Yajuj wa Majuj (Gog and Magog).
Surah Al-Kahf 18:83-86: "They ask you about Dhul-Qarnayn. Say, ‘I will relate to you something of his story.’ Indeed, We established him upon the earth, and We gave him to everything a way. So he followed a way until, when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it [as if] setting in a spring of dark mud, and he found near it a people."
This narrative portrays Dhul-Qarnayn as a righteous ruler who upheld justice and used his power for the benefit of humanity. But who was this ruler? Let’s explore the two main theories: Alexander the Great and Cyrus the Great.
Theory 1: Alexander the Great
One theory identifies Dhul-Qarnayn with Alexander the Great, the famous Macedonian conqueror. Alexander is often depicted in art with horns on his helmet, signifying divine favor and power—an image that seems to align with the Quranic title Dhul-Qarnayn (the “two-horned one”). Additionally, Alexander’s extensive travels echo the journeys of Dhul-Qarnayn, as both traveled far across lands unknown.
However, several issues challenge this theory:
- Religious Beliefs: Alexander was not a monotheist but followed the Greek pantheon, worshiping gods like Zeus. In contrast, Dhul-Qarnayn is portrayed in the Quran as a righteous servant of God.
- Absence of a Barrier: No historical records link Alexander with the building of a barrier to keep out Gog and Magog.
While Alexander remains a popular candidate, these inconsistencies make the identification problematic.
Theory 2: Cyrus the Great
A more compelling theory identifies Cyrus the Great as Dhul-Qarnayn. Cyrus was a renowned Persian emperor known for his justice, religious tolerance, and the establishment of one of the largest empires in history. He was also revered in the Bible for his role in liberating the Jews from Babylonian captivity, which aligns with the Quranic portrayal of a just and merciful leader.
Cyrus's Religion: Zoroastrianism
Cyrus practiced Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion with strong monotheistic elements. Zoroastrianism teaches the existence of one supreme God, Ahura Mazda, along with a focus on truth, justice, and righteousness. Although the Quran does not explicitly name Zoroastrianism, the religious ideals of justice and truth align with Dhul-Qarnayn’s depiction as a morally upright ruler who sought to ensure peace and justice in his realm.
This makes Cyrus an intriguing candidate, as he was a monotheist in practice, much closer to the Quranic vision of a divinely inspired ruler than Alexander the Great.
Biblical References to Cyrus
Cyrus is mentioned several times in the Bible, emphasizing his divine role in freeing the Jews and rebuilding their temple in Jerusalem. He is even referred to as God's “anointed,” a term used for rulers with divine favor.
Isaiah 45:1 (NIV): "This is what the LORD says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut."
This passage reflects Cyrus's role as a chosen servant of God—a theme that resonates with the Quranic narrative of Dhul-Qarnayn’s God-guided leadership.
The Symbolism of Two Horns in Daniel
A key argument for identifying Cyrus with Dhul-Qarnayn lies in the symbolism of the two horns. The Book of Daniel provides a vision of a two-horned ram, symbolizing the united kingdoms of Media and Persia under the leadership of Cyrus.
Daniel 8:3-4 (NIV): "I looked up, and there before me was a ram with two horns, standing beside the canal, and the two horns were long. One of the horns was longer than the other but grew up later. I watched the ram as it charged toward the west and the north and the south. No animal could stand against it, and none could rescue from its power. It did as it pleased and became great."
The two horns in Daniel’s vision are interpreted as the dual rule of the Medes and Persians under Cyrus. This imagery aligns with the Quranic title Dhul-Qarnayn, suggesting that Cyrus might be the intended figure.
Daniel 8:20 makes this identification explicit:
"The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia."
This clear reference to Cyrus as a two-horned leader strengthens the case that Dhul-Qarnayn could be Cyrus.
Cyrus’s "Barrier" and Protection from Enemies
While the Quran describes Dhul-Qarnayn as building a barrier to protect people from Yajuj wa Majuj (Gog and Magog), the Bible does not mention a literal wall built by Cyrus. However, Cyrus’s efforts to create peace and secure his empire can be seen as metaphorical barriers. His ability to stabilize his empire and defend it from external threats aligns with the Quranic idea of a ruler protecting his people from danger.
Additionally, the Gog and Magog narrative often symbolizes chaos or foreign invasions. Cyrus’s successful defense of his empire against nomadic tribes and rival kingdoms reflects his role as a protector, much like Dhul-Qarnayn.
Conclusion
While the identity of Dhul-Qarnayn remains uncertain, the theory that he represents Cyrus the Great offers a compelling alternative to the traditional association with Alexander the Great. Cyrus's alignment with monotheistic Zoroastrian principles, his role as a just and divinely guided ruler in the Bible, and the symbolism of two horns in the Book of Daniel provide strong evidence that Dhul-Qarnayn may be a Quranic reference to Cyrus.
Ultimately, the story of Dhul-Qarnayn emphasizes justice, wisdom, and righteous leadership. Whether Cyrus or Alexander, the figure serves as a reminder of the importance of using power for the benefit of humanity and upholding divine guidance in leadership.
References:
- Quran, Surah Al-Kahf (18:83-98).
- Bible, Isaiah 45:1.
- Bible, Daniel 8:3-4, 8:20.
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