The Enduring Shadow: Examining Alexander the Great's Dominance in the Identification of Dzulqarnain

Introduction: The Enigma of Dzulqarnain and the Alexander Mould

The narrative of Dzulqarnain (also transliterated as Dhul-Qarnayn or Zulqarnain), often referred to as "The Two-Horned One," as recounted in Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18) of the Holy Quran, presents a figure of immense power, justice, and piety. This enigmatic personality has long captivated scholars and the public alike, prompting extensive debate regarding his true historical identity. The Quranic account describes a divinely aided ruler who embarks on three significant expeditions, demonstrates unwavering justice, and constructs a formidable barrier to contain the destructive tribes of Gog and Magog.

Over centuries, a prevailing, almost default, identification for Dzulqarnain has emerged: Alexander the Great. This association is so deeply ingrained in popular consciousness that it often casts a significant "shadow," influencing how Dzulqarnain's characteristics are perceived and interpreted. This phenomenon leads to a situation where traits that do not conform to the "Alexander mould" are frequently overlooked or dismissed, thereby limiting the scope of potential candidates and hindering a more comprehensive understanding of the Quranic figure.

Alexander the Great has long been associated with Dzulqarnain in Islamic tradition, making his traits the default standard. This means any characteristics that don't fit Alexander's historical or legendary profile, like being a monotheist or showing unwavering courage, are often seen as unsuitable. This is mainly because of the strong influence of ancient stories like the Alexander Romance, which shaped how Dzulqarnain is interpreted. However, there are debates, as some scholars highlight differences, such as Alexander's pagan beliefs versus Dzulqarnain's monotheism, making the topic complex and open to different views.

The Syriac Legend of Alexander the Great, dated between 629-636 CE, is particularly significant. It describes Alexander as a world-conquering king who journeyed to the ends of the world and built a barrier against Gog and Magog, mirroring the Quranic narrative of Dzulqarnain. This legend was circulating during the early Islamic time likely influencing early Muslim interpretations.

Philological evidence further supports this association. The Arabic "Dzulqarnain" aligns with Alexander's depiction with horns, inspired by his association with the ram-god Zeus-Ammon, as seen in 4th-century BC coins (e.g., tetradrachms) and 7th-century CE Byzantine iconography like the Alexander-Heraclius Stele. This imagery was widespread in the Hellenistic Near East, reinforcing the connection in the minds of early Muslim scholars.

Why Alexander Became the Default for Dzulqarnain

Given this background, Alexander became the default interpretation of Dzulqarnain due to several factors:

- Majority Scholarly View: Most modern Quranic researchers and Islamic commentators, identify Dhu al-Qarnayn as Alexander, supported by the widespread circulation of the Alexander Romance in Arabic literature post-Islam

Early surviving Arabic narratives, like the Qissat al-Iskandar by Umara ibn Zayd (767–815 AD), further cemented this identification.

- Lack of Explicit Identification in the Quran: The Quran does not explicitly name Dzulqarnain as Alexander, nor does it provide sufficient details to definitively identify him as another figure. This ambiguity allowed pre-existing legends to fill the gap, with Alexander being the most familiar and prominent candidate due to his legendary status.

- Cultural Inertia: The influence of the Alexander Romance created a cultural inertia, where subsequent interpretations of Dzulqarnain were shaped by Alexander's traits, such as his military conquests, travels, and supernatural exploits. This is evident in later Islamic literature, where Dzulqarnain's story often includes elements from the Romance, like searching for the Water of Life or encountering angels.

-The Role of Jewish and Christian Converts: Early converts to Islam from Jewish and Christian backgrounds often brought with them a wealth of knowledge from their previous traditions. Figures like Ka'b al-Ahbar, a Yemeni Jew who converted to Islam, and Wahb ibn Munabbih, another early authority of Jewish and Christian lore, became significant transmitters of Isra'iliyyat. These individuals, familiar with the scriptures, apocryphal stories, and legendary accounts prevalent in their former communities, often served as resources for early Muslims seeking further information on Quranic narratives.

While not always directly or exclusively focused on the Dhu al-Qarnayn-Alexander connection, their broader role in popularizing and legitimizing elements of Isra'iliyyat created an environment where such identifications could flourish. Their intimate acquaintance with stories like the Alexander Romance, particularly if these narratives were already circulating within their communities with monotheistic or positive religious overtones, would have facilitated the association of Dzulqarnain with this powerful and widely known historical figure. They could have been instrumental in bridging the gap between the concise Quranic account and the more elaborate legendary material surrounding Alexander.

Reasons Why Traits Not in Alexander's Mold Are Not Considered Suitable

Despite the traditional association, there are significant differences between Alexander the Great and the Quranic Dzulqarnain, which have led some scholars to argue against the identification. However, these differences often result in traits not matching Alexander's mold being dismissed, for the following reasons:

1. Strong Traditional Association and Default Narrative: - Because Alexander has been the default interpretation for centuries, any traits or characteristics that do not align with his historical or legendary persona are often seen as incompatible with Dzulqarnain.

2. Cultural and Literary Influence of the Alexander Romance: - The Alexander Romance has deeply influenced the popular image of Dzulqarnain, embedding Alexander's traits into the figure. For example, episodes like Alexander ascending to Paradise or journeying through the Land of Darkness in search of the Water of Life are found in Arabic versions of the Romance, such as the Qissat al-Iskandar . This literary tradition has shaped interpretations, making traits like Alexander's pursuit of conquest and eternal life the expected norm for Dzulqarnain.

4. Lack of Consensus on Alternative Candidates: - While some scholars have proposed other candidates for Dzulqarnain, such as Cyrus the Great, these alternatives are not widely accepted. Cyrus, a Persian king known for his monotheism and just rule, aligns better with Dzulqarnain's Quranic description. However, Cyrus lacks the legendary status and widespread recognition of Alexander, and thus, interpretations favoring Cyrus are less dominant. Without a strong alternative, Alexander remains the default, and traits not matching him are excluded.

Conclusion : traits not in the Alexander mold are not considered suitable for Dzulqarnain primarily due to the strong traditional association, cultural influence of the Alexander Romance, and lack of consensus on alternative candidates. The default setting of Alexander, reinforced by centuries of interpretation, makes it challenging to accept traits that contradict his historical and legendary characteristics, even when religious and ethical differences are acknowledged. This complexity highlights the ongoing debate among scholars.

TIME TO MOVE AWAY FROM ALEXANDER THE GREAT'S SHADOW

Dzulqarnain was not as we think he is..

A Revolutionay Reexamination of Dzulqarnain's True Identity

This analysis challenges the traditonal intrepretations of Dzulqarnain, proposing a paradigm shift from viewing him as a military conquerer to understanding him as divinely guided protector and steward.

The identification of Dzulqarnain remains one of the most debated topicss in Islamic scholarship. Despite extensive research, two primary candidates have emerged:

Alexanader the Great (356-323 BC)

Cyrus the Great ( 600-530 BC)

The existence of multiple viable candidates without scholarly consensus indicates that the question is far from resolved.

The persistent debate signals the need for :

1. 1. New interpretive frameworks

2. 2. Alternative candidate consideration

3. 3. Reexamination of fundamental assumption

At a glance this might seems futile and pointless. What else are there to be explored. Almost all the historical kings, who were the empire builders, great conquerors of the past had been examined. Alexander the Great and more recently, Cyrus the Great were the chosen candidates that fit the criteria of Dzulqarnain.

But that is precisely the point. The fundamental assumption is that Dzulqarnain was a warrior king type, empire founder and builder , and a great conquerer . Other than those traits , the candidate will not be even considered.

Now the big question. What is the new angle or interpretation that might bring something new, something that not been covered before?

The Need for a New Approach

Traditional scholarship has focused on identifying Dzulqarnain among empire builders and military conquerors. However this approach may be fundamentally flawed if our basic assumptions about Dzulqarnain are incorrect.

Key Question: What if Dzulqarnain defies our conventional expectations entirely?

What if the real Dzulqarnain is not what we always think he is?

Traditional View vs Alternative Characterization

Traditional view of Dzulqarnain:

• Warrior king and military commander

• Great conqueror of nations

• Empire founder and builder

• Expansionist through military conquest

Alternative Hypothesis:

• What if Dzulqarnain be someone other than the conqueror we know, a ruler defined by faith and stewardship rather than empire.

• What if Dzulqarnain defies our expectation, not as a warrior-king, but as a divinely guided protector of a different mould

• What if Dzulqarnain was not an empire founder, but inherited his kingdom.

• What if Dzulqarnain was not an empire builder, but a stabilizer and protector of his kingdom

If we consider this hypothesis, there is another option opens up for the possible identity of Dzulqarnain.

ملك الأرض أربعة: مؤمنان وكافران; فالمؤمنان: ذو القرنين وسليمان, والكافران: نمرود وبختنصر, وسيملكها خامس من أهل بيتي

Translation:

King of the earth there are 4, two believers and two unbelievers. For two believer kings , Dzulqarnain and Prophet Sulaiman as . While the two kings who disbelieve: Namrudz and Bukhtanshar. And the earth will be controlled by someone from Ahlul bait.

(Mentioned by Ibn Jawzi in al-Muntadzam fi at-Tarikh)

This is very interesting if we consider the context that we are discussing.

What if Dzulqarnain and Prophet Sulaiman share similar traits?

The Quranic narratives of Dzulqarnain and Prophet Sulaiman share thematic similarities, particularly in their roles as righteous, divinely guided rulers endowed with exceptional power, wisdom, and authority to establish justice and spread God’s message.

This connection opens new interpretive possibilities:

• Parallel leadership style

• Similar divine mandate

• Comparable governance approaches

• Shared emphasis on justice and protection

Dzulqarnain in the Quran

The Quranic narrative of Dzulqarnain reveals specific characteristics that align with righteous leadership rather than military conquest

1. Divine Empowerment and Authority

Dzulqarnain is granted "means to all things" (18:84), symbolizing vast authority and resources. God gives him dominion to travel across the world, confronting various peoples.

His power is used to establish justice, as seen in his dealings with different communities (18:86–98), rewarding the righteous and punishing wrongdoers.

2. Justice and Protection

Dzulqarnain builds a barrier to protect a vulnerable people from Gog and Magog (18:94–98), showcasing his role as a protector and upholder of order.

His decisions are marked by fairness, offering mercy to those who believe and do good (18:88) while warning oppressors of punishment.

3. Humility and Monotheism

Despite his power, Dzulqarnain attributes his success to God’s mercy (18:98). His actions reflect submission to divine will, reinforcing monotheistic devotion.

His story ends with a reminder of the transient nature of worldly power, as the barrier will eventually fall by God’s decree (18:98).

4. Global Influence

Dzulqarnain’s journeys to the east, west, and a region between two mountains (18:86–94) suggest a universal mission, spreading justice and divine order across diverse lands.

Comparative Analysis : Dzulqarnain and Prophet Sulaiman as

Shared Thematic Elements

The stories of Dzulqarnain and Prophet Sulaiman as in the Quran share core themes of divinely guided leadership, justice, humility, and the universal spread of monotheistic order. Both are portrayed as ideal rulers who use their God-given authority to protect, govern fairly, and acknowledge divine sovereignty. While Prophet Sulaiman’s prophethood and supernatural abilities distinguish him, Dzulqarnain’s practical governance and ambiguous status highlight a complementary model of righteous leadership. Together, their narratives underscore the Quran’s emphasis on power as a means to serve God’s purpose, tempered by humility and accountability.

And now let us see at another angle.

1. Prophet Sulaiman was not known as a founder of an empire. He inherited the kingdom from Prophet Daud.

2. Prophet Sulaiman was not known as mighty conqueror of nations, military prowess or empire expansion

3. Prophet Sulaiman’s journey was of divine mission, governing and spreading justice throughout his kingdom

Applying Prophet Sulaiman's Model to Dzulqarnain

If we apply the same criteria to Dzulqarnain, will it contradict the Dzulqarnain as depicted in the Quran?

• No contradiction with Quranic narrative

• Enhanced understanding of Dzulqarnain's true nature

• Alignment with divine leadership principles

• Consistency with theological frameworks

Implications :

• Dzulqarnain may have been a kingdom inheritor rather than empire founder

• His journeys were mission based rather than conquest driven

• His role was protective and stabilizing rather than expansionist

So , this is the criteria that to be applied for the candidate of Dzulqarnain

• The starting point is , the historical kings that can be considered as the possible candidate for Dzulqarnain is not limited to only empire founders. Any king that inherited a kingdom or empire will be considered as well.

• The time frame was in the Iron Age period.

• Therefore that will include any king that rules between 1000 BC to O AD

• His kingdom should be considerably the largest at that particular time

• The King must be strictly monotheist. There should not be any ambiguity about his monotheism

• His recorded journeys must follow the sequence as depicted in the Quran.

• To the west ,then to the east and thirdly to the possible land of Yajuj and Majuj