23 Jul
Yajuj and Majuj in Islam are among the most mysterious and awe-inspiring signs of the End Times. These two powerful tribes are directly connected to the final events that will unfold before the Day of Judgment. Their story is a real and terrifying truth grounded in Qur’anic revelation and authentic Hadith. Though currently sealed behind a divine barrier, their eventual release will mark a wave of chaos the world has never witnessed.
In this blog, we explore who Yajuj and Majuj truly are, where they are now, and when they will emerge. Through the lens of Qur’anic verses, prophetic sayings, and timeless Islamic wisdom, we uncover the truth behind these hidden nations and what their story means for us today.
Who are Yajuj and Majuj?
Yajuj and Majuj (known in English as Gog and Magog) are two powerful and corrupting nations mentioned in the Qur’an and Hadith, with a prominent role in Islamic eschatology. They are described as descendants of Adam who will reemerge in the End Times to cause widespread chaos and destruction on Earth.
Their reappearance will mark one of the major signs preceding the Day of Judgment. When unleashed, they will overwhelm humanity in vast numbers, leaving devastation in their path until they are ultimately destroyed by divine intervention. The Islamic tradition strongly affirms their literal existence and the reality of the barrier, urging believers to accept the scripture as it is, without metaphorical reinterpretation.
Yajuj Majuj physical appearance islam
Islamic sources offer several descriptions of Yajuj and Majuj in islam, though not all are considered equally reliable. According to authentic hadith, such as the narration of Nawwas ibn Sam’an in Sahih Muslim, Yajuj and Majuj are described as extremely powerful people, so overwhelming that no one will be able to defeat them. Other narrations mention that they have broad faces, small eyes, grey hair, and skin-covered faces that resemble flattened shields
Some weaker narrations present more features:
- Some claim that certain members of Yajuj and Majuj are as tall as 120 feet (like the Arz tree).
- Others suggest they are four arm-lengths tall and wide, or so peculiar that they sleep on one ear and cover themselves with the other.
- A few narrations even mention that the shortest among them are two spans tall, while the tallest reach three spans.
Scholars caution against taking these fantastical traits literally, as most of these reports are classified as weak. What remains consistent and credible, however, is that Yajuj and Majuj will appear as physically distinct, overwhelmingly numerous, and divinely unstoppable forces
Story of Yajuj and Majuj in Islam
Yajuj and Majuj in Islam are two tribes from the descendants of Adam (peace be upon him), and they come from the lineage of the son of Prophet Noah, Japheth, the son of Prophet Noah. In Islamic tradition, they are portrayed as real, ancient nations known for their corruption, violence, and chaotic nature.
Their story is introduced in Surah Al-Kahf, where a righteous ruler named Dhul-Qarnayn responds to the pleas of a people seeking protection from their destruction. With divine guidance, he sets out to confine Yajuj and Majuj behind a barrier. According to the Qur’an, they will remain trapped until the End of Days, when they are destined to break free and unleash chaos as one of the major signs of the Last Hour
When will Gog and Magog appear?
According to Islamic eschatology, Yajuj and Majuj will emerge in the End Times, shortly after the defeat of the Dajjal (Antichrist) and the descent of Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him). Their appearance is considered a major sign of the Day of Judgment, and their release will mark a period of extreme chaos on Earth. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ informed that after Isa descends and restores justice, Allah will inform him of the approaching threat of Yajuj and Majuj, prompting Isa and the believers to retreat to safety in the mountains.
Where will Gog and Magog come from?
Islamic scholars and narrations have agreed that they are located in the far eastern parts of the world. Historically, they were associated with the Turkic peoples, as both were believed to inhabit areas near the great barrier built by Dhul-Qarnayn. While the Turks remained outside the wall, Yajuj and Majuj were confined behind it, deep in the remote east. The precise location of the barrier remains unknown, but it is described as being nestled between two mountains, forming a sealed passage that has effectively trapped them for millennia.
How will Gog and Magog break free?
Islamic texts describe a persistent and daily effort by Yajuj and Majuj to break through the wall. Each day, they dig and make progress, drawing closer to escape. However, before they can fully break through, they stop and say, “We will return tomorrow and continue,” without invoking Allah’s name.
When they return the next day, they find the wall restored to its original state by divine will. This cycle continues until the day Allah allows them to say “Insha’Allah” (if Allah wills) at which point, when they return, they find the wall exactly as they left it. They are then able to complete their breakthrough and surge forth in overwhelming numbers, spreading destruction across the earth as one of the final, terrifying chapters of human history.
What happens after Gog and Magog release?
After their release, Gog and Magog will spread across the earth in vast numbers, causing widespread destruction and consuming resources, including the Lake of Tiberias. Their power will be unmatched, and Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) and the believers will seek refuge on Mount Tur. At that point, Allah will intervene by sending worms that fatally strike them in the necks. Their bodies will then be washed away by divine rain, cleansing the earth of their corruption and foulness. Their destruction marks a major turning point in the events of the End Times.
Yajuj Majuj wall: The role of Dhul-Qarnayn in containing them
The Qur’an recounts the story of Dhul-Qarnayn, a just and God-guided ruler who embarked on a journey across the earth and eventually encountered a people who lived in constant fear of the destruction caused by Yajuj and Majuj. In response to their plea for protection, Dhul-Qarnayn constructed a monumental barrier between two mountains, using iron and molten copper, to seal off the gap through which these destructive tribes would emerge. This structure was not symbolic, but rather a physical wall, divinely inspired and built to contain their corruption until an appointed time. The wall still stands, hidden and inaccessible, holding back Yajuj and Majuj until Allah decrees their release as a sign of the nearing Day of Judgment.
Yajuj and Majuj in the Quran & Hadith
The mention of Yajuj and Majuj in Quran appears in two key chapters: Surah Al-Kahf (92–98) and Surah Al-Anbiya (96–97). In Surah Al-Kahf, their story is connected to Dhul-Qarnayn, a righteous leader who constructed a massive barrier to contain their corruption. In Surah Al-Anbiya, their release is described as one of the major signs of the approaching Day of Judgment, when they will surge forth from every elevation, overwhelming the earth. These verses affirm that Yajuj and Majuj are real nations, held back by divine will until their appointed time, underscoring their significance in Islamic eschatology.
In addition to the Qur’anic verses, several authentic Yajuj and Majuj hadith expand on their story. These narrations clarify that their emergence will take place in the End Times, close to the Hour of Judgment, during a period when corruption and evil dominate the earth. The hadiths emphasize both their overwhelming power and the spiritual significance of their release as a divine test for humanity.
Gog and Magog across religions and cultures
While the story of Gog and Magog is most widely known in Islamic eschatology, they are also referenced in the Bible and other historical texts.
In Christian and Jewish scripture, particularly in the Book of Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation, Gog and Magog are portrayed more symbolically; as nations or forces of evil that will rise against the people of God in a final apocalyptic battle.
Medieval and early modern travelers and historians also tried to link Gog and Magog to known peoples, such as the Mongols or Tatars, interpreting their invasions as fulfillment of prophecy. While these identifications were speculative, they reflect how different cultures have attempted to situate Gog and Magog within real-world contexts. However, Islamic scholars caution against such interpretations, emphasizing that their true emergence remains a future, divinely ordained event.
How to protect ourselves spiritually from Gog and Magog
While we cannot stop the divine events of the End Times, we can prepare ourselves spiritually by strengthening our faith and staying grounded in trust and devotion to God.
Key practices to help protect your soul in times of chaos:
- Deepen your faith: Strengthen your belief in Allah’s wisdom, justice, and power through worship, reflection, and trust in His plan.
- Commit to prayer and remembrance (dhikr): Regularly seek refuge in Allah through supplication, Quran recitation, and morning/evening adhkar.
- Maintain righteous company: Surround yourself with believers who encourage faith, patience, and remembrance during times of trial.
- Live with integrity and taqwa: Live deliberately in obedience to Allah and protect yourself from wrongdoing.
Deepen your faith with Noor Institute Islamic courses
The story of Yajuj and Majuj in Islam is just one example of the powerful guidance found in the Qur’an; guidance that remains deeply relevant to every aspect of our lives. To truly connect with these teachings and build stronger faith, structured learning is key. Noor Institute offers the best online Islamic courses to help you explore the meanings behind such stories, understand core Islamic beliefs, and apply them in your personal journey. With authentic content and expert instruction, Noor Institute empowers you to deepen your relationship with the Qur’an and live your faith with clarity and purpose.
For Muslims living in the UK — in cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, Glasgow, and Leicester — learning about these signs strengthens our belief in the unseen and prepares our hearts for the Hereafter. You can explore more about Islamic eschatology, Qur’anic studies, and authentic Islamic teachings by visiting the Islamic Centre of Britain
Frequently asked questions
- Are Yajuj and Magog humans?
Yes, Yajuj Majuj in Islam are human tribes descended from Adam, specifically from the lineage of Japheth, the son of Prophet Noah.
- What do Yajuj and Majuj eat?
In their current state, they live normal lives; they eat, drink, and plant like ordinary human communities, but they are confined behind the barrier until their time of emergence.
