Q:

I am a student studying the Middle-East and Arabic at BYU. I am doing a paper on Dhu al-Qarnayn mentioned in the Qur’an. In my research I discovered that many Islamic scholars believe this figure to be a prophet or a believer and that he was the figure known in the West as “Alexander the Great”. From what I have been taught about Alexander the Great it seems interesting that some Muslims would connect him with a prophetic figure in the Qur’an. I was wondering:
1. Do you consider Dhu al-Qarnayn to be Alexander the Great?
2. How does this fit with the Western understanding of Alexander?
3. Do you consider Dhu al-Qarnayn (Alexander) to be a prophet?
If you could help in any way, it would be very much appreciated.
Many Thanks!

Alex

Answers: (By Brother Yassir Butt)

Q.1. Do you consider Dhu al-Qarnayn to be Alexander the Great?
Ans: No.  Regardless of this claim, there is consensus in Isalmic tradition on that.  A new book by a Saudi Council Man “?? ????? ?? ??????? ?????? ??????” translated as “Deciphering the secrets of Dhu al-Qarnayn and Gog and Magog” written by Hamdi bin Hamza on the contrary proves otherwise.  This 543 page thesis contains very compelling evidence that it was Akhenaten ? Ikhnaton (a Pharoah of egypt) who was the friend of Moses.  For further research that gets your juices going obtain that book and enjoy.  also, Al-Jazeera TV did a documentary on this book for your information.

Q.2. How does this fit with the Western understanding of Alexander?
Ans: Since Alexander was a pagan and in the Holy Quran Dhu al-Qarnayn was a monotheist and a just ruler, it is very different from the western understanding.

Q.3-Do you consider Dhu al-Qarnayn (Alexander) to be a prophet?
Ans:No.  He was a monotheist and a Just non tyrannical ruler praised by Allah all mighty.

I would study this book if I were you Mr.Simmons.  Good Luck