Imran Hosein on Gog and Magog: Insights from Jerusalem in the Quran

In his thought-provoking book Jerusalem in the Qur’an, Islamic scholar Imran Hosein presents a comprehensive eschatological interpretation of modern world events through the lens of the Qur’an and Hadith.

The book focuses particularly on the religious and geopolitical significance of Jerusalem, the return of the Jews to the Holy Land, and the role of Gog and Magog (Yajuj and Majuj) in shaping the modern age.

Imran Hosein connects classical Islamic prophecies with contemporary events, offering a controversial but detailed worldview in which Western civilization, Zionism, and global economic systems are deeply tied to the Qur’anic narrative of the end times.

Who are Gog and Magog according to the author?

According to the author, Imran Hosein, Gog and Magog (Yajuj and Majuj) are described as agents of corruption, oppression, and wickedness in the world. They are human communities endowed with invincible power by Allah Most High, and their release into the world signifies the commencement of the Last Age.

The author identifies modern European civilization, particularly the secular and godless aspects of it, as embodying the characteristics of Gog and Magog. He argues that Gog and Magog are responsible for the return of the Jews to the Holy Land and the establishment of the State of Israel, which he views as part of a divine plan leading to the ultimate punishment of the Jews. The author also links Gog and Magog to the global dominance of Riba (usury) and the political and economic oppression prevalent in the modern world.

What is the argument of the author that Gog and Magog have been released?

The author, Imran Hosein, argues that Gog and Magog have been released based on several points:

1. Prophetic Evidence: The author cites various Ahadith from Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, which indicate that the release of Gog and Magog occurred during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). For instance, the Prophet mentioned that a hole had been opened in the dam of Gog and Magog, signifying their release.

2. Historical Events: Imran Hosein points to the dramatic changes in European civilization, which transformed from pagan to Christian and then to a largely godless, secular civilization. He views this transformation as evidence of the release of Gog and Magog, who are described as agents of corruption and oppression.

3. Return of the Jews to the Holy Land: The author interprets the return of the Jews to Jerusalem and the establishment of the State of Israel as a sign of the release of Gog and Magog. He refers to the Qur’anic verse (Surah 21, verses 95 to 96) which states that the people of a town (interpreted as Jerusalem) destroyed by Allah would not return until Gog and Magog are released and spread out in every direction.

4. Global Dominance and Corruption: Imran Hosein argues that the current global dominance of secular Western civilization, characterized by political Shirk (associating partners with Allah) and economic Riba (usury), is indicative of the influence of Gog and Magog. He believes that the widespread corruption, oppression, and economic exploitation in the modern world are manifestations of their presence.

5. Prophetic Predictions: The author also refers to the prophecy of Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) that the age of Dajjal (the False Messiah) would be marked by the universal prevalence of Riba. He sees the current global economic system, which is heavily based on usury, as fulfilling this prophecy and further evidence of the release of Gog and Magog.

In summary, Imran Hosein’s argument that Gog and Magog have been released is based on prophetic evidence, historical transformations in European civilization, the return of the Jews to the Holy Land, the global dominance of secular and corrupt systems, and the fulfillment of prophetic predictions regarding the prevalence of Riba.

How are Khazars related to Ashkenazi Jews?

According to the author, Imran Hosein, the Khazars are related to Ashkenazi Jews through their conversion to Judaism. He explains that the Khazar tribes of Eastern Europe embraced Judaism around the seventh century for essentially political reasons rather than faith. These Khazars, who were originally a European people, converted to Judaism and subsequently became known as Ashkenazi Jews.

Imran Hosein argues that the Ashkenazi Jews, who are predominantly of European origin, differ significantly from the Israelite Jews who trace their ancestry to Abraham (sallalahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). He points out that modern Israel comprises large numbers of Jews who are a pure European people with blue eyes and blond hair, indicating a racial difference from the original Israelite Jews.

The author suggests that the Ashkenazi Jews have played a significant role in the establishment of the Zionist movement and the creation of the State of Israel. He views their involvement as part of a larger divine plan involving Gog and Magog, leading to the ultimate punishment of the Jews.

In summary, Imran Hosein links the Khazars to Ashkenazi Jews through their historical conversion to Judaism and highlights the racial and political differences between Ashkenazi Jews and the original Israelite Jews.

How are Gog and Magog related to Ashkenazi Jews?

Imran Hosein argues that Gog and Magog are related to Ashkenazi Jews through their historical and geopolitical actions. Here are the key points of his argument:

1. Historical Transformation:

Imran Hosein suggests that the Khazar tribes of Eastern Europe, who converted to Judaism in the seventh century, are linked to Gog and Magog. He believes that these Khazars, who became known as Ashkenazi Jews, played a significant role in transforming European civilization from paganism to Christianity and then to a largely godless, secular civilization.

2. Role in Zionism:

The author argues that Ashkenazi Jews, who are predominantly of European origin, were instrumental in establishing the Zionist movement and the creation of the State of Israel. He views their involvement as part of the larger divine plan involving Gog and Magog, leading to the ultimate punishment of the Jews.

3. Global Dominance and Corruption:

Imran Hosein asserts that the current global dominance of secular Western civilization, characterized by political Shirk (associating partners with Allah) and economic Riba (usury), is indicative of the influence of Gog and Magog. He believes that the widespread corruption, oppression, and economic exploitation in the modern world are manifestations of their presence.

4. Return to the Holy Land:

The author interprets the return of the Jews to Jerusalem and the establishment of the State of Israel as a sign of the release of Gog and Magog. He refers to the Qur’anic verse (Surah 21, verses 95 to 96) which states that the people of a town (interpreted as Jerusalem) destroyed by Allah would not return until Gog and Magog are released and spread out in every direction.

In summary, Imran Hosein links Gog and Magog to Ashkenazi Jews through their historical conversion to Judaism, their role in the Zionist movement, their influence in global dominance and corruption, and their return to the Holy Land. He views these actions as part of a larger divine plan involving Gog and Magog, leading to the ultimate punishment of the Jews.

Devil, Gog and Magog attack the Holy City (from a 17th-century Russian manuscript)

In what manner does the author associate Western civilization with Gog and Magog?

Imran Hosein associates Western civilization with Gog and Magog through several key arguments:

1. Historical Transformation:

Imran Hosein suggests that the transformation of Europe from paganism to Christianity and then to a largely godless, secular civilization is indicative of the influence of Gog and Magog. He argues that this transformation was orchestrated by Gog and Magog, leading to the emergence of a powerful and dominant Western civilization.

2. Global Dominance:

The author asserts that the current global dominance of Western civilization, characterized by its political, economic, and cultural influence, is a manifestation of Gog and Magog’s control over the world. He believes that Gog and Magog have taken control of the world and established a world order based on corruption, oppression, and wickedness.

3. Political Shirk and Economic Riba:

Imran Hosein argues that the political system of the modern secular state, which is based on Shirk (associating partners with Allah) and the economic system based on Riba (usury), are clear signs of Gog and Magog’s influence. He views the widespread acceptance of these systems as evidence of Gog and Magog’s dominance.

4. Role in Zionism:

The author links Gog and Magog to the establishment of the Zionist movement and the creation of the State of Israel. He believes that the return of the Jews to the Holy Land and the establishment of Israel are part of Gog and Magog’s plan to deceive the Jews and lead them to their ultimate destruction.

5. Corruption and Decadence:

Imran Hosein points to the corruption, immorality, and decadence prevalent in Western civilization as further evidence of Gog and Magog’s influence. He argues that the modern world, with its materialism, sexual immorality, and exploitation, reflects the characteristics of Gog and Magog.

6. Qur’anic Prophecy:

The author refers to the Qur’anic verse (surah 21, verses 95 to 96) which states that the people of a town (interpreted as Jerusalem) destroyed by Allah would not return until Gog and Magog are released and spread out in every direction. He interprets this as a sign that Western civilization, under the influence of Gog and Magog, has facilitated the return of the Jews to the Holy Land.

In summary, Imran Hosein associates Western civilization with Gog and Magog through its historical transformation, global dominance, political and economic systems, role in Zionism, corruption and decadence, and Qur’anic prophecy. He views these aspects as evidence of Gog and Magog’s control over the world and their influence on Western civilization.

Do Muslim scholars of today fail to recognise the emergence of Gog and Magog in this last age?

The following section is an excerpt from the book entitled Jerusalem in the Quran by Imran Hossein.

”But the saddest response of all to ‘Jerusalem in the Quran’ has come from those of the respected scholars of Islam who have summarily rejected the book on the basis of the argument that Gog and Magog will not be released into the world until after the true Messiah (Jesus) has killed Dajjal, the false Messiah (even a simple common sense approach to the subject makes it clear that such a belief makes no sense at all).


And so they resolutely refuse to accept the present world order as that of Gog and Magog and they await the return of the true Messiah (Jesus) for the release of Gog and Magog. They are sadly and woefully mistaken. Indeed they are making a mountain of a mistake. The price that they pay is to be imprisoned with a dangerous and woeful incapacity to understand the world today, and an even greater incapacity to anticipate events which are unfolding so ominously and so rapidly in today’s strange world.


In consequence they are unable to respond appropriately to the awesome challenges of the age in which we now live.“

The Mystery of Yajuj and Majuj: The Wall and Their Identity

The Wall of Yajuj and Majuj (Gog and Magog) is a concept found in Islamic eschatology, as well as in various Judeo-Christian traditions. In Islamic texts, particularly the Quran, Yajuj and Majuj are described as two tribes or nations that will emerge in the end times, causing chaos and destruction.

According to Islamic tradition, the wall was built by Dhul-Qarnayn, a figure often associated with a great king or conqueror, to contain these tribes and prevent them from spreading corruption and chaos across the land. The wall is said to be made of iron and copper, and it is located in a remote area, often interpreted as being in the region of the Caucasus Mountains.

In the Quran, the story is mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf (Surah 18, verses 94 to 97), where Dhul-Qarnayn encounters a people who are troubled by Yajuj and Majuj. He helps them by constructing a barrier to protect them from these tribes.

In eschatological beliefs, it is said that before the Day of Judgment, the wall will be breached, and Yajuj and Majuj will be unleashed upon the world, leading to widespread turmoil and destruction.

The figures of Gog and Magog also appear in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation, where they are associated with apocalyptic events and the final battle between good and evil.

The concept of Yajuj and Majuj serves as a reminder of the trials and tribulations that are believed to precede the end of times in various religious traditions.

Most researchers have found the wall of Yajuj and Majuj, but they are unclear and confused about the identities of Yajuj and Majuj.

While there is some level of agreement among scholars on the existence of a “wall”—whether literal or symbolic—the details about Yajuj and Majuj themselves remain ambiguous.

Researchers often agree on specific elements of the lore but differ on the specifics of who or what Yajuj and Majuj represent.

Alternative Qira’at of Surah Az-Zukhruf 43:61 and Their Interpretations

Certain individuals categorize Syeikh Imran as a non-believer due to this verse: وَإِنَّهُۥ لَعِلْمٌ لِّلسَّاعَةِ, where he reads “‎لَعِلْمٌ” in a different qiraah and claims it to be the true version. Are there any alternative readings (qira’at) of “‎لَعِلْمٌ” in Surah 43, verse 61?

Yes, there is an alternative qira’ah (variant reading) of the word لَعِلْمٌ in Surah Az-Zukhruf, verse 61. The standard Hafs recitation, which is the most widely used qira’ah today, reads it as:
وَإِنَّهُۥ لَعِلْمٌ لِّلسَّاعَةِ“
And indeed, he (ʿĪsā/Jesus) is a knowledge of the Hour.”
However, some other qira’at have a different reading of the word لَعِلْمٌ, such as:

1. Qirā’ah of Ibnu ʿAbbās, Abu Hurairah, and Mujāhid:

• لَعَلَمٌ لِلسَّاعَةِ
• Meaning: “And indeed, he is a sign of the Hour.”
• This variation emphasizes Jesus (’Isa عليه السلام) as a clear sign of the Hour instead of “knowledge” of it.

2. Qirā’ah of Some Kufan Reciters (including Al-Kisāʾī and others):

• وَإِنَّهُ لَعَلَمٌ لِّلسَّاعَةِ
• Meaning: “And indeed, he is a sign of the Hour.”
• This reading aligns with the idea of Jesus being a clear indication or proof of the coming of the Last Hour.

These differences in qira’ah do not change the fundamental meaning of the verse but offer nuanced interpretations. The word لَعِلْمٌ (“knowledge”) and لَعَلَمٌ (“sign, mark”) both indicate that Jesus (’Isa عليه السلام) is connected to the events of the Last Hour, either as a source of knowledge regarding it or as a significant sign of its approach.

Context in Islamic Thought

Some scholars interpret this verse as evidence of the second coming of Jesus (’Isa عليه السلام) before the Day of Judgment.
Others see it as a reference to Jesus’ role in teaching about the Hour during his mission.
Since Qira’at Mutawātirah (mass-transmitted recitations) hold equal legitimacy in Islamic tradition, reading “لَعَلَمٌ” instead of “لَعِلْمٌ” does not make someone a non-believer, as it is a recognized recitation among classical scholars.

If Syeikh Imran is citing this alternative reading, it is within the realm of legitimate qira’at variations that have been preserved in Islamic tradition.