So he followed a course,

until when he reached the point of sunset, he found it setting into a miry spring, and found a people near it. We said, “O Dhul-Qarnain, either punish them or adopt good behavior with them.”

He said, “As for him who does wrong, we shall punish him, then he will be sent back to his Lord, and He will punish him with a severe punishment.

As for the one who believes and acts righteously, he will have the best (life) as reward, and we shall speak to him politely in our directions.”

Thereafter, he followed a course,

until when he reached the point of sunrise, he found it rising over a people for whom We did not make any shelter against it.

Thus it was, and Our knowledge fully comprehends whatever (wealth and equipment) he had with him.

Thereafter he followed a course

until when he reached between the two mountains, he found by them a people who were almost unable to understand anything said.