Until when he reached the setting of the sun, that is the limit which no human can surpass in the direction of the west, he found it in a spring of black muddy water. It is hot, as one who is in the middle of the sea perceives that it sets in it and rises from it, while he is certain that the matter is not as such. And he found by it a people, disbelievers, who have strength in what they attempt and a defense. It was as if it was said: What was commanded concerning them? So it was answered with His saying: "We said" in a manifestation of greatness: "O Dhul-Qarnayn," informing him of his closeness to Allah and that he does not act except as He commands him, either through the angel if he was a prophet - and this is the most apparent of the possibilities - or through the prophet of his time, or by his own endeavor in his Shari'ah, the endeavor that is correct.

"Either you punish these people by striking them with the sword for their disbelief, or you take, with all your effort, a good approach towards them, a matter that has great goodness. And this is the beginning of supplication, indicating that killing, although permissible, is preferable to not be done except after despair of their returning from what necessitates it.