The Midnight Sun in the Qur’an
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. The Qur’an, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:83-98), narrates the story of Dhul-Qarnayn , a figure often described as a righteous and just ruler who embarked on various significant journeys. Among his travels, there is a particularly intriguing account of his reaching a land where there was no barrier to screen the sun. This description has generated diverse interpretations among scholars and commentators. One compelling interpretation suggests that this journey might refer to a region experiencing the phenomenon of the midnight sun, particularly near the Arctic Circle. Dhul-Qarnayn in the Qur’an Dhul-Qarnayn, which translates to “the one with two horns” or “the one of two epochs,” is a figure enveloped in mystery and reverence in Islamic tradition. The Qur’an recounts his travels and encounters with different peoples and unique natural phenomena. In Surah Al-Kahf, the narrative details: “They ask you about Dhul-Qarnayn. Say, ‘I w...