Why Arab Muslims Believe the Iranic Scythians were 'Gog and Magog' and its Significance

Why Arab Muslims Believe the Iranic Scythians were 'Gog and Magog' and its Significance

The mythos surrounding Gog and Magog (Yajuj and Majuj in Arabic) is a fascinating aspect of Islamic eschatology and history. Arab Muslims have historically identified various groups as Gog and Magog, with the Iranic Scythians being one of these groups. This belief stems from a combination of Quranic exegesis, historical encounters, and interpretative traditions. Understanding why the Iranic Scythians were identified as Gog and Magog requires a dive into the sources of Islamic teachings, historical context, and the socio-political significance of these interpretations.

Islamic Sources on Gog and Magog

The primary Islamic sources that mention Gog and Magog are the Quran and the Hadith literature. In the Quran, they are mentioned twice:

Surah Al-Kahf (18:93-98): This passage describes the story of Dhul-Qarnayn, a righteous ruler who traveled extensively. He came upon a people who complained about the mischief caused by Gog and Magog. Dhul-Qarnayn built a massive iron and brass barrier to contain these destructive tribes.

Surah Al-Anbiya (21:96-97): This passage refers to the release of Gog and Magog as one of the signs of the Day of Judgment, indicating their role in the eschatological narrative of Islam.

The Hadith literature provides additional context and details. For instance, Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said that Gog and Magog would be released towards the end times, wreaking havoc on the earth. The descriptions often highlight their vast numbers and destructive capabilities.

Historical Context: The Iranic Scythians

The Iranic Scythians were a group of nomadic tribes of Iranian origin who roamed the Eurasian steppes. They were known for their skills in horseback riding and warfare, which made them formidable adversaries. Historically, they were significant from around the 9th century BCE to the 1st century CE.

The Scythians interacted with various civilizations, including the Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Their incursions into the Near East, and particularly their clashes with the Achaemenid Empire, brought them into the historical consciousness of the region. The classical writers, such as Herodotus, provided detailed accounts of the Scythians, often portraying them as fierce and untamed.

Connecting Scythians to Gog and Magog

Several factors contributed to the association of the Scythians with Gog and Magog in Islamic tradition:

Geographical Proximity: The Scythians were located north of the Islamic heartlands, in regions that correspond to the descriptions given in Islamic texts about the origin of Gog and Magog. The Quranic narrative places Gog and Magog behind a barrier in the north, which aligns with the Scythians' historical territories in Central Asia and the Eurasian steppes.

Historical Accounts: The accounts of the Scythians in classical literature often highlighted their barbarity and martial prowess, characteristics that are also attributed to Gog and Magog in Islamic eschatology. Muslim scholars, interpreting these historical texts, could have seen a parallel between the Scythians and the destructive tribes mentioned in the Quran.

Eschatological Role: The Scythians’ reputation as fierce warriors fit well with the eschatological role of Gog and Magog. Islamic eschatology describes Gog and Magog as unleashing chaos and destruction upon their release, a narrative that could be easily mapped onto the historical Scythians known for their invasions and battles.

Significance of the Identification

The identification of the Scythians as Gog and Magog holds several layers of significance:

Religious and Eschatological: For Muslim believers, the identification of Gog and Magog with a known historical group adds a tangible aspect to the eschatological prophecies. It bridges the gap between religious texts and historical reality, making the eschatological warnings more immediate and concrete.

Cultural and Historical Interpretation: Associating Gog and Magog with the Scythians also reflects the broader Islamic engagement with pre-Islamic history. It demonstrates how Islamic scholars and communities integrated various historical narratives into their worldview, interpreting historical events through the lens of their religious teachings.

Political Implications: Throughout history, the identification of Gog and Magog has also had political implications. Rulers and leaders could invoke the threat of Gog and Magog to justify defensive measures or to rally support against perceived external threats. The image of a fearsome, almost mythical adversary serves as a powerful tool in political rhetoric.

Conclusion

The belief among Arab Muslims that the Iranic Scythians were Gog and Magog is a complex interweaving of religious texts, historical accounts, and interpretive traditions. It showcases the dynamic nature of Islamic exegesis and the ways in which historical events are understood within a religious framework. The significance of this identification spans religious, cultural, and political dimensions, reflecting the multifaceted role of Gog and Magog in Islamic thought. As a symbol of ultimate chaos and destruction, their identification with the Scythians underscores the historical and eschatological anxieties that have shaped, and continue to shape, Islamic consciousness.

References

The Quran. Translation and commentary by various scholars.

Hadith Collections: Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, and others.

Herodotus, The Histories. Translated by Aubrey de Sélincourt.

Al-Tabari, The History of al-Tabari. Translated by Franz Rosenthal.

Bosworth, C. E. "The Muslim World". The Encyclopaedia of Islam, New Edition, Brill.

Vasiliev, A. A. "The Goths in the Crimea". Cambridge University Press.

Nöldeke, T. "Sketches from Eastern History". The University of Chicago Press.