Prophet Dhul-Kifl
ذو الكفلعليه السلام
Mentioned among the patient and righteous. Scholars differ on his identity — some say he was Ezekiel, others say he was Bishr ibn Ayyub.
Mentioned Among the Righteous
Dhul-Kifl is mentioned twice in the Quran, praised alongside great prophets for his patience and righteousness. His name means 'the one of the portion' or 'the one who fulfilled his pledge.' Scholars have differed on his identity — some say he was Ezekiel (Hizqil), others say he was Bishr ibn Ayyub (a son of Prophet Ayyub), and others consider him a righteous man who was not a prophet.
وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِدْرِيسَ وَذَا الْكِفْلِ ۖ كُلٌّ مِّنَ الصَّابِرِينَ * وَأَدْخَلْنَاهُمْ فِي رَحْمَتِنَا ۖ إِنَّهُم مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
“And [mention] Ismail, Idris, and Dhul-Kifl — all were of the patient. And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous.”
The Fulfillment of Duty
According to some narrations, Dhul-Kifl earned his title by taking on the responsibility (kifl) of a predecessor, pledging to fast every day, pray all night, and judge between people with justice. He fulfilled this pledge perfectly, demonstrating that keeping one's covenant with Allah is a hallmark of prophethood.
وَاذْكُرْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ وَالْيَسَعَ وَذَا الْكِفْلِ ۖ وَكُلٌّ مِّنَ الْأَخْيَارِ
“And remember Ismail, Al-Yasa, and Dhul-Kifl — and all are among the outstanding.”
Key Lessons
- ◆Fulfilling one's commitments and pledges is a defining quality of the righteous
- ◆Patience and steadfastness are mentioned alongside prophethood as the highest virtues
- ◆Not all details of every prophet's life have been preserved — what matters is the lesson
References & Sources
- Quran: Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85-86), Sad (38:48)
- Ibn Kathir, Qasas al-Anbiya — discussion of scholarly opinions on his identity
- Tafsir al-Tabari on Quran 21:85