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Dhul-Kifl, the patient prophet named in the Quran
Dhul-Kifl
Mention in the Quran
His Patience
His Name
His Responsibility
His Uprightness
His Excellence
His Mercy
His Legacy
Important Note
This collection brings together a selection of authentic texts about the Prophet Dhul-Kifl (peace be upon him). The English translations are given as a guide.
- Refer to the original Arabic texts
- Consult the commentaries of the scholars
- Study the historical context of each account
- Check the authentic sources
The remarkable story of the Prophet Dhul-Kifl in Islam
Dhul-Kifl is among the prophets named in the Quran, although his story is told in less detail than that of other messengers. His name appears twice in the holy book, in the surahs Al-Anbiya and Sad, where he is named alongside Ismail and Idris as being among the patient and the righteous.
Who exactly Dhul-Kifl was divides Muslim scholars. Some think he is the prophet Ezekiel, known in the biblical tradition. Others suggest he may be Elijah, or a prophet whose name has not reached us from other sources. That uncertainty takes nothing from his standing as a messenger of Allah recognised by Islam.
The name "Dhul-Kifl" literally means "the one who guarantees" or "the one who takes charge". It refers to his ability to shoulder heavy responsibilities and to keep his commitments to his people. The traditional accounts relate that he was known for his exceptional patience and his uprightness.
According to some narrations, Dhul-Kifl lived in Babylon and took charge of giving judgement among his people. He undertook to fast by day and pray by night while judging fairly between people. His story teaches us how important perseverance in worship is.
To deepen your knowledge of the messengers of Islam, you can turn to our full section on the prophets of Islam. Reading the Quran also lets you find the mentions of Dhul-Kifl in their sacred setting. These prophetic accounts are a precious spiritual heritage for every Muslim.
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ReadYou may be wondering…
Who is Dhul-Kifl in the Quran?
Dhul-Kifl is named twice in the Quran: in Surah Al-Anbiya (verses 85-86), with Ismail and Idris, among the steadfast whom Allah admitted into His mercy, and in Surah Sad (verse 48), with Ismail and Al-Yasa, among the best. The Quran does not tell his story, which is why so little about him is certain.
What does the name Dhul-Kifl mean?
Dhul-Kifl literally means the one who guarantees or the one who takes charge. According to the commentators, he was given that name because he undertook a responsibility (kifl) and kept his word: to judge between people justly, to pray by night and fast by day, and never to give way to anger.
Is Dhul-Kifl the prophet Ezekiel?
Scholars differ. Some identify Dhul-Kifl with Ezekiel of the biblical tradition, others with a different prophet, or with a righteous man whose name has not reached us. No authentic text settles the question. That uncertainty takes nothing from his rank, since the Quran places him among the best servants of Allah.
Was Dhul-Kifl a prophet?
Most scholars say yes: the Quran names him alongside recognised prophets such as Ismail, Idris and Al-Yasa, which suggests he shared their standing. A minority of commentators have held, however, that he may have been a righteous man rather than a prophet. He appears in the traditional list of the 25 prophets of the Quran.
What does the story of Dhul-Kifl teach us?
His story teaches how important it is to keep one's commitments and to shoulder responsibility with patience. According to the accounts related, he lived in the region of Babylon and gave judgement among his people while persevering in worship. He reminds us that endurance and faithfulness to one's word lead to the mercy of Allah.