Mentions of Dhul-Kifl in the Qur’an
Dhul-Kifl (ذو الكفل) is mentioned twice in the Qur’an, although there is no extensive information about him. Scholars commonly identify Dhul-Kifl with the prophet Ezekiel, though this identification is not universally agreed upon. The Qur’an speaks highly of Dhul-Kifl as a righteous person, but it does not provide detailed narratives about his life. Below are the verses where Dhul-Kifl is mentioned:
1. Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85-86)
Arabic:
وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِدْرِيسَ وَذَا الْكِفْلِ ۖ كُلٌّ مِّنَ الصَّابِرِينَ
وَأَدْخَلْنَاهُمْ فِي رَحْمَتِنَا ۖ إِنَّهُم مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
Transliteration: “Wa Ismā’īla wa Idrīsa wa Dhāl-Kifli, kullum minaṣ-ṣābirīn. Wa adkhalnāhum fī raḥmatinā innahum minaṣ-ṣāliḥīn.”
Translation: “And [mention] Ishmael, and Idris, and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient. And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:85-86)
2. Surah Sad (38:48)
Arabic:
وَاذْكُرْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ وَالْيَسَعَ وَذَا الْكِفْلِ ۖ وَكُلٌّ مِّنَ الْأَخْيَارِ
Transliteration: “Wadhkur Ismā’īla wal-Yasa‘a wa Dhāl-Kifli wa kullum minal-akhyār.”
Translation: “And mention Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl, and all are among the outstanding.”
(Surah Sad, 38:48)
Explanation of the Verses:
- In both of these verses, Dhul-Kifl (PBUH)is mentioned alongside other prophets like Ismail (Ishmael) and Idris (Enoch) in Surah Al-Anbiya and alongside Ismail and Elisha in Surah Sad.
- Dhul-Kifl (PBUH) is described as being patient, righteous, and among the chosen servants of Allah.
- The Qur’an does not provide more detailed information about his specific deeds, but he is highlighted as an example of piety and patience.
Sahih Hadith Mentions of Dhul-Kifl
There are no direct mentions of Dhul-Kifl (PBUH)in the most authentic collections of hadith (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). However, some scholars refer to narrations from secondary collections of hadith or other historical sources, but these are not categorized as Sahih (authentic) hadith by major scholars. Most of what is known about Dhul-Kifl (PBUH)comes from the Qur’an itself, and hadith literature does not provide significant additional information.
Dhul-Kifl (PBUH)(ذو الكفل) is mentioned in the Qur’an, and while there is limited information about his life and mission, Islamic tradition and scholarly interpretation have constructed a narrative around him. Some scholars believe that Dhul-Kifl (PBUH)was a prophet, while others suggest that he was a righteous man, possibly a judge or a successor to a prophet. The identification of Dhul-Kifl (PBUH)with the biblical prophet Ezekiel is based on historical interpretations, though the Qur’an does not explicitly identify him as Ezekiel.
The Name Dhul-Kifl (PBUH) :
The name “Dhul-Kifl” can be translated as “the one with a responsibility” or “the possessor of double” (meaning he undertook a great responsibility and fulfilled it). This reflects his righteous character and suggests he carried out his duties with great commitment and patience.
Dhul-Kifl’s Mention in the Qur’an:
Dhul-Kifl (PBUH) is mentioned twice in the Qur’an, but his story is not elaborated. Here are the verses that mention him:
1. Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85-86)
“And [mention] Ishmael, and Idris, and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient. And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous.”
2. Surah Sad (38:48)
“And mention Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl, and all are among the outstanding.”
In these verses, Dhul-Kifl (PBUH)is praised for his patience, righteousness, and being one of the chosen servants of Allah. Although the Qur’an does not detail his life, it highlights his virtues of patience and righteousness.
His Role as a Righteous Man:
Dhul-Kifl (PBUH)is believed to have been a righteous man who was entrusted with a great responsibility. One of the stories in Islamic tradition suggests that he lived during the time of Prophet Elisha (Al-Yasa‘) and took over leadership duties when Elisha passed away. Some scholars say he was not a prophet but rather a pious man or a judge who fulfilled his duties to both God and the people with integrity and fairness.
His Trial of Patience:
Some narrations explain that Dhul-Kifl (PBUH)was tested with trials similar to those faced by other prophets, especially in the realm of patience and justice. There is a story where Dhul-Kifl (PBUH)is said to have committed himself to fasting during the day, praying during the night, and making sure justice was served during his leadership. Despite being burdened with many responsibilities, he remained steadfast and patient, fulfilling his promise to uphold righteousness.
One specific narration says that a group of people would deliberately test Dhul-Kifl’s patience by seeking to disturb his peace while he was resting. Despite their attempts, Dhul-Kifl (PBUH) never lost his temper or failed in his duties, demonstrating his extraordinary patience, for which he is praised in the Qur’an.
The Link to Ezekiel:
Some scholars have identified Dhul-Kifl (PBUH)with the prophet Ezekiel from the Bible. Ezekiel is known for his role in the exile of the Israelites to Babylon and for his mission to bring them back to repentance. However, there is no conclusive evidence that Dhul-Kifl (PBUH) and Ezekiel are the same person. Ezekiel’s story in the Bible describes him as a prophet during the time of the Babylonian captivity, and he was instrumental in guiding his people through a time of great hardship. Whether or not Dhul-Kifl (PBUH)is Ezekiel, both figures are remembered for their patience and righteousness in the face of trials.
A Man Promised Paradise:
In some Islamic traditions, Dhul-Kifl (PBUH) is said to be one of the few individuals mentioned in the Qur’an who is explicitly promised entry into Paradise due to his perseverance and patience. His story is often linked to those of other patient prophets, such as Job (Ayyub) (PBUH), who faced tremendous hardship without ever wavering in their faith in Allah.
Also, read the Story of Prophet Ayyub (Job) (Pbuh)