Prophet Dhul-Kifl (peace be upon him)

Dhul-Kifl (peace be upon him) is mentioned twice in the Quran, grouped with other praised prophets. In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85–86), Allah says: "And Ismail and Idris and Dhul-Kifl — all were of the patient. And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous." He also appears in Surah Sad (38:48): "And remember Our servants Ismail, Alyasa, and Dhul-Kifl, and all are among the outstanding." The name Dhul-Kifl means "the possessor of kifl" — scholars have differed over its exact meaning. Some interpret kifl as a portion, a guarantee, or a double reward. Others suggest it refers to a land or region named Kifl. The exact identity of Dhul-Kifl and the people to whom he was sent is not specified in the Quran. Classical scholars have offered various identifications, with some suggesting he may correspond to the prophet Ezekiel or the righteous king Dhul-Kifl mentioned in Jewish tradition, while others caution against such identifications without clear textual evidence. Ibn Kathir discusses him in his book on the prophets' stories (Qisas al-Anbiya') but notes the scarcity of definitive information. What is certain from the Quran is that Dhul-Kifl was a prophet of Allah, counted among the patient, admitted into Allah's mercy, and regarded as among the outstanding servants of Allah. His mention alongside Ismail, Idris, and Alyasa in the context of praising prophets of exceptional patience and righteousness is itself a testimony to his rank. The brevity of his Quranic mention is itself instructive — it reminds us that the full knowledge of the prophets' stories belongs to Allah alone, and that the Quran mentions what is needed for guidance, not exhaustive historical record. We affirm his prophethood and his virtue while acknowledging that the details of his mission remain known primarily to Allah.