Allah ﷻ mentioned Dhul Kifl in two different places in the Qur’an, both times alongside other noble Prophets — a strong indication of his honoured status and righteous character.
In Surat al-Anbiya, immediately after the story of Prophet Ayyub (peace be upon him), Allah says:
“And [mention] Isma’il and Idrees and Dhul-Kifl; all were among the patient. And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous.”
(Qur’an, 21:85–86)
Likewise, in Surat Sad, also after the story of Ayyub, Allah says:
“And remember Our servants, Ibrahim, Ishaq, and Ya’qub — those of strength and insight. Indeed, We chose them for a distinct quality: the remembrance of the Home [i.e., the Hereafter]. And indeed, they are among the chosen and the best. And remember Isma’il, al-Yasa’, and Dhul-Kifl — all are among the best.”
(Qur’an, 38:45–48)
From these noble verses, it is apparent — as agreed upon by many scholars — that Dhul-Kifl was indeed a Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, as his name is consistently mentioned among the elite of Allah’s messengers.
Why Was He Called “Dhul Kifl”?
It is reported that Dhul-Kifl was so named because he undertook (takaffala) a responsibility for his people — to judge between them with justice, to govern them fairly, and to fulfill their needs. He kept his covenant, and thus was called “Dhul-Kifl” (the one who guarantees, or takes responsibility).
Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi Hatim narrated through Dawud ibn Abi Hind from Mujahid that:
When the Prophet al-Yasa’ (Elisha) grew old, he said:
“If only I could appoint someone over the people during my lifetime, so I may see how he rules.”
He gathered the people and said:
“Whoever guarantees me three things, I will appoint him in charge:
- He fasts during the day.
- He stands for prayer at night.
- He does not become angry.”
A man stood up and said, “I will.”
Al-Yasa’ replied, “Are you certain you will fast, pray, and not become angry?”
He answered, “Yes.”
So al-Yasa’ appointed him.
Iblis Tries to Make Him Angry
Shaytan (Iblis) then said to his devils:
“You must trouble this man.”
But they were unable to overcome him. So Iblis said:
“Let me handle him myself.”
Iblis appeared to Dhul-Kifl in the form of an old, poor man. He came to him just before the mid-day nap (qaylulah), which was the only time Dhul-Kifl rested — as he used to pray at night and serve the people during the day.
He knocked on the door.
Dhul-Kifl asked: “Who is it?”
He replied: “An old man who has been wronged.”
So Dhul-Kifl got up, opened the door, and asked him about his complaint.
The man began explaining:
“My people have wronged me, taken my rights, and mistreated me…”
He kept speaking until the time for rest had passed.
Dhul-Kifl said:
“Return to me in the evening and I will ensure your rights are restored.”
But when evening came and Dhul-Kifl took his seat in the assembly, he looked for the old man — but he did not appear.
The next day, he again waited during his judgment sessions, but the man did not come. Later, as he lay down for his qaylulah, the man returned and knocked.
Dhul-Kifl asked: “Who is it?”
He replied: “The old man who was wronged.”
He opened the door again and asked:
“Did I not tell you to come when I was sitting in the assembly?”
The man said:
“They are a treacherous people. If they know you are sitting, they say they will give me my rights. But when you leave, they deny everything.”
So Dhul-Kifl said:
“Come to me this evening.”
But again, the man never showed up. Dhul-Kifl became very tired, and said to one of his family members:
“Do not allow anyone to disturb me until I sleep. I am extremely tired.”
As he rested, the man returned again.
The family member told him:
“Stay away, do not disturb him.”
He said:
“I came yesterday and explained my case.”
The man guarding the door refused to let him in. So the old man found a small window in the house and entered through it. Suddenly, he was inside the house, knocking again — but this time from within.
Dhul-Kifl awoke and called out:
“Did I not instruct you not to let anyone in?”
The servant replied:
“By Allah, he did not enter through me.”
So Dhul-Kifl checked the door and found it still locked. He realised the man was inside by other means — and recognised him.
He said:
“Are you the enemy of Allah (Iblis)?”
He replied:
“Yes. You frustrated me in everything. I did all this to make you angry — but you never lost your temper.”
And so Allah honoured him with the title Dhul-Kifl, because he took on a responsibility and fulfilled it without failing.
A Narration From the Salaf
This story — or one very close to it — was also narrated by Ibn Abi Hatim from Ibn Abbas, and similarly by Abdullah ibn al-Harith, Muhammad ibn Qays, Ibn Hujayrah al-Akbar, and others from among the early generations.
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