Among the Patient and the Righteous
Dhul-Kifl (peace be upon him) is mentioned in the Quran in the company of Ismail and Idris: 'And mention Ismail, Idris, and Dhul-Kifl — all were among the patient. We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous' (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:85-86). Being grouped with such distinguished prophets indicates his high standing with Allah. His name, meaning 'the one of the portion' or 'the one of the pledge,' may refer to a commitment he fulfilled with extraordinary faithfulness.
Surah Al-Anbiya 21:85-86
Remembered Among the Good
In Surah Sad, Dhul-Kifl is mentioned alongside Ismail and Al-Yasa: 'And remember Ismail, Al-Yasa, and Dhul-Kifl — all are among the good' (Surah Sad 38:48). Scholars have differed on his exact identity. Some, like Ibn Jarir at-Tabari, have suggested he may be the prophet Ezekiel. Regardless of the scholarly discussion around his identity, the Quran's testimony is clear: he was patient, righteous, and admitted into Allah's mercy.
Surah Sad 38:48
The Value of Fulfilling Commitments
The name 'Dhul-Kifl' itself points to the fulfilment of a pledge or responsibility. In Islamic tradition, fulfilling one's commitments is not a minor virtue — it is a defining quality of faith. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned that breaking promises is a sign of hypocrisy (Sahih al-Bukhari 33). Dhul-Kifl, whatever his specific story, is remembered precisely because he kept his word and bore his responsibilities with patience.