Prophet Dhul-Kifl (AS) is one of the Prophets mentioned briefly in the Holy Quran, praised specifically for his immense patience, constancy, and fulfillment of trusts. Allah the Almighty declared:
Immediately following Prophet Ayyub’s (Job) story in the Qur’an, Almighty Allah also directed:
It is obvious from his being mentioned and praised in the Glorious Quran along with other great prophets that Dhul-Kifl was indeed a prophet of high status, though some commentators have debated whether he was a Prophet or a very righteous saint (Wali).
Scholars and commentators have different opinions regarding his identity:
The name Dhul-Kifl literally means "Possessor of the Portion" or "The One Who Took Responsibility" (from the word Kafala, meaning to take charge or pledge). He earned this title because he pledged to fulfill a difficult task and successfully carried it out.
When the Prophet Al-Yasa (Elisha) AS grew old, he wanted to appoint a successor who could lead the people with justice and carry the burden of prophethood while Al-Yasa was still alive to guide him. He gathered the people and announced: "I will appoint as my successor the one who can fulfill three conditions: He must fast during the day, pray during the night, and never get angry."
The people remained silent, realizing the difficulty of the task. A young man, who was considered insignificant by the common folk, stood up and said: "I will do it." Prophet Al-Yasa asked him: "Do you fast the day and pray the night and do not get angry?" The young man replied: "Yes."
Al-Yasa told him to sit down. The next day, Al-Yasa repeated the offer. Again, the people were silent, and the same young man stood up and said: "I will." Al-Yasa accepted his pledge and appointed him as the leader/judge of the Bani Israel.
Iblis (Satan) was furious that a human could make such a bold promise. He gathered his devils and said: "Who will take care of him for me (i.e., make him break his vow)?" The devils failed, so Iblis said: "I will take care of him myself."
Dhul-Kifl had a routine: he would fast all day, judge between people with justice, and pray all night. He only slept for a short nap in the afternoon (Qaylulah). Satan knew this was the only time the Prophet rested.
One afternoon, just as Dhul-Kifl lay down, Satan came in the form of a poor old man and knocked on the door. Dhul-Kifl asked: "Who is it?" Satan replied: "An old man who has been wronged."
Dhul-Kifl opened the door. The "old man" began to tell a very long, winding story about a dispute with his people, dragging it out to waste time. By the time he finished, the afternoon nap time was over. Dhul-Kifl told him: "Come to my court in the evening, and I will restore your rights." The old man agreed and left.
In the evening, Dhul-Kifl sat in his court, but the old man did not show up. The next day, Dhul-Kifl fasted and judged the people, waiting for the old man, but he did not come. Finally, in the afternoon, when Dhul-Kifl was extremely exhausted and laid down for his short nap, the old man knocked again.
Dhul-Kifl asked: "Didn't I tell you to come to the court?" The old man (Satan) replied: "My enemies are wicked! When they know you are sitting in court, they agree to give me my rights, but as soon as you leave, they deny them again!"
Dhul-Kifl, fighting extreme exhaustion and lack of sleep, simply said: "Go now, and come to me when I am sitting in court." He did not get angry.
On the third day, Satan tried one last desperate attempt. He waited until Dhul-Kifl was about to sleep and knocked violently. Dhul-Kifl's family said: "Let him sleep!" but the old man refused. Dhul-Kifl got up, incredibly tired, and asked what happened. Satan started inventing more lies and excuses to provoke him. Dhul-Kifl felt the urge to be angry but swallowed it, spoke gently, and maintained his patience.
At that moment, Satan despaired. He revealed himself and said: "I am Iblis. I tried to make you angry to invalidate your pledge, but you have exhausted me!"
Because he fulfilled his pledge (Kifl) to fast, pray, and never get angry, Allah honored him and named him Dhul-Kifl (The Possessor of the Pledge/Responsibility).
Dhul-Kifl (AS) ruled his people with justice and fulfilled his covenant with Allah until he passed away. He is remembered as a symbol of absolute patience and integrity. Traditions state he died at the age of 75. There are claims that his tomb is located in Iraq (near Najaf or Al-Kifl) or in the Levant, but Allah knows best.