The Quranic References
Dhul-Kifl appears in two verses, both brief:
- 21:85: “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.”
- 38:48: “And remember Our servants Ismail, al-Yasa’, and Dhul-Kifl — and all were of distinction.”
That is the entirety of the Quranic information: a name (or title), patience, righteousness, distinction. No narrative. No story. No prophetic mission described.
Who Was Dhul-Kifl?
Muslim exegetes have proposed multiple identifications:
Ezekiel (Hizqil): The most common identification. The name “kifl” relates to a “double portion” or “guarantee” — some exegetes connect this to the Hebrew concept underlying Ezekiel’s name (meaning “God strengthens”). The shrine in modern Kifl, Iraq is identified by local tradition as Ezekiel’s tomb.
Elisha: Some early exegetes connected Dhul-Kifl to al-Yasa’ (Elisha), though most treat them as separate figures since they appear together in 38:48.
A non-Israelite righteous man: A minority position suggests Dhul-Kifl was not from the Israelite prophetic tradition at all, but a righteous man from another community who received divine recognition.
Whether he was a prophet: Most scholars say yes (nabi), based on the Quranic context of the verse placing him with acknowledged prophets. A minority said he was merely a righteous leader (siddiq) who was not given prophecy.
Dhul-Kifl and the Modern Shrine
The town of Kifl in Iraq contains a complex traditionally identified as the tomb of Ezekiel/Dhul-Kifl. Until the 20th century, it was a major pilgrimage destination for the Jewish community (as Ezekiel’s tomb) and was maintained by local Jewish families for centuries. It is now a recognized site in Iraqi Islamic heritage.
See also: Quran Compilation History, Seerah Al Khansa, Seerah Al Ahnaf Ibn Qays, Ilm Al Usul, Tawil Esoteric Interpretation