Dhul-Kifl

Dhul-Kifl is cited in the Quran among the patient prophets and the best chosen, alongside Isma'il and Al-Yasa'. His name evokes a commitment kept: tradition reports that he had pledged constant duties which he honoured to the end.

The Quran mentions Dhul-Kifl with praise, without detailing his life, placing him among the steadfast and the righteous.

Tradition explains his name by a commitment he would have taken and scrupulously kept — according to some accounts, taking charge of a people's affairs with constancy, or holding himself to regular duties of prayer and uprightness. For lack of a developed Quranic narrative, what can be affirmed with certainty is his quality as a patient and chosen servant of God.

Dhul-Kifl teaches the value of a commitment kept and constant patience: to keep one's word before God, day after day, is a discreet but sure path to His mercy.

وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِدْرِيسَ وَذَا الْكِفْلِ ۖ كُلٌّ مِّنَ الصَّابِرِينَ ۝ وَأَدْخَلْنَاهُمْ فِي رَحْمَتِنَا ۖ إِنَّهُم مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ

Mentionne également Ismaël, Idriss, et Dhou Al-Kifl, qui tous se vouaient patiemment à Notre culte. Nous les avons admis dans Notre miséricorde. Ils étaient du nombre des vertueux.

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