Dhul-Kifl the Prophet

Dhul-Kifl (ca. 1600–1400? BCE) is considered by Muslims to be a prophet of Islam. But there are also a number of Muslims who believe that he was simply a righteous man mentioned in the Qur'an but not a prophet. It is believed that he lived for roughly 75 years.

Qur'anic reference
Dhul-Kifl is mentioned in the following Qur'anic verses:
• “And (remember) Ismail (Ishmael) and Idris (Enoch) and Dhul-Kifl, all were from among those who observe ####patience.” [Qur'an 21:85–86]
• “And remember Ismail and Al-Yasa and Dhul-Kifl, and they were all from the best.” [Qur'an 38:48]
In both cases, Dhū'l-Kifl is mentioned in the context of a list of Qur'anic prophets, including many others not mentioned in the verses quoted above.

Opinions about Dhul-Kifl
Some Muslims, following the view of Muhammad ibn Jarir Tabari, hold that Dhul-Kifl was a righteous man who supported his people and administered true justice, but not a prophet. Baydawi (well-known commentator of the Quran. d. ca. 1290) asserted that Dhul-Kifl corresponds with the Jewish prophet Ezekiel, who was carried away to Babylon in chains and bore his duress patiently. A tomb said to be that of Dhul-Kifl can be seen in the town of Al Kifl, Iraq, near Najaf and Hillah. There is also a tomb said to be that of Dhul Kifl on Jabal Qasioun, Damascus, Syria.

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