The name is in Arabic
Dhul-Kifl, peace be upon him.
Title
It was said that he was “the herald” or “the one who took charge of a matter.”
Chronological order
He came after Job, peace be upon him.
Mission location
Levant.
📜 Lineage and status
Lineage: Scholars differed regarding his lineage, and it was said that he was the son of Ayyub, peace be upon him (his name is Bishr), and that he inherited prophecy after his father. It was said that he was an independent prophet from the children of Israel.
Qur’anic rank: It was mentioned in the Holy Qur’an twice:
$And Ishmael, and Idris, and Dhul-Kifl - all of them are patient. $ (Al-Anbiya’: 85).
$And mention Ishmael, and Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl, and all of the good ones. $ (p. 48).
Summary of his message: The significance of his mention in the context of the prophets and righteous people proves his prophethood and his elevation.
📖 The reason for the name (Dhu al-Kifl)
Scholars disagreed about why he was called “Dhul-Kifl.” Among the most famous sayings in interpretation are:
The one who is responsible for justice (the famous saying): It was said that a prophet before him wanted to appoint a caliph after him, so he stipulated that the successor be responsible for three things that he would never tire of: to fast during the day, to pray at night, and to never get angry. Bishr (Dhul-Kifl) fulfilled these conditions, and he was given the title “Dhul-Kifl” (meaning the one with the sponsorship and covenant).
Sponsoring his people: It was said that he was responsible for the affairs of his people, so he sufficed for them as long as they were concerned, or he was responsible for conveying the message of a prophet before him.
Portion and reward: Kifl is the portion and reward. It was said that God doubled his reward and his share in the reward.
😴 Stories about his patience
Satan’s test: Some explanatory narrations (the authenticity of which is not certain) were reported that Satan tried to make him angry in order to break his pledge (his covenant), but Dhu al-Kifl was very patient, even if he wanted to sleep after praying the night, Satan and his people would come to disturb him, so he would not get angry with them and would not abandon his sleep and worship.
⌛ His age and death
His age and death: His exact age or date of death was not mentioned.
Burial place: It was said that his grave was in Iraq, and it was said that it was in the Levant, but there is no conclusive source to prove this.
Note: Dhu al-Kifl, peace be upon him, is a model of strong determination to obey, be patient with hardship, and bear responsibility, and that is why God described him as patient and good.