*Hazrat Zul-Kifl, peace be upon him*


_“And remember Ismail and Idris and Zul-Kifl. All were of the patient. And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous.”_ [Surah Al-Anbiya]


From the mention of him in the Noble Qur’an along with the noble prophets and with words of praise, it is known that Zul-Kifl was a prophet — and this is the well-known view. Some scholars say that he was not a prophet, but rather a righteous man and a just ruler.


It is narrated from Hazrat Mujahid, may Allah have mercy on him, that when Hazrat Alyasa grew old, he said, “How good it would be if I appoint a deputy who will rule over them during my lifetime, so that I may see how he conducts affairs. If it seems appropriate, I will appoint him as my deputy after my death.” He gathered his people and said, “Whoever accepts three responsibilities on my behalf, I will appoint him as my caliph. The tasks are: to fast during the day, to stand in prayer at night, and not to get angry.”


A man who appeared very ordinary stood up and said, “I accept the responsibilities.” He asked, “So you will fast during the day, stand in prayer at night, and not get angry?” He said, “Yes.” That day he sent him back and did not nominate him as his caliph.


The next day he made the same announcement again. Everyone remained silent. That same man stood up and said, “I accept.” He then appointed him as his caliph.


Iblis said to the devils, “Bring that man under control.” But all the devils failed to mislead him or make him act contrary to his promise. Iblis said, “Let me deal with Zul-Kifl.”


He came to him disguised as an extremely old beggar at the time when he would lie down to rest at midday — he used to sleep only once during the day and night at that time. He knocked on the door. He said, “Who is it?” He replied, “I am an oppressed person who has been wronged.” He got up, opened the door, and began to tell his story. He said, “I am having a dispute with my people. They have wronged me and done such-and-such.”


Then he recognized him and said, “Are you the enemy of Allah, Shaitan?” He said, “Yes. You thwarted every effort of mine, so I did all this to make you angry.”


For this reason, Allah the Exalted named him Zul-Kifl, because he took on a responsibility and fulfilled it.


Hazrat Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari, standing on the pulpit, said: “Zul-Kifl was not a prophet, but he was a righteous man who used to pray 100 prayers daily. Zul-Kifl promised Alyasa that after his death he would continue this practice. Since he used to pray 100 prayers daily, he became famous as Zul-Kifl — the one who takes on responsibility and fulfills it.”[Elisha]


*Source:* _Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya_, Imam Ibn Kathir

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