The Man of the Pledge
Dhul-Kifl is one of the most enigmatic Prophets mentioned in the Quran. His name literally means 'The Possessor of the Pledge' or 'The One with the Double Portion.' He lived among the Israelites during a time when they needed a leader who could embody the highest standards of spiritual discipline. According to traditions, he took a solemn pledge that he would fast every day, spend every night in prayer, and never get angry while judging between people.
He maintained this strict regimen for his entire life, never failing once. His life was a testament to the power of the human will when it is entirely dedicated to the service of the Creator. He proved that spiritual depth and social responsibility are not separate, but rather two sides of the same coin of Prophetic character.
The Test of Iblis and the Mastery of Anger
Satan (Iblis) attempted to break Dhul-Kifl's pledge, specifically his vow never to get angry. Iblis visited him in the form of an old, complaining man during his time of rest. The old man repeatedly interrupted Dhul-Kifl's sleep with false grievances and long, rambling stories, trying to provoke a reaction of frustration or anger.
Despite being deprived of sleep and harassed by the man's persistent interruptions, Dhul-Kifl remained perfectly calm and patient, treating the man with kindness and listening to every word. This mastery over his lower self (Nafs) earned him a high station in the sight of Allah, and he is grouped in the Quran with great Prophets like Isma'il and Idris as being 'among the patient' and 'among the righteous.'
From the Holy Quran
وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِدْرِيسَ وَذَا الْكِفْلِ ۖ كُلٌّ مِّنَ الصَّابِرِينَ
"And [mention] Ishmael and Idrees and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient. And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous."
— Surah Al-Anbiya (85-86)