Dhul-Kifl
Dhul‑Kifl (ذو الكفل) is a masculine, Quranic appellation meaning 'possessor of the kifl' (kifl often rendered as a portion or recompense). Mentioned in the Quran among a list of righteous servants, Dhul‑Kifl is a rare historical name used in Muslim communities that draw on Quranic nomenclature.
Islamic Details
Islamic Status: Historically attested in the Quran; rare as a given name
Quranic Reference: 21:85
Variations / Spellings: DhulKifl,Dhu al-Kifl,Zul-Kifl
Numerology and Trending
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Dhul‑Kifl mentioned in the Quran?
A: Yes. The name Dhul‑Kifl occurs in the Quran (for example in the list of righteous servants) and is thus a Quranic appellation.
Q: What does 'kifl' mean?
A: Classical lexica render 'kifl' as a portion, share, a double portion, or an allocated recompense; scholars differ slightly on nuance, but it generally implies a measured portion or responsibility.
Q: Is Dhul‑Kifl considered a prophet?
A: The Quranic text mentions Dhul‑Kifl among righteous figures; classical scholars differ on whether he was a prophet or a pious servant. There is no unanimous position identifying him definitively as a prophet.
Q: Can Dhul‑Kifl be used as a modern given name?
A: While historically attested, Dhul‑Kifl is uncommon as a contemporary given name. When used, it is typically chosen for its direct Quranic reference and historical resonance.
Q: Are there cultural variations of the name?
A: Yes. Spellings vary in transliteration (Dhul‑Kifl, Dhu al‑Kifl, Zul‑Kifl) but they refer to the same Quranic appellation.
Similar Names
Spiritual and Linguistic Analysis
Dhul‑Kifl (Arabic: ذو الكفل) appears in the Quran as a named figure described among righteous servants of God. Linguistically ‘Dhul’ means ‘possessor of’ and ‘kifl’ has been glossed by classical scholars as a ‘portion’, ‘double portion’, or a pledged responsibility/recompense; thus the compound name is conventionally rendered ‘Possessor of the Kifl’. The Quran mentions Dhul‑Kifl in a short list of patient and upright individuals, and Islamic scholarship debates his exact historical identity, with various early commentators offering differing identifications. As a personal name today it is rare but historically attested due to its Quranic occurrence. For contextual familiarity, Dhul‑Kifl is often discussed alongside other Quranic righteous figures such as Ayyub and Idris in scholarly literature.