The Quran mentions Zulkifl, which literally means “possessor of” or “giving a double portion or requital” or “one who uses a cloak of double thickness.”
“And Ishmael, Idris, and Zulkifl were very patient, and We covered them with Our Mercy. Indeed, they were amongst the virtuous people.”
(Surah 21, Verses 34-35)
“And remember Ishmael, Elisha, and Zulkifl—each of them was of the company of the righteous.”
(Surah 38, Verse 48)
It is said that when Elisha grew old, he gathered the children of Israel and told that assembly of men that he wanted to appoint his successor and heir—one who would promise him three things: to fast during the day, keep vigil at night to worship God, and never get angry.
Listening to these terms, only one young man stood up from all those present and said, “I will!” Elisha dismissed the assembly. The next day, he called them again and repeated his three conditions. The same man stood up and said, “I will!” Elisha asked him, “Are you sure you can fulfill all three conditions?” The man nodded in agreement. Elisha dismissed the assembly without saying anything further. The third time, the same man stood up and offered himself. Elisha then appointed him as his heir and successor.
Worried Satan
Zulkifl’s routine was to nap only once in the afternoon and to refrain from showing temper. This grieved Satan, who kept watch over him. One day, Satan approached Zulkifl disguised as an old, wretched man during his nap. He knocked, and Zulkifl answered personally. Satan began recounting his miseries and others’ cruelty, prolonging his tale until Zulkifl’s nap time ended. Zulkifl told him to return in the evening, but Satan did not come.
The next day, as Zulkifl was about to sleep, Satan returned and engaged him in idle talk until nap time passed again. Zulkifl told him to come in the evening, but again, he did not appear. On the third day, as Zulkifl lay down, Satan knocked. Zulkifl had instructed his family not to disturb him, so they refused entry. Satan insisted, claiming an appointment, but they denied him. Failing in his efforts, Satan used his devilish powers to enter Zulkifl’s room.
When he awakened Zulkifl, Zulkifl recognized him and asked, “Aren’t you Satan?” Satan replied, “Yes, I am Lucifer. Despite all my efforts, I couldn’t trick you into breaking your promise—never to get angry. But alas, I failed.”
After this incident, he was given the title of Zulkifl.
Point to Note:
The moral of this story is that Satan is our enemy and tries to trick prophets, attempting to mislead them. Zulkifl used to nap, and Satan planned to disturb his sleep, hoping he would lose his temper. When he failed, Satan forced his way in using evil powers. Since no one could enter closed doors, Zulkifl recognized him and exposed his trick, causing Satan’s plan to fail. Thus, God protected His friend.
Reflecting on Elisha’s three conditions:
- God has said, “I am the reward for those who fast for Me.” That is, the senses of the fasting person become so sharp that he can witness the Beatific Vision of God Almighty.
- One who keeps vigil at night gets closer to God. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was directed in Surah Muzzammil to devote himself to God and recite the Quran at night.
- God commands, “Those who refrain from anger and pardon others—God loves such kind people.” This implies that God does not love those who lose their temper.