Dhul-kifl

This portion of Al-Kitab emphasizes the gift of consolation and encouragement Allah gives to his people. It is named after the prophet through whom its message was revealed, Prophet Dhul-kifl (pbuh), also known as Ezekiel or Hizqil. Prophet Dhul-kifl (pbuh) delivered his message to the Jews who were living in exile in Babylon. The exiled Jews believed that they would soon be able to return to the city of Jerusalem in Palestine. But Dhul-kifl (pbuh) told them they must first return to Allah. He talks about the sins of the Jews and warns them that Allah will not only exile them but also destroy Jerusalem as a judgment. Secondly, Zulkilf (pbuh) warns the Middle Eastern nations who were neighbours to the Jews, that Allah will punish them for their idolatry and for their poor treatment of the Jews. Thirdly, Dhul-kifl (pbuh) reveals that the day is coming when the exiles will return from bondage and be one nation again, as they were when Prophet Dawud (pbuh) was king of Israel. When the people repent of their sins, Allah will send his own Spirit to live within them. One day al-Masih (the Messiah), Allah’s chosen king and Saviour will come to his people and will destroy their last enemy. Once again, the Holy House of Sulayman in Jerusalem will be rebuilt and the visible glory of Allah return to the Holy House. A key phrase of Dhul-kifl is found in chapter 6, verse 14, “and they shall know that I am Allah.” This phrase occurs over 30 times in Dhul-kifl.

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