Ezekiel (Ḥizqīl) in Islam
Etymology
Ezekiel is an Anglicized form of the Hebrew name יְחֶזְקֵאל (Y’ḥezqel), which means “God will strengthen.” In Arabic, he is known as Ḥizqīl (حزقیل).
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: Ḥizqīl (حزقیل)
- Turkish: Hezekiel
Significance in Islam
Qur’anic Allusion
While Ezekiel (Ḥizqīl) is not mentioned by name in the Qur’an, there is a generally accepted belief among Islamic scholars that the Qur’anic verse from Sūrah Al-Baqarah (Sūrah ii. 244) alludes to his vision of the dry bones, detailed in the Bible:
<p>“Dost thou not look at those who left their homes by thousands, for fear of death; and God said to them ‘Die,’ and He then quickened them again?”</p>
Exegesis and Interpretations
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Al-Baiẓāwī’s Commentary: Al-Baiẓāwī explains that a group of Israelites fled their homes either to participate in a religious war or to escape a plague. Due to their actions, they were struck dead, but Ezekiel raised them back to life by God’s command.
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Commentary by Kamālān: The Kamālān suggest that Ezekiel might be the same person as Ẕū ʾl-Kifl, another figure mentioned in the Qur’an but known by a different title. [See: ZU ʾL-KIFL.]
Books for Further Studies
- “The Prophets of Islam” by Syed Sulaiman Nadvi - This book discusses various prophets, including the figures believed to be Ezekiel.
- “Qur’anic Stories: God’s Messages, Prophets, and their People” by Muhammad Khalid - This text offers insight into the stories recounted in the Qur’an that are connected to Biblical narratives.
- “Tafsir Al-Baizawi” translated by Gibril Fouad Haddad - A detailed exegesis from an acclaimed Islamic scholar that includes mentions of prophetic stories.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Ezekiel (Ḥizqīl) is a significant prophetic figure in Islam, though he is not explicitly named in the Qur’an. The references and interpretations of his story, particularly the vision of the dry bones, have been analyzed by various scholars like Al-Baiẓāwī and the Kamālān. These interpretations help connect the Biblical figure of Ezekiel to Qur’anic narratives and Islamic theology, underscoring the intertwined nature of Abrahamic traditions.
In summary, Ezekiel’s significance in Islam underscores the shared histories and narratives between Islam and earlier Abrahamic faiths, highlighting continuity and shared moral lessons across these monotheistic religions.
