The story of the Prophet MūsāAlaihis-Salaam’s meeting with KhiḍrAlaihis-Salaam is mentioned in āyāt60 to 82 of Sūrat-ul-Kahf of Qur’ān Majeed (“Recall when Moses …what you were unable to endure.”)
In this article, we shall discuss in brief the general lessons and benefits that can be drawn from this meeting, including a few fiqh rulings, while focusing on the benefits that apply to the seeker of knowledge. For the same, we shall go by the order of theāyāt and the overall incident as narrated in the Qur’ān, and not by the order of the significance of the benefits.
The background of theseāyāt can be found in aḥadīth, narrated by Ubayy bin-Ka’ab,that tells us why and how Mūsāventures on a quest to gain knowledge fromKhiḍr and how he finds it difficult to comprehend some of his actions, which Khiḍrlater explains (Tirmidhi, 3149). The hadith also makes it clear that these āyāt are about Prophet Mūsā and not another person with the same name (Tafhim al-Qur’an,Maududi).
The lessons that can be drawn are as follows:
Verse 60:
Saying “Allāh knows best” when not sure of something: Ibn-Katheer comments that it would have been better had Mūsāsaid “Allāhuʾa’lam”, rather than saying that he was the most knowledgeable (Tafsir Ibn Kathir,Ibn-Katheer). This was not liked by Allāh, although not spoken out of boastfulness. This must be applied as a general condition to similar situations.
Importance of seeking knowledge: Although Prophet Mūsā, who is one of the ʾUlu al-ʿAzmprophets, is already expected to have immense knowledge which is totally authentic and directly from wahy, he was still eager to seek more of it. The Qur’ān encourages knowledge and appreciates ḥikmāh, “raise those…by many degrees” (Qur’ān, 58:11). Also, there are many aḥādīth regarding the virtues of seeking knowledge, with one hadith declaringthe procurement of the basic knowledge of dīnis mandatory on every Muslim, “… a duty upon every Muslim…” (Ibn-Majah,228). However, the intention needs to be pure for making it of benefit in duniyā and akhirāh. ProphetMūsā’s quest for it was based on good intent and his story now has become a guide for generations for the seekers of knowledge.
Need for perseverance: The words “I will not give up… even if it takes me years” indicate firm resolve and perseverance on the part of Prophet Mūsā, and that he already anticipated hardships in the path. This holds true for every seeker of knowledge. It demands persistence and hard work. Moreover, struggle in the path of Allāh is rewarded. So, apart from the goal, the path to it is also appreciated, “…those who struggle in Our cause…” (Qur’ān, 29:69).
Travelling for knowledge:This is highly encouraged. Many scholars travelled in search of aḥādīth, thus creating an amazing Science. “One who pursues a path…” (abi-Dawud 3643).
Verse 61-64:
Knowledge can be gained anywhere:Prophet Mūsāpursued knowledge at the junction of two seas. This shows that one must try to seek it anywhere and everywhere, but from the correct source.
Even the teacher keeps learning:Nouman Ali Khan notes that although Prophet Mūsāis himself the teacher of his assistant, Yusha’ bin-Noon, he ventures to learn more himself. This shows that it must be pursued lifelong and must not be ceased even when one takes over the role of a scholar or teacher (Concise Commentary SūrahKahf, Khan, N.A.).
Humility with the assistant:Not reprimanding him for forgetting about the fish.
Equal responsibility for forgetting:Allāh speaks about forgetting in the dual verb form, indicating both Prophet Mūsāand Yusha’.
Permissibility of blaming Shayṭān for a mistake: “…Satan had sown enmity…” (Qur’ān, 12:100).
Verse 65-70:
Even the biggest scholar is Allāh’s slave:Khiḍrhad more knowledge in some respects than Mūsāwho himself was a great Prophet. Allāh addressed him as ʻabd, indicating the need for humility in knowledge, as all humans are nothing but slaves to Him.
Humility in knowledge:Khiḍrexplained to Mūsāin the hadith of Naufil al-Bakkali that their combined knowledge was like the water in a sparrow’s beak, compared to that ofAllāh. One must realise this and avoid pride, especially in knowledge.
The source of all knowledge is Allāh: Some people do not give due importance to knowledge of dīn, placing contemporary education and qualifications above it. However, there is no other source of knowledge except what is taught by Him, “Glory be to You…taught us” (Qur’ān: 02:32).
Due respect for teacher: Regardless of the student’s own status, a teacher must be shown due respect. ProphetMūsāinitiated salām towards Khiḍr, indicating the teacher-student hierarchy. He sought permission to follow Khiḍrwith due respect for him, demonstrating the correct etiquette for a student of knowledge.In case the student must disagree something with the teacher, it should be done respectfully. (Shehu, 2015). “I will not disobey any order…” indicates that a teacher must be obeyed by the student.
Patience is required while seeking knowledge: A student may be very eager to hurry up and hasten to achieve lots of information in one go, but learning requires time for understanding and one must go through the correct process.
Verse 71-77:
It is not permissible for anʿālim to patiently bear what goes against Sharīʿah (Ma’riful Qur’ān, 18:70-71):Prophet MūsāsawKhiḍrdamaging a boat and killing a boy, this was contrary toSharīʿah, hence, he could not hold himself from questioning him. A Muslim is commanded to stop evil by his hand, tongue or at least think of it as incorrect (an-Nawawi, 34).
It is permissible to ask questions: Although Prophet MūsārespectedKhiḍrand he tried his best not to enquire till he was asked, yet, when there was a genuine query, he did ask questions, “…cure for ignorance is enquiry…” (abi-Dawud, 336).
Apologise if you make a mistake:Prophet Mūsāasked questions ahead of time in spite of assuring that he would not, yet he presented excuses with proper etiquette. When he realised that he tended to repeat the same, he himself requested parting ways instead of annoying the teacher.
Verse 78-82:
We at times fail to understand the divine wisdom behind events: the ending verses of this story explain the reasons for the actions of Khiḍr, making us understand the fact that whatever is apparent need not be the whole truth and failure to comprehend divine wisdom may lead us to incorrect conclusions. It is important for a seeker of knowledge to understand all perspectives of any affair before making a conclusion.
We can conclude that the story of Prophet MūsāandKhiḍrhas many important lessons for everyone, especially for the seekers of knowledge because it gives us a practical insight into an actual teacher-student set-up, both of whom were perfect examples to be followed in their own capacity. We get a good idea as students on how to approach ‘ilm, etiquette to be followed with the teacher, value of humility and right intention, an idea of hardships in the quest for knowledge, need for perseverance and many more learning.
[The writer is based in Aurangabad, Maharashtra and a student of the International Online University, Gambia.The above was her assignment paper, for which she was given full marks by her tafseer teacher.]