22. The Story of Prophet Khidr (AS)
The Story of Prophet Khidr (AS)
A Mysterious and Wise Teacher
Prophet Khidr (AS) is a unique figure in Islamic tradition, often described as a wise and mysterious servant of Allah. While not much is known about his background or lineage, Khidr (AS) is best known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, particularly in matters that were beyond ordinary understanding. His story is mentioned in the Qur’an, specifically in Surah Al-Kahf (18:60-82), where his meeting with Prophet Musa (AS) is recounted.
The Journey with Prophet Musa (AS)
One day, Allah commanded Prophet Musa (AS) to travel and seek knowledge from a man who possessed great wisdom. Musa (AS) asked Allah to guide him to this wise person, and Allah told him to go to a place where two seas meet.
Musa (AS) set off on this journey with a young companion. When they reached the place where the two seas met, they found an old man who was the one Allah had sent to teach Prophet Musa (AS). This man was Prophet Khidr (AS), known for his deep and unique understanding of the world.
The Lesson of Khidr (AS)
Khidr (AS) welcomed Musa (AS) and agreed to teach him, but under one condition: Musa (AS) must not ask any questions about what he would witness during their journey together. Musa (AS) agreed, and the two set off on their journey.
As they traveled, Musa (AS) witnessed Khidr (AS) perform three actions that seemed strange and difficult to understand:
- The Boat Incident:
The first event occurred when Khidr (AS) and Musa (AS) boarded a boat. As they sailed, Khidr (AS) made a hole in the boat. Musa (AS) immediately questioned, “Why did you harm the boat? You’ve made the people of this boat suffer.”
Khidr (AS) calmly replied, “Did I not tell you that you would not be able to have patience with me?” (Surah Al-Kahf 18:72)
Later, it was revealed that the boat belonged to poor fishermen, and Khidr (AS) damaged it to prevent it from being seized by a cruel king who was taking all the good boats from the people.
- The Boy’s Death:
The second incident occurred when Khidr (AS) and Musa (AS) came across a young boy. Khidr (AS) killed the boy, and Musa (AS) was horrified. “Why did you kill an innocent boy?” Musa (AS) asked.
Khidr (AS) answered, “Did I not tell you that you would not be able to have patience with me?” (Surah Al-Kahf 18:74)
Khidr (AS) explained that the boy was destined to grow up to be a disbeliever and a source of harm for his parents. Allah, in His wisdom, had taken the boy’s life to protect his parents from the future hardship he would cause them.
- The Wall Incident:
Finally, Khidr (AS) and Musa (AS) came to a town where the people were unkind and refused to offer them hospitality. Despite this, Khidr (AS) repaired a wall in the town that was on the verge of collapsing. Musa (AS) was surprised and asked, “Why did you help these people who refused to help us?”
Khidr (AS) responded, “This wall belonged to two orphan boys. Under it was a treasure that belonged to them, and by repairing the wall, I ensured that it would be preserved until they grew up and could retrieve it.”
The Wisdom Behind Khidr’s Actions
After these events, Khidr (AS) explained the reasons behind his actions, which Musa (AS) had not understood at the time. Each action had been part of Allah’s divine plan, which was beyond the understanding of human beings. Musa (AS) was able to learn that there are hidden reasons behind many of Allah’s decisions, and sometimes we cannot understand the wisdom behind events until later.
Khidr (AS) told Musa (AS) that he had done his best to explain, but that this was the limit of what he could teach him. Musa (AS) thanked Khidr (AS) for the valuable lessons, and they parted ways.
“The Wisdom of Prophet Khidr (AS) and Musa (AS) & the Little Sparrow”
They traveled together by boat across a wide sea. While they were on the boat, a little sparrow flew in, sat on the edge of the boat, and dipped its beak into the sea to drink some water.
Prophet Khidr (AS) pointed to the sparrow and said to Musa (AS):
“Do you see how much water the sparrow drank? It is just a tiny drop compared to the sea. Our knowledge, no matter how much we know, is just like that drop of water compared to Allah’s endless knowledge.”
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✦ Lessons from Prophet Khidr (AS): 1. Patience in the Face of Difficulty: Prophet Musa (AS) learned the importance of patience when facing situations that are difficult to understand. Sometimes, we are tested with challenges that may seem hard to accept, but we must trust in Allah’s wisdom. 2. Trust in Allah’s Plan: The story of Khidr (AS) teaches us that Allah’s plans are often hidden from us, and we may not understand the reasons behind events. However, we must trust that Allah’s wisdom is perfect and that everything happens for a reason. 3. Knowledge and Wisdom: Prophet Khidr (AS) was given special knowledge by Allah. This teaches us to seek knowledge and understanding, and to realize that there is always more to learn. |
This story reminds us that Allah’s knowledge is limitless, and no one can fully understand everything except Him. It also teaches us to stay humble and keep learning, knowing that Allah knows best.
REFERENCE:
Ibn Kathir, Stories of the Prophets;
Translated and adapted by Umme Abdul Rahman’
Graduate Alim/Alimah.
Founder & Director of imsjeddah.com.