The Story of Moses and Khidr: A Lesson in Humility and Wisdom
Based on the Tafsir of Ibn Abbas
By Mahmoud Andrade Ibrahim
Introduction:
The story of Moses and Khidr, mentioned in the Quran, holds profound lessons for humanity. It highlights the importance of humility, recognizing our limitations, and seeking knowledge from those more knowledgeable than us. This narrative portrays Moses as an embodiment of a seeker, yearning for wisdom beyond his own understanding.
Moses's Quest for Knowledge:
Feeling that no one on Earth possessed greater knowledge than himself, Moses approached Allah with his desire to find a servant who was more obedient to Him and more knowledgeable. Allah revealed the presence of Khidr – a chosen servant endowed with divine mercy and knowledge.
Guidance Towards Khidr:
Allah instructed Moses to take salted fish with him as he embarked on a journey along the sea shores. He would encounter Khidr near a rock that held the "fountain of life." Sprinkling water from this fountain on the fish would revive it, leading him to meet Khidr.
The Encounter Between Moses and Khidr:
As they set off together on their quest for knowledge, Joshua ben Nun accompanied Moses as his servant. Their first test came when they reached the point where two seas met. In their excitement or distraction, they forgot about their fish which miraculously found its way back into the sea.
Moses's Persistence:
Upon realizing their oversight regarding the fish, Joshua expressed fatigue due to their long journey. However, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and guidance from Allah Himself through His chosen servant (Khidr), Moses insisted on retracing their steps until they found what they were seeking – one of Allah's slaves who had received mercy and divine teachings directly from Him.
Seeking Guidance From Khidr:
Yearning earnestly for spiritual growth under Khidr's tutelage while acknowledging that there might be actions he couldn't comprehend, Moses sought permission to join him. Initially hesitant due to Moses's inability to bear with his actions, Khidr eventually agreed, provided that Moses would not question or criticize until an explanation was given.
Testing of Faith:
As their journey continued, Khidr enacted three puzzling events. First, he made a hole in a ship belonging to poor people, fearing it would be seized by a tyrannical king. Then Khidr took the life of an innocent boy whose parents were believers but who Allah foresaw would cause them great suffering due to his rebellious nature. Finally, they repaired a crumbling wall belonging to two orphan boys who possessed hidden treasure.
Lesson in Trust and Wisdom:
Each action carried out by Khidr appeared unjust on the surface and tested Moses's faith and ability to accept divine wisdom beyond human understanding. However, each had profound underlying justifications known only to Allah and His chosen servant.
Conclusion:
The story of Moses and Khidr is an allegorical representation of acquiring knowledge through humility and recognizing our limitations as human beings. It teaches us that true wisdom lies in surrendering our ego-driven desire for absolute knowledge and accepting guidance from those more enlightened than ourselves. By realizing our limitations, we open ourselves up to greater spiritual growth and enlightenment under divine guidance.
This narrative serves as a reminder for students seeking divine certainty on Allah’s path, that true intellect lies not only in gaining knowledge but also in acknowledging the vastness of what we do not know. Through humility, we can embark on journeys toward deeper understanding with open minds – ready to learn from unexpected sources – thus enriching our intellectual pursuits while fostering personal growth along the way.