The Story of Prophet Moses (Musa A.S.) and His Search for Knowledge
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, we begin with the story of Prophet Musa (Moses A.S.) as narrated in Surah Al-Kahf, Ayat 60. This episode in his life unfolds as he embarks on a journey to seek knowledge from Hazrat Khidr (A.S.), a servant of Allah known for his profound wisdom and insight. This tale not only speaks of divine guidance but also offers timeless lessons on humility, patience, and the unseen wisdom in Allah's decree.
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Prophet Musa A.S. and His Quest to Learn from Hazrat Khidr A.S.
The story begins with Hazrat Musa A.S., the prophet renowned for his miracles, including the Torah and his powerful oratory. Accompanying him is his devoted servant, Hazrat Yusha Ibn Nun A.S., who would later become his successor. On one occasion, after delivering a powerful sermon to the Bani Israel, Musa A.S. was asked whether anyone possessed greater knowledge than he. Musa A.S. replied in the negative, unaware that Allah would soon guide him to Hazrat Khidr A.S., a servant of Allah with unique insight.In response to Musa A.S.'s declaration, Allah revealed that there was indeed a man with greater wisdom, known as Khidr A.S., and directed Musa A.S. to seek him at the junction of the two seas, a place marked by a miraculous event: the revival of a fish brought for sustenance.
Setting Out for the Meeting with Khidr A.S.
Upon learning of this location, Musa A.S. resolved to journey until he reached the meeting place of the two seas, even if it meant traveling for a lengthy period. He set off with his servant, Yusha A.S., carrying bread and a fried fish in their Zambil (provision bag). Upon reaching the designated spot, they rested by a stone mountain with springs. While Musa A.S. rested, Yusha A.S. prepared for ablution.
During this time, a miracle occurred: the fried fish in their bag came to life, leaped into the river, and swam away, leaving behind a trail in the water. Yusha A.S. was astounded by this phenomenon, yet forgot to inform Musa A.S. immediately.
Realizing the Sign and Retracing Their Steps
The next day, as Musa A.S. and his servant continued their journey, they felt tired and hungry. Musa A.S. asked Yusha A.S. to bring their meal, at which point Yusha A.S. recalled the miraculous departure of the fish. Upon hearing this, Musa A.S. recognized it as the divine sign Allah had mentioned, and they retraced their steps to the place where the fish had vanished. There, they encountered a man draped in a cloak—a servant of Allah, Hazrat Khidr A.S.The Meeting of Musa A.S. and Khidr A.S.
Upon meeting Khidr A.S., Musa A.S. greeted him respectfully, declaring his desire to learn from him. Khidr A.S., recognizing the challenges of his own path, warned Musa A.S. of the difficulty in maintaining patience with knowledge beyond his understanding. Musa A.S. expressed his commitment to remain patient, and the two set forth, bound by Khidr A.S.'s condition that Musa A.S. refrain from questioning his actions until they were explained.
Incident on the Boat
Their journey led them to a boat. The boatmen, recognizing Khidr A.S., allowed them passage without charge. Midway across the sea, Khidr A.S. deliberately damaged the boat by removing a plank. Unable to hold his silence, Musa A.S. questioned the act, perceiving it as a danger to all aboard. Khidr A.S. reminded him of their agreement and refrained from further explanation, to which Musa A.S. apologized, acknowledging his lapse.The Encounter with the Young Boy
Continuing on, they came across a group of young boys playing. To Musa A.S.'s astonishment, Khidr A.S. took the life of one boy who appeared innocent. Once again, Musa A.S. could not contain his disbelief and spoke out, unable to reconcile the action with his understanding of justice. Khidr A.S., however, reminded Musa A.S. of his prior warning, emphasizing the difficulty of comprehending actions guided by hidden wisdom. Musa A.S. apologized again, vowing to ask no more questions lest Khidr A.S. part ways with him.The Collapsing Wall
Their journey brought them to a village where they requested food, only to be refused hospitality. Observing a wall on the verge of collapse, Khidr A.S. repaired it with his own hands. Musa A.S., still perplexed by Khidr A.S.’s actions, suggested that they could have requested payment for this service, especially given their needs. At this third interruption, Khidr A.S. indicated that their journey together had come to an end and prepared to reveal the wisdom behind his actions.The Wisdom Behind Khidr A.S.'s Actions
Explanation of the Boat Incident
Khidr A.S. began to elucidate the divine intentions behind each incident. The damage to the boat, he explained, was not meant to harm but to protect. The boat belonged to ten impoverished brothers, five of whom relied on it as their livelihood. A nearby king was seizing every seaworthy vessel he encountered, so by creating a defect, Khidr A.S. ensured that the boat would be overlooked and thus preserved for these poor brothers.Explanation of the Boy's Death
Regarding the death of the young boy, Khidr A.S. explained that Allah’s wisdom had shown that this boy, though young, would likely grow into a source of sorrow for his righteous parents by leading them astray. Allah, in His mercy, willed to replace the boy with a more virtuous child who would be pious, respectful, and beneficial to his parents.Explanation of the Wall Repair
Finally, Khidr A.S. addressed the repair of the collapsing wall. The wall belonged to two orphaned boys in the town, whose father had been a devout and pious man. Beneath this wall lay a treasure that was meant for the boys when they would reach maturity and be able to claim it responsibly. Allah’s mercy ensured that the wall would remain standing until then, safeguarding the treasure for them.
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