الخضر
al-Khidr (AS)
Also known as: Khidir, Khadir
Dates unknown · step 17 of 28 in traditional order
Prophets Prophethood debated
The servant of Allah given knowledge from Him, whom Musa travelled to learn from.
The Quran tells of 'one of Our servants, to whom We had given mercy from Us and taught knowledge from Our presence' (18:65). Sahih hadith name him al-Khidr. Musa travelled with his young companion to the meeting of the two seas to learn from him, promising to be patient. On their journey al-Khidr damaged a boat, killed a youth and rebuilt a falling wall, and each time Musa could not stay silent.
Al-Khidr then explained the hidden wisdom behind each act, showing that Allah's knowledge reaches far beyond what people can see. Scholars differ on whether he was a prophet or a righteous saint (wali), and on whether he is still alive. Many hold that he was a prophet, since he said he did not act on his own initiative (18:82).
Life journey
- Associated Majma' al-Bahrayn (proposed: southern Sinai) مجمع البحرينMusa met him at 'the meeting of the two seas' (18:60). Its location is unknown; the southern tip of Sinai is one of several proposals.
In the Quran
Sources
- The Quran (al-Kahf 18:60–82)
- Sahih al-Bukhari (Book of Knowledge; Book of Tafsir, Surah al-Kahf)
- Ibn Kathir, Qasas al-Anbiya'