During our Muharram broadcast this year we hope to unpack and discuss the amazing story which transpired between Moosa (AS) and Hadhrat Khidr.

The Holy Quraan in all its uniqueness and eloquence is a book of complete guidance for the one seeking it. In this Noble Book, Allah from time to time advises us with regards to many different matters. Allah in His Infinite Wisdom at various places in the Holy Quraan, mentions certain incidents and tells us stories of the previous nations as well as encounters of the Noble Prophets of Allah (AS) to educate us on an array of important topics.

From the greatest forms of worship a Muslim can perform, is seeking knowledge purely for Allāh’s sake. Over the last few decades, Muslims, generally, have become increasingly active in seeking knowledge, whether it be in the traditional ways of sitting with scholars and enrolling in institutions, or utilising newer forms of technologies for learning. However, like all other acts of worship, seeking knowledge has guidelines and a methodology which we must follow set out by the One for whose sake we seek knowledge, Allah.

There are many Islamic texts that highlight the importance and virtues of knowledge, as the Messenger of Allah ﷺ himself said:
طَلَبُ العِلْمِ فَرِيْضَةٌ عَلَىْ كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation on every Muslim” [Ibn Majah]
Amongst the sources we can learn these guidelines from is none other than the final revelation sent down to mankind, the Qur’aan, and one story in particular offers much for those seeking knowledge in the 21st century to reflect on. This is the story between a messenger of Allah, Moosa and Khidr (AS).

Before we begin the story and extract the benefits, let us acknowledge the station of the two great servants of Allah between whom this story transpired.

Moosa (peace be upon him) is from the greatest Prophets of Allah. We know his position and superiority over not only some of the other Prophets, but also mankind in general. Allah referred to him as from the “ulul-‘azam” – the five Major Prophets with exceptionally “strong will” – these are namely: Nuh, Ibrahim, Moosa, Isa and Muhammed (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all). Moosa was also a Prophet and Messenger upon whom revelation descended, Allah spoke to him directly and as a result he became known as the Kalim of Allah.

The story of Al Khidr occurred during the prophethood of Moosa (AS). Moosa (AS) was one of the mightiest messengers of Allah, but had a humbling experience on his lack of knowledge after his encounter with Khidr.

By all accounts, Al Khidr was extremely wise and pious, and was granted knowledge from the Kingdom of Allah. Some scholars speculate that he was a prophet, however, there is no conclusive evidence in the Qur’an or Sunnah on this.