The story of the meeting between Moses (peace be upon him) and Khidr (peace be upon him) is one of the profound and meaningful narratives of the Holy Quran, beautifully recounted in Surah Al-Kahf. This narrative unveils the hidden secrets of the unseen realm and elucidates the degrees of knowledge and monotheism in both external and internal spheres. In this work, through a spiritual and monotheistic lens, we have examined the metaphysical and epistemological dimensions of this encounter, strivingby reliance upon the verses of the Holy Quran and authentic narrationsto disclose the profound layers of this tale for a specialised and academic audience. The structure of this text is founded upon precise and systematic analyses and expounded in an elevated, scientific language that clarifies the status of the two eminent personalities, Moses (peace be upon him) and Khidr (peace be upon him), within monotheistic and epistemological domains.
The story of Moses and Khidr is a narrative that reveals the distinctions between the external and internal degrees in the realm of monotheism. Moses (peace be upon him), a resolute prophet and bearer of the Shariah, is the manifestation of outward rulings and the guidance of creation towards truth, whereas Khidr (peace be upon him), one of the inward saints, plays a role within the hidden realm and the governance of the unseen affairs of the cosmos. This section examines these two ranks and their connection to the reality of monotheism.
Moses (peace be upon him), as a prophet endowed with the Shariah, was entrusted with the implementation of external commandments and the guidance of his people along the divine path. He is the embodiment of divine power in the external world through miracles such as the white hand and the serpent. However, the Holy Quran narrates a spiritual journey in which Moses (peace be upon him) is guided towards Khidr (peace be upon him), a divinely inspired sage endowed with esoteric knowledge. This journey signifies that the degrees of knowledge and monotheism, beyond external rulings, manifest differently in the inner realm.
لَا تُؤَاخِذْنِي بِمَا نَسِيتُ
"Do not reproach me for what I forgot."
(Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 73)
This verse, in which Moses (peace be upon him) apologises to Khidr (peace be upon him), signifies humility and the acceptance of his epistemic limitations in contrast to Khidrs inner knowledge. Khidr, aware of the secrets of the unseen, teaches Moses that the truth of the universe transcends appearances and that hidden realities lie behind the veils of existence.
Knowledge is the essential core of the perfections of Gods saints. Khidr (peace be upon him), endowed with esoteric knowledge and intuitive cognition, occupies a rank beyond external limitations and is aware of the inner reality of matters. Although Moses (peace be upon him) possesses lofty spiritual ranks, in this journey he seeks to elevate his knowledge towards the inner realities. This knowledge, which in Khidr manifests as the science of interpretation (Tawil), places him in a distinguished position, compelling even a prophet like Moses (peace be upon him) to assume the role of a disciple.
This section demonstrated that the external and internal degrees are complementary realms in the path of monotheism. Moses (peace be upon him), as the prophet possessing the Shariah, and Khidr (peace be upon him), as the inward saint, each manifest divine perfections in their respective stations. Knowledge, as the central axis of these perfections, determines the rank of each saint. This narrative guides us to the reality that the truth of monotheism is characterised by profound unity and integration beyond the veils of the external and internal.
This section continues the examination of the degrees of knowledge and its impact on the spiritual journey of Moses (peace be upon him). It analyses Mosess spiritual voyage in the company of Khidr and the transformations that ensued from this companionship.
Despite the grandeur of prophethood and divine miracles, Moses (peace be upon him), in encountering Khidr (peace be upon him), finds himself confronted with a greater truth. Initially astonished by Khidrs actions due to his accustomedness to external rulings, Moses gradually comprehends that the reality of existence surpasses outward appearances. Khidr, through seemingly paradoxical acts, guides Moses towards the inner realities of affairs.
إِنْ سَأَلْتُکَ عَنْ شَيْءٍ بَعْدَهَا فَلَا تُصَاحِبْنِي
"If I ask you about anything after this, do not accompany me."
(Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 76)
This verse indicates Mosess acceptance of his own limitations and his commitment to obey Khidr. This commitment is itself a sign of his spiritual transformation, attained through his companionship with Khidr.
Khidr (peace be upon him), endowed with esoteric knowledge and awareness of unseen secrets, acts as a teacher and guide who leads Moses from the confines of outward appearances to the inner truth. Through actions such as damaging the boat, killing the young boy, and rebuilding the wall, Khidr teaches Moses that every divine act, even if seemingly illogical, holds profound wisdom.
Mosess spiritual journey in the presence of Khidr illustrates that even resolute prophets require epistemic advancement. Khidr, with his esoteric knowledge, guided Moses towards the comprehension of the inner truth and led him from the bondage of appearances to the unity of essence. This journey highlights the infinite capacity of knowledge in the path of nearness to the Truth.
This section, relying on the analysis of Khidrs role as one of the inward saints, examines the position of this group of saints in the cosmic system and their influence over the governance of the unseen affairs. The connection of this section with the previous ones lies in emphasising the role of knowledge and monotheism in determining the station of Gods saints.
The inward saints, such as Khidr (peace be upon him), are manifestations of the divine names that operate without intermediary apparent causes, engaged in the administration of unseen affairs. Depending on their spiritual proximity, these saints undertake tasks that serve the fulfilment of divine willfrom warding off evil from the oppressed to guiding hearts towards truth. This group plays an effective and concealed role within the inner realm of existence.
فَأَرَدْنَا أَنْ يُبْدِلَهُمَا رَبُّهُمَا خَيْرًا مِنْهُ زَكَاةً وَأَقْرَبَ رُحْمًا
"So We intended that their Lord should substitute for them one better than him in purity and nearer in mercy."
(Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 81)
This verse clearly demonstrates that the actions of Khidr (peace be upon him) are not by personal will, but by divine command and for the benefit of the servants. The following narration corroborates this reality:
It is narrated from Hasan ibn Said Lakhmi that a man from the Shia had a daughter and approached Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him). The Imam observed his distress and asked: If God revealed to you that I select for you, or that you choose for yourself, what would you say? He replied: I say: O Lord, You select for me. The Imam said: God has selected for you. Then he said: Instead of the boy whom the knowledgeable companion of Moses killed, God granted a daughter to that father and mother, from whose lineage seventy prophets emerged.
The saints of God are divided into two groups: those such as the prophets and infallible Imams (peace be upon them), who are entrusted with external rulings, and those like Khidr (peace be upon him), who operate in the inner realm. The external saints, despite knowledge of the unseen, adhere to the externalities of the Shariah, whereas the inward saints, according to their rank, sometimes implement inner rulings outwardly.
The inward saints, like Khidr (peace be upon him), with their esoteric knowledge and spiritual proximity, play a vital role in the cosmic system. They govern unseen affairs to actualise divine wisdom and sometimes transcend apparent legalities. This section illustrated that the cosmic order is a synthesis of appearances and inner realities, each contributing to the perfection of creation in their respective stations.
This section, mystical and spiritual lessons of the story of Moses and Khidr, investigates the spiritual connection between the seeker and the spiritual guide, and its effect on the spiritual conduct. This section continues the previous discussions concerning knowledge and monotheism.
The story of Moses and Khidr is the best exemplar of the spiritual bond between the seeker (Moses, peace be upon him) and the guide (Khidr, peace be upon him). Despite his high rank of prophethood, Moses finds himself in need of guidance from a divinely inspired guide and, with humility and eagerness, sets forth towards Khidr.
هَلْ أَتَّبِعُکَ عَلَى أَنْ تُعَلِّمَنِ مِمَّا عُلِّمْتَ رُشْدًا
"Shall I follow you so that you teach me some of the right guidance you have been taught?"
(Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 66)
This verse manifests Mosess humility and eagerness to acquire knowledge. Khidr, by accepting this discipleship, guides him towards the inner truth.
The story of Moses and Khidr provides profound lessons for seekers on the path of truth. Firstly, the necessity of humility before the spiritual guide. Secondly, the requirement of patience and endurance towards matters that appear illogical. Thirdly, the importance of faith in divine providence, even in the face of seemingly adverse occurrences.
The story of Moses and Khidr presents profound lessons in spiritual conduct and the relationship between the seeker and the guide. It emphasises the necessity of humility, patience, and faith in divine wisdom, demonstrating that knowledge is the paramount factor in attaining the truth.
The story of Moses and Khidr is a profound Quranic narrative encompassing multiple layers of epistemological and monotheistic truths. This tale, on one hand, reveals the distinctions between external and internal degrees, and on the other, stresses the role of knowledge as the axis of the perfections of Gods saints. Moses (peace be upon him), as a prophet endowed with the Shariah, and Khidr (peace be upon him), as an inward saint, each manifest divine manifestations in their respective stations. This story teaches us that the reality of monotheism, beyond the veils of the external and internal, embodies profound unity and integration, and that knowledge is the key to accessing this reality. This work, relying upon the verses of the Holy Quran and authentic narrations, endeavoured to explicate these truths in an elevated and scientific language for a specialised audience.
