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The Story of Musa and Khidr

Foreword

Verse 18:60

Selected Exegesis

Detailed Exegesis

Harmony of the Verses

Moses’s Yearning to Meet Khiḍr

The Identity of “Moses” in the Verse

The Use of the Term “Youth” (fatā) Instead of “Servant” (ʿabd)

The Difference of Opinion Among Exegetes Regarding the Location of “The Junction of the Two Seas” (majmaʿ al-baḥrayn)

The Value of Seeking a Master of Knowledge

Subtleties and Allusions

A Discussion of the Narrations

Verses 18:61-62

Selected Exegesis

Detailed Exegesis

The Difference in Attribution of Forgetting the Fish

The Possibility of the Fish Coming Back to Life

Passing the Meeting Place

Subtleties and Allusions

A Discussion of the Narrations

Verse 18:63

Selected Exegesis

Detailed Exegesis

Forgetting to Report the Story of the Fish to Moses

Satan’s Influence on the Bodies of Prophets

Subtleties and Allusions

Verses 18:64-65

Selected Exegesis

Detailed Exegesis

Moses and His Companion’s Return to the Meeting Place

Meeting with God’s Special Servant

The Reason for Using the First Person Plural Pronoun

Some Characteristics of Divinely-Bestowed Knowledge

Evidence for the Prophethood or Divine Authority (wilāya) of Khiḍr

Special Mercy as the Foundation for Divine Knowledge

Fakhr Rāzī’s Objections to the Evidence for Khiḍr’s Prophethood

Subtleties and Allusions

A Discussion of the Narrations

Verses 18:66-68

Selected Exegesis

Detailed Exegesis

The Main Purpose of Knowledge Acquisition

Moses’s Etiquette and Humility Before Khiḍr in Seeking Knowledge

Moses’s Impatience with Khiḍr’s Teaching Method

The Use of “lan” Rather than “lā” for Negation

Fakhr al-Rāzī’s Appeal to the Verse to Prove Determinism and its Response

The Reason for Moses’ Inability to Bear Khiḍr’s Teaching Method

Subtleties and Allusions

A Discussion of the Narrations

Verses 18:69-70

Selected Exegesis

Detailed Exegesis

A Discussion of the Narrations

Verses 18:71-73

Selected Exegesis

Detailed Exegesis

The Making of a Hole in the Ship and Moses’s Objection

Two Possibilities Regarding Joshua’s Fate

The Meaning of Damaging the Ship

The Referent of the Pronoun in “to Drown” (li-nughriq)

Moses’ Warning About al-Khiḍr’s Action

Al-Khiḍr’s Response to Moses’ First Question

Moses’ Apology and the Meaning of Forgetfulness

The meaning of “do not be hard on me in my affair”

Subtleties and Allusions

A Discussion of the Narrations

Verses 18:74-76

Selected Exegesis

Detailed Exegesis

The Incident of Killing the Youth and Moses’ Question

The Difference Between “Reprehensible” (nukr) and “Grievous” (imr)

Khiḍr’s Second Response to Moses’ Impatience

Moses’ Final Apology and Commitment

The Tripartite Nature of the Story of Moses and Khiḍr

Subtleties and Allusions

A Discussion of the Narrations

Verses 18:77-78

Selected Exegesis

Detailed Exegesis

The Third Question of Moses in the Story of Rebuilding the Wall

The Meaning of “Village” (qarya) in the Verse

Being a Guest, Not Begging

Some Evidence that Khiḍr Was Not an Angel

The People of the Village’s Lack of Generosity

The Reality of Attributing Will to the Wall

Rebuilding the Wall Through Normal Means

Requesting Payment for Work

The End of Khiḍr’s Companionship with Moses

The Meaning of the Story’s Interpretation

Subtleties and Allusions

A Discussion of the Narrations

Verse 18:79

Selected Exegesis

Detailed Exegesis

The Wisdom Behind Damaging the Ship

The Meaning of “Behind”

The Usurpation of Sound Ships

Subtleties and Allusions

A Discussion of the Narrations

Verses 18:80-81

Selected Exegesis

The Esoteric Meaning of Killing the Youth

Sayyid Murtaḍā’s Response to the Objection Regarding Fear

A Better Replacement for the Slain Youth

Khiḍr as God’s Agent and Instrument

Subtleties and Allusions

A Discussion of the Narrations

Verse 18:82

Selected Exegesis

Detailed Exegesis

Explanation of the Wall Rebuilding Event

The Exegetes’ Views on the City (madīna) and Town (qarya)

The Meaning of Treasure (kanz)

The Impact of a Person’s Good and Bad Deeds on Children’s Destiny

The Divine Command Nature of Khiḍr’s Actions

The Application of Esoteric Interpretation (taʾwīl) to Wisdom, Mystery, and Cause

Subtleties and Allusions

A Discussion of the Narrations

Endnotes

On this page

Detailed Exegesis

The rock (al-ṣakhra): “ṣakhr” means a large, hard rock.(66)(65)

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