The Story of al-Khidr and Moses
Its setting comes in the midst of the accounts concerning Moses.

One day Moses—peace be upon him—addressed the Children of Israel in a great assembly. He taught them abundant knowledge, and the people were struck by the perfection of his learning. Someone asked, “O Prophet of Allah, is there anyone on earth who is more knowledgeable than you—or do you know of anyone who is?” He replied, “No,” answering according to what he knew and to encourage them to take knowledge from him.

Allah then informed him that He had a servant at the meeting point of the two seas who possessed kinds of knowledge not granted to Moses, as well as inspirations that lay outside the usual mold. Moses yearned to meet him, eager to increase in learning, so he asked Allah for permission. Allah showed him the man’s location and told him to take along a fish; when the fish was lost, that would be the spot. Moses set out, found the place, and what Allah narrated of their encounter appears in Surah al-Kahf: “And [remember] when Moses said to his young servant, ‘I will not give up until I reach the junction of the two seas, even if it takes me years’” (18:60) up to His words, “That is the interpretation of that over which you could not be patient” (18:82).

• This story contains many benefits, legal rulings, and foundational principles. With Allah’s help we shall point to some of them and mention what is most important.

• Among them is the merit and nobility of knowledge, the legitimacy of travelling in its quest, and its surpassing importance: Moses journeyed a great distance for it, endured hardship, left off staying among the Children of Israel to teach and guide them, and chose travel in order to increase his knowledge instead.