—may Allah be pleased with them both—did not know all of Allah’s allies, nor did they supply them with aid. How, then, could these misguided, deluded liars do so? Allah’s Messenger—may Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace—the master of the children of Adam, recognized those of his nation whom he had never seen only by the marks of ablution: the radiance of their faces, hands, and feet. Among these are allies of Allah whom none but Allah, Mighty and Majestic, can number. Nor did he know most of Allah’s prophets, though he is their leader and spokesman. Indeed, Allah Most High said:

“We certainly sent messengers before you. Some We have told you about, and others We have not told you about.”

Moses did not know al-Khidr, nor did al-Khidr know Moses. Indeed, when Moses greeted him, al-Khidr said to him, “How is the greeting of peace known in your land?”

He replied, “I am Moses.”

He asked, “Moses of the Children of Israel?”

He replied, “Yes.”

He had heard his name and reports about him, but did not recognize him in person. Whoever says that he is the chief of Allah’s allies, or that he teaches them all, has spoken falsehood.

The correct view, held by the discerning scholars, is that he is dead and did not live to see Islam. Had he been alive in the time of the Prophet—may Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace—he would have been obliged to believe in him and strive alongside him, as Allah made this obligatory for him and others. He would have been in Mecca and Medina. Being present with the Companions to strive alongside them and support them in upholding the religion would have been more fitting for him than being present among a group of unbelievers to patch their boat for them. He would not have concealed himself from the best nation brought forth for mankind, although he