That he differed with Hur bin Qais bin Hisn Al-Fazari regarding the companion of (the Prophet) Moses. Ibn `Abbas said that he was Al Khadir. Meanwhile, Ubai bin Ka`b passed by them and Ibn `Abbas called him, saying "My friend (Hur) and I have differed regarding Moses' companion, whom Moses asked the way to meet. Have you heard the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioning something about him? He said, "Yes. I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "While Moses was sitting in the company of some Israelites, a man came and asked him. "Do you know anyone who is more learned than you? Moses replied: "No." So Allah sent the Divine Inspiration to Moses: 'Yes, Our slave Khadir (is more learned than you.)' Moses asked (Allah) how to meet him (Khadir). So Allah made the fish as a sign for him and he was told that when the fish was lost, he should return (to the place where he had lost it) and there he would meet him (Al-Khadir). So Moses went on looking for the sign of the fish in the sea. The servant-boy of Moses said to him: Do you remember when we betook ourselves to the rock, I indeed forgot the fish, none but Satan made me forget to remember it. On that Moses said: 'That is what we have been seeking? (18.64) So they went back retracing their footsteps, and found Khadir. (And) what happened further to them is narrated in the Holy Qur'an by Allah. (18.54 up to 18.82)
Knowledge - Sahih al-Bukhari 74
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari recounts the profound encounter between Prophet Moses and Al-Khadir, illustrating fundamental principles of Islamic knowledge and divine wisdom.
The Nature of Knowledge
The hadith begins with Moses assuming he possessed the highest knowledge, demonstrating the danger of intellectual pride. Allah immediately corrects this by revealing Khadir's superior wisdom, teaching that divine knowledge transcends human comprehension.
This establishes that all knowledge comes from Allah alone, and even prophets may possess limited understanding compared to Allah's infinite wisdom.
The Pursuit of Knowledge
Moses' journey to find Khadir exemplifies the Muslim's duty to seek knowledge regardless of difficulty. His determination in retracing his steps after missing the sign shows perseverance in learning.
The fish as a divine sign represents how Allah guides seekers of knowledge through subtle indications that require attentiveness and reflection.
Types of Knowledge
Khadir possessed "ladunni" knowledge - direct divine inspiration - while Moses had prophetic knowledge. This distinction shows that Allah grants different types of understanding to different servants according to His wisdom.
The subsequent events in Surah Al-Kahf demonstrate that apparent evils may contain hidden wisdom, teaching believers to trust in Allah's greater plan.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars emphasize that this narration teaches humility before divine knowledge, the importance of patient learning, and recognition that Allah's wisdom often operates beyond human understanding.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the incident underscores how even great prophets continue learning, modeling the Islamic tradition of lifelong knowledge seeking.