that he differed with Hur bin Qais bin Hisn Al-Fazari regarding the companion of the Prophet (ﷺ) Moses. 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 Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) mentioning something about him? Ubai bin Ka`b said: "Yes, I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioning something about him (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 (Al-Khadir). So Allah made the fish a sign for him and he was told 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: '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.' So they went back retracing their footsteps, and found Khadir. (and) what happened further about them is narrated in the Holy Qur'an by Allah." (18.54 up to 18.82)
Knowledge - Sahih al-Bukhari 78
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari concerns the story of Prophet Moses and Al-Khadir, demonstrating the Islamic principle that knowledge is vast and no single person possesses all of it, no matter how learned they may be.
Commentary on Moses' Statement
When Moses declared he knew no one more knowledgeable than himself, this was not out of arrogance but rather from his limited awareness of Allah's complete creation. This teaches us humility in knowledge and recognition that Allah's wisdom encompasses what we do not know.
The Significance of Al-Khadir
Al-Khadir represents the concept of "ladunni" knowledge - divine knowledge granted directly by Allah without conventional learning. His wisdom appeared contradictory to outward religious principles yet contained deeper divine purposes, teaching us that Allah's wisdom sometimes operates beyond human comprehension.
The Fish as a Divine Sign
The lost fish served as a marker for divine guidance, demonstrating that Allah provides signs for those sincerely seeking knowledge. Moses' perseverance in retracing his steps shows the importance of diligence in the pursuit of understanding.
Spiritual Lessons
This narrative teaches that true knowledge requires humility, that divine wisdom may appear contrary to conventional understanding, and that sincere seekers of knowledge must persevere through difficulties and follow divine guidance.