That he differed with Al-Hurr bin Qais bin Hisn Al-Fazari about the companion of Moses, (i.e., whether he was Kha,dir or not). Ubai bin Ka`b Al-Ansari passed by them and Ibn `Abbas called him saying, 'My friend (Hur) and I have differed about Moses' Companion whom Moses asked the way to meet. Did you hear Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) mentioning anything about him?" Ubai said, "Yes, I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "While Moses was sitting in the company of some Israelites a man came to him and asked, 'Do you know Someone who is more learned than you (Moses)?' Moses said, '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 it was said to him, 'When you lose the fish, go back (to the place where you lose it) and you will meet him.' So Moses went on looking for the sign of the fish in the sea. The boy servant of Moses (who was accompanying him) said to him, 'Do you remember (what happened) when we betook ourselves to the rock? I did indeed forget to tell you (about) the fish. None but Satan made me forget to tell you about it' (18.63) Moses said: 'That is what we have been seeking." Sa they went back retracing their footsteps. (18.64). So they both found Kadir (there) and then happened what Allah mentioned about them (in the Qur'an)!' (See 18.60- 82)
Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed)
Sahih al-Bukhari 7478
Commentary on the Hadith of Moses and Khadir
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari establishes the fundamental principle that divine knowledge transcends human knowledge. Moses, despite being a major prophet and recipient of divine revelation, was directed to seek knowledge from Khadir, demonstrating that wisdom comes from Allah alone and may be granted to different servants in varying measures.
The exchange between Moses and the Israelite highlights the importance of humility in knowledge. When asked if he knew someone more learned, Moses initially responded negatively, showing that even prophets do not possess comprehensive knowledge of all matters. This teaches us to never assume we have complete understanding.
Allah's instruction to follow the sign of the fish illustrates that divine guidance often comes through subtle signs requiring attentiveness. The servant's forgetfulness, attributed to Satan's influence, shows how distractions can prevent us from recognizing Allah's signs.
The journey back to find the lost sign emphasizes the importance of perseverance in seeking knowledge and returning to where we lost connection with divine guidance. This mirrors the spiritual journey where believers must retrace their steps when they stray from the path of truth.
Ultimately, this hadith reinforces Tawheed by showing that all knowledge originates from Allah, and even prophets must acknowledge their limitations before divine wisdom. It teaches humility, persistence in seeking knowledge, and recognition that Allah's wisdom manifests through various means and people.