That he differed with Al-Hur bin Qais Al-Fazari regarding the companion of 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 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?" He said, "Yes, I heard Allah's Apostle 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 how to meet him (i.e. Khadir). So, the fish, was made, as a sign for him, and he was told that when the fish was lost, he should return and there he would meet him. So, Moses went on looking for the sign of the fish in the sea. The servant boy of Moses said to him, 'Do you know that when we were sitting by the side of the rock, I forgot the fish, and t was only Satan who made me forget to tell (you) about it.' Moses said, That was what we were seeking after,' and both of them returned, following their footmarks and found Khadir; and what happened further to them, is mentioned in Allah's Book."
The Identity of Moses' Companion
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 3400 definitively establishes through the Prophet's ﷺ own words that the mysterious companion of Moses was none other than Al-Khadir. The disagreement between Ibn Abbas and Al-Hur bin Qais demonstrates how scholarly differences were resolved by referring directly to Prophetic tradition.
Divine Knowledge and Humility
Moses' initial claim that no one was more knowledgeable than him, though made without arrogance, demonstrates that even prophets have limits to their knowledge. Allah's response teaches us that divine wisdom is distributed among His servants according to His will.
The incident shows that true knowledge necessitates humility - Moses, despite his high station, was directed to seek knowledge from another servant of Allah.
The Sign of the Fish
The forgotten fish served as a divine marker indicating the location where Moses would meet Al-Khadir. This teaches us that Allah's signs often appear in seemingly ordinary occurrences.
The attribution of forgetting to Satan's influence reminds believers that forgetfulness in religious matters can have spiritual causes, requiring vigilance and seeking Allah's protection.
Methodology of Verification
When Ubai bin Ka'b passed by, Ibn Abbas immediately sought clarification from one who had direct hearing from the Prophet ﷺ. This exemplifies the proper methodology of verifying religious matters through authentic chains of transmission.
The reference to "Allah's Book" at the end directs readers to Surah Al-Kahf for the complete account, showing how Hadith and Quran complement each other in Islamic scholarship.