As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection is from Surah 18, Al-Kahf or the Cave, verses 60-70. This selection begins the story of Prophet Moses travelling to find a man named Khizr, whom Allah had imparted with some knowledge. Khizr warned Prophet Moses that he would not be able to bear with him.
Tafseer for this selection explains how this part of the story is meant to illustrate 2 of 4 specific points.
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Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.Now tell them about the story of Khizr to whom Allah has given special knowledge. Prophet Moses (Musa) was asked to go to him and learn from him. When Moses set out to meet him at an appointed place, he said to his young servant: “I will not give up my journey until I reach the junction of the two rivers, even if I have to spend ages in travel.”[60] It so happened that when at last they reached the junction of the two rivers they forgot about the fish they were carrying, which made its way into the river, and disappeared.[61] When they had passed on some distance, Moses asked his young servant: “Let us have our breakfast, really we are worn out with this travelling.”[62] He replied: “You know! I forgot to tell you about the fish, which made its way miraculously into the river, when we were resting beside that rock. It was Shaitãn who made me forget to mention this incident to you.”[63] Moses said: “That is the place we were looking for,” so they went back retracing their footsteps.[64] There they found one of Our servants (Khizr) whom We had blessed with special favor from Ourselves and whom We had given special knowledge of Our own.[65] Moses requested of him: “May I follow you so that you may teach me from that True Knowledge which you have been taught?”[66] He answered: “Surely you will not be able to bear with me,[67] for how can you have patience about that which is beyond your knowledge?”[68] Moses said: “If Allah wills,you shall find me patient and I shall not disobey you in any way.”[69] He said: “If you want to follow me, then do not question me about anything until I tell you about it myself.”[70] 18:[60-70]
Ameen.
Tafseer
This selection is meant to illustrate 2 of 4 points:
(1) Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. Even so, that wisdom did not comprehend everything, even as the whole stock of the knowledge of the present day, the sciences and the arts, and in literature, (if it could be supposed to be gathered in one individual), does not include all knowledge. Divine knowledge, as far as man is concerned, is unlimited. Even after Moses received his divine mission, his knowledge was not so perfect that it could not receive further additions. (2) Constant effort is necessary to keep our knowledge square with the march of time, and such effort Moses is shown to be making.
This concludes today’s episode of the 17 Verses Podcast. I hope that this selection has helped increase your understanding of the holy Qur’an just a little bit.
Thank you and be well.