Al-Kahf (The Cave)

66. “Moses said to him (Khidr): ‘Shall I follow you so that you teach me right conduct of what you have been taught?’”

67. “He said: ‘Verily you will not be able to bear with me patiently’.”

The holy Prophet of Islam (S) said:

“At the time when Moses met Khidr, in front of them a bird took a drop of water from the see by its beak and poured it on the ground. Khidr asked Moses whether he knew the secret of the deed of that bird. It teaches us that our knowledge comparing with Allah’s knowledge is like a drop before an infinite sea.”

Moses said to (Khidr) whether he might follow him so that he would teach Moses a knowledge which causes him to grow.¹ (Conversance of metaphysical theology causes the growth and development of man.)

The verse says:

“Moses said to him (Khidr): ‘shall I follow you so that you teach me right conduct of what you have been taught?’”

Bare knowledge is not the aim. It must be the source of growth and absorbs man to the righteous deeds and modesty, not to vanity and disputation.

After his prayers, invoking Allah (s.w.t.), the holy Prophet (S) used to recite:

“I take refuge with you from the knowledge which is of no benefit.”2

In answer to Moses, the knowledgeable man (Khidr) said there was no ability in Moses to be patient with him in following him and bearing his teachings. He meant such patience was difficult for Moses to bear. The reason was that Moses looked the outward of the affairs, but Khidr noted to their inward case. Therefore, bearing patience was hard for Moses (as).