Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

his servant, “Truly, we have suffered much fatigue in this, our journey” (TMQ,
18:62).
He was extremely exhausted by the time he met up with the righteous and more
knowing man. The type of knowledge that man had is in fact the trust in Allah’s
predestination: the way Allah predetermines and arranges the course of events in life.
There is also wisdom in Allah’s predestination which makes necessary for one to
know for certain that Allah alone handles life matters. This knowledge, in short, is
learning how to know Allah (SWT) in the correct way in so far as His handling of life
matters is concerned.
Before Prophet Musa (AS) could accompany Al-Khidr on his journey, the latter set
forth a few conditions. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Ask me not
about anything till I myself mention of it to you… but no one knows its true
meanings except Allah” (TMQ, 18:70). Prophet Musa (AS) replied, “If Allah wills,
you will find me patient, and I will not disobey you in aught” (TMQ, 18:69).
The trip was marked by three incidents which seem very negative or malicious at first
glance:
1- The ship Al-Khidr pierced because there was an unjust king who was taking
away every ship by force.
2- The child Al-Khidr killed because he was not dutiful towards his parents who
were righteous. His disobedience caused them too much trouble.
3- The wall Al-Khidr rebuilt because it was damaged in part, without recompense
for his work especially in a town he wasn’t warmly welcomed. In fact, a
treasure belonging to two orphan boys was buried beneath it. It would have
been stolen had he (Al Khidr) not built the wall.
Allah’s wisdom seems to be not apparent at first glance in the way the three abovecited
incidents are arranged; Al-Khidr’s acts seem not to be justified. This is to prove
to the believers that Allah (SWT) may handle matters in ways we may not understand.
Consequently, we may neither grasp the wisdom behind this nor appreciate the
goodness or the positive effects this may have on our life. This is the type of
knowledge, not found in any book, that Allah (SWT) wishes to teach not only to
Prophet Musa (AS) but to us as well.
Verily, We established him in the earth
The last story is that of Dhul-Qarnain, the just king who spread truth, justice and
goodness on earth. He had also the material means (scientific and technological)
needed to achieve success and progress in life.
Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Verily, We established him in the
earth, and We gave him the means of everything…but no one knows its true
meanings except Allah” (TMQ, 18:84). The king traveled eastwards and westwards
to spread guidance on earth and fill it with justice and righteousness. On his journeys,
he reached people who scarcely understand a saying. They said to him, “O Dhul-
Qarnain! Verily Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog) are doing great mischief in