Khiḍr (AS)
Khidr, commonly referred to as al-Khiḍr or al-Khaḍir, is a mysterious and revered figure in Islamic tradition who is associated with divine wisdom, hidden knowledge, and spiritual guidance. His name, meaning “the Green One,” is traditionally linked to reports that barren land turned green wherever he sat or prayed. Although the Qurʾān does not explicitly mention his name, Muslim scholars generally identify him with the righteous servant of Allah described in Sūrat al-Kahf (Qurʾān 18:60–82), whom Moses (Mūsā AS) accompanied in search of divine knowledge.
According to the Qurʾānic narrative, Mūsā (AS) was instructed by Allah to learn from a servant endowed with special mercy and knowledge from God. During their journey, Khiḍr performed actions that outwardly appeared objectionable: he damaged a boat, killed a young boy, and repaired a collapsing wall without payment. Mūsā (AS), unable to remain silent, repeatedly questioned these actions. At the conclusion of the journey, Khiḍr explained the hidden wisdom behind each act, demonstrating that divine knowledge extends beyond ordinary human understanding. Muslim exegetes interpret this narrative as emphasizing humility before divine wisdom and recognizing the limits of human perception.
Classical Islamic scholarship debated the exact status of Khiḍr, with many scholars considering him a prophet due to his reception of divine knowledge, while others regarded him as a saintly servant (walī) endowed with exceptional insight. Sufi traditions especially elevated Khiḍr as a spiritual guide associated with esoteric wisdom, inner purification, and mystical initiation. Numerous legends portray him as an immortal figure who appears to righteous individuals in times of need or spiritual crisis. These narratives became widespread in Persian, Turkish, and South Asian Islamic literature.
Khiḍr occupies an important place in Islamic spirituality and literature despite the limited Qurʾānic details about him. His story illustrates the relationship between outward events and hidden realities, teaching believers’ patience, trust in divine decree, and humility in the pursuit of knowledge. Muslim scholars throughout history used the account of Khiḍr and Mūsā (AS) to discuss themes of destiny, divine justice, and the distinction between exoteric and esoteric understanding.
## References
1 Qurʾān 18:60–82. 2 Abū Jaʿfar Muḥammad ibn Jarīr al-Ṭabarī, Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī, trans. Syed Muḥammad Ibrāhīm and Ḥabīb al-Raḥmān Ṣiddīqī (Karachi: Nafīs Academy, 1990), 1:235. 3 Ismāʿīl ibn ʿUmar Ibn Kathīr, Tārīkh Ibn Kathīr, trans. Kawkab Shādānī, translation of al-Bidāyah wa al-Nihāyah (Karachi: Nafīs Academy, 1987), 1: 235. 4 Ismāʿīl ibn ʿUmar Ibn Kathīr, Qiṣaṣ al-Anbiyāʾ (Beirut: Dār al-Kutub al-ʿIlmiyyah, 1997). 5 Encyclopaedia of Islam, 2nd ed., ed. P. Bearman et al. (Leiden: Brill, 1960–2005), s.v. “al-Khaḍir.” 6 Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān, ed. Jane Dammen McAuliffe (Leiden: Brill, 2001–2006), s.v. “Khadir/Khidr.” 6 Encyclopaedia Iranica, online ed. (New York: Columbia University Center for Iranian Studies, 2009), s.v. “ḴEŻR.”