> A closer look into story of Moosa (AS) in Surah Al-Kahf - Part 2

Shaikh Obaid recently talked about 2 more beautiful benefits we can derive from the story of Moosa (AS) in Surah Al-Kahf. This is the second post on this topic, the first was published in January, 2017- available HERE on this blog.

A lesson in remaining mindful of the limits set by Allah (SWT)
We will focus on the following 3 ayaat of Surah Al-Kahf.
                                                               

Moosa (AS) set out in the pursuit of knowledge, intending to learn more. From the narrations, we know that Allah (SWT) instructed Moosa (AS) with the exact place where to find the pious man (Al-Khidr)- it was at the junction of two seas (or rivers). Allah (SWT) guiding Moosa (AS) towards the knowledge was indeed a supreme privilege for Moosa (AS) - pure from any notion of reprimand as some may mistakenly imagine. Nothing could be more rewarding for a slave of Allah (SWT) than this privilege that Moosa (AS) fortunately received.

In ayat 60, Moosa (AS) shows his resolve when he says to the boy travelling with him that he won't stop until he reaches the place Allah (SWT) had fixed for the meeting - else he would continue for a 'long period'. The Arabic word used in ayat for the 'long period' is actually حُقُبًا (huqabah). As per Arabic dictionary, حُقُبًا means a duration of eighty years. By saying eighty years, Moosa (AS) is figuratively showing his strong determination to meet Al-Khidr at the place fixed by Allah (SWT).
                                                 

Before we proceed; let's take a quick look at Surah An-Nab'a 78 ayat 23 (above). Here, Allah (SWT) refers to the people of hell- who will remain therein for a long time- consisting of recurring periods of eighty years- hence the plural - أَحْقَابًا (ahqaaba)- and there is no end to such extensions consisting of eighty years each. 

As Moosa (AS) and the boy continued with the journey - they passed beyond the place of meeting with Al-Khidr that Allah (SWT) had fixed. In ayat 62, we find Moosa (AS) shows the signs of suffering and fatigue. Hunger has set in too. It looks that Moosa (AS) came to experience the suffering only after travelling 'beyond' the limit set by Allah (SWT). Moosa (AS) doesn't seem to have undergone suffering and hunger up to the point of crossing the junction of the seas(or rivers)- but once he goes beyond that, suffering, fatigue and hunger set in.

Allah (SWT) encompasses all the knowledge- and the benefit that can be derived from this portion of Moosa (AS)'s story is that- we will eventually suffer if we transgress / cross the limits set by Allah (SWT)  (حدود الله). This calls for our sincere and conscious efforts to observe carefully the boundaries / limits which Allah (SWT) has set for us (حدود الله) in every walk of life- be it in religion or worldly affairs.

A lesson in the expression of humility
We learn from the narrations of Rasool Allah (SAW) that the reason Allah (SWT) intended for Moosa (AS) to undertake the journey to meet Al-Khidr was because Moosa (AS) - from the scope of his understanding - opined that he was the most knowledgeable. Allah (SWT) did not approve this notion - and decided to edify Moosa (AS) through a series of incidents that occurred after he met Al-Khidr.

So- when Moosa (AS) finally met Al-Khidr, Al-Khidr suggested that Moosa (AS) could not remain patient in his company. On the other hand,  Moosa (AS) was determined to accompany Al-Khidr - to learn from him, as Allah (SWT) had ordained.

In ayat 69 (below), Moosa (AS) insists on accompanying him, and assures Al-Khidr that he will be 'patient' (صَابِرًا). This was not too distant from his expression before the journey began, when he said that he was the most knowledgeable person (عالم )- whereas Allah (SWT) intended to enlighten him that the knowledge is not a prerogative of one person.

We know that Moosa (AS) did not remain patient with Al-Khidr, during the three incidents that followed. As was the case of possessing the knowledge, it looks to be Allah's way of saying that the patience is not a prerogative of one person.

Let's compare and contrast ayat above with the similar words spoken by Ismail (AS)- as mentioned in Surah As-Saaffaat 37 ayat 102.

In this ayat, Ibrahim (AS) is informing his son Ismail (AS) about his dream wherein he sacrifises  Ismail (AS). Ismail (AS)'s response is almost identical to that of Moosa (AS) to Al-Khidr - except that Ismail (AS) assured his father that he would be 'among the patient ones' (مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ). This was closer to the truth- as the patience of Ibrahim (AS) was much higher in the situation, where he is tasked to sacrifise his son with his own hands. And as we know, Ismail (AS) remained patient throughout - until Allah (SWT) saved him and rewarded Ibrahim (AS) for his steadfastness.

This is a beautiful lesson from Allah (SWT) in the expression of humility- and it calls for our efforts to always stay humble and speak with humility.