Prophet al-Khidr: Between the Qur'anic Text and Islamic Contexts

The Qur'anic verses 18:60-82 in Sūrat al-Kahf present the story of Khiḍr and Moses as a lesson on the modalities of being and knowing, emphasizing the importance of humility and the spiritual dimensions of faith. The author argues that the story symbolizes these truths by providing a perspective on the tension between materiality and spirituality, the ẓāhir and the bāṭin, and human and divine forms of knowledge. It also serves as a source of nourishment for theories that speak to the intersectionality between Islam and other religious traditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Qur'anic verses 18:60-82 in Surah al-Kahf present a captivating story of Khiḍr and Moses, serving as a profound lesson on the modalities of being and knowing. Traditionally, this story has been interpreted from various perspectives, each shaped by the religio-cultural context in which it is framed. This book delves into the theological foundations of the story, while also tracing the mythical, mystical, and popular interpretations that have emerged from the Qur'anic narrative.

The author argues that the story's primary significance lies in its ability to convey the importance of cultivating humility, a fundamental virtue for any person of faith. While Moses holds a prominent place in the Quran, he is not the central hero in this narrative; rather, he serves as a means to point to an even higher truth concerning the spiritual dimensions of faith. This book proposes that Khiḍr's Qur'anic story symbolizes these truths by offering a perspective on the interplay.

The tension between materiality and spirituality, the ẓāhir (exoteric) and the bāṭin (esoteric), and the human and divine forms of knowledge. Furthermore, this work views the Khiḍr narrative as a rich source of nourishment for theories that explore the intersectionality between Islam and other religious traditions.

In conclusion, the Qur'anic verses 18:60-82 in Surah al-Kahf present a captivating story of Khiḍr and Moses, offering a profound lesson on the modalities of being and knowing. Through its diverse interpretations and symbolic meanings, this story continues to inspire and nourish individuals seeking to deepen their faith and understanding of the world.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 237 x 158 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498595919