Fatwa ID: 01676

Answered by Molana Ishaaq Hussain

Question

What is the belief of the Ahluls Sunnah regarding Khidr Alayhis Salam? What do people mean when they say he is alive? Is he a wali or a prophet/messenger of Allah?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Before moving onto the topic, it is important to know a few things regarding Khadir Alayhis Salam.

His name and Lineage

Scholars such as Wahb ibn Munabbah are of the view that his name was, in fact, Balyan Ibn Malkan and he is from the children of Nooh Peace Be Upon Him. (Sharh Nawawi p.126 v.15)

Some other scholars are of the view that he was the son of Kaabil, who is the son of Saaiduna Adam Alayhis Salam. In other words, he was the grandson of Adam Alayhis Salam. (Tafhimul Muslim p.623 v.3)

The reason why Khadir Alayhis Salam is called Khadir has been explained by our Noble Prophet in a hadith. Sayyiduna Abu Huraira narrates that the Prophet of Allah has said:

Khadir is called Khadir because once he was sitting on a white barren land, all that was surrounding him and all that was behind him became green" (Sahih Bukhari p.483 v.1)

In Arabic the word Khadir means green, that is why it has been attributed to Khadir Alayhis Salam.

Now, to the main question…

Is Khidhr (as) a prophet or not?

Regarding this matter, the scholars are of two views. The majority of the scholars are of the view that Khidir Alayhis Salam was a nabi, whereas another group of scholars are of the view that he wasn’t a nabi but he was a wali (friend) of Allah.

Abu Hayyan has written in his Tafseer  that majority of the scholars are of the view that he was a prophet.

Another question which common among people is the issue of whether Khadir Alayhis Salam is alive or not.

Some scholars have said that Khadir Alayhis Salam was given a very long life and he is alive even today but human beings are unable to see him, he will stay alive until the time of Dajjal" (Tafhimul Muslim p.624 v.3)

In Sahih Muslim, it appears that Dajjal will reach a point close to Madinah when a man from Madinah will come out to confront him. He will be the best of men during that time, or among the better ones. Abu Ishaq has said 'this person will be Khadir Alayhis Salam. (Maariful Quran p.643 v.5)

Imam Nawawi mentions in his commentary of Sahih Muslim:" The majority of the scholars are of the view that he is still alive and living among us" (Sharh Muslim of Imam Nawawi p.135 v.15)

On the other hand, we have those who are of the belief that he is no longer alive. Their proof is the holy verse of the Quran;

"And we did not assign immortality to any human before you" (21:34)

It’s also mentioned that Imam Bukhari was once asked regarding Khadir Alayhis Salam being alive. He answered in the negative and put forward the hadith which can be found in Sahih Muslim narrated by Abdullah Ibn Umar that Rasulullah said:

"After a hundred years from this night, not one of those present over the land will be alive" (Tafhimul Muslim p.624 v.3 and Maariful Quraan p.642 v.5).

Mufti Muhammad Taqi Uthmaani mentions in 'Takmila Fathul Mulhim:

"There is nothing definite or precise regarding Khadir Alayhis Salam being alive or not, apart from this, this is not a matter of Aqidah but rather it is a matter of proof of event or not proof of the event. The best solution for us in this matter is to remain silent (because neither is for definite) and until a clear evidence is not put forward from both groups, one should not come up with a definite ruling or statement." (Takmila Fathul Mulhim p.40 v.5)

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Ishaaq Hussain

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham