Khidr

Who He Was

Khidr (Arabic: الخضر, romanized: al-Khiḍr) is a Qur'anic figure of Islam. He is described in Surah al-Kahf as a righteous servant of God possessing great wisdom or mystic knowledge. In various Islamic and non-Islamic traditions, Khidr is described as an angel, prophet, or wali (saint), who guards the sea, teaches secret knowledge and aids those in distress. He prominently figures as patron of the Islamic saint Ibn Arabi. The figure of al-Khidr has been syncretized over time with various other figures including Dūraoša and Sorūsh in Iran, Sargis the General and Saint George in Asia Minor and the Levant, Elijah and Samael (the divine prosecutor) in Judaism, Elijah among the Druze, John the Baptist in Armenia, and Jhulelal in Sindh and Punjab in South Asia. He is commemorated on the holiday of Hıdırellez. Though not mentioned by name in the Quran, he is named by Islamic scholars as the figure described in Quran 18:65–82 as a servant of God who has been given "knowledge" and who is accompanied and questioned by the prophet Musa (Moses) about the many seemingly unfair or inappropriate actions he (Khidr) takes (damaging a ship, killing a young man, repaying inhospitality by repairing a wall). At the end of the story Khidr explains the circumstances unknown to Moses that made each of the actions fair and appropriate. Recognized in: Islam.

A righteous servant of God in the Quran whose status as prophet or saint (walī) is debated among scholars.

Birth and Early Life

Traditional and historical sources place Khidr in the era of Ancient (traditional). Where such dates are traditional, mythic, or disputed rather than historically established, they should be read as the tradition's own reckoning rather than confirmed chronology.

His Calling / Mission

The scriptures and traditions of Islam describe the calling and mission of Khidr; the key passages are listed under Sacred Texts and Scripture below.

Religion and Teachings

Khidr is honored within Islam. A righteous servant of God in the Quran whose status as prophet or saint (walī) is debated among scholars. His teaching and significance are set out in the sacred texts that record his life.

Sacred Texts and Scripture

Scriptural references: Quran 18:60–82 (the unnamed servant met by Moses)

Major Accomplishments and Events

The account of Khidr's life, works, and significance is preserved in the scriptures cited above and in the living tradition of Islam.

Death and Legacy

Khidr is remembered across Islam as one of the foundational figures of faith, and continues to be honored in scripture, devotion, and scholarship. Source: Wikipedia