An analysis of the theological and methodological foundations of the differences between the commentators of the two sects on the personality and epistemological position of Hazrat Khidr (peace be upon him).

Fadaee, Mortaza; Hoseini, Fateme

doi:10.22034/mishkat.2026.555478.2696

An analysis of the theological and methodological foundations of the differences between the commentators of the two sects on the personality and epistemological position of Hazrat Khidr (peace be upon him).

Articles in Press

Document Type : technical paper

Authors

mortaza fadaee ¹

fateme hoseini ²

¹ Al-Mustafa World Community

² Al-Mustafa Al-Alamiyah University

10.22034/mishkat.2026.555478.2696

Abstract

The meeting of Prophet Moses (PBUH) with his righteous servant (Khidr) in Surah Al-Kahf is one of the most important areas of disagreement among Islamic commentators. This study, using a descriptive-analytical method and a comparative approach, examines the views of prominent Shiite and Sunni commentators on the three axes of identity, life, and knowledge. On the axis of identity, Sunnis consider Khidr to be an infallible prophet, citing the justification of the three actions, while Shiite commentators, relying on Quranic evidence and the narrations of the Ahlul Bayt (AS), have introduced him as a guardian of the worldly knowledge. Regarding life, Sufi beliefs among Sunnis have led to the eternal life of Khidr, while Shiites, emphasizing the criticism of the chain of transmission, are more concerned with his death. Both schools of thought consider the interpretation of Khidr's actions necessary, but they seek differences in explaining the status of prophethood and guardianship. The result is that the root of these differences is the difference in theological foundations and methodologies of the two sects in defining a prophet and a guardian, and the validity of interpretative sources.

Keywords

Khidr

comparative interpretation

prophethood

wilayah

worldly knowledge

Subjects