قَالَ هَـٰذَا فِرَاقُ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنِكَ ۚ سَأُنَبِّئُكَ بِتَأْوِيلِ مَا لَمْ تَسْتَطِع عَّلَيْهِ صَبْرًا 78
Translations
[Al-Khiḍr] said, "This is parting between me and you. I will inform you of the interpretation of that about which you could not have patience.
Transliteration
Qala hadha firaqu baynee wa baynaka sa-unnabbika bi ta'weeli ma lam tastati' alayhi sabra
Tafsir (Explanation)
Khidr (peace be upon him) declares the parting of ways between himself and Musa (peace be upon him), and announces that he will now explain the hidden wisdom behind the three seemingly troubling actions that Musa could not patiently endure: the drilling of the ship, the killing of the boy, and the rebuilding of the wall. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this marks the conclusion of their journey and Khidr's fulfillment of his promise to reveal the true meanings ('ta'weel') behind actions that appeared contradictory to divine law but were performed under divine instruction.
Revelation Context
This ayah concludes the story of Musa's journey with Khidr, which occupies verses 60-82 of Surah Al-Kahf. The narrative illustrates the limits of human knowledge and the importance of humility before divine wisdom. This Meccan surah was revealed to provide comfort to the Prophet Muhammad and believers during persecution, teaching reliance on Allah's hidden wisdom even when circumstances seem incomprehensible.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (3401): The Prophet Muhammad praised Musa for his patience, saying if he had been patient, more of Khidr's knowledge would have been revealed to him. The hadith emphasizes that Musa's impatience, though understandable, prevented him from witnessing the complete explanation and remaining with Khidr longer.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that apparent harm or wrongdoing may conceal divine wisdom and mercy that we cannot perceive, encouraging believers to trust in Allah's plan even when they cannot immediately understand His actions. It reminds us that impatience and judgment without complete knowledge can prevent us from receiving greater understanding and blessings.