قَالَ ذَٰلِكَ مَا كُنَّا نَبْغِ ۚ فَٱرْتَدَّا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَارِهِمَا قَصَصًا 64
Translations
[Moses] said, "That is what we were seeking." So they returned, following their footprints.
Transliteration
Qala dhalika ma kunna nabghi farattada ala atharihima qasasan
Tafsir (Explanation)
Musa (peace be upon him) exclaims that they have found what they were seeking—the meeting point with Al-Khidr—and both of them retrace their steps back along the path they came. This marks the fulfillment of their quest and the beginning of their journey together. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this ayah demonstrates the providence of Allah in guiding seekers of knowledge to their destination, and the humility of Musa in acknowledging that their search has borne fruit.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Surah Al-Kahf (18:60-82), which recounts Musa's journey with Al-Khidr to gain beneficial knowledge. The broader context of this Meccan surah emphasizes patience, trust in Allah's wisdom, and the pursuit of knowledge. This specific verse follows their miraculous sign at the rock where the fish came to life, confirming they had found the right person.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (3401) contains the extended hadith narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas about Musa and Al-Khidr, detailing their entire journey. This hadith provides the complete narrative context for understanding this ayah's placement in the story.
Themes
Key Lesson
When we sincerely seek knowledge and guidance from Allah, He provides clear signs to direct us toward it, just as He guided Musa to Al-Khidr. This teaches us to remain patient in our pursuits, recognize the signs of Allah's guidance, and remain humble in acknowledging when we have found what we seek.
Related Ayahs
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ إِنَّا لَا نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ مَنْ أَحْسَنَ عَمَلًا
Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of any who did well in deeds.
قَالَ لَهُۥ صَاحِبُهُۥ وَهُوَ يُحَاوِرُهُۥٓ أَكَفَرْتَ بِٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكَ مِن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ ثُمَّ سَوَّىٰكَ رَجُلًا
His companion said to him while he was conversing with him, "Have you disbelieved in He who created you from dust and then from a sperm-drop and then proportioned you [as] a man?
إِنَّهُمْ إِن يَظْهَرُوا۟ عَلَيْكُمْ يَرْجُمُوكُمْ أَوْ يُعِيدُوكُمْ فِى مِلَّتِهِمْ وَلَن تُفْلِحُوٓا۟ إِذًا أَبَدًا
Indeed, if they come to know of you, they will stone you or return you to their religion. And never would you succeed, then - ever."
وَعُرِضُوا۟ عَلَىٰ رَبِّكَ صَفًّا لَّقَدْ جِئْتُمُونَا كَمَا خَلَقْنَـٰكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍۭ ۚ بَلْ زَعَمْتُمْ أَلَّن نَّجْعَلَ لَكُم مَّوْعِدًا
And they will be presented before your Lord in rows, [and He will say], "You have certainly come to Us just as We created you the first time. But you claimed that We would never make for you an appointment."