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
وَيَوْمَ يَقُولُ نَادُوا۟ شُرَكَآءِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ زَعَمْتُمْ فَدَعَوْهُمْ فَلَمْ يَسْتَجِيبُوا۟ لَهُمْ وَجَعَلْنَا بَيْنَهُم مَّوْبِقًا
And [warn of] the Day when He will say, "Call My 'partners' whom you claimed," and they will invoke them, but they will not respond to them. And We will put between them [a valley of] destruction.
۞ قَالَ أَلَمْ أَقُل لَّكَ إِنَّكَ لَن تَسْتَطِيعَ مَعِىَ صَبْرًا
[Al-Khiḍr] said, "Did I not tell you that with me you would never be able to have patience?"
أَفَحَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَن يَتَّخِذُوا۟ عِبَادِى مِن دُونِىٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ ۚ إِنَّآ أَعْتَدْنَا جَهَنَّمَ لِلْكَـٰفِرِينَ نُزُلًا
Then do those who disbelieve think that they can take My servants instead of Me as allies? Indeed, We have prepared Hell for the disbelievers as a lodging.
قُلْ إِنَّمَآ أَنَا۠ بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ أَنَّمَآ إِلَـٰهُكُمْ إِلَـٰهٌ وَٰحِدٌ ۖ فَمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ لِقَآءَ رَبِّهِۦ فَلْيَعْمَلْ عَمَلًا صَـٰلِحًا وَلَا يُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِۦٓ أَحَدًۢا
Say, "I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone."