Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
I recently came across a discussion concerning Khidr. Apart from the Qur’ānic story mentioned about Mūsa and Khidr (peace and blessings upon them), some claim about other incidents from Khidr’s life stating evidences from Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim that he had been blessed with long life. They also claim that ‘Omar (may Allāh be pleased with him) had witnessed the presence of Khidr during Prophet Muḥammad’s (peace and blessings upon him) lifetime. Also since the first time I am hearing these incidents, I want to know the authenticity of these above-mentioned incidents. There are more facts that they claim from Khidr’s life and it confuses me all the more.
Answer:
Thank you/ Jazākumullāhu Khayran for your question.
In regards to the on-going life of the great sage, Khadhir, the reports are fabricated and unreliable. Most scholars of Islamic theology are of the opinion that Khadir has passed away.
Imam Abū al Faraj al Jawzī (may Allāh’s mercy be with him) indicates that the notion that Khadhir is living is contrary to the Qur’ān, Ḥadīth, consensus of Islamic jurists and also logic.
“We did not grant to any human before you eternity [on earth]; so if you die – would they be eternal?” (Qur’ān 21:34)
We have not come across any reliable report suggesting that ‘Omar bin Khaṭṭāb (may Allāh be pleased with him) seeing or meeting Khadhir.
And Allāh Knows Best.
