Once upon a time, Hazrat Khidr (AS), the enigmatic figure of Islamic tradition, found himself seated by the serene banks of a river. In this tranquil setting, a curious traveler approached him with a burning question: “I seek your guidance through Allah’s divine intervention. Bestow upon me your blessings.” The unexpected query left Hazrat Khidr (AS) momentarily speechless.
Regaining his composure, Hazrat Khidr (AS) responded, “Brother, I am merely a custodian of my own life and possessions. You have asked of me a favor in the name of Allah. Thus, I place my life and fate at your disposal. Utilize them as you see fit. Sell me in the market, reap the profits, and benefit from my presence.”
The Transaction
Promptly, the inquisitive traveler brought Hazrat Khidr (AS) to the marketplace, where he found a buyer willing to make a peculiar purchase. The buyer, a woman fasting, acquired Hazrat Khidr (AS) and transported him to her residence, which boasted a spacious garden.
She handed Hazrat Khidr (AS) a shovel and instructed, “Cut the earth from the mountain situated within this three-square-mile region and lay it within the garden.”
The Unveiling
As Hazrat Khidr (AS) commenced his arduous task, the woman returned home. Curiosity overwhelmed her, and she inquired of her family, “Have you served the slave his meal?”
Her family replied, “We have no knowledge of a slave residing here.”
Divine Revelation
Realization dawned upon the woman as she personally delivered Hazrat Khidr (AS)’s meal to the garden. There, she witnessed the incredible sight of Hazrat Khidr (AS) singlehandedly laboring to move the mountain’s soil into her garden. Overwhelmed by guilt and astonishment, she inquired, “Have you been fed, O servant?”
Hazrat Khidr (AS), engrossed in his labor, acknowledged her presence and continued his work.
The Astonishing Transformation
Shaken by her own actions, the woman hastily returned to her family and confessed her audacious act. She explained that the slave she had purchased was no ordinary man but a figure of great significance. Her family, taken aback by her revelation, insisted that she release him immediately.
The woman sought forgiveness from Allah, and with a heavy heart, she emancipated Hazrat Khidr (AS). In gratitude, she made a heartfelt supplication, “O Lord of all worlds, I beg You not to hold me accountable for my ignorance, for I was unaware of the true identity of this noble servant.”
Freedom and Redemption
Upon his release, Hazrat Khidr (AS) offered a prayer of gratitude, prostrating before his Creator, “My Lord, I became a servant for Your sake, and I have been freed in Your name. I am truly grateful.”
A New Beginning
Having secured permission to depart, Hazrat Khidr (AS) returned to the riverbank. There, he encountered a man fervently praying for his deliverance from servitude. The man’s heartfelt plea touched Hazrat Khidr (AS), who inquired, “Who are you, dear supplicant?”
The man responded, “I am Shazwan, and you, sir, who are you?”
Hazrat Khidr (AS) introduced himself, saying, “I am Khidr.”
Shazwan’s Humble Request
Shazwan implored Hazrat Khidr (AS), “O Khidr, I beg you to pray to Allah for my release from servitude and the acceptance of my repentance.”
Khidr’s Benevolent Intercession
Hazrat Khidr (AS) complied with Shazwan’s request and beseeched Allah to grant Shazwan his freedom and accept his repentance.
Divine Acceptance
In response to Hazrat Khidr (AS)’s supplication, Allah, the Most Merciful, accepted Shazwan’s repentance and granted him his freedom.
Khidr’s Divine Abode
With this miraculous transformation, Hazrat Khidr (AS) resolved to build a house of worship in the very place where he had experienced these remarkable events. The serene riverbank now became a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual solace.
Khidr’s Continuing Devotion
Hazrat Khidr (AS) planted a tree at the sacred site and resumed his deep devotion to Allah, offering prayers and supplications daily. He found solace in his newfound sanctuary, forsaking all worldly desires and distractions.
Shazwan’s Revelation
Witnessing Hazrat Khidr (AS)’s unwavering dedication, Shazwan was deeply moved and realized the profoundness of the man he had encountered. He approached Hazrat Khidr (AS) and inquired, “Khidr, have you built this dwelling place to seek worldly possessions?”
Hazrat Khidr (AS) responded, “No, Shazwan, I have erected this abode for the sole purpose of worshiping our Creator, Allah.”
Shazwan’s Realization
Shazwan, profoundly affected by Hazrat Khidr (AS)’s selflessness, acknowledged his mistake and sought forgiveness for his earlier impertinence. He realized that Hazrat Khidr (AS) was a humble servant of Allah, and his actions were driven solely by devotion to his Lord.
A Lesson in Devotion
The story of Hazrat Khidr (AS) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of selfless devotion and the acceptance of Allah’s will. Through his encounters by the riverside, Hazrat Khidr (AS) exemplified the path of true servitude and demonstrated the boundless mercy of Allah.
Conclusion
Hazrat Khidr (AS)’s tale is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the limitless compassion of Allah. It teaches us the importance of humility, repentance, and the capacity for change, even in the face of our own shortcomings. May we all strive to follow in the footsteps of Hazrat Khidr (AS) and seek Allah’s guidance and forgiveness in our lives.