Musa’s Journey with Yusha Ibn Noon

The journey of Musa with Yusha ibn Noon is discussed in Surah al-Kahf and a hadith narrated by Ubayy ibn Ka’b (ra). This post will be divided into two parts with part one being published today, and part two being published tomorrow in sha Allah.

Musa (as) stood up to address the Bani Israel when he was asked by one of the people, “Which of the people is most knowledgable?” And so, Musa (as) responded, “I am.” Allah (swt) was disappointed in Musa (as) since he did not refer to Allah (swt) as All Knowing in this situation. So Allah (swt) revealed to Musa (as), “There is a slave of Mine at the junction of the two seas who is more knowledgeable than you.” Musa (as) decided to go to the junction of the two seas in order to meet this slave of Allah (swt) who was more knowledgeable than Musa (as).

During this journey to the junction of the two seas, Musa (as) was traveling with his young companion Yusha Ibn Noon. At one point he said to Yusha,

“…I will not give up (traveling) until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in traveling.”

Surah al-Kahf, Ayah 60

This was the drive that Musa (as) had in seeking knowledge. Subhan’Allah. Allah (saw), revealed to Musa (as) a sign that he could use to recognize where the wise man was. In the hadith of Ubayy ibn Ka’b (ra), “Musa (as) said: “O Allah, how can I find him?’ He said: “Take with you a fish and put it in a basket, then where you lose the fish, he will be there.” So he took a fish and put it in a basket, then he and Yusha ibn Noon set out. Then Allah (swt) says,

But when they reached the junction between them, they forgot their fish, and it took its course into the sea, slipping away.

Surah al-Kahf, Ayah 61

After that, Allah (swt) narrates in the Qur’an, Musa (as) asking Yusha ibn Noon

So when they had passed beyond it, (Musa) said to his boy, “Bring us our morning meal. We have certainly suffered in this, our journey, fatigue.”

(Musa) said, “Did you see when we retired to the rock? Indeed, I forgot (there) the fish. And none made me forget it except Shaytaan – that I should mention it. And it took its course into the sea amazingly”.

(Musa) said, “That is what we were seeking.” So they returned, following their footprints.

Surah al-Kahf, Ayah 62-64

Upon returning to their spot, they saw a man covered in a long robe-like garment. Musa (as) greeted him with salam and the man replied, “How can there be salam (peace) in your land?” Musa (as) said, “I am Musa.” The man said, “Musa of the Bani Israel?” He said, “Yes! May I follow you so that you teach me something from the knowledge Allah (swt) has blessed you with?” The man said “Verily, you won’t be patient with me O Musa! I have something of Allah (swt) knowledge which Allah (swt) has taught me and which you do not know, and you have something of Allah’s knowledge which Allah has taught you and which I do not know.” Musa (as) replied “If Allah (swt) wills, you will find me patient and I will not disobey you. The man said, “If you follow me, don’t ask me about anything until I myself mention it to you.”

This man was Al-Khidr. The rest of the story will be published tomorrow in sha Allah.