المعجم الکبیر للطبرانی میں قصۂ خضر علیہ السلام کے تاریخی، تہذیبی و دعوتی مباحث
Historical, Cultural and Preaching discussions of The Story of Khidhrin Al-Mo’ajam al-Kabeer Li-al-Tabarani
Keywords:
Ḥaḍhrat Khiḍr, Prophetic Narratives, Ḥadīth Literature, al-Muʿjam al-Kabīr, Civilizational StudiesAbstract
Islam is not merely a religion confined to rituals; it is a comprehensive and holistic system of life that addresses the spiritual, moral, social, and civilizational dimensions of human existence. For the achievement of true human welfare (falāḥ) and moral purification (tazkiyah), Allah Almighty sent a continuous chain of prophets, culminating in the finality of Prophethood (Khatm al-Nubuwwah) with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. One of the most powerful teaching methodologies adopted by the Qur’an and Sunnah is the use of narratives (qiṣaṣ). Through storytelling, divine guidance is presented in a way that engages both the human intellect (‘aql) and emotions (qalb), making the message more relatable and transformative.
This research focuses on the narrative of Ḥaḍrat Khiḍr (ʿalayhi al-salām) as reported in al-Muʿjam al-Kabīr of Imām al-Ṭabarānī, examining its historical context, civilizational significance, and daʿwah-oriented dimensions. The study argues that ḥadīth narratives are not merely historical records; rather, they function as purposeful tools of ethical instruction, character-building (tarbiyah), and social reform (iṣlāḥ). The story of Khiḍr’s voluntary acceptance of enslavement for the sake of charity presents profound spiritual concepts such as tawakkul (reliance upon Allah), faqr (voluntary simplicity), ṣabr (patience), shukr (gratitude), and total submission (taslīm) to the divine will.
Moreover, although classical scholars differed (ikhtilāf) regarding the identity and status of Ḥaḍrat Khiḍr, these debates do not affect the core moral and daʿwah message of the narrative. From a civilizational perspective, the story challenges materialistic definitions of success, dignity, and freedom, presenting ‘ubūdiyyah (servitude to Allah) as the highest form of honor. Ultimately, this study concludes that prophetic storytelling remains a timeless and transformative method for addressing modern spiritual and moral crises.
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References
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