11. Another benefit is that help from Allah comes to a person according to how well they fulfill what they are commanded to do. The one who follows Allah’s comm

{لقد لقينا من سفرنا هذا نصبا} “We have certainly suffered fatigue from this journey.” This refers to the part of the journey after passing the meeting point of the two seas. As for the earlier journey—despite its length—he did not complain of fatigue, because that was the true journey toward his goal. The later part appears to have been only part of a day. They lost the fish when they rested by the rock, likely stayed there overnight, then continued the next day. When it was time for their meal, Prophet Musa said to his servant: {آتنا غداءنا} “Bring us our meal,” and at that moment, the servant remembered that he had forgotten it at the very place they were aiming to reach. 12. Another lesson is that the servant they met (Khidhr) was not a prophet, but a righteous servant of Allah. This is because he was described as a servant, and Allah mentioned granting him mercy and knowledge, but did not mention prophethood or messengership. If he had been a prophet, that would have been stated, as it is for others. As for his statement at the end of the story: {وما فعلته عن أمري} “I did not do it on my own command,” this does not necessarily prove prophethood. Rather, it indicates inspiration or divine guidance, which can also be given to non-prophets—just as Allah inspired the mother of Prophet Musa, and as He inspired the bees. 13. Another lesson is that the knowledge Allah grants His servants is of two types: 1) Acquired knowledge, which a person attains through effort, study, and diligence. 2) Divine knowledge, which Allah grants directly to whomever He wills, as mentioned in the Qur’an: {وعلمناه من لدنا علما} “And taught him from Us a knowledge” (Allah grants knowledge from Himself). 14. Another benefit is proper manners with a teacher. The student should speak to the teacher gently and respectfully. This is illustrated by Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), who said: {هل أتبعك على أن تعلمن مما علمت رشدا} “May I follow you so that you teach me of what you have been taught of guidance?” He phrased his request with politeness and consultation, acknowledging his need to learn. This contrasts with those who are arrogant or careless, who do not show their need for the teacher’s knowledge, and may even claim to instruct their teacher while they are ignorant themselves. Humility before a teacher and showing one’s need for learning is one of the most beneficial things for a student. 15. Another lesson is that a virtuous person may humble themselves to learn from someone who appears to be inferior. Clearly, Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) was greater than Al-Khidr, yet he sought knowledge from him. 16. Another benefit is that a learned person may learn from someone who is more skilled in a particular area, even if that person is generally lower in knowledge. Prophet Musa, being one of the Messengers and given exceptional knowledge, still sought instruction from Al-Khidr in matters he did not yet know. Likewise, a jurist or scholar should not hesitate to learn from someone proficient in grammar, linguistics, or other fields, even if that person is not a scholar or jurist themselves. 17. Another benefit is that beneficial knowledge is that which guides a person toward good. Any knowledge that leads to guidance, directs one to the right path, warns against evil, or serves as a means to do good, is considered useful knowledge. Anything else is either harmful or of no benefit. This is indicated in the statement: {تعلمن مما علمت رشدا} “Teach me of what You have taught of guidance.”