Surah Al-Kahf
Chapter 18 · Verse 66 · Revealed in Makkah
“Moses said to him, "May I follow you on [the condition] that you teach me from what you have been taught of sound judgement?"”
Translation: Saheeh International
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Mishary Rashid Alafasy
Reflection — Ibn Kathir
Musa meeting with Al-Khidr and accompanying Him
Allah tells us what Musa said to that learned man, who was Al-Khidr. He was one to whom Allah had given knowledge that He had not given to Musa, just as He had given Musa knowledge that He had not given to Al-Khidr.
قَالَ لَهُ مُوسَى هَلْ أَتَّبِعُكَ
Reflection — Maarif ul Quran
Following the teacher is incumbent on the student
In verse 66: هَلْ أَتَّبِعُكَ عَلَىٰ أَن تُعَلِّمَنِ مِمَّا عُلِّمْتَ رُشْدًا ، Sayyidna Musa (علیہ السلام) despite being a prophet and messenger of great resolve, has most reverentially requested al-Khadir (علیہ السلام) if he could follow him to learn his knowledge from him. This tells us that the etiquette of acquiring knowledge is nothing but that the student should show respect for the teacher and follow him (as an individual who is eager to learn) - even if the student happens to be superior to his teacher. (Qurtubi, Mazhari)
What does this verse bring up for you today?