Source: Fatāwā al-Dīn al-Khāliṣ, Vol. 1, Page 222❖ Question:
You issued a fatwa stating that Khidr (AS) has passed away. However, a narration mentions that when the Prophet ﷺ passed away and the companions were uncertain whether to bathe him with or without his clothes, a voice was heard from a corner of the house saying, “Bathe him with his clothes.” It is said that this was the voice of Khidr (AS).
Does this narration not invalidate your fatwa?
Answer:
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد:
ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله
The Fatwa Regarding the Death of Khidr (AS) Is Correct
The fatwa affirming the death of Khidr (AS) is valid and correct. In shāʾ Allāh, detailed evidences in support of this position will be provided in the future.
Clarification of the Mentioned Ḥadīth
The ḥadīth you referred to has been narrated by Imām al-Bayhaqī in his book Dalāʾil al-Nubuwwah.
It is also found in Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ, Volume 2, Page 549, Ḥadīth No. 5972.
Summary of the Ḥadīth:
Jaʿfar ibn Muḥammad narrates from his father:
A man from the Quraysh came to ʿAlī ibn al-Ḥusayn and said:
“Shall I narrate to you a ḥadīth of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ?”
ʿAlī ibn al-Ḥusayn replied:
“Yes, narrate it.”
He said:
“When the Prophet ﷺ became ill, Jibrīl (AS) came and said:
‘O Muḥammad! Allah has sent me to honor you...’
After the Prophet ﷺ passed away and people began expressing condolences, a voice was heard from a corner of the house saying:
‘Peace be upon you, O people of the house. May Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon you. Allah alone is the Comforter in every calamity. He is the Guardian of every deceased soul. Everything destined to perish can only remain through Him. So fear Him and hope in Him. Deprivation of reward is the greatest of all calamities.’
ʿAlī ibn al-Ḥusayn then said:
“Do you know who this was? That was Khidr (AS).”
Commentary on the Chain of Transmission:
This narration is weak (ḍaʿīf). There are issues of disconnection (inqiṭāʿ) and mursal in its chain, because:
◈ ʿAlī ibn al-Ḥusayn did not live during the time of the Prophet ﷺ,
◈ Hence, the report is both mursal and interrupted,
Thus, using this ḥadīth as proof for the continued life of Khidr (AS) is not valid.
It also contradicts other stronger evidences which will be addressed in due time, in shāʾ Allāh.
Conclusion:
◈ The fatwa asserting the death of Khidr (AS) is correct and sound,
◈ This narration does not refute that fatwa,
◈ The ḥadīth is weak and cannot be used as a basis for legal or theological argument.
ھٰذا ما عندي، واللّٰه أعلم بالصواب
