EVALUATION OF THE STORY OF PROPHET MOSES AND PROPHET KHIDR IN TERMS OF THE PROBLEM OF EVIL, SPECIFIC TO MEFÂTÎHU’L GAYB

In this study, verses 60-82 of Surah Kahf are examined within the framework of the problem of evil. It is evaluated that the events in the story of Moses and Khidr directly touch upon the problem of evil. First, the nature and historical development of the problem of evil are discussed in the study. Then, different approaches to the problem of evil are discussed and how the perception of evil is shaped in both Greek philosophy and the Islamic world is investigated. In the second part of the study, Fakhr al-Din Razi’s Mafat al-Ghayb is examined regarding verses 60-82 of Surah Kahf and inferences indicating the problem of evil are obtained in these verses. Finally, the place of the story in the context of the problem of evil is discussed. The aim of this study is to reveal the connection of the events in this story with the problem of evil and to determine the position of this story in the discussions. Thus, it will be possible to look at the problem of evil, which is frequently on the agenda today, from a Quranic perspective. In this study, the existence of different theories on the problem of evil is determined. While some thinkers present the problem of evil as evidence for the non-existence of God, others have argued that the universe was not created by God and therefore God has no relationship with events in the universe. In addition, there are also views that suggest that the universe was created by God and that evil is relative. While some of these approaches consider evil as part of the maturation and perfection process of man, others see it as a warning and wrath from God. In our opinion, the events and evils mentioned in the story of Moses and Khidr seem to be closer to views that evaluate evil in the universe from a relative perspective.

Keywords

Kelâm, Kötülük, Kehf, Râzî-Mefâtîh, Mûsâ-Hızır