Transliteration:( Faradnaa any yubdila humaa Rabbuhumaa khairam minhu zakaatanw wa aqraba ruhmaa )
"Then He intended [183] that their Lord might give them one better than him in purity and nearer in affection [184]."
The phrase "Then He intended" is expressed in the plural form, which in Qur'anic language is used to reflect honor and majesty. Here, it includes both Hazrat Khizr (on whom be peace) and Allah Almighty, as Khizr's actions were by divine command, though carried out by him.
This teaches that in certain cases, plural usage in the Qur’an denotes both divine will and execution by a chosen servant—without violating the uniqueness of Allah’s power.
As a mercy to the believing parents, Allah willed to bless them with a better child—one who was purer in faith and closer in affection.
According to Tafseer Roohul Mu’ani, Allah granted them a pious daughter, who was later married to a Prophet. From her progeny, seventy Prophets were born, turning the earlier loss into a source of tremendous spiritual blessing.
It is also emphasized that such an action—killing someone based on unseen future disbelief—was unique to Hazrat Khizr (on whom be peace) due to his divinely inspired knowledge (Ilm-e-Ladunni). It is not permissible for anyone, saint or scholar, after him to act in such a manner, as this was a specific divine command and not a general rule of Shariah.
This verse illustrates that what may seem like loss or injustice can, in divine wisdom, be a path to greater good, purity, and love.
The tafsir of Surah Kahf verse 81 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Kahf ayat 80 which provides the complete commentary from verse 80 through 81.
(18:81) and we desired that their Lord should grant them another in his place, a son more upright and more tender hearted.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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