On the history of philosophic ideas related to Khidr

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to study the image Hızır. Sources providing information about Khidr can be divided into three categories: religious sources, folk art (fairy tales and legends), and folk rites. Religious sourcesmention Khidr under three different names: Khidr, Elijah, and, sometimes, Idris. The process of his elevation by God is also described in various ways in the books sent by God (Koran, Bible, etc.). Sometimes he is worshipped as prophet, sometimes as an envoy, who shows the true was to people, and sometimes as a master showing the real face of truth to the envoys. Representatives of religious movements call him Veli, and sufis call him the Saint (Ovlia). Islam says that Khidr was given prophecy, wisdom and power to rule. Namely due to this fact he was named «the one who is given three endowments». Just like other saints, Khidr has a lot of books and legends written about him. Every writer imagined this saint as a representative of his family, who was following his beliefs. All of this, undoubtedly, comes out of love to the elevated spirit of Khidr. In folk art Khidr had the following names: KhidrNabi, Khidr Elijah, KhidrEllez, KhidrZinde. There is different information about time and place of his living. Thus, his image is formed under various names, covering large geographical area — from Turkestan until Shumer. In reality the image of this saint is connected with Azerbaijan most of all.