The cycle of myths and stories surrounding al-Khi?r originated in a vague narrative in .... identifi musa

Musa questions what the man has done and receives a satisfactory explanation for everything; but by questioning, Musa forfeits the man's patronage. Arab commentators elaborated and embellished the Qur?anic story and named the man of God Khi?r, claiming that he turned green as he dived into the spring of life, though variant interpretations identify Khi?r with the vegetable world. Khi?r's immortality and ability to assume a variety of local characteristics probably account for his widespread popularity among Arabs, Turks, Iranians, and other Muslims, despite orthodox Islamic opposition. George, who, according to a local tradition, is of Syrian birth; in India and Pakistan, Khi?r is identified with a water deity (Khwadja Khi?r) specializing in the protection of mariners and river travelers; and, among the ?ufis, he is associated with their founders, who were often endowed with holiness and sainthood. identifi musa