In this matter of this story, there is a decisive point for those who ask and those who command them to ask. For the intended meaning - and Allah knows best - is that this matter occurred to the Prophet of those misguiders. So, command Quraysh to ask them about this story. If they inform them about it in the same way you have informed them, and they believe them, they must believe in the resurrection concerning this fish which Allah revived after it had been grilled and much of it was in the bellies. And if they do not believe them in this but believe them in other matters with which they are being obstinate towards you, then it is a manipulation. And if they accuse them in every matter, then their questioning [of them] is in vain, not from the actions of one who has understanding. It is as if it were said: 'So what did Musa say at that time?' It was said: 'He said,' indicating that this is not from the devil, but rather it is a neglect from Allah, glorified and exalted is He, without an intermediary, for them to find the sign which Allah informed him about. As the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, said: 'Indeed, I forget - meaning Allah, glorified and exalted is He, makes me forget - to establish' [that] which is the great matter of the loss of the fish. 'What we were seeking' (p-106) meaning we wanted from this matter which was hidden from us. For Allah, glorified and exalted is He, made it a promise for me in meeting Al-Khidr. 'So they retraced their steps' to recount it. 'In stories' and this indicates that the land was sand, with no knowledge in it. The apparent meaning - and Allah knows best - is that it is the confluence of the Nile and the saltwater near Damietta or Rashid from the lands of Egypt. This is supported by the pecking of the bird in the sea in which they boarded their ship for nourishment - as in the hadith, for the bird does not drink from saltwater. It is well-known in the lands of Rashid that the matter was with them, and that they have fish that go to the split, which they say is from the offspring of that fish - and Allah knows best. So they continued recounting until they reached the place of the loss of the fish.