In this video, Gabriel Reynolds, a professor of Islamic Studies and theology at the University of Notre Dame, discusses a figure mentioned in the Quran known as the "Green Man." The figure is referred to as the "servant of God" in the Quran and is described in Chapter 18. Reynolds explains that this figure takes Moses on a journey where he performs three surprising actions: making a hole in a boat, killing a young boy, and fixing a wall. At the end of the story, the figure justifies his actions by explaining that he prevented an evil king from seizing innocent people's boats, saved the parents of the young boy from the grief of his future disbelief, and protected a hidden treasure from evil people in the town.

Reynolds highlights that this Quranic story is part of a larger tradition that predates and follows the Quran. Similar stories can be found in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions, where a wise figure performs surprising actions for a specific purpose. Reynolds mentions a story from a manuscript called the "Spiritual Meadow" by John Moschus, which features an angel taking a monk on a journey and performing similar actions. The monk also justifies his actions in the end.

Reynolds discusses how later Islamic tradition interprets this story. While the figure is not named a prophet in the Quran, many Muslims consider him to be a prophet due to his superior knowledge compared to Moses. Some Muslim scholars believe that the figure possessed inner or esoteric knowledge, while Moses represented outward or exoteric knowledge of the law. The figure's explanation of his actions is seen as a mystical interpretation, providing a model for understanding other passages of the Quran in an inner sense.

Reynolds notes that some of the figure's actions, particularly the killing of the young boy, may seem illicit in an exoteric reading. However, through mystical interpretation, these actions could be seen as having a deeper or esoteric meaning. He also mentions that the story holds significance for Shiite Muslims, as it emphasizes the importance of authoritative guides known as imams in providing spiritual guidance.

In the story, Moses expresses consternation and frustration at the figure's actions, questioning the killing of an innocent soul. This contrast between Moses' reaction and the figure's wisdom and mystical interpretation underscores the Quran's interest in deeper wisdom and the role of authoritative guides in leading believers to discover this knowledge.

Reynolds concludes by expressing his hope that this brief reflection has provided some wisdom and insight into the topic.