Other scholars like Qari (in his Mirqat al-Mafatih fi Sharh...

Other scholars like Qari (in his Mirqat al-Mafatih fi Sharh Mishkat al-Masabih [^5]) and the commentator of al-Mawahib al-Ladunniya who lived years after Nawavi's time, were also of the view that Mahdi was alive (at least) until their times. They have gone so far that they have mentioned in their books stories of people meeting Khidr and listening to his words. Given all these issues, Ibn Taymiyya's refusal to accept that Khidr is alive is very meaningful!

He knew if he accepted that Khidr was alive it would pave the ground for rejecting the theory that rejects Mahdi's long life as incredible. Divine power and wisdom Moreover, if Allah who is all-power, wills on certain grounds to keep someone alive for thousands of years He will do it.…