In ancient times, there lived a man named Luqman who was known far and wide for his wisdom and righteousness. Though not a prophet, Luqman’s insights and teachings earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him.
“وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا لُقْمَانَ الْحِكْمَةَ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِلَّهِ ۚ وَمَن يَشْكُرْ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِهِ ۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ” (Quran 31:12)
Luqman’s wisdom was not gained through formal education but through his keen observation of the world around him and his reflection upon the signs of Allah’s creation.
“وَإِذْ قَالَ لُقْمَانُ لِابْنِهِ وَهُوَ يَعِظُهُ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّ الشِّرْكَ لَظُلْمٌ عَظِيمٌ” (Quran 31:13)
One day, Luqman called his son to impart some of his wisdom upon him. He advised his son to worship Allah alone and to avoid associating partners with Him, for such actions lead to injustice and oppression.
“وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍ وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ” (Quran 31:14)
Luqman also emphasized the importance of showing gratitude to Allah and to one’s parents, for they are the ones who bear the greatest burden in raising and nurturing their children.
“وَإِن جَاهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰ أَن تُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا ۖ وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِي الدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًا ۖ وَاتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ مَنْ أَنَابَ إِلَيَّ ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ” (Quran 29:8)
Furthermore, Luqman advised his son to treat his parents with kindness and respect, even if they strive to make him associate partners with Allah. He urged him to follow the path of those who turn to Allah in repentance, for ultimately, all will return to Him.
“يَا بُنَيَّ إِنَّهَا إِن تَكُ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّةٍ مِّنْ خَرْدَلٍ فَتَكُن فِي صَخْرَةٍ أَوْ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ أَوْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَأْتِ بِهَا اللَّهُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَطِيفٌ خَبِيرٌ” (Quran 31:16)
Luqman also cautioned his son about the consequences of even the smallest of deeds, reminding him that Allah is aware of all things, whether they are hidden in the heavens or the earth.
“يَا بُنَيَّ أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَانْهَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا أَصَابَكَ ۖ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُورِ” (Quran 31:17)
Lastly, Luqman advised his son to establish prayer, enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and to persevere in the face of adversity, for such qualities are among the greatest virtues.
The teachings of Luqman the Wise continue to inspire and enlighten people to this day, reminding them of the importance of piety, gratitude, and righteousness in leading a fulfilling and purposeful life.
