Lessons From the Advice of Luqman the Wise to His Son

by Eman Abdallah Kamel

Eman is a writer and engineer. She also studied Shariah (Islamic Studies) at ZAD Scientific Academy (online course).

In this article, you will briefly learn about Luqman the Wise, the meaning of wisdom, and his advice to his son according to the Holy Quran.

Who was Luqman the Wise?

Luqman was a righteous man and a sincere believer in God Almighty. Allah Almighty endowed him with wisdom, and it is well known that he lived during the time of the Prophet David (peace be upon him).

Luqman the Wise was from southern Egypt, and he moved to Madyan and worked as a judge during his life. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:

Indeed, We blessed Luqmân with [Al-Hikmah] wisdom [saying], “Be grateful to Allah, for whoever is thankful, it is only for his own good.

Surah Luqman 31:12

What is the meaning of wisdom?

Wisdom means knowledge, understanding, and eloquence. Let’s learn from the advice of Luqman the Wise, according to the holy Quran.

Luqman the Wise’s Advice to His Son

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

When Luqman said to his son, while advising him, “O my dear son, do not join partners with Allah (in worship). Indeed, joining partners with Allah is the worst (zulm) wrongdoing.” Luqman 31:13

1. Belief in the Oneness of God

The first commandment is to believe in the oneness of God Almighty and not to associate partners with Him. Because associating partners with Allah Almighty is the greatest sin that God does not forgive.

Allah Almighty said in the holy Quran:

Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him [in worship] but forgives anything less than that for whom He wills. Whoever associates partners with Allah has indeed committed a tremendous sin. Surah An-Nisa (The Women) 4:48

The companion Muadh ibn Jabal reported that the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings of Allah upon him) said:

Whoever’s last words are “There is no god but Allah” will enter Paradise. Sahih (authentic) Hadith, Abu Dawud transmitted it.

2. Kindness to Parents

Be kind to your parents, ask about them, and help them when they grow up. Parents have worked hard with their children since the mother carried her child and suffered during his pregnancy and birth, and made a great effort while breastfeeding and raising him. Likewise, the father worked diligently to provide for and care for him.

Allah Almighty says,

We have commanded upon man kindness to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning takes place within two years. Be grateful to Me and your parents. To Me is the final destination. Luqman 31:14

Allah Almighty also says,

And pray, “My Lord! Have mercy upon them, as they raised me when I was young.” Al-Isra (The Night Journey) 17:24

But with being dutiful to your parents and treating them kindly, if they order you to associate with partners with God Almighty or to disobey Him, do not obey them and deal with them kindly.

Allah Almighty said,

But if they strive with you to make you associate [in worship] with Me others that of which you have no knowledge [other gods], then do not obey them. Yet keep company with them in this world courteously. Luqman 31:15

3. Urging obedience to God Almighty and reminding people of the reckoning on the Day of Resurrection

Man will be rewarded and held accountable for all his good and bad deeds.

Allah Almighty says,

[And Luqmân said], “O my son, even if a deed were the weight of a mustard seed—whether in a rock, the heavens, or the earth—Allah will bring it forth. Surely Allah is Most Subtle, All-Aware. Luqman 31:16

4. Establishing prayer (salah), enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and being patient

This advice is a set of three commandments:

Be keen to perform the five obligatory prayers (salah) on time, as it is the second pillar of Islam (submission to God). Prayer is also the first action for which God Almighty will hold a Muslim accountable on the Day of Judgment.
Enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong as much as possible.
Advise those around you gently and endure patiently whatever befalls you.

Allah Almighty says,

“O my son, establish prayer, encourage what is good and forbid what is wrong, and endure patiently whatever befalls you. Verity, this is a resolve to aspire to. Luqman 31:17

5. Humility and Prohibition of Arrogance

Treat people respectfully and do not act arrogantly toward them. Don’t be fooled by your actions; whatever you do, know that you are falling short.

Then Luqman advised his son:

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people, nor walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like whoever is arrogant and boastful. Luqman 31:18

6. Be moderate when walking and lower your voice when talking to others.

This advice is a set of two commands:

Be humble in your walk and do not swagger among people; do not rush or be slow.
Do not raise your voice when talking to others unless there is a good reason.

Then Luqman the wise said to his son:

And be moderate in your pace. And lower your voice; indeed, for the ugliest of all voices is the voice of donkeys. “Luqman 31:19

Surah Luqman 31:12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 recited by Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al-Hosary.

Conclusion

God Almighty gives wisdom to His righteous servants who are sincere in their worship of Him.
Honoring one’s parents is one of the most essential duties. Allah Almighty said in the holy Quran, “And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and honor your parents.” Surah al-Isra (The Night Journey) 17:23
Keenness to obey God Almighty by following His commands and avoiding His prohibitions.
Arrogance is one of the worst traits that you should avoid.
Follow good morals in dealing with people.

What the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said about arrogance.

The companion Abdullāh ibn Mas‘ūd reported that the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Anyone who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will not enter Paradise (Jannah).” A man said, “What if one likes his clothes and shoes to look good?” The messenger of Allah said, “Verily, Allah is beautiful, and He loves beauty. Arrogance is to reject the truth and despise people.” [Authentic hadith] – [Narrated by Muslim]

To learn more about the above hadith, visit hadeethenc.com/hadith/6209.

Sources

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