Luqman

For other uses, see Luqman (disambiguation).

Luqman (also known as Luqman The Wise, Luqmaan, Lukman, and Luqman al-Hakeem Template:Lang-ar) was a wise man for whom Surat Luqman (Template:Lang-ar), the thirty-first sura (chapter) of the Qur'an, was named. Luqman (c. 1100 BC) was believed to be from Africa . There are many stories about Luqman in Arabic and Turkish literature and the primary historical source is the Tafsir ibn Kathir. The Quran does not state whether or not Luqman was a prophet, but some people believe him to be a prophet and thus write Alayhis salaam (A.S.) with his name.

Surat Luqman in the Qur'an

Surat Luqman, a Meccan sura, is the 31st sura (chapter) of the Qur'an with 34 ayat (verses). This surah reminds the believer that God ensures His Protection to those who remain steadfast in the salat (prayers) and give their wealth to those who are needy, granted that the intentions are pure. This sura addresses the issue of the respect due to one's parents when it comes to the worship of God. "And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command), "Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy final) Goal." (v.14).

God acknowledges the authority parents have over their children--the mother for bearing the child throughout the hardship of pregnancy and labor. But when the parents are leading their children astray from the true worship of God, God says: "But if they strive to make thee join in worship with Me things of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not; yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration), and follow the way of those who turn to me (in love): in the end the return of you all is to Me, and I will tell you the truth (and meaning) of all that ye did." (v.15). But God reminds the believer: "Verily the knowledge of the Hour is with Allah (alone). It is He Who sends down rain, and He Who knows what is in the wombs. Nor does any one know what it is that he will earn on the morrow: Nor does any one know in what land he is to die. Verily with Allah is full knowledge and He is acquainted (with all things)." (v.34).

Luqman's advice in the Qur'an

Luqman gave his son the following advice which is recorded in the Qur'an:

"O my son! join not in worship (others) with Allah. for false worship is indeed the highest wrong-doing."

And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command), "Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy final) Goal.

"But if they strive to make thee join in worship with Me things of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not; yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration), and follow the way of those who turn to me (in love): in the end the return of you all is to Me, and I will tell you the truth (and meaning) of all that ye did."

"O my son!" (said Luqman), "If there be (but) the weight of a mustard-seed and it were (hidden) in a rock, or (anywhere) in the heavens or on earth, Allah will bring it forth: for Allah understands the finest mysteries, (and) is well-acquainted (with them).

"O my son! establish regular prayer, enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong: and bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee; for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of) affairs.

"And swell not thy cheek (for pride) at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth; for Allah loveth not any arrogant boaster.

"And be moderate in thy pace, and lower thy voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass."

References

Listen & Translation Surah Luqman Al Qur'an online in Arabic, Urdu, Indonesia, French, German, Spanish, Bosnian, English.