(B) The Advice of Luqman to His Son: Allah (S.W.T) tells us in the Noble Qur’an that Luqman gave the following precious advices to his son:
- Luqman warns his son against the greatest injustice a man can do to Allah (S.W.T). Allah (S.W.T) says that Luqman said to his son:
“O my son! Join not in worship others with Allah. Surely, joining others in worship with Allah is a great injustice indeed.” [Surah Luqman, Verse: 13].
When Luqman says to his son: “My Son!” He intends to grab the attention of his son so that he may listen carefully to his father’s advice. He calls his son’s attention to the oneness of Allah and advises him against Shirk (Associating others with Allah) calling it the greatest injustice against Allah (S.W.T). Associating others with Allah in worship does indeed injustice to Allah, The Originator of Earth and Heavens, and the reward of Shirk is eternal punishment in Hell.
- Luqman then describes some of Allah’s unchallenged might to his son. He tells him that Allah’s Knowledge is so vast and so perfect that the existence of anything, big or small, is controlled by Him wherever it is in this immensely huge, unattainable Universe. Luqman tries to impress his son reminding him of Allah’s absolute control over His kingdom. Such might and power must not be challenged or ignored by anyone. Allah (S.W.T) says that Luqman said to his son:
“O my son! If it be (anything) equal to the weight of a grain of mustard seed, and though it be in a rock, or in the Heavens, or in the Earth, Allah will bring it forth. Indeed, Allah is capable (in bringing out that grain), Well-Aware (of its place in the Universe).” [Surah Luqman, Verse: 16].
- A great advice from Luqman to his son is to perform the Regular Prayer (As-Salah) with the best possible performance. He tells him that Prayer is the most important connection between a Muslim person and Allah (S.W.T) and must not be taken lightly. Luqman also tells his son to observe his duty to enjoin people the good and forbid the bad so evil and mischief will have no place in the Muslim society of his time. Luqman recommends patience for his son in implementing commandments of Allah, and also in all matters of life. He tells his son that Patience is a righteous act ordered and rewarded by Allah so he has to be patient for whatever happens to him personally or for the consequences from people when ordering them the good and forbidding them the bad. Allah (S.W.T) says that Luqman said to his son:
“O my son! Establish prayer, enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and be patient over what befalls you. Indeed, (all) that is of the matters (requiring) determination.” [Surah Luqman, Verse: 17].
- Luqman advises his son against pride, as that is one of the
attributes of Allah alone and not for man. Allah, The Creator and Owner of the universe, is the only One who deserves to be Majestic and Proud. He reminds his son not to turn his face away from people arrogantly or walk on the Earth boldly rude. He tells him to be moderate for it is a great attitude that some people can possess or have and reminds his son that Allah does not like the person who is arrogant and boastful. Allah threatens arrogant people with punishment in Hellfire.
Allah (S.W.T) says that Luqman said to his son:
“And do not turn your cheek (in contempt) away from people, nor walk through the Earth in bold rudeness. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful” [Surah Luqman, Verse: 18].
- Luqman also advises his son to be moderate in walking and talking on the Earth. He offers advice to his son on the importance of having good conduct in every aspect of life. He tells him to regulate his walk and his talk moderately as that produces the best behavior and generates respect. Luqman reminds his son that talking harshly and loudly likens his voice to the braying (barking) of a donkey. Shouting does not win hearts but offends and repels people. Allah (S.W.T) says that Luqman said to his son:
“And be moderate (or show no rudeness) in your walking, and lower your voice. Indeed, the harshest of all voices is the voice (braying) of the ass.” [Surat Luqman, Verse 19].
[Class Taken From The Book: LIVING IN ISLAM On Marriage and Family]
Ibrahim Hassan Gagale
April 9, 2022
