The desert breeze whispered through the tall date palms as Luqman sat with his young son under the open sky. The evening sun painted the horizon in hues of gold and red. The boy, full of curiosity, gazed up at his father, waiting for his words.
Luqman, a man of great wisdom, knew this moment would shape his son’s future. He placed a gentle hand on the boy’s shoulder and said, “My son, listen carefully. What I tell you today will guide you for the rest of your life.”
The boy sat up straight, ready to absorb the wisdom of his father.
But before we dive into the lessons Luqman shared, let’s take a moment to understand who he is and the significance of Surah Luqman.
Who is Luqman?
Luqman-al-Hakeem is known for his deep wisdom and moral teachings. Though not a prophet, his wisdom and guidance are greatly revered in Islamic tradition.
Luqman’s advice, delivered to his son in the Quran, offers timeless life lessons that transcend generations. Surah e Luqman (Chapter 31) is a significant chapter in the Quran, named after Luqman, highlighting his wise counsel to his son.
It consists of 34 verses and is filled with guidance on how to lead a fulfilling and righteous life.
Now, let’s explore the powerful lessons Luqman imparted to his son, which remain as relevant today as they were in his time.
Lesson 1: Gratitude is the Key to Wisdom
Luqman took a deep breath, gazing at the endless sky. “Do you see this world around you?” he asked. “The sun that warms us, the food we eat, the air we breathe, these are all blessings from Allah.”
Allah says in Surah Luqman “Indeed, We blessed Luqman with wisdom, saying, be grateful to Allah, for whoever is grateful, it is only for their own good. And whoever is ungrateful, then surely Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy.” (Quran: 31:12)
His son nodded, absorbing the words.
“In life, my son,” Luqman continued, “you will see people who have much and still feel empty. And you will see others who have little but walk with joy in their hearts. Do you know why?”
The boy shook his head.
“GRATITUDE,” Luqman said simply. “When you thank Allah for what you have, your heart becomes light, and your worries grow small.”
In today’s fast-moving world, Luqman’s wisdom holds true. We live in an age of comparison, where social media shows us what others have and makes us feel like we don’t have enough.
But the secret to happiness isn’t having more, it’s appreciating what you already have.
Instead of always chasing the next thing, pause. Look around. Be grateful. As Luqman said, gratitude benefits you more than anyone else.
Lesson 2: Never Associate Partners with Allah
Luqman looked at his son with deep concern. “My child,” he said, his voice firm yet full of warmth, “there is one thing you must never do, never, ever associate anyone or anything with Allah.”
The boy’s face grew serious. He had seen people in the marketplace bowing to idols, whispering prayers to things made of stone and wood. “Why, Father?” he asked.
And remember when Luqmân said to his son, while advising him, “O my dear son! Never associate anything with Allah in worship, for associating others with Him is truly the worst of all wrongs.”(Quran: 31:13)
Luqman placed his hand on his son’s shoulder. “Shirk,” he said, “is a serious wrong because it goes against the very foundation of Islam: the belief in one God. When people worship others besides Allah, they are turning away from the truth that Allah alone deserves our worship and devotion.”
Always put Allah first. When you do, you’ll never feel lost, no matter what the world throws at you.
Lesson 3: Be Kind to Your Parents
The boy leaned against his father’s side, feeling the warmth of his words. Luqman smiled. “There’s something else you must never forget, my son, your parents.”
And We have commanded people to honour their parents. Their mothers bore them through hardship upon hardship, and their weaning takes two years. So be grateful to Me and your parents. To Me is the final return. (Quran: 31:14)
Luqman’s voice softened as he spoke. “Your mother carried you when you were too weak to even lift your own head. She lost sleep so you could rest, and went hungry so you could eat. Your father works hard so you can have a future. They ask for nothing in return but your kindness.”
In a time when many people are too busy for their parents, Luqman’s words are a reminder: your parents are a blessing. Show them love while you still can.
A simple call, a kind word, a moment of patience, these small things mean the world to them.
The boy lowered his head, thinking of how sometimes he got impatient with his mother’s reminders or his father’s advice. “What if I don’t always agree with them?” he asked.
Luqman nodded, understanding. “Even if you don’t agree, always treat them with respect. Speak to them with kindness. If they ask you to disobey Allah, you don’t have to follow them, but never be rude to them.”
But if they pressure you to associate with Me what you have no knowledge of, do not obey them. Still keep their company in this world courteously, and follow the way of those who turn to Me in devotion. Then to Me you will ˹all˺ return, and then I will inform you of what you used to do. (Quran: 31:15)
Lesson 4: Every Action, Big or Small, Matters
Luqman picked up a small seed from the ground and held it between his fingers.
“O my dear son! ˹Even˺ if a deed were the weight of a mustard seed—be it hidden in a rock or in the heavens or the earth—Allah will bring it forth. Surely Allah is Most Subtle, All-Aware.” (Quran: 31:16)
“Do you see this tiny seed?” he asked. The boy nodded.
“No action is too small for Allah to see. If you do good, even in secret, Allah knows. And if you do wrong, even when no one is watching, Allah knows.”
Every action counts. Be honest, even when no one is watching. Do good, even when it seems small.
The Power of Patience and Prayer
Luqman’s voice carried in the quiet night. “My son, life will not always be kind to you.”
The boy frowned. “What do you mean?”
“There will be times when you face hardships when others mock you for standing up for the truth. When doing the right thing feels impossible.”
Luqman placed a hand over his son’s. “In those moments, be patient. Hold on to prayer like a drowning man clings to a rope.”
Establish prayer, encourage what is good and forbid what is evil, and endure patiently whatever befalls you. Surely this is a resolve to aspire to. (Quran: 31:17)
“Prayer connects you to Allah. It keeps your heart pure. And always stand up for what is right, even if it is hard.”
Lesson 6: Be Humble and Speak Gently
Luqman then looked into his son’s eyes. “My child, never be arrogant. Never look down on others.”
And do not turn your nose up to people, nor walk pridefully upon the earth. Surely Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful. (Quran: 31:18)
“Walk with humility,” he said. “Speak kindly. Remember, arrogance destroys the soul.”
And be moderate in your pace and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys. (Quran: 31:19)
“A wise person speaks calmly. A fool shouts.”
In Islam, being gentle and kind to others is a form of sadaqah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Every act of kindness is a form of Sadaqah.” (Sahih Muslim).
Whether it’s offering a helping hand, listening to someone, or just smiling, every act of kindness is a way to earn rewards and stay humble.
The stars had begun to appear in the sky. Luqman placed a hand on his son’s head and said, “If you remember these lessons, my son, you will never be lost.”
And so, the wisdom of Luqman was passed down—not just to his son, but to all of us. This advice, given centuries ago, still holds true today.