Luqman's Advice to His Son

The Glorious Quran contains precious advices Luqman offered to his son in Surah Luqman. Following is a list of these advices that we should study and implement in our lives. These valuable advices will lead to the straight path Insha Allah.

1.   Luqman warns his son against the greatest injustice man can do.

"O my son! Join not in worship others with Allah. Verily, joining others in worship with Allaah is the greatest injustice/greatest wrong-doing." [31:13]

·         Luqman called his son to “Tawhid”.

·         Luqman said: "Shirk" is the greatest injustice/wrong doing indeed.

Therefore, the one who associates others with Allah in worship does injustice to Allah who is the owner and creator of the universe. The Mushrikoon are calling Allah's anger and the punishment in hell upon them by doing "Shirk". Allah [SWT] says in the Qur’an [4:48]: Indeed Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.

2. Luqman reminds his son of the rights of the parents on him,

"And we have enjoined on man to be dutiful and good to his parents. His mother bore him upon weakness and hardship” [31:14].

·         He describes hardships mothers face bearing children.

"And his weaning is in two years; give thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination." [ 31:14]

·         Luqman mentions the total dependence of infants on their mothers for two years.

·         We should thank Allah and the parents.

·         The final destination/return is to Allah.

"And if they both strive with you to make you join in worship with me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly." [31:15]

·         Luqman tells that if the parents are commanding to do something against Allah we should obey Allah’s commandments.

·         We should explain about following the Allah’s commandments to the parents gently.

·         We should be kind to the parents even they are Mushriks.

3. Luqman then describes some of Allah's Might.

"O my son! If it be equal to the weight of a grain of mustard seed, and tough it be as a rock, or in the Heavens or the earth, Allah will bring it forth. Verily Allah is subtle, aware." [31:16]

·         Allah's Knowledge is so perfect. Anything big or small, Allah knows it and controls it.

·         Luqman reminds Allah's absolute control over His kingdom.

·         Such might and power must not be ignored by anyone.

4. A great advice to Luqman's son is to establish regular prayer on time and with the best possible performance,

      "O my son! Offer prayer perfectly." [31:17]

·         Prayer is the direct connection between a Muslim and his Creator. 

5. Luqman advises his son to do good, direct people to good and forbid evil.

"Enjoin (people) for good, and forbid from evil." [31:17]

6. After the useful advice he offered his son, Luqman recommended patience in implementing them, and in all matters of life,

"And bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments ordered by Allaah with no exemption."[31:17]

·         Allah loves the people who are patient [Glorious Qur’an 3:146].

7. Arrogance is not an attribute of a Mulim. Allaah warns the arrogant people with punishment in Hellfire. Luqman said:

"And turn not your face away from men with pride." [31:18]

·      Abdullah bin Mas'ud [r.a] said that the Messenger of Allah [pbuh] said; He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter paradise. A person (amongst them) said: “Verily a person loves that his dress should be beautiful and his shoes should be beautiful”. He the Prophet said: “Verily, Allah is the most beautiful and He loves beauty. Pride is disregard the truth and to look down upon the people. [Muslim]

8. To be moderate is a great attitude anyone can possess,

"Nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily Allaah likes not each arrogant boaster." [31:18]

·         Allaah does not like that man is arrogant and proud of themselves.

·         Story of Qarun: Allah made him sink into the earth.

Narrated Ibn `Umar: The Prophet said, "While a man was walking, dragging his dress with pride, he was caused to be swallowed by the earth and will go on sinking in it till the Day of Resurrection." [Bukhari, Bk 4. No: 692]

9. Luqman's advise to be moderate in walking and talking.

 
"And be moderate in walking." [31:19]

·         Islam offers a code of conduct in every aspect of life.

·         The way Muslims walk and talk are also regulated.

·         Islam offers guidelines to be the best in every aspect.

10. Luqman reminds his son that being harsh while talking will liken his voice to the braying of a donkey.

"And lower your voice. Verily the harshest of all voices is the voice (braying] of an ass!!" [31:19]