Timeless Wisdom: 10 Life Lessons from Hakeem Luqman
The Quran is a profound source of guidance, not only through its direct commandments but also through the stories of wisdom embedded within it. One such story is that of Hakeem Luqman, an individual granted profound wisdom by Allah. Luqman’s advice to his son shared in Surah Luqman, serves as timeless guidance for anyone seeking a righteous and fulfilling life. These pieces of advice carry values of faith, morality, and character that apply universally, offering insightful life lessons for all. Here, we explore the ten essential pieces of advice from Luqman to his son, drawing from the verses of Surah Luqman.
Who is Hakeem Luqman?
Hakeem Luqman, often known as Luqman the Wise, is a revered figure in Islamic tradition, recognized for his profound wisdom and moral teachings. Although not a prophet, Luqman is celebrated for his exemplary knowledge, humility, and life lessons, many of which are preserved in the Quran in Surah Luqman. He is believed to have been an Ethiopian or Nubian man who shared insights on monotheism, good character, and righteousness. Luqman’s counsel to his son, which includes guidance on faith, patience, humility, and kindness, stands as timeless advice for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, symbolizing universal ethical and spiritual wisdom.
10 Pieces of Timeless Advice from Hakeem Luqman to His Son in the Quran
Believe in the Oneness of Allah
The first and most important piece of advice that Hakeem Luqman gives his son is to maintain a firm belief in the oneness of Allah. He warns his son against shirk, the act of associating partners with Allah, describing it as a grave sin. In the Quran, Luqman tells his son:
وَإِذۡ قَالَ لُقۡمَٰنُ لِٱبۡنِهِۦ وَهُوَ يَعِظُهُۥ يَٰبُنَيَّ لَا تُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِۖ إِنَّ ٱلشِّرۡكَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِيمٞ
“And [mention, O Muhammad], when Luqman said to his son while he was instructing him, ‘O my son, do not associate [anything] with Allah. Indeed, association [with Him] is great injustice.’” (Quran 31:13)
Luqman’s advice highlights that acknowledging Allah’s oneness and worshiping Him alone is the cornerstone of a strong faith. This first step shapes one’s entire worldview, grounding the individual in humility and dependence on the Creator alone.
Respect and Honor Parents
After instructing his son to believe in Allah alone, Luqman emphasizes the importance of respecting one’s parents. The Quran follows Luqman’s words by instructing children to recognize the sacrifices parents make and to show kindness, especially as they age.
وَوَصَّيۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ بِوَٰلِدَيۡهِ حَمَلَتۡهُ أُمُّهُۥ وَهۡنًا عَلَىٰ وَهۡنٖ وَفِصَٰلُهُۥ فِي عَامَيۡنِ أَنِ ٱشۡكُرۡ لِي وَلِوَٰلِدَيۡكَ إِلَيَّ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ
“And we have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to me and your parents; to me is the [final] destination.” (Quran 31:14)
Honoring parents is an act of gratitude not only toward them but also toward Allah, recognizing the blessings and love imparted through one’s family.
Remember the Accountability of All Actions
Luqman reminds his son that every action, whether large or small, is known to Allah, who will hold everyone accountable.
يَٰبُنَيَّ إِنَّهَآ إِن تَكُ مِثۡقَالَ حَبَّةٖ مِّنۡ خَرۡدَلٖ فَتَكُن فِي صَخۡرَةٍ أَوۡ فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ أَوۡ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ يَأۡتِ بِهَا ٱللَّهُۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَطِيفٌ خَبِيرٞ
“O my son, indeed if wrong should be the weight of a mustard seed and should be within a rock or [anywhere] in the heavens or the earth, Allah will bring it forth. Indeed, Allah is Subtle and Acquainted.” (Quran 31:16)
This teaching underscores that no act is too insignificant, and it instills in one a sense of responsibility and mindfulness of Allah’s omnipresence.
Establish Prayer
Prayer, or Salah, is one of the most critical aspects of a Muslim’s life. Luqman advises his son to establish regular prayers, which reinforce a connection to Allah, bring spiritual discipline, and nurture one’s faith.
يَٰبُنَيَّ أَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأۡمُرۡ
“O my son, establish prayer…” (Quran 31:17)
Through regular prayers, one finds peace, guidance, and strength, enabling them to lead a life aligned with moral values and closer to Allah.
Encourage Good and Forbid Evil
Luqman further instructs his son to actively promote good and discourage evil, teaching him to take a stand for justice and morality.
بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَٱنۡهَ عَنِ ٱلۡمُنكَرِ
“…enjoin what is right; forbid what is wrong…” (Quran 31:17)
This advice encourages individuals to be proactive in fostering an ethical and moral community, inspiring positive change by speaking up against injustice.
Be Patient in Adversity
Patience, or Sabr, is a recurring theme in the Quran, and Luqman advises his son to practice it in times of difficulty and adversity.
وَٱصۡبِرۡ عَلَىٰ مَآ أَصَابَكَۖ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ مِنۡ عَزۡمِ ٱلۡأُمُور
“…and be patient over what befalls you. Indeed, [all] that is of the matters [requiring] determination.” (Quran 31:17)
Patience enables one to endure hardships, maintain hope, and develop resilience. It is essential to face life’s trials and tribulations with grace and perseverance.
Avoid Pride and Arrogance
Pride and arrogance can lead one astray, and Luqman warns his son against these traits, urging him to remain humble.
وَلَا تُصَعِّرۡ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمۡشِ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَرَحًاۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخۡتَالٖ فَخُورٖ
“And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.” (Quran 31:18)
By avoiding arrogance, one fosters empathy, humility, and respect for others, recognizing that all talents and successes are blessings from Allah.
Be Moderate in Walking
Luqman advises his son to walk with a sense of moderation, embodying a balanced approach in all actions. This metaphor of walking refers to moderation in all aspects of life neither being too passive nor overly aggressive.
وَٱقۡصِدۡ فِي مَشۡيِكَ
“And be moderate in your pace…” (Quran 31:19)
This lesson emphasizes that moderation helps in achieving balance, keeping one grounded and level-headed, even in stressful situations.
Lower You’re Voice
Luqman also advises his son to lower his voice, likening loudness in a speech to the braying of a donkey, which is unpleasant and disruptive.
وَٱغۡضُضۡ مِن صَوۡتِكَۚ إِنَّ أَنكَرَ ٱلۡأَصۡوَٰتِ لَصَوۡتُ ٱلۡحَمِيرِ
“…and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys.” (Quran 31:19)
The lesson here is to practice gentleness and humility in speech. By being respectful in communication, one can convey messages effectively without aggression or confrontation.
Be Grateful to Allah
While this is not directly mentioned in Luqman’s speech to his son, gratitude permeates the teachings of Luqman’s wisdom. Gratitude is an integral part of faith, as recognizing and appreciating Allah’s blessings leads to contentment and a positive outlook on life.
وَلَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَا لُقۡمَٰنَ ٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ أَنِ ٱشۡكُرۡ لِلَّهِۚ وَمَن يَشۡكُرۡ فَإِنَّمَا يَشۡكُرُ لِنَفۡسِهِۦۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٞ
“And whoever is grateful, his gratitude is only for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.” (Quran 31:12)
Gratitude not only brings us closer to Allah but also creates harmony within ourselves and our surroundings.
Conclusion
Hakeem Luqman’s advice to his son is a model of practical wisdom that remains relevant across generations and cultures. From faith in Allah and respect for parents to humility and patience, these principles offer a comprehensive guide to leading a righteous life. Luqman’s teachings encourage introspection and serve as reminders for all who strive to live ethically, acknowledging that success in life and the Hereafter lies in embodying these values.
