Luqman (person).html



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Luqman (Arabic: لقمان‎) is the name of a holy man mentioned in Luqman (sura) in the Muslim religious book, the Qur'an. Luqman was believed to be from Nubia, present-day Ethiopia. He was a perceptive man, always watching the animals and plants of his surroundings, and he tried to understand the world based on what he saw. One day, whilst sleeping under a tree, an angel came to him and said God wanted to bestow a gift upon Luqman: either to be a king or a wise man. Luqman chose to be a wise man, and when he woke up from his slumber, he was aware that his senses and understanding had sharpened. He felt in complete harmony with nature and could understand the inner meaning of things, beyond their physical reality. Immediately he bowed down, thanked and praised God for this wonderful gift. Unfortunately, Luqman was captured by slavers and sold as a slave. His master was a kind man and ordered that immediately after his death, Luqman should be freed. Once he became a free man, Luqman travelled and settled in the district of the Elah and Midian. He was appointed as a judge during King David's time. According to Sunni belief, Luqman was once asked, "What has brought you to be like this?" meaning his high rank. Luqman said, "Truthful speech, fulfilling the trust, and leaving what does not concern me."¹

There is no clue in Quran, whether he was a prophet or not. Some people believe him as a prophet, and thus write Alaihissalam (A.S.) with his name.

Luqman's advices to his son (as mentioned in Quran)

- O my son, associate not any one with Allah. Undoubtedly, the association with Allah is a tremendous wrong. - O my son! The evil if it be even to the weight of a grain of mustered seed, then it be in a rock or in the heavens or in the earth, Allah will bring it forth. Undoubtedly Allah is Knower of every subtlety, Aware - O my son! Establish prayer and bid doing good and forbid evil and be patient over whatever befall upon. Undoubtedly, these are affairs of determination - And make not your cheek crooked while talking to any one and walk not in the earth struttingly. Undoubtedly Allah loves not any arrogant boaster. - And walk moderately and lower your voice to some extent. Undoubtedly in all voices, the most hideous voice is of an ass.

Luqman(A.S.) The Wise - biography

Luqman(A.S.) was born in the Continent of Africa. He grew up in the jungle and walked barefoot. Only the lower part of his body was covered in a loin cloth. His daily encounter with wild animals and life in the jungle made him strong and fearless. It was his habit to think deeply over nature around him, from which he learnt new and fascinating things daily.

One day while sitting in the shade of a tree, he fell into a deep sleep, He clearly saw an Angel before him who gave him the good news that Allah had chosen to favour him. He was given a choice. He could either become a king or ask for wisdom. Luqman(A.S.) chose wisdom. When he awoke, he became aware that his senses and understanding had sharpened. He felt in complete harmony with nature and could understand the inner meaning of things, beyond their physical reality. Immediately he bowed down and thanked and praised Allah for this wonderful gift.

TAKEN INTO SLAVERY Luqman(A.S.) was captured by slave traders who invaded Africa. They sold him as a slave. He found that he was robbed of his freedom. He could neither move nor speak freely. This was the first trial he had to bear.

He suffered his bondage patiently, for his heart was lit with Faith and hope, and he was waiting for Allah's action.

The man who bought him was a good as well as an intelligent man. He treated Luqman with kindness. He was able to detect that Luqman was not an ordinary man and tried to test his intelligence.

He ordered Luqman(A.S.) to slaughter a sheep and to bring its worst part to him. Luqman(A.S.) slaughtered the sheep and took its heart and tongue to his master. On receiving them his master smiled, fascinated by Luqman(A.S.) 's choice of the'worst'. He understood that Luqman(A.S.) was trying to convey some deep meaning, though he could not make out exactly what. From this moment his owner began to take more interest in Luqman(A.S.) and showed more kindness to him.

A few days later, Luqman(A.S.) was again instructed to slaughter a sheep, but this time he was asked to take the best parts of the animal to the owner. Luqman(A.S.) slaughtered a sheep, and to his master's amazement, again brought the same organs (the heart and the tongue). His master asked Luqman(A.S.) how the heart and the tongue could be both the worst and the best parts. The wise Luqman(A.S.) answered: The tongue and the heart are the sweetest parts if its owner is pure; and if he is wicked, they too are as wicked ! Thereafter, Luqman(A.S.) 's owner held him in great respect. Luqman(A.S.) was consulted by many people for advice, and the fame of his wisdom spread all over the country.

FREEDOM The kind owner had instructed his family to free Luqman(A.S.) after the owner's death. When his owner died, Luqman(A.S.) was granted freedom. Luqman(A.S.) travelled on and eventually settled among the Bani lsraeel. He was appointed as judge during the rule of Prophet Dawood(A.S.) , and was respected by all for his wise and fair judgements. He married and raised a family.

Luqman(A.S.) gave his son the following advice which is recorded in the Qur'an: "To Believe in Allah, and to be sincere in devotion to Him. Never associate partners with Allah, for associating anyone with Him is the greatest sin; not only is it a sin against Allah but also against oneself. Love and show obedience to parents even if they are unbelievers. If, however, a parent's way of life were to lead one to become an unbeliever then the path of goodness which leads to Allah should be followed , for one is answerable to Allah alone. Rizq (provisions), ability and au- thority come from Allah. These things are in His hands and not in the hands of parents or anyone else. Show gratitude to Allah by obeying him. Live your life on the principle of: Encouraging what is right and forbidding what is wrong. Tackle wrong deeds in society with patience. Be humble in dealing with others, both in speech and behaviour, and do not turn your face away when talking to others, for Allah does not love the boastful and arrogant." (Quran, 31:13-19) THE LESSON

Our heart and tongue can make us good or bad. It is up to us how we use them. A wise employer should respect the wisdom of his lowliest worker. Allah has mentioned Luqman(A.S.) 's advice to his son as an example for us to follow. This advice should be followed by us as a guiding principle of life.

References