Luqman’s Advice

The Wise Man of the Desert

Long ago, there lived a righteous man named Luqman. He was not a prophet, but he was blessed by Allah with profound wisdom (hikmah). People from far and wide respected his deep understanding of life and his devotion to the Creator. Allah mentions his story in the Qur'an as a beautiful example for all parents and children to follow, showing us that true intelligence begins with recognizing our Lord.

One afternoon, Luqman sat with his son under the shade of a tree. He wanted to give his son a gift more valuable than gold or silver—the gift of guidance. His heart was full of love as he began to share the secrets of a successful and happy life, focusing on how to behave with Allah and how to treat other people with kindness and respect.

The Foundation of Everything

Luqman’s first and most important advice was about Tawheed. He told his son, 'O my son, do not associate anything with Allah. Indeed, shirk (associating partners with Him) is a great injustice.' He explained that because Allah created us and gives us everything, He alone deserves our worship. Gratitude to Allah is the root of all goodness.

He also reminded his son to be grateful to his parents. He spoke about the struggles a mother goes through, carrying and caring for her child with hardship upon hardship. By showing how we must thank Allah and then our parents, Luqman taught that being a good person starts at home with those who love us most.

The Smallest Seed

To help his son understand that Allah sees everything, Luqman described something tiny. He said that even if a deed—good or bad—was as small as a mustard seed and hidden inside a rock, or high in the heavens, or deep in the earth, Allah would bring it forth on the Day of Judgment. Nothing is ever hidden from Him.

This lesson wasn't meant to be scary, but to bring comfort. It means that every small prayer, every secret act of kindness, and every honest word is known by Allah. He is Al-Latif (The Subtle) and Al-Khabir (The All-Aware), aware of even the quietest thoughts in our hearts.

Connecting with the Creator

Luqman then moved to the daily habits of a believer. He told his son to establish the prayer (Salah). Prayer is like a rope that keeps us connected to Allah throughout the day. Along with prayer, he encouraged his son to 'enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong,' which means helping others do good and gently stopping them from doing bad.

He also advised patience. Living a good life and helping others isn't always easy, and sometimes people might be unkind. Luqman taught that being patient during these times is a sign of great strength and determination. A wise person stays calm and keeps their trust in Allah's plan.

Walking with Humility

Finally, Luqman spoke about how to carry oneself in the world. He warned his son against being arrogant or prideful. 'Do not turn your cheek away from people in contempt,' he said, 'and do not walk insolently upon the earth.' He explained that Allah does not love those who are boastful or think they are better than others.

Instead, he encouraged a balanced way of living. He told his son to 'be moderate in your pace and lower your voice.' He compared a loud, harsh voice to the braying of a donkey, which is not pleasant to hear. By being humble, speaking softly, and walking with purpose, a person reflects the inner beauty of their faith.