Luqmān al-Ḥakīm, often known as Luqmān the Wise, holds an esteemed and unique position in Islamic tradition. He was revered not as a prophet, but as a supremely pious man and a devout worshipper upon whom Allāh Ta‘ālā bestowed the profound spiritual gift of great wisdom. His wisdom is immortalized in the Qur’ān, where an entire chapter, Sūrat Luqmān, is named after him, dedicating verses to his counsel to his son.
Identity and Characteristics of Luqmān
While the primary source of information about him is the wisdom he imparted, several narrations paint a picture of his character and background:
- Appearance: Descriptions often highlight his humble origins and physical features. He was recounted to be a dark-skinned man, possessing a flat nose and a short stature. Some accounts further elaborate that he was a black slave with large lips, illustrating that his high spiritual and intellectual status was granted purely by Divine grace, independent of lineage or physical form.
- Origin: He is said to have hailed from Nūbah (Nubia), a region along the Nile River.
- Historical Context: Some scholars posit that he served as a judge during the era of the Prophet Dāwūd (‘alayhi al-salām), suggesting a period of recognized authority and justice.
The Source of His Lofty Status (Ḥikmah)
When questioned by a person regarding the secret behind the lofty status and wisdom granted to him by Allāh Ta‘ālā, Luqmān al-Ḥakīm provided deep, practical maxims that reveal his spiritual discipline and moral foundations.
He attributed his attainment of Ḥikmah (wisdom) to specific virtuous practices:
- Esteeming Allāh Ta‘ālā: Keeping Allāh Ta‘ālā esteemed in his mind and heart at all times, reflecting a constant state of God-consciousness (Taqwa).
- Fulfilling Trusts: Scrupulously fulfilling the amānah (trusts of people and of Allāh), which encompasses all duties and responsibilities.
- Truthfulness: Strictly telling the truth (Ṣidq).
- Avoiding Distractions: Abstaining from that which does not concern him, indicating a focused and disciplined life free from idle talk and unnecessary engagements.
In an expanded narration, Luqmān offered additional steps to achieve a status similar to his own, focusing on physical and moral control: lowering the gaze, restraining the tongue, keeping away from temptations, safeguarding the private organs, fulfilling promises, honouring the guest, taking care of the neighbour, and again, leaving what does not concern you.
The Nature of His Station
While some weak narrations suggest he was a prophet, the overwhelmingly correct view upheld by scholars is that he was an extremely wise man and not a prophet (Nabī). This is further supported by an account stating that he was presented with a choice between receiving Prophet-hood and being granted wisdom (Ḥikmah). Out of humility and a fear of failing in the immense responsibilities that accompany the prophetic mission, he chose the latter, demonstrating his profound understanding of human limitation and spiritual caution.
Luqmān’s Wisdom in the Holy Qur’ān and Sunnah
Luqmān al-Ḥakīm’s enduring legacy is enshrined in the Qur’ān, where Allāh Ta‘ālā records his invaluable counsel to his son. These ten key pieces of advice cover the entire spectrum of faith, morality, ethics, and social conduct.
Ten Pillars of Wisdom from Sūrat Luqmān
- Tawḥīd (Monotheism): Do not ascribe partners to Allāh (Shirk). He firmly established that polytheism is the gravest sin and the ultimate injustice, stating: “Indeed, association [with Allah] is great injustice.”
- Parental Rights: Fulfil the rights of the parents. This counsel emphasizes kindness and obedience to parents, second only to the right of Allāh, forbidding obedience to them only if they command Shirk.
- Allāh’s Omnipresence: Do not forget that Allāh is watching everything you do. He reminded his son of the Divine knowledge that encompasses all actions, no matter how small or hidden: “O my son, indeed, if it should be [even] the weight of a mustard seed and should be in a rock or [somewhere] in the heavens or in the earth, Allāh will bring it forth.”
- Prayer: Establish prayer (Iqāmat aṣ-Ṣalāh). Prayer is emphasized as the foundational pillar of the faith and the primary link between the servant and the Creator.
- Enjoining Good: Enjoin people for good and forbid from evil (Al-Amr bi al-Maʿrūf wa an-Nahy ‘an al-Munkar). This establishes the social responsibility of a believer to guide and correct the community.
- Patience: Observe patience over what befalls you, especially when undertaking the duty of enjoining good, as this often attracts difficulty and opposition.
- Humility: Do not be arrogant toward people. He warned against pride: “And do not turn your cheek toward people in contempt.”
- Moderation in Life: Adopt a moderate approach in life, avoiding extremes in all matters.
- Gait: To be moderate in walking, reflecting inner tranquility and humility in one’s physical demeanor.
- Voice: Keep your voice unraised. He advised against loudness, comparing an over-raised voice to the most disagreeable of sounds: “And lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of the donkeys.”
These ten counsels, which Luqmān al-Ḥakīm imparted to his son, remain a timeless curriculum for Islamic education and ethical conduct for all generations.