SURAH LUQMAN

SURAH 31 * LUQMAN

THIS SURAH OPENS WITH A REFERENCE to the righteous and the rewards awaiting them which is followed by an allusion to the mischief and their evil designs against Islam.

The surah elaborates further on the reward awaiting the righteous. It says: “Those that have faith and do good works shall enter the gardens of delight, where they shall dwell forever. God’s promise shall be fulfilled; He is the Almighty, the Wise” (8-9)

The surah derives its title from a sage mentioned by name in verse 12 : We learn that when Prophet Muhammad was asked about Luqman he gave the Arabs of Makkah an account of a set of succinct but powerful instructions Luqman had given his son, which are rich in wisdom and sensible advice.

Luqman’s advice to his son begins thus: “My son, serve no other deity besides God, or polytheism (Arabic: shirk) is a grave transgression.” This is followed by a bidding to be kind to one’s parents who are, apart from God, immediately responsible for one’s existence. The advice continues: “My son, observe the prayer, enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil . Endure with fortitude whatever befalls you. That is a duty incumbent on all. And turn not your cheek away from people in (false) pride, and walk not haughtily on earth: for behold, God does not love anyone who, out of self-conceit, acts in a boastful manner.” (17 – 18)

It closes with the statement: “Be modest in your bearing and lower your voice: the harshest of voices is the braying of the ass” (19). The testament is a wonderful collection of profound wisdom and high religious and moral principles, which people of all generations ought to learn and observe.