Basic
Wisdom
Surah: Luqman (12)
Luqman and Wisdom — A Gift, Not Prophethood
Quranic context:
"And We gave Luqman wisdom: give thanks to Allah." Luqman was not a prophet but a wise man — Allah gave him wisdom and he began with thanking Allah. His advice to his son is a complete educational manifesto.
Context:
His advice: do not associate partners with Allah; parents have great rights though obedience is conditional on goodness; establish prayer; command right and forbid wrong and be patient; do not turn your cheek away from people in arrogance; do not walk exultantly; be moderate in your walk and lower your voice.
Lesson:
Wisdom is a divine gift not exclusive to prophets. The beginning of wisdom is gratitude to Allah. True upbringing combines creed, worship, ethics, and conduct — as in Luqman's advice.
"And We gave Luqman wisdom: give thanks to Allah." Luqman was not a prophet but a wise man — Allah gave him wisdom and he began with thanking Allah. His advice to his son is a complete educational manifesto.
Context:
His advice: do not associate partners with Allah; parents have great rights though obedience is conditional on goodness; establish prayer; command right and forbid wrong and be patient; do not turn your cheek away from people in arrogance; do not walk exultantly; be moderate in your walk and lower your voice.
Lesson:
Wisdom is a divine gift not exclusive to prophets. The beginning of wisdom is gratitude to Allah. True upbringing combines creed, worship, ethics, and conduct — as in Luqman's advice.
Source: Ibn Kathir Tafsir (6/330); Al-Sadi Tafsir; Al-Qurtubi Tafsir (14/57)
Test Yourself
Was Luqman a prophet and what was the first expression of the wisdom given to him?
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