Page 10 The Islamic Bulletin Issue 15 Luqman [the wise] (alaihissalam) is a well-known sage, whose advice to his son has been mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. Luqman’s sayings and the words of advice he gave to his son, contain rare wisdom, and quite a number of Traditions refer to “Luqman’s advice to his son”. One of these are: “O my dear son, sit in the company of the Ulema (religious scholars) frequently and listen carefully to what the wise men say, for Allah gives life to the dead hearts by the ‘Nur (light)’ of wisdom, just as He revives the dead earth by heavy life-giving rains.” They relate that once a stranger passed by Luqman (alaihissalam) while he was sitting among his followers. The man said, addressing Luqman, “Aren’t you the bondsman of such and such tribe.” He replied,” Yes, I was.” The stranger asked again, “Aren’t you the one who used to graze the goats near such and such hill?” Luqman replied, “Yes, I am the same person.” The man then said, “Then what has brought you to this noble position?” Luqman (alaihissalam) replied, “I was very particular about a few things and I observed them on all occasions, viz. Fear of Allah, truthfulness in speech, fulfilling a trust and avoiding useless talk.” Luqman advised his son, “My son entertain good expectations from Allah without losing fear of His punishment. A fear of His punishment should make you despair of His Mercy.” His son replied, “The heart is one. How can it contain hope and fear at one and the same time?” Luqman (alaihissalam) responded, “A believer is such as if he possessed two hearts: one teeming with hope and the other equally full of fear.” He exhorts his son to recite “Rebi Aghfirlee” (O my Lord, forgive my sins) frequently. For, there are certain hours during which Allah’s special favors descend upon His men and everybody is granted whatever he asks from Allah. He says: “My dear son no one can perform good deeds unless he possesses a firm belief in Allah. If a person’s heart is unsound, he is very weak in performing good actions.” “My dear son, if Satan (the Devil) were to create doubts in your mind, let your firm belief overpower him and silence his whispers; and if he tempts you to be negligent in virtues, defeat him with remembrance of the grave and the Day of Resurrection; if he (the Devil) tempts you towards the joys of this world or makes you afraid of the hardships of this life, say to him, ‘One must inevitably leave this world (neither the luxuries nor the hardships of this life are enduring).’” He says: “My dear son, he who tells a lie loses the freshness of face, he who cultivates bad habits will ever remain sad; it is far easier to move huge mountains from one place to another than to reform the ignorant stupid.” He says: “My dear son, abstain from telling lies; for lies soon arouse enmity and hatred for the liar.” “My dear son, be very particular about attending funeral prayers and avoid attending festivities. For, funerals remind one of the Hereafter and festivities divert One’s attention towards this world.” “My dear son, do not eat anything, when your stomach is full; it is better to put food before a dog than to overeat.” “My dear son, don’t be so sweet that people swallow you up, nor so bitter that they spit you out.” “My dear son, do not be less capable (in devotions) than a roster which starts crowing at early dawn and you be laying asleep in bed.” “My dear son, don’t delay Taubah (Repentance), for death may take you unaware.” “My dear son, do not make friends with stupid people, lest you should develop a liking for their foolish talk. And do not incur the enmity of a wise man, lest he should turn away from you in disgust (and you should he deprived of getting the benefit of his wisdom).” “My dear son, let no one but the pious partake of your food and always consult Ulama (religious scholars) in your affairs.” Someone asked Luqman (alaihissalam), “Who is the worst of men?” He replied, “The one who does not mind being watched while doing an evil deed.” He says: “My dear son, associate frequently with the pious for, in this way alone, you can attain to the virtues that they possess. Besides, when Allah’s special favors descend upon these beings you will also be able to receive your share of blessings; for when it rains; showers fall on all sides of the house.”
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