Luqman(A.S.) was born in the Continent of Africa. He grew up in the jungle and walked barefoot. Only the lower part of his body was covered in a loin cloth. His daily encounter with wild animals and life in the jungle made him strong and fearless. It was his habit to think deeply over nature around him, from which he learn t new and fascinating things daily.
One day while sitting in the shade of a tree, he fell into a deep sleep, He clearly saw an Angel before him who gave him the good news that Allah had chosen to favour him. He was given a choice. He could either become a king or ask for wisdom. Luqman(A.S.) chose wisdom. When he awoke, he became aware that his senses and understanding had sharpened. He felt in complete harmony with nature and could understand the inner meaning of things, beyond their physical reality. Immediately he bowed down and thanked and praised Allah for this wonderful gift.
TAKEN INTO SLAVERY Luqman(A.S.) was captured by slave traders who invaded Africa. They sold him as a slave. He found that he was robbed of his freedom. He could neither move nor speak freely. This was the first trial he had to bear.
He suffered his bondage patiently, for his heart was lit with Faith and hope, and he was waiting for Allah's action.
The man who bought him was a good as well as an intelligent man. He treated Luqman with kindness. He was able to detect that Luqman was not an ordinary man and tried to test his intelligence.
He ordered Luqman(A.S.) to slaughter a sheep and to bring its worst part to him. Luqman(A.S.) slaughtered the sheep and took its heart and tongue to his master. On receiving them his master smiled, fascinated by Luqman(A.S.) 's choice of the'worst'. He understood that Luqman(A.S.) was trying to convey some deep meaning, though he could not make out exactly what. From this moment his owner began to take more interest in Luqman(A.S.) and showed more kindness to him.
A few days later, Luqman(A.S.) was again instructed to slaughter a sheep, but this time he was asked to take the best parts of the animal to the owner. Luqman(A.S.) slaughtered a sheep, and to his master's amazement, again brought the same organs (the heart and the tongue). His master asked Luqman(A.S.) how the heart and the tongue could be both the worst and the best parts. The wise Luqman(A.S.) answered: The tongue and the heart are the sweetest parts if its owner is pure; and if he is wicked, they too are as ! Thereafter, Luqman(A.S.) 's owner held him in great respect. Luqman(A.S.) was consulted by many people for advice, and the fame of his wisdom spread all over the country.
FREEDOM The kind owner had instructed his family to free Luqman(A.S.) after the owner's death. When his owner died, Luqman(A.S.) was granted freedom. Luqman(A.S.) travelled on and eventually settled among the Bani Israel. He was appointed as judge during the rule of Prophet Dawood(A.S.) , and was respected by all for his wise and fair judgments. He married and raised a family.
Luqman(A.S.) gave his son the following advice which is recorded in the Qur'an: "To Believe in Allah, and to be sincere in devotion to Him. Never associate partners with Allah, for associating anyone with Him is the greatest sin; not only is it a sin against Allah but also against oneself. Love and show obedience to parents even if they are unbelievers. If, however, a parent's way of life were to lead one to become an unbeliever then the path of goodness which leads to Allah should be followed , for one is answerable to Allah alone. Rizq (provisions), ability and au- thority come from Allah. These things are in His hands and not in the hands of parents or anyone else. Show gratitude to Allah by obeying him. Live your life on the principle of: Encouraging what is right and forbidding what is wrong. Tackle wrong deeds in society with patience. Be humble in dealing with others, both in speech and behavior, and do not turn your face away when talking to others, for Allah does not love the boastful and arrogant." (Quran, 31:13-19) THE LESSON
Our heart and tongue can make us good or bad. It is up to us how we use them. A wise employer should respect the wisdom of his lowliest worker. Allah has mentioned Luqman(A.S.) 's advice to his son as an example for us to follow. This advice should be followed by us as a guiding principle of life.
"Life is not measured by
the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments
that take our breath away."
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