Al-Qurʾān is the last Divine Scriptura, not only for the Muslims but for the entire mankind, for after this last Divine Scripture no more Divine Books will be revealed since after Prophet Muhammad there is to be no more prophets till the Day of Resurrection.
The Almighty Allah addresses His servants directly, through stories of the past people and prophets, parables that use metaphors and comparisons to teach moral and religious lessons, illustrating abstract concepts and encouraging reflection on abstract principles. Sometimes, chosen prophets and wise men are presented as role models and through their conversations to people around or even their own families, messages are conveyed as how to live a life that is liked by our Creator.
One such role model is mentioned in the 31st Surah of Al Qur'an titled Luqman. The Qur’an does not call him a prophet; but most scholars agree he was a pious servant of Allah, not a prophet or a messenger. He is known as Luqman al-Ḥakīm (“Luqman the Wise”) because Allah praises his wisdom and records his advice to his son as an example for all believers.
His mention is made in the Sürah 31. Luqman لقمان, which is composed of 34 verses (āyāt), placed in the Juzʼ 21 of Al Qur'an. It takes its title from the mention of the sage Luqman and his advice to his son in verses 12–19.
The detailed Tafsir / exegesis has already published by us which can be accessed from the link:
Herein under we present a condensed overview of the entire Sūrah, for the scope of this post is to only to introduce the Sūrah and provide links to some of the selected verses from this Sūrah for selective reading / references. The following bird eye view includes the context, major themes and subjects and lessons that we can learn from this Sūrah, followed by references to some of the selected verses already published.
Wisdom of Luqman al-Ḥakīm (“Luqman the Wise”)
1. The Sürah
- Title: Named after Luqman the Wise, a righteous man known for his deep wisdom, who advised his son in a manner recorded in the Qur’an.
- Central Theme:
- Theme 1: The importance of the correct tarbiyah [upbringing]
- Theme 2: Preparation for the Akhirah [after-life]
- In this Surah the people have been made to understand the meaninglessness and absurdity of polytheism (Shirk) and the truth and reasonableness of Monotheism (Tawhid). They have been invited to give up blind imitation of their forefathers, consider with a cool mind the teachings which the Prophet Muhammad is presenting from the Lord of the worlds. To see with open eyes the manifest signs found in the universe around them and in their own selves which bear evidence to its truth.
2. Significance in the Qur’an
- It connects faith with practical life conduct.
- Emphasizes wisdom as a divine gift — not dependent on wealth or status.
- Combines theology (belief in Allah) with ethics (good character) and spiritual discipline (prayer and patience).
- Shows how to pass on faith to the next generation.
3. Major Subjects
- Oneness of Allah (Tawḥīd) — Refutes shirk and calls to pure worship (31:13).
- Gratitude to Allah — Linked with gratitude to parents (31:14).
- Moral and Spiritual Training — Advice of Luqman to his son:
- Avoid shirk.
- Establish prayer.
- Command good and forbid evil.
- Be patient during hardships.
- Avoid arrogance and pride.
- Speak gently and walk humbly.
- Signs of Allah in Creation — Sky, earth, seas, and provision (31:10–11).
- Warning Against Deception — Don’t be misled by the worldly life or Shayṭān (31:33).
How It Directs the Life of a Believer Today
- Foundation of Faith
- Reminds us that belief in Allah alone is the anchor of life.
- Keeps us away from relying on superstitions, false gods, or cultural practices that contradict Islam.
- Family and Parenting
- Teaches parents to give children values before wealth.
- Encourages gentle, reason-based religious teaching, not harshness.
- Character and Conduct
- Promotes humility, patience, and modesty in speech and actions.
- Condemns arrogance and boastfulness — traits still destroying relationships today.
- Connection to Allah
- Prayer is emphasized as the daily link to God.
- Gratitude in all circumstances is a hallmark of a believer’s attitude.
- Navigating Modern Challenges
- In a world full of distractions and moral confusion, Luqman’s advice provides a moral compass.
- Reminds us that real success is measured by faith and deeds, not material achievement.
Lessons for the Modern Believer
- Faith before action — Build belief before expecting behavioral change.
- Wisdom in speech — Communicate truth with gentleness.
- Balance rights — Gratitude to Allah and parents without disobedience to Allah.
- Self-awareness — Avoid arrogance in wealth, education, or power.
- Long-term vision — Life is a test; prepare for the Hereafter, not just the present.
Qur’anic Connection:
“Indeed, in this are signs for every patient and grateful person.” (31:31)
Now let us share herein some of the selected ayat / verses from this surah already shared:
- Verse 17: How to cope with consequences of challenging moral inconsistences
- Verses 19-21: Do not exhibit Arrogance and Vanity
- Verse 31: Humility
In time we will add more selected ayat / verses from this surah.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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