Wisdom (Hikmah) is the practical ability to solve real-life problems, make sound decisions, and live a meaningful life. As the famous philosopher Immanuel Kant observed:
“Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life.”
Acquiring wisdom allows a person to succeed faster, improve their personal values, and simply live better. Will Durant, another renowned philosopher, highlighted that wisdom comes from learning, not just from oneself:
“A wise man can learn from another man’s experience; a fool cannot learn even from his own.”
In Islam, the path to true wisdom is divinely guided.
I. The Qur’an as the Source of Wisdom
The ultimate source of wisdom for Muslims is the Qur’an, which God often calls the "Book of wisdom" in its verses:
- “A.L.R. These are the āyāt (verses) of the Book overflowing with wisdom.” (Qur'an 10:1)
- “We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an, in order that ye may learn wisdom.” (Qur'an 12:2)
- God emphasizes the Prophet Muhammad’s mission was not only to teach scripture but also wisdom: “...We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our Signs, and sanctifying you, and instructing you in Scripture and wisdom, and in new knowledge.” (Qur'an 2:151)
Ultimately, God grants this deep understanding to whomever He wills, stating: “He grants Hikmah (wisdom) to whom He pleases, and he, to whom Hikmah is granted, is indeed granted abundant good.” (Qur'an 2:269)
II. Luqmān the Wise: A Model of Wisdom
The Qur'an details the profound guidance given by a non-Prophet named Luqmān, who was blessed by God with exceptional wisdom.
“And indeed We bestowed upon Luqmān Al-Hikmah (wisdom and religious understanding, etc.) saying: “Give thanks to Allah…” (Qur'an 31:12)
Some historical accounts, recorded by scholars like Ibn Kathīr, describe Luqmān as an Ethiopian slave who worked as a carpenter or judge, from the people of Jerusalem (Aylah). Though the Qur'an does not call him a prophet, one narration suggests he was given the choice between Prophethood and wisdom, and he chose wisdom, fearing he would be too weak to fulfill the obligations of Prophethood.
Luqmān’s Wisdom in the Qur’an
The following are core pieces of advice Luqmān gave to his son, forming the foundation of practical Islamic ethics (Qur'an 31:13-19):
- Against Polytheism: Luqmān’s first advice was the most crucial: “O my son! Join not in worship others with Allah. Verily! Joining others in worship with Allah is a great Zulm (wrong) indeed.” (Qur'an 31:13)
- Dutifulness to Parents: He instructed his son to be good and dutiful to his parents, recognizing the immense hardship of the mother during pregnancy and nursing. He commanded: “give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination.” (Qur'an 31:14)
- Limits of Obedience: If parents command disobedience to God (such as joining others in worship), the son must “obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly.” (Qur'an 31:15)
- Universal Accountability: Luqmān taught his son that every action, no matter how small or hidden, is known to God: “O my son! If it be (anything) equal to the weight of a grain of mustard seed, and though it be in a rock, or in the heavens or in the earth, Allah will bring it forth. Verily, Allah is Subtle (in bringing out that grain), Well-Aware (of its place).” (Qur'an 31:16)
- Establishing Good: He commanded adherence to religious duties and civic virtue: “O my son! perform As-Salāt (prayers), enjoin (people) for Al-Maroof (good), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (evil), and bear with patience whatever befalls you.” (Qur'an 31:17)
- Humility in Conduct: He warned against pride: “And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allah likes not each arrogant boaster.” (Qur'an 31:18)
- Moderation in Speech: He advised: “And be moderate… in your walking, and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is the voice (braying) of the donkey.” (Qur'an 31:19)
Other Narrations of Luqmān’s Wisdom (from Ibn Kathīr)
Beyond the Qur'an, Luqmān’s life and sayings contain practical lessons for moral and social conduct:
- The Pillars of Honor: When asked how he achieved such respect, Luqmān listed the actions that raised his status: “Lowering my gaze, watching my tongue, eating what is lawful, keeping my chastity, undertaking my promises, fulfilling my commitments, being hospitable to guests, respecting my neighbors, and discarding what does not concern me.”
- The Value of Speech: Luqmān advised: “If words are silver, silence is golden.” He also stated that he had never regretted keeping silent.
- Inner Character: When his master asked him to bring the best and then the worst parts of a slaughtered goat, Luqmān brought the tongue and heart both times. He explained: “Nothing can be more pleasing than these if they were good, and nothing can be more malicious than these if they were malignant.”
- Kindness and Giving: He believed that kindness and a smiling face win more affection from people than giving them food. He also stated, “Kindness is the head of wisdom” and “You will gain what you give (or, harvest what you grow).”
- Companionship and Consultation: Luqmān advised his son: “Love your friend and the friend of your father,” and “Let only the pious men eat your food, and consult the scholars over your affairs.”
This wealth of advice, preserved in the Qur'an and scholarly tradition, demonstrates how divine guidance leads to the practical wisdom necessary for a righteous and successful life.
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