Who Was Luqman?
The Quran does not specify Luqman’s origin, time period, or profession. Traditions vary: some say he was a carpenter; others say a shepherd; others say a judge or counselor. A consistent tradition identifies him as sub-Saharan African (Nubian or Abyssinian), historically enslaved.
When given the choice between prophethood and wisdom (hikma), he reportedly chose wisdom: “If my Lord had made prophethood obligatory upon me, I would have sought His help; but since He gave me the choice, I feared I could not bear it.” Allah gave him wisdom instead.
The Quran’s first statement about him: “And We had certainly given Luqman wisdom: ‘Be grateful to Allah.’ And whoever is grateful is grateful for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] — then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.” (31:12)
The Seven Commands to His Son (31:13-19)
1. No shirk (31:13): “O my son, do not associate [anything] with Allah. Indeed, associating [others] with Him is great injustice.”
2. Gratitude to parents (31:14): “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents…” — even if they pressure to shirk, their right to respect remains, while their command to associate partners is not followed.
3. Divine omniscience (31:16): “O my son, indeed if it should be the weight of a mustard seed and should be within a rock or [anywhere] in the heavens or in the earth, Allah will bring it forth. Indeed, Allah is Subtle and Acquainted.”
4. Establish prayer (31:17): “O my son, establish prayer…”
5. Commanding good and forbidding evil (31:17): “…enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong…”
6. Patient endurance (31:17): “…and be patient over what befalls you. Indeed, [all] that is of the matters [requiring] determination.”
7. Social decorum (31:18-19): “And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful. And be moderate in your pace and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys.”
Hikma as a Category
Luqman’s example establishes hikma (wisdom) as a category of divine gift distinct from nubuwwa (prophethood). One can receive divine wisdom without being a prophet. This is significant for the Sufi and Ismaili understanding of awliya’ (friends of Allah): wisdom-bearers who are not prophets but are divinely guided.
See also: Nubuwwa Prophethood, Sufi Stations Maqamat, Tazkiyah, Seerah Sulayman, Sabr, Quran Sciences