Shaykh Ibrahim Osi-Efa on Sura Luqman–About Luqman the Sage
Sura Luqman emphasizes tarbiya, or spiritual growth, and is named after a great sage. In this series, Shaykh Ibrahim Osi-Efa explores the meanings of this chapter.
In this segment, Shaykh Ibrahim speaks more about the sage Luqman, whom the chapter is name after. He is described in the Qur’an;
And We had certainly given Luqman wisdom [and said], “Be grateful to Allah.” And whoever is grateful is grateful for himself. And whoever denies – then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy. (31:12)
Luqman was granted hikma (wisdom) but was not a Prophet himself. The soundest opinion is that Luqman was a Nubian from modern-day Sudan. As to his family, there is difference of opinion whether he was a cousin of Ayyub, or whether he was related to the Prophet Ibrahim. He lived for a thousand years, and the Prophet Dawud learned from him, just like the Prophet Musa was commanded to seek out Khidr for his wisdom. There were many Prophets who were educated by wise people, even though the Prophets were the best of creation.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace, said, “Wisdom is the lost property of the believer.” This teaches us that we should seek knowledge, even if it’s through someone who we feel is that lesser to us in age, wisdom or experience. Similarity, the people of Allah treasure being unknown and obscure. The scholars of Madina would only each and give legal verdicts when they had to, and would be happy if someone else, who was more qualified, took over from them.
With gratitude to Greensville Trust.
