THE ADVICE OF A WISE MAN

Treasure to Seek

THE thirty first chapter of the Quran is named after Luqman. He was not a Prophet, but a wise man. He lived before the advent of Islam, having been born possibly in ancient Sudan. His advice to his son, in part is as follows:

O my son! Though it be but the weight of a grain of mustard seed and though it be hidden in a rock, or in the heavens or on the earth, God will bring it forth…Say your prayers, and enjoin good, and forbid evil, and endure patiently whatever may befall you. Surely this is something which requires firm resolve. Do not avert your face from people out of haughtiness and do not walk with pride on the earth: for behold, God does not love arrogant and boastful people. Walk modestly and lower your voice, for the ugliest of all voices is the braying of the ass. (31: 16-19)

The advice can be summarised thus:

God is all-knowing: God knows everything, hidden and open. This belief inculcates a strong sense of accountability in every individual. It motivates everyone to adopt a disciplined life and follow the guidance of the Creator, in the belief that if he fails he will be punished by God.

Prayer: Prayer is not a set of rituals, it is a way of acknowledging God’s greatness. This acknowledgement makes one realistic, honest and differentiates man from the animal. An animal cannot demonstrate a sense of gratitude but man does have this special gift.

Enjoin good and forbid evil: It is everyone’s duty to be watchful of others and tell them about good and bad behaviour. It is an expression of well-wishing towards others. An honest person cannot be an indifferent member of society.

Patience: is a vital quality for sailing through the sometimes rough phases of life.

Determination: Without determination one cannot unflaggingly follow the path of truth.

Arrogance: The greatest failing in an individual is arrogance and modesty is a source of strength. o