THE TRUSTWORTHY LUQMAN AL- HAKIM...

             

  
   

Luqman al-Hakim was a black man who feared God.  According to Imam Said bin Musayyib, he was a righteous man from Sudan.  A black man once came to see Iman Said bin Musayyib, and the Imam said to him, “ Do not be saddened by the colour of your skin.  In actuality, among the best people in the eyes of God were blacks.  They were Bilal, Mahjak and Luqman al-Hakim.
 

Based on another narration by Khalid ar-Raj’ii, Ibn Jarir said, “Luqman was a slave from Habsyah.  He worked as a carpenter. One day, his master instructed him to slaughter a goat and bring to him the two best organs of the goat.  Luqman did his job and brought to his master the heart and the tongue.  The next day, his master instructed him to slaughter another goat and bring to him the two worst parts of the goat.  Luqman did as instructed and again brought to his master the heart and the tongue.  His master was baffled and inquired, “What’s the meaning of all these?”  Luqman replied, ‘Verily, for a noble person, these are the two best organs that will work for him.  As for the despicable person, these are the two worst parts that will work against him.’ This is but one example of Luqman’s wisdom.

How did Luqman al-Hakim reach such a high status?  According to Ibn Jarir from Amr bin Qais, a man once asked the same question to Luqman, and he replied, “ That is the will of God.  However, I will always perform the things that are entrusted and I steer clear of any matter that does not benefit me.”  Based on his answers, it can be concluded that Luqman’s success formula is as follows:

1. Being responsible and honest (amanah) is every  situation  

2.   Being truthful always.  No lies are spoken.
3.   Time entrusted by God is well managed.   
 

One of the chapters in the Quran is chapter Luqman.  It tells the story about Luqman al-Hakim.  It describes how trustworthy Luqman al-Hakim was.  Although he was a busy man, he was a very responsible father.  He never neglected the education of his children.  He taught his children about the importance of being a responsible servant of God.  He said, ‘O my dear son! Ascribe no partners unto Allah. Lo! To ascribe partners (unto Him) is a great Zulm (wrong)”. (chapter Luqman verse 13)
 

He also empathized on  the importance of being a responsible Muslim by performing solat. Through solat human beings communicate with their Creator. Luqman said, “O my dear son! Establish worship and enjoin goodness and forbid evil, and persevere on whatever may befall thee.”  (chapter Luqman verse 17)
 

Besides that, responsible Muslims observe moderation and avoid being arrogant.  Luqman said, “And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth.  Verily, Allah likes not each arrogant boaster.  And be moderate in your walking, and lower your voice.  Verily,  the harshest of all voices is the voice  (braying) of the ass.” (chapter Luqman verse 18-19)
 

Generally, trustworthy people cling firmly to religion.  Thus, when his child asked him, ‘O father, when people want to be good, what is the most fundamental thing that they need to possess?
 

Luqman replied, “religion.”
 

The child then asked, “If two things?”
 

He replied, “Religion and property.”
 

“If three things?”
 

Luqman answered, “Religion, property and modesty.”
 

“If four things?”
 

Luqman said, “Religion, property, modesty and good behaviour.”
 

“If five things?”
 

Luqman answered, “Religion, property, honour, good behaviour and generosity.”
 

“If six things?”
 

Luqman answered. “O. My son, when an individual possess all five attributes, that person is pure and fears God.  God protects him and he is saved from the temptation of Satan.”


Articles from the book ‘ 7 Formulas of Excellent Individuals ' by Dr Danial Zainal Abidin.