Author: Abdul Hai Lay'yan
The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (part 90)
Educational Models in the Story of Luqman the Wise (AS)
Luqman the Wise (AS) is one of the most distinguished and enigmatic figures in Islamic history. His name has become synonymous with wisdom, reflection, and education. The Noble Qur’an highlights his lofty intellectual and spiritual status by mentioning the “Wisdom of Luqman” and narrating his words as an exemplary model of divine guidance and human wisdom.
Despite this, historians and Qur’anic commentators have differed greatly regarding his lineage, origin, and the era in which he lived. Various opinions have been presented based on historical reports and narrations.
These differences do not diminish the significance of Luqman’s personality; rather, they demonstrate the extensive attention Muslim scholars have devoted to understanding his life and position among the prophets and wise men of history.
Therefore, examining the various views regarding Luqman’s lineage and the period in which he lived constitutes an important aspect of historical and exegetical studies within the Islamic heritage.
The Lineage and Origin of Luqman the Wise (AS)
Scholars have differed concerning the lineage, origin, and time period of Luqman the Wise (AS).
Ibn Wahb (RA) stated that Luqman (AS) was the nephew of Prophet Yusuf (AS). [1]
Muqatil (RA) also stated that he was the maternal cousin of Prophet Yusuf (AS).
Other scholars have said that he was among the descendants of Azar, while some maintained that he was the nephew of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). [2]
Allamah Al-Alusi (RA) states that the majority of scholars believe that Luqman (AS) lived during the time of Prophet Dawud (AS). [3]
This opinion appears to be the stronger and more acceptable view, because Anas ibn Malik (RA) narrated that Luqman (AS) was once with Prophet Dawud (AS) while Dawud (AS) was making armor.
Dawud (AS) was weaving the rings of the armor with his own hands, and Luqman (AS) watched with admiration. He wished to ask about it, but his wisdom prevented him from asking unnecessary questions.
When Dawud (AS) completed the armor, he put it on and said, “What an excellent armor this is for battle!” Thereupon Luqman (AS) remarked, “Silence itself is a form of wisdom, though few people practice it. I wished to ask you, but I remained silent until you yourself provided the answer.”[4]
After narrating this report, Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar (RA) stated that it clearly indicates that Luqman (AS) was a contemporary of Prophet Dawud (AS).
He further noted that Ibn Al-Jawzi (RA), in his book Al-Talqih, placed Luqman (AS) after Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and before Prophets Isma‘il and Ishaq (AS). However, the correct view is that Luqman (AS) lived during the era of Prophet Dawud (AS).
Imam Al-Tabari and others also narrated from Mujahid (RA) that Luqman (AS) served as a judge among the Children of Israel during the time of Prophet Dawud (AS). [5]
Was Luqman (AS) a prophet?
The early scholars differed regarding whether Luqman the Wise (AS) was a prophet or merely a righteous and wise servant who was not granted prophethood. In this regard, several opinions have been mentioned, the most prominent of which are two views.
The First View: Luqman (AS) Was Not a Prophet but a Righteous and Wise Servant
The majority of scholars maintain that Luqman (AS) was not a prophet; rather, he was a righteous, wise man endowed with piety, knowledge, and divine insight. Al-Wahidi (RA) stated that most scholars hold the opinion that Luqman (AS) was not a prophet. [6]
Among the exegetes who supported this view was Allamah Al-Qurtubi (RA), who stated that the correct opinion is that Luqman (AS) was a wise man whom Allah the Exalted blessed with wisdom. [7]
Ibn Kathir (RA) said that the well-known position among the majority of scholars is that Luqman (AS) was a wise man and a righteous saint (wali), not a prophet [8]. He further added that Luqman (AS) was a righteous servant devoted to worship, known for his good speech and profound wisdom. [9]
Likewise, Allamah Al-Alusi (RA) stated that Luqman (AS) was a righteous and wise man and not a prophet. [10]
Imam Al-Nawawi (RA) quoted Imam Abu Ishaq Al-Tha‘labi (RA) as saying that the scholars unanimously agreed that Luqman the Wise (AS) was not a prophet, with the sole exception of ‘Ikrimah (RA), who maintained that Luqman (AS) was a prophet. [11]
To be continued…
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References:
[1]. Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, vol. 3, p. 343.
[2]. Al-Qurtubi, Muhammad ibn Ahmad Al-Ansari, Al-Jami‘ li Ahkam Al-Qur’an, vol. 14, p. 41.
[3]. Allamah Al-Alusi, Ruh Al-Ma‘ani, vol. 21, p. 82.
[4]. Narrated by Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak, vol. 2, p. 422. He said, “Authentic according to the conditions of Muslims.”
[5]. Ibn Hajar Al-‘Asqalani, Fath Al-Bari Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol. 6, p. 466.
[6]. Al-Tafsir Al-Wasit, vol. 3, p. 422.
[7]. Al-Qurtubi, Muhammad ibn Ahmad Al-Ansari, Al-Jami‘ li Ahkam Al-Qur’an, vol. 14, p. 59.
[8]. Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, vol. 3, p. 443.
[9]. Ibid., vol. 3, p. 443.
[10]. Allamah Al-Alusi, Ruh Al-Ma‘ani, vol. 21, p. 83.
[11]. Al-Nawawi, Al-Minhaj Sharh Sahih Muslim, vol. 2, p. 144.
