The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (part 92)
Educational Lessons from the Story of Luqman the Wise (AS)
Since a father is the most compassionate person toward his child and regards him as the dearest part of his life, it is only fitting that he provide him with the finest knowledge, the most beneficial experiences, and the most valuable guidance. For this reason, Luqman the Wise (peace be upon him) advised his son with profound and fundamental counsels—advice that encompassed the essential principles of Islamic teachings, including sound beliefs, acts of worship, proper social conduct, and the purification and refinement of the soul.
The Noble Qur’an recounts these precious admonitions as follows: (وَإِذْ قَالَ لُقْمَانُ لِابْنِهِ وَهُوَ يَعِظُهُ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّ الشِّرْكَ لَظُلْمٌ عَظِيمٌ وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ) Translation: “And [remember] when Luqman said to his son while advising him: ‘O my dear son! Do not associate partners with Allah. Indeed, associating partners with Allah is a great injustice.’ And We have enjoined upon man [good treatment of] his parents.” [1]
Beginning Education with the Doctrine of Tawhid
At the beginning of these verses, Allah the Exalted says (وَهُوَ يَعِظُهُ), Translation: “While he was advising him.” [2]
This expression indicates that Luqman (peace be upon him) was diligently fulfilling his educational and moral responsibilities as a father. Likewise, Islam obligates fathers and mothers to exert their utmost efforts in nurturing, advising, and guiding their children. As Allah the Almighty states: (يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا) Translation: “O you who believe! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones.” [3]
Therefore, the religious and moral upbringing of children is among the most important responsibilities entrusted to parents in Islam.
On the other hand, children are also obliged to accept the guidance of their righteous parents, for believing fathers and mothers always aspire to raise children who are virtuous, committed, and devoted to the teachings of Islam.
The Foundation of Luqman’s Wisdom
The Qur’an explains that the wisdom granted to Luqman (peace be upon him) was founded upon two essential principles:
Knowledge and recognition of Allah the Exalted;
Gratitude for Allah’s blessings.
Allah the Almighty says: (وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا لُقْمَانَ الْحِكْمَةَ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِلَّهِ وَمَنْ يَشْكُرْ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِهِ وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ) Translation: “And We certainly granted Luqman wisdom, [saying]: ‘Be grateful to Allah.’ Whoever is grateful does so only for his own benefit, and whoever is ungrateful, then indeed Allah is Self-Sufficient and Praiseworthy.”
Accordingly, the essence of wisdom lies in recognizing Allah and expressing gratitude for His favors. Such gratitude is not confined to verbal expressions; rather, it encompasses the heart, the tongue, and one’s actions.
The Relationship Between Knowledge and Action in Education
Undoubtedly, every sound action is built upon knowledge and understanding, and the highest form of knowledge is the knowledge of Allah the Exalted. A believer understands his place in the universe, and the path of life becomes clear before him. In contrast, a person deprived of faith loses sight of life’s purpose and wanders in confusion.
For this reason, proper education cannot be achieved through words alone. An educator must himself serve as a practical model of morality, faith, and steadfastness so that his advice may leave a lasting impact on the hearts of his children.
If we carefully reflect upon the counsels of Luqman the Wise (peace be upon him), we find that they constitute a comprehensive framework of Islamic educational principles, including:
Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah) and the rejection of shirk (associating partners with Allah SWT);
Respect and kindness toward parents;
Awareness and accountability for both minor and major deeds;
Establishing prayer;
Enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong;
Patience and perseverance;
Humility and modesty;
Moderation in conduct and speech;
Observance of social ethics and good manners.
For this reason, the admonitions of Luqman (peace be upon him) may be regarded as among the most comprehensive examples of spiritual, moral, and social education presented in the Noble Qur’an—an education that develops the intellect, purifies the heart, and reforms human behavior.
