Surah 31: Luqman - Overview

Introduction

The argument of the Final End of Things is here continued from another point of view. What is Wisdom? Where shall it be found? Will it solve the mysteries of Time and Nature, and that world higher than physical Nature, which brings us nearer to God? "Yes," is the answer: "if, as in the advice of Luqman the Wise, human wisdom looks to God in true worship, ennobles every act of life with true kindness, but avoids the false indulgence that infringes the divine law -- and in short follows the golden mean of virtue ." And this is indicated by every Sign in nature.

The chronology of this Surah has no significance. In the main, it belongs to the later Makkan period.

Summary

1- The earnest seekers after righteousness receive guidance, unlike the seekers after vanity, who perish; all Creation bears witness to this: Wisdom, as expounded by Luqman the Wise, is true service to God, and consists in moderation. (31:1-19)

Luqman the Wise [31:1-19] What is the Book of Wisdom? It is a Guide and a Mercy to men, and teaches them how to attain Bliss. God's Mercies are infinite: how can man deny them? Luqman the Wise taught grateful worship of the One True God, and the service of men, beginning with Parents; every good deed is known to God, and is brought to account. So walk in the Golden Mean, and serve Him with constancy and firmness of purpose.

2- True Wisdom is firm and enduring, and discerns God's Law in the working of His Creation: it looks to the Final End of Things, whose mystery is only known to God. (31:20-34)

God's Wisdom and Law [31:20-34] True Wisdom sees God's boundless Bounties to man, and how all nature is made to serve man's ends. It is due from us to know our place, discern the limits of our knowledge, and see how far above us is God's Wisdom, and His Law. Let us not deceive ourselves. The end of all things will come, but the When and the How are known to God alone, to Whom be all Praise!