Luqman's advice to his son

Luqman’s advice to his son can be found in the Quran in surah Luqman, verses 12 - 19. According to Ibn Kathir and most Islamic scholars Luqman was not a prophet but a wise man who God had blessed with wisdom.

1. "…O my son! Join not in worship others with God. Verily! Joining others in worship with God is a great wrong indeed." (Quran 31:13)

2. "And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and good to his parents…" (Quran 31:14)
3. "O my son! If it be (anything) equal to the weight of a grain of mustard seed, and though it be in a rock, or in the heavens or in the earth, Allah will bring it forth…" (Quran 31:16)
4. "O my son! Offer prayer perfectly…" (Quran 31:17)
5. "…enjoin on people all that is good and forbid them from all that is evil…" (Quran 31:17)
6. "…and bear with patience whatever befalls you…" (Quran 31:17)
7. "And turn not your face away from men with pride…" (Quran 31:18)
8. "…nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allah likes not any arrogant boaster." (Quran 31:18)
9. "And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking…" (Quran 31:19)
10. "…and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is the braying of the asses." (Quran 31:19)

Luqman the wise counsels his son with 10 pieces of advice. It is important to note that Luqman begins with the most important lesson; belief in One God. He also makes clear that joining others in worship with God is the only unforgivable sin. Next, after laying the foundations of faith, Luqman reminds his son of the essential values a believer must strive to acquire, while simultaneously shunning pride and arrogance. When parents can convey these 10 pieces of advice to their children they are laying the foundations for a happy life. If children can model this behaviour as demonstrated by their parents and caregivers it is even better.