One day while sitting in the shade of a tree, he fell into a deep sleep, He clearly saw an Angel before him who gave him the good news that Allah had chosen to favour him. He was given a choice. He could either become a Prophet or ask for wisdom. Luqman(A.S.) chose wisdom. When he awoke, he became aware that his senses and understanding had sharpened. He felt in complete harmony with nature and could understand the inner meaning of things, beyond their physical reality. Immediately he bowed down and thanked and praised Allah for this wonderful gift.
TAKEN INTO SLAVERY
He suffered his bondage patiently, for his heart was lit with Faith and hope, and he was waiting for Allah's action.
He ordered Luqman(A.S.) to slaughter a sheep and to bring its worst part to him. Luqman(A.S.) slaughtered the sheep and took its heart and tongue to his master. On receiving them his master smiled, fascinated by Luqman(A.S.) 's choice of the'worst'. He understood that Luqman(A.S.) was trying to convey some deep meaning, though he could not make out exactly what. From this moment his owner began to take more interest in Luqman(A.S.) and showed more kindness to him.
A few days later, Luqman(A.S.) was again instructed to slaughter a sheep, but this time he was asked to take the best parts of the animal to the owner. Luqman(A.S.) slaughtered a sheep, and to his master's amazement, again brought the same organs (the heart and the tongue). His master asked Luqman(A.S.) how the heart and the tongue could be both the worst and the best parts. The wise Luqman(A.S.) answered: The tongue and the heart are the sweetest parts if its owner is pure; and if he is wicked, they too are as wicked ! Thereafter, Luqman(A.S.) 's owner held him in great respect. Luqman(A.S.) was consulted by many people for advice, and the fame of his wisdom spread all over the country.
FREEDOM
Luqman(A.S.) gave his son the following advice which is recorded in the Qur'an:
THE LESSON
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Luqman(A.S.) chose wisdom above Prophothood, which could mean that wisdom also is hold in high respect by Allah.
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Our heart and tongue can make us good or bad. It is up to us how we use them.
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A wise employer should respect the wisdom of his lowliest worker.
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Allah has mentioned Luqman(A.S.) 's advice to his son as an example for us to follow. This advice should be followed by us as a guiding principle of life.