Luqman 31:17
Luqman · Meccan · Juz 21 · Page 412
Luqman’s Advice
يَٰبُنَيَّ أَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأۡمُرۡ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَٱنۡهَ عَنِ ٱلۡمُنكَرِ وَٱصۡبِرۡ عَلَىٰ مَآ أَصَابَكَۖ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ مِنۡ عَزۡمِ ٱلۡأُمُورِ ١٧
O my dear son! Establish worship and enjoin kindness and forbid iniquity, and persevere whatever may befall thee. Lo! that is of the steadfast heart of things.
Translation: Marmaduke Pickthall
Meaning
Luqman advises his son: ‘My dear son, establish the prayer, enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and be patient with what befalls you. These are matters that require resolve.’
Insight
Elmalılı explains the order of the advice: prayer is perfecting oneself, enjoining good is helping others mature. This is not easy, and hardships may follow. That is why patience is advised right after.
Reflect
When you advise someone towards good, don’t forget to bring patience with you.
This short note is based on Elmalılı Hamdi Yazır’s Turkish commentary and has not yet been reviewed by a scholar.
Elmalılı’s commentary
An English translation of Elmalılı’s full commentary is coming soon. Read the original Turkish ›