Ayat: Surah Luqman (31:17)
َقا َل َيا ُب َن َّي َأ ِق ِم ٱل َّص َٰل َو َة َو ْأ ُم ْر ِبٱ ْل َم ْع ُرو ِف َوٱ ْن َٰه َع ِن ٱ ْل ُمن َك ِر َو َٰص ِب ْر َع َل ٰى َم ٓا َأ َٰص َب َك ِإ َّن
َٰذ ِل َك ِم ْن َع ْز ِم ٱ ْل ُأ ُمو ِر
"O my son, establish prayer, enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and be patient
over what befalls you. Indeed, [all] that is of the matters [requiring] determination."
(Qur'an 31:17)
Translation:
"O my son, perform the prayer, enjoin what is good, and forbid what is wrong. Be
patient over what befalls you. Surely, these are the things that require
determination."
Explanation
1. "O my son..."
Luqman is giving sincere, loving advice to his son. This personal address shows the
importance of parents nurturing their children with moral and spiritual wisdom. It reflects
gentle parenting through wisdom, rather than force.
2. "Establish prayer (")أقم الصالة
This is the first pillar of action Luqman commands. “Establish” (not just “perform”)
means:
Pray regularly, properly, and with humility.
Make it a core part of your daily life.
Understand it as a connection with Allah, not just a ritual.
3. "Enjoin what is right (")وأمر بالمعروف
This means encouraging others to do what is morally and religiously correct. It implies:
Speaking up for truth and justice.
Leading by example.
Promoting kindness, honesty, and charity.
4. "Forbid what is wrong (")وانه عن المنكر
This involves discouraging evil or injustice. However, it must be done with wisdom and
patience, not harshness or arrogance.
Tact and wisdom are key.
Not to judge, but to guide and protect.
5. "And be patient over what befalls you (")واصبر على ما أصابك
Calling people to truth brings hardship—ridicule, resistance, or even harm. So Luqman
warns his son:
Patience is crucial in enduring trials and rejection.
Stay firm without bitterness.
Keep trusting in Allah through difficulties.
6."Indeed, that is of the matters [requiring] determination ( إن ذلك من
")عزم األمور
This phrase praises these actions as core traits of strong character:
Not everyone can do them consistently.
It takes inner strength, willpower, and commitment.
It emphasizes that living a life of integrity is not easy—but it is noble.
Practical implication
🌙 1. "Establish prayer" – Build a strong connection with Allah
Set fixed times for each prayer—even if busy.
Use prayer to center your day and reduce stress.
Before important tasks or decisions, pray 2 rak’ah for guidance (Salat al-
Istikhara).
Teach children and family about the beauty of salah by praying together.
⚖️2. "Enjoin what is right" – Be a force for good
Encourage friends or coworkers to do good (e.g., help someone in need, attend a
study circle).
Share uplifting Islamic reminders on social media.
Support ethical choices—like buying from honest businesses or helping someone
stand up to injustice.
Be a role model—kindness, honesty, and generosity can inspire others more than
words.
🚫 3. "Forbid what is wrong" – Stand against harm and injustice
Speak up (wisely and respectfully) when you see bullying, cheating, or
dishonesty.
Gently advise loved ones if they’re doing something harmful to themselves or
others.
Don’t support or stay silent about oppression—whether at school, home, or in
society.
Practice self-discipline: sometimes “forbidding wrong” means stopping yourself
from harmful habits.
🕊️4. "Be patient over what befalls you" – Stay strong in trials
When facing criticism or hardship for doing the right thing, stay calm and firm.
During family struggles, health issues, or financial hardship—turn to dua and
patience, not anger or despair.
Remember that change takes time—don’t give up easily.
Reflect on the lives of the Prophets: all had to endure with patience.
🧭 5. "That is from matters requiring determination" – Build resilience
Strengthen your will by setting small goals (like waking up for Fajr daily).
Don’t let fear of being judged stop you from doing good.
Learn from failure—resilience is built through setbacks, not ease.
Surround yourself with people of faith and purpose for motivation.
✅ In Short:
Command Daily Action
Establish prayer Be consistent and intentional in salah
Enjoin right Encourage good in small, kind ways
Forbid wrong Speak truthfully, with wisdom
Be patient Accept trials with faith and focus
