Luqman (sura)
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لقمان Luqmān Luqman |
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|---|---|
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Arabic text · English translation |
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| Classification | Meccan |
| Position | Juzʼ 21 |
| No. of Rukus | 4 |
| No. of verses | 34 |
Arabic text · English translation
Sūrat Luqmān (Arabic: سورة لقمان) is the 31st chapter (sura) of the Muslim holy book, the Qur'an. It is composed of 34 verses (ayat) and takes its title from the mention of the sage Luqman in verses 12–19. It was revealed in the middle of Muhammad's Meccan period, and is thus usually classified as a Meccan sura.
The focus of this sura, once broken down into its many elements, can be seen as emphasizing principles of moderation. The sura uses the mustard seed analogy to emphasize the degree to which God maintains his purview over man's actions, possibly emphasizing the fact that any evil or good deed no matter how small is recorded and will be brought out by Allah during the day of judgement. A final point of focus for Sura 31 comes down to the purpose of God's creation. 31:29 and 31:20 show how God's intention through creation was to better mankind, and his signs are theoretically everywhere, from rain to vegetation. This emphasis once again reminds people of their subservience to Allah while also driving home the idea that man is meant to do good on the Earth. Man's purpose is to serve God, while the Earth has been created in order to facilitate man's needs.
Sura 31 features many intertextual references, a quality that Quranic narrative is known for. Enhanced by what Carl Ernst calls "ring structure" Sura 31 can be reinterpreted based on its inherent conceptual breaks.
This is the proposed breakdown of Surah 31 and its "ring structure":
A: Verses 1-11 Omniscience and self-sufficiency of God for the betterment of mankind pt.1
Verses 2-5: The Righteous are mentioned and their good habits are encouraged
Verses 6-7: The disbelievers are highlighted, contrasting the early practices of pious practicers
Verses 8-11: Paradise is revealed as reward, God's omnipotence is prominently highlighted as being predominantly for the betterment of man
B: Verses 12-15 Rules and Guidelines
Verses 12-13: Luqman bequeaths knowledge to his son, No partners may be ascribed to Allah, and He is the highest power
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