Tafsir of Luqman 31:13

Surah Luqman (31): Verse 13

And [mention] when Luqman said to his son while he was instructing him, "O my son, do not associate [anything] with Allah. Indeed, association [with him] is great injustice."

Exegesis (Tafsir):

The phrase "And [mention] when Luqman said..." is connected in meaning to what preceded it. The implied meaning is: We granted Luqman wisdom when We made him grateful in himself, and when We made him an instructor for others.

This is because the high rank of a person is achieved by being perfect in oneself and by perfecting others.

1. "That you be grateful" (referring to the command to be grateful to Allah) points to perfection (inward state).
2. "And [mention] when Luqman said to his son while he was instructing him" points to perfection of others (outward action).

There is a subtle point here: Allah mentioned Luqman and praised his effort in guiding his son. This serves to illustrate the virtue of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who guided strangers and relatives. Guiding one's own child is an inherent duty, whereas undertaking the hardship of teaching those far removed [from oneself] is not.

Furthermore, in his admonition, Luqman began with the most important matter: forbidding polytheism (Shirk). He said: "Indeed, association [with Him] is great injustice (ẓulm ʿaẓīm)."

Why is it ẓulm (injustice)?

1. Because it places the noble, honored self—which Allah has honored by saying, "And We have certainly honored the children of Adam" (Al-Isra: 70)—in the servitude of something base.
2. Or, because it places worship in a place where it does not belong, which is away from the Face and the path of Allah.

Why is it ʿaẓīm (great)?

Because it places the object of worship in a position that is not its rightful place, and it can never be its rightful place.

This is analogous to taking Zayd's money and giving it to 'Amr; this is an injustice because Zayd's money has been placed in 'Amr's hand. However, it is possible that this money could legitimately become 'Amr's property through a prior sale or a subsequent transfer of ownership.

But in the case of Shirk, the object of worship is placed anywhere other than Allah. And it is absolutely impermissible for anyone other than Allah to be worshipped.

Verse 14:

And We enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing in] weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.

Exegesis (Tafsir):

(The text provided ends here, focusing on the beginning of verse 14's discussion.)