Many of us aspire to be wise. We all look up to the wise person. We quote and repeat what we consider as wise sayings. In the hierarchy of knowledge, data when collated and interpreted form pieces of information which are often combined to form a body of knowledge. Many people can become knowledgeable in selected or multiple disciplines by studying, practicing, researching and experimenting in that body of knowledge. The methods to acquire knowledge are known.
Hikmah (Wisdom), however, is a gift from the All-Wise, Allah (SWT).
He grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and he to whom wisdom is granted receives indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message but men of understanding. (2:269)
As such, to understand hikmah, we must reference Al-Quran. If Allah (SWT) grants hikmah, then surely He addresses the topic in His Book.The word hikmah is mentioned 20 times in Al-Quran.
From the above list we can safely conclude that Allah (SWT) the Most Wise grants Hikmah to whom He pleases. He has granted it to all His Prophets and Messengers. Hikmah is part of the message that the Prophets convey to people. It is in association with the revealed books that Allah (SWT) sent to them. Many scholars interpret that Al-Hikmah in association with Al-Kitab, refers to the teachings, practices and model behavior of the Prophets. Al-Hikmah is sometimes referred to as the Prophets' way or sunnah.
Behold! Allah took the covenant of the prophets, saying: "I give you a Book and Wisdom; then comes to you an apostle, confirming what is with you; do you believe in him and render him help." Allah said: "Do you agree, and take this my Covenant as binding on you?" They said: "We agree." He said: "Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses." (3:81)
Apart from the Prophets and Messengers, Allah (SWT) also granted hikmah to Luqman. Thus we can conclude that Allah (SWT) also grants hikmah to those whom He (SWT) selects from the Believers.
Allah (SWT) explains the nature of Al-Hikmah through actions, deeds and behaviors. This is very evident from the group of verses in (Surah 17: Verse 23-39) and (Surah 31: Verse 12-19). The imperative verb is used to describe the actions in both these groups of verses to further emphasize that the Believers are commanded to behave likewise to have the chance to be granted Al-Hikmah. The group of verses in (Surah 17: Verse 23-39) end with a clear explanation that the related actions described in the preceding verses are part of Al-Hikmah.
These are among the (precepts of) wisdom, which thy Lord has revealed to thee. Take not, with Allah, another object of worship, lest thou shouldst be thrown into Hell, blameworthy and rejected. (17:39)
As a practical guidance for mankind and Believers in particular, Al-Quran strongly emphasizes the behavioral aspects of Al-Hikmah. It contradicts the common notion that persons of wisdom are mere thinkers or philosophers. Al-Quran prescribes actions and behaviors that can lead us to attain wisdom from the source of wisdom, Allah The All Wise.
We quote the two groups of verses below. Insha Allah in the next posting we will do a brief analysis of these verses.
Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor.
And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord! bestow on them Your Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood."
Your Lord knows best what is in your hearts: If you do deeds of righteousness, verily He is Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again (in true penitence).
And render to the kindred their due rights, as (also) to those in want, and to the wayfarer: But squander not (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift.
Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the Evil Ones; and the Evil One is to his Lord (himself) ungrateful.
And even if you have to turn away from them in pursuit of the Mercy from your Lord which you do expect, yet speak to them a word of easy kindness.
Make not your hand tied (like a niggard's) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach, so that you become blameworthy and destitute.
Verily your Lord does provide sustenance in abundance for whom He pleasee, and He provides in a just measure. For He does know and regard all His servants.
Kill not your children for fear of want: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is a great sin.
Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils).
Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to forgive): but let him nor exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the Law).
Come not nigh to the orphan's property except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength; and fulfill (every) engagement, for (every) engagement will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning).
Give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight: that is the most fitting and the most advantageous in the final determination.
And pursue not that of which you have no knowledge; for every act of hearing, or of seeing or of (feeling in) the heart will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning).
Nor walk on the earth with insolence: for you cannot rend the earth asunder, nor reach the mountains in height.
Of all such things the evil is hateful in the sight of your Lord.
These are among the (precepts of) wisdom, which your Lord has revealed to you. Take not, with Allah, another object of worship, lest you should be thrown into Hell, blameworthy and rejected. (17:23-39)
We bestowed (in the past) Wisdom on Luqman: "Show (your) gratitude to Allah." Any who is (so) grateful does so to the profit of his own soul: but if any is ungrateful, verily Allah is free of all wants, Worthy of all praise.
Behold, Luqman said to his son by way of instruction: "O my son! join not in worship (others) with Allah. for false worship is indeed the highest wrong-doing."
And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command), "Show gratitude to Me and to your parents: to Me is (your final) Goal.
"But if they strive to make you join in worship with Me things of which you have no knowledge, obey them not; yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration), and follow the way of those who turn to me (in love): in the end the return of you all is to Me, and I will tell you the truth (and meaning) of all that you did."
"O my son!" (said Luqman), "If there be (but) the weight of a mustard-seed and it were (hidden) in a rock, or (anywhere) in the heavens or on earth, Allah will bring it forth: for Allah understands the finest mysteries, (and) is well-acquainted (with them).
"O my son! establish regular prayer, enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong: and bear with patient constancy whatever betide you; for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of) affairs.
"And swell not your cheek (for pride) at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth; for Allah loves not any arrogant boaster.
"And be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass." (31:12-19)
