Luqmān the Sage (Q 31:12–19)

Abstract Chapter 7 presents another instance of a list of virtuous acts (as well as correct theological beliefs) that are labelled ḥikmah. This time, the paraenetic list is in the form of Luqmān’s address to his son (Q 31:12–19), which itself is a recurring feature in Near eastern wisdom texts. Luqmān is the quintessential Arabian sage, famed for his wisdom, which the Qur’an also affirms (Q 31:12). Given that Luqmān is not a prophet, and given further the multiple overlaps between his advice to his son and the list of virtues that comprise the qur’anic Decalogue in the previous chapter (where there is good reason to connect ḥikmah with natural law), it would appear that ḥikmah in this passage again means knowledge of virtuous actions and beliefs that are knowable to human reason independent of revelation.