Shaykh Ibrahim Osi-Efa on Sura Luqman – On Knowledge of the Qur’an
Sura Luqman emphasizes tarbiya, or spiritual growth, and is named after a great sage. In this series, Shaykh Ibrahim Osi-Efa explores the meanings of this chapter.
Shaykh Ibrahim begins by saying that there are two keys to Paradise, both who have to be inserted into the lock together. The first one, to is to connect to Allah’s mercy through the Prophet, Allah bless him and give his peace. The second one, is to wait patiently for Allah’s blessings, which He grants as He wills.
Similarity, knowledge is of two types, kasbi and wahbi. Knowledge that is kasbi, is the knowledge that you actively seek and have to strive for. This type of knowledge is the most accessible to us. Wahbi knowledge is a gift from Allah, which Allah gives to those whom He had favored, such as the sage Luqman, as well as the Prophets.
The Qur’an has been revealed so that people can reflect on the meaning. Imam Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, was once asked whether the Prophet singled out members of his family in order to teach them things that he did not teach the rest of the Muslims.
“No,” Imam Ali replied, “Except for something of the understanding of the Book of Allah.”
Much of the knowledge of the Qur’an is kasbi, which is why scholars study for years to be able to understand the meanings of the verses. However, in every generation, certain wahbi knowledge of the Qur’an is revealed to some people from the Ahl al-Bayt, the family of the Prophet. This has been proved in the following hadith:
“I have left two things amongst you; if you hold onto them, you will never be led astray. The Book of Allah, and my family. They are always together, and do not depart, until they meet me at the Pool.”
With gratitude to Greensville Trust.
