Al-Hikmah / Hikmah
The Linguistic Meaning of al-Hikmah
Hikmah (also Hikmat, literally wisdom, philosophy; rationale, underlying reason) is a concept in Islamic philosophy and law. Mulla Sadra defined hikmah as ‘coming to know the essence of beings as they really are’ or as ‘a man’s becoming an intellectual world corresponding to the objective world’. Various Islamic commentaries describe hikmah as ‘to know the best of things by way of the best of sciences ...’, having experience, using ‘justice in judging’, ‘knowledge of the reality of things’, ‘that which prevents ignorance’, putting ‘things in their proper places, assigning them to their proper status’ etc.
The Use of al-Hikmah in the Quran and Sunnah
There are several meanings that have been understood by Islamic scholars from the use of the word “Hikmah” in the Holy Quran and al-Sunnah depending on the context it is used in certain verses. The following are the meanings of word “Hikmah” used in the Quran and Sunnah:
First: The Holy Quran and Knowledge of Its Various Branches of Sciences.
Scholars have interpreted the word “Hikmah” as the Quran (Ibn al-Jawzi) more so if the word “al-Hikmah” is used alone without the inclusion of the word “al-Kitab” (Ibn Qayyim). [See An-Nahl, 16:125].
It also has been interpreted as the Quran and an in depth understanding or comprehension about it such as to know its muhkam (decisive), mutasyabiḥ (allegorical), nasikh (the abrogating) and mansukh (the abrogated) (al- Tabari). [See Al-Baqarah, 2:269]
Wisdom also comes with the meaning of the warnings contained in the Quran in terms of the rules and prohibitions (al-Razi) in the context of knowing these things along with the wisdom behind these rules and prohibitions. Only then it will produce the desired total understanding of it. It is a reflection understood from the verse Al-Baqarah, 2:231 and Al-Qamar, 54:5
In short, the interpretation of wisdom suggests that it is the knowledge of the meanings of the Quran (al-Nasafi), its realities, its secret and objectives, its alignment with nature (Ibn Ashur), its law, halal and haram, command and prohibitions (al-Tabari) and others as Allah says in An-Nisa, 4:113 and in Al-Isra 17: 22-39.
One of the traditions of the Prophet, pbuh, also showed that the meaning of wisdom is the Quran when he said: “There is no envy except in two: a person whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in the right way, and a person whom Allah has given wisdom and he gives his decisions accordingly and teaches it to others”. The same hadith from another narration, from Ibn Umar, with the words “a man whom Allah has given the Quran so he stands to recite it during the day and night”. While in another hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas, he said that the Prophet bring myself to his chest and said, “O Allah, teach him wisdom” and in another narration, “O Allah, teach him al-Kitab (the Quran)”.
Second: Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, pbuh, and the Knowledge of It.
Hikmah is usually understood as the Sunnah of the Prophet, pbuh (Ibn Ashur, al-Tabari) and it is also Imam al-Shafii’s interpretation of hikmah (al-Razi). This interpretation of hikmah especially if it is coupled (mentioned separately) with the word al-Kitab (Ibn Qaiyyim) such as in the following verses of Quran: Al-Baqarah, 2:129; Al-Imran, 3:164; An-Nisa, 4:113; Al-Aḥzab; 33:34; and Al-Jumuah, 62:2.
It is therefore clear that wisdom is the knowledge of Allah’s rulings which cannot be known except through description and explanation of the Prophet, pbuh (Al-Zamakhshari). In fact, it is said that wisdom is the determination of the legal rulings through the revelation. However, the interpretation of hikmah as the Sunnah is more common and more popular. As such, the meaning of wisdom in this context is the Sunnah of the Prophet delivered orally which describe and explain anything that is not described in detail in the Quran (Ibn al-Qayyim).
Third: Deep Understanding and Knowledge of Religion
Hikmah is knowledge of religion and also can be interpreted as deep understanding of Islam as a religion (Ibn al-Jauzi, al-Ṭabarī) as can be seen in the verse Al-Baqarah, 2:269.
It is also said that wisdom is the knowledge of halal and haram and in depth understanding of both of it (al-Nasafi). Imam Malik narrated that Luqman al- Hakim had instructed his son: “My son, be close to the ulama (Islamic scholars) and join them with both your knees. Allah gives life to the hearts with the light of wisdom like Allah gives life to a dead land with rain from heaven” (al-Zurqani).
Fourth: The Truth in Words and Actions/Union of Knowledge and Action.
Hikmah is knowing the right thing and then acting according to it as well as accuracy in speech and actions. This cannot be done except by full understanding of the Quran and Sharia as well as grasping the real concept of faith in Islam (Ibn al-Qayyim). Wisdom also removes ignorance and errors which can be attained through righteous action and speech (al-Razi). It is words that are true and certain that was born as a result of sound knowledge and a healthy mind (al-Tabari). [See Luqmān, 31:12]
There are also opinions that said that hikmah is knowledge of things that exist and doing good deeds (Al-Zamakhshari; al-Nasafi). Thus, all words which are true and accurate followed by an act of purification are wisdom (Ibn al-Jawzi). [See Ṣad, 38:20]
Wisdom can also be said as the correct words which follow the right things such as using words that have a clear and well-defined meaning through naqli and aqli sources exhaustively and have been removed from any alien, wrongs and confusing elements (Nasri). This is the essence of wisdom as mentioned by the Prophet pbuh: “Wisdom is the lost property of the believer, wherever he found it he is entitled to it”.
Wisdom is a combination of knowledge and action. A wise man, who has been given wisdom and nicknamed al-Hakim (man of hikmah) is a knowledgeable person who performs actions based on true knowledge and can be seen by the firm of his knowledge and the perfection of his action (al-Zamakhshari; Ibn al- Jauzi; al-Nasafi; al-al-Rāzi).
Fifth: Knowledge and Understanding of the Secrets of Things and Reality
Hikmah is a true knowledge which can inspire oneself to conduct a meaningful and beneficial act (Ibn Asyur) because he/she understand and can comprehend that that knowledge contains beneficial and meaningful secrets, lessons or wisdom behind it, and as such demanded it to be obeyed and acted upon (Riḍa) [See Al-Maidah, 5:110]. Hikmah is knowing the secrets and benefits of a matter or more accurately the secrets of religious laws, shariah, moral value and their meaning. It is knowledge about secrets in things, understanding its laws, clarification of the benefits within and explanation of the principles on how to conduct it. Someone will never be considered as al-Hakim if he only performs an act without knowing the positive and negative aspects (maslahah and mafsadah) of that action. If that is the case then he would be called a madman. Wisdom is revealing secrets to the reality of things and a perfect knowledge about it and knowing wisdom and objectives of the Shariah as viewed from the aspect of maslahah and mafsadah (al-Razi). [See Al-Baqarah, 2:129]
There are also opinions that said hikmah is to know something which is right and contains no mistakes in it, therefore it is not wisdom unless it is a knowledge that is protected from any mistakes and ignorance.
Based on the above, they defined wisdom as knowing the reality of a matter within the scope of capabilities of man to know, without incorporating elements of intricate (mutasyabih) or in other words not confused nor mistaken in the context of defining and searching ʿillah and reasons. Hikmah thus becomes a plural noun for all the disciplines of knowledge or sciences that discuss the benefits of human’s affair and belief system, and it is a continuous benefit (Ibn Asyur).
Let us, now, have a look on various verses of the Quran speaking about Al-Hikmah/Hikmah:
رَبَّنَا وَٱبۡعَثۡ فِيهِمۡ رَسُولٗا مِّنۡهُمۡ يَتۡلُواْ عَلَيۡهِمۡ ءَايَٰتِكَ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَيُزَكِّيهِمۡۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ ١٢٩
“Our Lord! And send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite to them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book and Al-Hikmah, and purify them. Verily, You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise”.
Surah 2 Al-Baqarah Verse 129
كَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا فِيكُمۡ رَسُولٗا مِّنكُمۡ يَتۡلُواْ عَلَيۡكُمۡ ءَايَٰتِنَا وَيُزَكِّيكُمۡ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُم مَّا لَمۡ تَكُونُواْ تَعۡلَمُونَ ١٥١
Similarly, We have sent among you a Messenger (Muhammad, pbuh) of your own, reciting to you Our Verses and purifying you, and teaching you the Book (the Quran) and the Hikmah, and teaching you that which you used not to know.
Surah 2 Al-Baqarah Verse 151
وَإِذَا طَلَّقۡتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فَبَلَغۡنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَأَمۡسِكُوهُنَّ بِمَعۡرُوفٍ أَوۡ سَرِّحُوهُنَّ بِمَعۡرُوفٖۚ وَلَا تُمۡسِكُوهُنَّ ضِرَارٗا لِّتَعۡتَدُواْۚ وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡ ذَٰلِكَ فَقَدۡ ظَلَمَ نَفۡسَهُۥۚ وَلَا تَتَّخِذُوٓاْ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ هُزُوٗاۚ وَٱذۡكُرُواْ نِعۡمَتَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَمَآ أَنزَلَ عَلَيۡكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةِ يَعِظُكُم بِهِۦۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَيۡءٍ عَلِيمٞ ٢٣١
And when you have divorced women and they are about to fulfil the term of their prescribed period, either take them back on reasonable basis or set them free on reasonable basis. But do not take them back to hurt them, and whoever does that, then he has wronged himself. And treat not the Verses (Laws) of Allah as a jest, but remember Allah’s Favors on you (Islam), and that which He has sent down to you of the Book (Quran) and Al-Hikmah whereby He instructs you. And fear Allah, and know that Allah is All-Knower of everything.
Surah 2 Al-Baqarah Verse 231
فَهَزَمُوهُم بِإِذۡنِ ٱللَّهِ وَقَتَلَ دَاوُۥدُ جَالُوتَ وَءَاتَىٰهُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُلۡكَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَعَلَّمَهُۥ مِمَّا يَشَآءُۗ وَلَوۡلَا دَفۡعُ ٱللَّهِ ٱلنَّاسَ بَعۡضَهُم بِبَعۡضٖ لَّفَسَدَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ذُو فَضۡلٍ عَلَى ٱلۡعَٰلَمِينَ ٢٥١
So, they routed them by Allah’s Leave and Dawud (David) killed Jalut (Goliath), and Allah gave him (Dawud) the kingdom and Al-Hikmah, and taught him of that which He willed. And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief. But Allah is full of bounty to the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).
Surah 2 Al-Baqarah Verse 251
يُؤۡتِي ٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ مَن يَشَآءُۚ وَمَن يُؤۡتَ ٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ فَقَدۡ أُوتِيَ خَيۡرٗا كَثِيرٗاۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّآ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡأَلۡبَٰبِ ٢٦٩
He grants Hikmah to whom He wills, and he, to whom Hikmah is granted, is indeed granted abundant good. But none remember (will receive admonition) except men of understanding.
Surah 2 Al-Baqarah Verse 269
وَيُعَلِّمُهُ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَٱلتَّوۡرَىٰةَ وَٱلۡإِنجِيلَ ٤٨
And He (Allah) will teach him [Isa (Jesus)] the Book and Al-Hikmah, (and) the Taurat (Torah) and the Injil (Gospel).
Surah 3 Al-Imran Verse 48
وَإِذۡ أَخَذَ ٱللَّهُ مِيثَٰقَ ٱلنَّبِيِّۧنَ لَمَآ ءَاتَيۡتُكُم مِّن كِتَٰبٖ وَحِكۡمَةٖ ثُمَّ جَآءَكُمۡ رَسُولٞ مُّصَدِّقٞ لِّمَا مَعَكُمۡ لَتُؤۡمِنُنَّ بِهِۦ وَلَتَنصُرُنَّهُۥۚ قَالَ ءَأَقۡرَرۡتُمۡ وَأَخَذۡتُمۡ عَلَىٰ ذَٰلِكُمۡ إِصۡرِيۖ قَالُوٓاْ أَقۡرَرۡنَاۚ قَالَ فَٱشۡهَدُواْ وَأَنَا۠ مَعَكُم مِّنَ ٱلشَّٰهِدِينَ ٨١
And (remember) when Allah took the Covenant of the Prophets, saying: “Take whatever I gave you from the Book and Hikmah, and afterwards there will come to you a Messenger (Muhammad, pbuh) confirming what is with you; you must, then, believe in him and help him”. Allah said: “Do you agree (to it) and will you take up My Covenant (which I conclude with you)?” they said: “We agree” he said: “Then bear witness; and I am with you among the witnesses (for this)”.
Surah 3 Al-Imran Verse 81
لَقَدۡ مَنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَى ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ إِذۡ بَعَثَ فِيهِمۡ رَسُولٗا مِّنۡ أَنفُسِهِمۡ يَتۡلُواْ عَلَيۡهِمۡ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ وَيُزَكِّيهِمۡ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَإِن كَانُواْ مِن قَبۡلُ لَفِي ضَلَٰلٖ مُّبِينٍ ١٦٤
Indeed, Allah conferred a great favor on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammad, pbuh) from among themselves, reciting to them His Verses (the Quran), and purifying them, and instructing them (in) the Book (the Quran) and Al-Hikmah, while before that they had been in manifest error.
Surah 3 Al-Imran Verse 164
أَمۡ يَحۡسُدُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ عَلَىٰ مَآ ءَاتَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦۖ فَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَآ ءَالَ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَءَاتَيۡنَٰهُم مُّلۡكًا عَظِيمٗا ٥٤
Or do they (people of the Scripture) envy men (Muhammad, pbuh and his followers) for what Allah has given them out of His bounty? Then, We had already given the family of Ibrahim (Abraham) the Book and Al-Hikmah, and conferred upon them a great kingdom.
Surah 4 An-Nisa Verse 54
وَلَوۡلَا فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكَ وَرَحۡمَتُهُۥ لَهَمَّت طَّآئِفَةٞ مِّنۡهُمۡ أَن يُضِلُّوكَ وَمَا يُضِلُّونَ إِلَّآ أَنفُسَهُمۡۖ وَمَا يَضُرُّونَكَ مِن شَيۡءٖۚ وَأَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَعَلَّمَكَ مَا لَمۡ تَكُن تَعۡلَمُۚ وَكَانَ فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكَ عَظِيمٗا ١١٣
Had not the Grace of Allah and His Mercy been upon you (O Muhammad, pbuh), a party of them would certainly have made a decision to mislead you, but (in fact) they mislead none except their own selves, and no harm can they do to you in the least. Allah has sent down to you the Book (the Quran), and Al-Hikmah, and taught you that which you knew not. And Ever Great is the Grace of Allah to you (O Muhammad, pbuh).
Surah 4 An-Nisa Verse 113
إِذۡ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ يَٰعِيسَى ٱبۡنَ مَرۡيَمَ ٱذۡكُرۡ نِعۡمَتِي عَلَيۡكَ وَعَلَىٰ وَٰلِدَتِكَ إِذۡ أَيَّدتُّكَ بِرُوحِ ٱلۡقُدُسِ تُكَلِّمُ ٱلنَّاسَ فِي ٱلۡمَهۡدِ وَكَهۡلٗاۖ وَإِذۡ عَلَّمۡتُكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَٱلتَّوۡرَىٰةَ وَٱلۡإِنجِيلَۖ وَإِذۡ تَخۡلُقُ مِنَ ٱلطِّينِ كَهَيَۡٔةِ ٱلطَّيۡرِ بِإِذۡنِي فَتَنفُخُ فِيهَا فَتَكُونُ طَيۡرَۢا بِإِذۡنِيۖ وَتُبۡرِئُ ٱلۡأَكۡمَهَ وَٱلۡأَبۡرَصَ بِإِذۡنِيۖ وَإِذۡ تُخۡرِجُ ٱلۡمَوۡتَىٰ بِإِذۡنِيۖ وَإِذۡ كَفَفۡتُ بَنِيٓ إِسۡرَٰٓءِيلَ عَنكَ إِذۡ جِئۡتَهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَٰتِ فَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِنۡهُمۡ إِنۡ هَٰذَآ إِلَّا سِحۡرٞ مُّبِينٞ ١١٠
(Remember) when Allah will say (on the Day of Resurrection): “O Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Remember My Favor to you and to your mother when I supported you with Ruh-ul-Qudus [Jibrail (Gabriel)] so that you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you writing, Al-Hikmah, the Taurat (Torah) and the Injil (Gospel); and when you made out of the clay, a figure like that of a bird, by My Permission, and you breathed into it, and it became a bird by My Permission, and you healed those born blind, and the lepers by My Permission, and when you brought forth the dead by My Permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from you (when they resolved to kill you) as you came to them with clear proofs, and the disbelievers among them said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic’”.
Surah 5 Al-Maidah Verse 110
ٱدۡعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلۡحِكۡمَةِ وَٱلۡمَوۡعِظَةِ ٱلۡحَسَنَةِۖ وَجَٰدِلۡهُم بِٱلَّتِي هِيَ أَحۡسَنُۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ ١٢٥
Invite to the way of your Lord (i.e., Islam) with wisdom (Hikmah) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His path, and He is the Best Knower of those who are guided.
Surah 16 An-Nahl Verse 125
لَّا تَجۡعَلۡ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا ءَاخَرَ فَتَقۡعُدَ مَذۡمُومٗا مَّخۡذُولٗا ٢٢ ۞وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلۡوَٰلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَٰنًاۚ إِمَّا يَبۡلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ ٱلۡكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوۡ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفّٖ وَلَا تَنۡهَرۡهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوۡلٗا كَرِيمٗا ٢٣ وَٱخۡفِضۡ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ ٱلذُّلِّ مِنَ ٱلرَّحۡمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ٱرۡحَمۡهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرٗا ٢٤ رَّبُّكُمۡ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَا فِي نُفُوسِكُمۡۚ إِن تَكُونُواْ صَٰلِحِينَ فَإِنَّهُۥ كَانَ لِلۡأَوَّٰبِينَ غَفُورٗا ٢٥ وَءَاتِ ذَا ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ حَقَّهُۥ وَٱلۡمِسۡكِينَ وَٱبۡنَ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرۡ تَبۡذِيرًا ٢٦ إِنَّ ٱلۡمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوٓاْ إِخۡوَٰنَ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينِۖ وَكَانَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ لِرَبِّهِۦ كَفُورٗا ٢٧ وَإِمَّا تُعۡرِضَنَّ عَنۡهُمُ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ رَحۡمَةٖ مِّن رَّبِّكَ تَرۡجُوهَا فَقُل لَّهُمۡ قَوۡلٗا مَّيۡسُورٗا ٢٨ وَلَا تَجۡعَلۡ يَدَكَ مَغۡلُولَةً إِلَىٰ عُنُقِكَ وَلَا تَبۡسُطۡهَا كُلَّ ٱلۡبَسۡطِ فَتَقۡعُدَ مَلُومٗا مَّحۡسُورًا ٢٩ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَبۡسُطُ ٱلرِّزۡقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَقۡدِرُۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ بِعِبَادِهِۦ خَبِيرَۢا بَصِيرٗا ٣٠ وَلَا تَقۡتُلُوٓاْ أَوۡلَٰدَكُمۡ خَشۡيَةَ إِمۡلَٰقٖۖ نَّحۡنُ نَرۡزُقُهُمۡ وَإِيَّاكُمۡۚ إِنَّ قَتۡلَهُمۡ كَانَ خِطۡٔٗا كَبِيرٗا ٣١ وَلَا تَقۡرَبُواْ ٱلزِّنَىٰٓۖ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ فَٰحِشَةٗ وَسَآءَ سَبِيلٗا ٣٢ وَلَا تَقۡتُلُواْ ٱلنَّفۡسَ ٱلَّتِي حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّۗ وَمَن قُتِلَ مَظۡلُومٗا فَقَدۡ جَعَلۡنَا لِوَلِيِّهِۦ سُلۡطَٰنٗا فَلَا يُسۡرِف فِّي ٱلۡقَتۡلِۖ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ مَنصُورٗا ٣٣ وَلَا تَقۡرَبُواْ مَالَ ٱلۡيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِي هِيَ أَحۡسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبۡلُغَ أَشُدَّهُۥۚ وَأَوۡفُواْ بِٱلۡعَهۡدِۖ إِنَّ ٱلۡعَهۡدَ كَانَ مَسُۡٔولٗا ٣٤ وَأَوۡفُواْ ٱلۡكَيۡلَ إِذَا كِلۡتُمۡ وَزِنُواْ بِٱلۡقِسۡطَاسِ ٱلۡمُسۡتَقِيمِۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيۡرٞ وَأَحۡسَنُ تَأۡوِيلٗا ٣٥ وَلَا تَقۡفُ مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌۚ إِنَّ ٱلسَّمۡعَ وَٱلۡبَصَرَ وَٱلۡفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ كَانَ عَنۡهُ مَسُۡٔولٗا ٣٦ وَلَا تَمۡشِ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَرَحًاۖ إِنَّكَ لَن تَخۡرِقَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَلَن تَبۡلُغَ ٱلۡجِبَالَ طُولٗا ٣٧ كُلُّ ذَٰلِكَ كَانَ سَيِّئُهُۥ عِندَ رَبِّكَ مَكۡرُوهٗا ٣٨ ذَٰلِكَ مِمَّآ أَوۡحَىٰٓ إِلَيۡكَ رَبُّكَ مِنَ ٱلۡحِكۡمَةِۗ وَلَا تَجۡعَلۡ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا ءَاخَرَ فَتُلۡقَىٰ فِي جَهَنَّمَ مَلُومٗا مَّدۡحُورًا ٣٩
Set not up with Allah any other ilah (God)! or you will sit down reproved, forsaken (in the Hell-Fire). And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor. And lower to them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young”. Your Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance. And give to the kinsman his due and to the Miskin (needy) and to the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily, the spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayatin (devils) and the Shaitan (Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord. And if you (O Muhammad, pbuh) turn away from them and you are awaiting a mercy from your Lord for which you hope, then, speak to them a soft, kind word (i.e., Allah will give me and I shall give you). And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift), so that you become blameworthy and in severe poverty. Truly, your Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills and straitens (for whom He wills). Verily, He is Ever Well-Acquainted, All-Seer of His Slaves. And kill not your children for fear of poverty. We shall provide for them as well as for you. Surely, the killing of them is a great sin. And come not near to unlawful sex. Verily, it is a Fahishah (anything that transgresses the limits), and an evil way. And do not kill anyone whose killing Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause. And whoever is killed wrongfully (Mazluman - intentionally with hostility and oppression and not by mistake), We have given his heir the authority (to demand Qisas, Law of equality in punishment). But let him not exceed limits in the matter of taking life. Verily, he is helped (by the Islamic Law). And come not near to the orphan’s property except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength. And fulfil (every) covenant. Verily, the covenant will be questioned about. And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight. That is good (advantageous) and better in the end. And follow not (say not or do not or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing, and the sight, and the heart of each of those ones will be questioned (by Allah). And walk not on the earth with conceit and arrogance. Verily, you can neither rend nor penetrate the earth nor can you attain a stature like that of mountains in height. All the bad aspects of these (the above-mentioned things) are hateful to your Lord. This is (part) of Hikmah which your Lord has revealed to you (O Muhammad, pbuh). And set not up with Allah any other ilah (Allah) lest you should be thrown into Hell, blameworthy and rejected (from Allah’s Mercy).
Surah 17 Al-Isra Verses 22-39
وَلَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَا لُقۡمَٰنَ ٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ أَنِ ٱشۡكُرۡ لِلَّهِۚ وَمَن يَشۡكُرۡ فَإِنَّمَا يَشۡكُرُ لِنَفۡسِهِۦۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٞ ١٢
And indeed, We bestowed upon Luqman Al-Hikmah (saying:) “Give thanks to Allah”. And whoever gives thanks, he gives thanks for (the good of) his own self. And whoever is unthankful, then verily, Allah is All-Rich (Free of all needs), Worthy of all praise.
Surah 31 Luqman Verse 12
وَٱذۡكُرۡنَ مَا يُتۡلَىٰ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ مِنۡ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةِۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ لَطِيفًا خَبِيرًا ٣٤
And remember (O you the members of the Prophet’s family) that which is recited in your houses of the Verses of Allah and Al-Hikmah. Verily, Allah is Ever Most Courteous, Well-Acquainted (with all things).
Surah 33 Al-Ahzab Verse 34
وَشَدَدۡنَا مُلۡكَهُۥ وَءَاتَيۡنَٰهُ ٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَفَصۡلَ ٱلۡخِطَابِ ٢٠
We made his [Dawud (David)] kingdom strong and gave him Al-Hikmah and sound judgement in speech and decision.
Surah 38 Sad Verse 20
وَلَمَّا جَآءَ عِيسَىٰ بِٱلۡبَيِّنَٰتِ قَالَ قَدۡ جِئۡتُكُم بِٱلۡحِكۡمَةِ وَلِأُبَيِّنَ لَكُم بَعۡضَ ٱلَّذِي تَخۡتَلِفُونَ فِيهِۖ فَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ ٦٣
And when Isa (Jesus) came with (Our) clear Proofs, he said: “I have come to you with Al-Hikmah, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) in which you differ. Therefore, fear Allah and obey me”.
Surah 43 Az-Zukhruf Verse 63
وَلَقَدۡ جَآءَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡأَنۢبَآءِ مَا فِيهِ مُزۡدَجَرٌ ٤ حِكۡمَةُۢ بَٰلِغَةٞۖ فَمَا تُغۡنِ ٱلنُّذُرُ ٥
And indeed, there has come to them news (in this Quran) wherein there is (enough warning) to check (them from evil), perfect wisdom (Hikmat), but (the preaching of) warners benefit them not.
Surah 54 Al-Qamar Verses 4-5
هُوَ ٱلَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي ٱلۡأُمِّيِّۧنَ رَسُولٗا مِّنۡهُمۡ يَتۡلُواْ عَلَيۡهِمۡ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ وَيُزَكِّيهِمۡ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَإِن كَانُواْ مِن قَبۡلُ لَفِي ضَلَٰلٖ مُّبِينٖ ٢
He it is Who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger (Muhammad, pbuh) from among themselves, reciting to them His Verses, purifying them, and teaching them the Book (the Quran) and Al-Hikmah. And verily, they had been before in manifest error.
Surah 62 Al-Jumuah Verse 2
BELIEFS/ATTRIBUTES WHICH ARE CONSIDERED PART OF AL-HIKMAH
It is interesting to note that Allah mentions very clearly about some of the aspects of Al-Hikmah in Surah 17 Al-Isra in Verses 22-39. It is pertinent also to see how the injunctions to be followed and the belief systems expected are explained together with the rationale behind it. Let’s have a look. The rationale is underlined for ease of understanding:
- Being dutiful to parents; when they are old, not to say to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them; but to address them in terms of honor; lowering to them wing of submission and humility through mercy; and say: ‘My Lord! Bestow on them You Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young’
- Giving to the kinsman his ‘due’ (share out of what Allah has provided to you), and to the Miskin (needy) and the wayfarer
- Not to be a miser; nor to spend wastefully (your wealth) like a spendthrift – and then become blameworthy and in severe poverty and then ungrateful
- Speak to those whom you cannot give anything with soft, kind words, like - Allah will give me and I shall give you – and believe that Allah enlarges and straitens the provisions for whomsoever He wills
- Not to kill children for fear of poverty – believing that Allah shall provide for you and for them
- Not to kill anyone, except for a just cause
- Not to exceed in the matter of Qisas (law of equality in punishment) by the heir of the one killed wrongfully
- Not to go near the orphan’s property, except to improve upon it and until he attains the age of full strength
- Fulfilling of covenants – for they will be questioned about
- Giving of full measure and measuring with a straight balance – doing just dealings – for it is better in the end
- Not to follow (to say not, or do not, or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge – for the hearing and sight and hearts shall be questioned
- Not to walk on earth with conceit and arrogance – for you cannot rend nor penetrate the earth, neither can you attain a stature like the mountains in height
Similarly, in Verse 31:12 ‘Giving thanks to Allah’ is also referred to as from bestowing of al-Hikmah
An astute reader will appreciate that some of the rationale given pertain to this world only and some to the Hereafter, while some have implications in both. No doubt, the Hikmah given is only a small part and Allah is the Most Wise, the All-Knowing.