By Haroon Balogun

Every literate Muslim knows the wisdom and advice of Prophet Lukman to his son, as espoused by the Holy Qur’an in Chapter 31, verses 12 – 19.  Allah intended it not just to be a mere piece of allegory, but to be a template for success in all areas of our endeavour. It is a guideline for better upbringing and especially for anybody saddled with the responsibility of service to humanity.

Buhari

This is because service to God and humanity require knowledge, advice, understanding and great insight and again, generic and spiritual advice will always offer the best solutions for man.  But we agree that the nature of human being remains unchanged. And thatb was why Allah shows clearly the path of success and that of perdition. So, by following the footsteps of those who were successful is one great wisdom.

Thus, in the context of the new ministers waiting to be sworn-in, it is necessary to consider the wisdome of Lukman of the old to his son. President Buhari needs to sound it heavily to his Ministers already designated to follow the path of ritheousness, do what is right, and learn from the wisdom of Prophet Lukman.

Lukman, a wise man according to some tradition and Ibn Kathir said he maintained his honourable and noble qualities by, “Lowering my gaze, watching my tongue, eating what is lawful, keeping my chastity, undertaking my promises, fulfilling my commitments, being hospitable to guests, respecting my neighbours, and discarding what does not concern me.  All these made me the one you are looking at.”

Respect is important between all classes of people. Nobody likes to be treated with disdain. If you show respect to people, you will be exalted. The mere fact that you have taken an exalted position does not necessary conferes exaltation if you lack it. God gives power and He withdraws power from whomever He wills.

The lesson of faith and loyalty is the first and that needs not be reiterated.  The foundation of faith is an essential value we must strive to acquire as a believer.  It also has a connotation of loyalty in this context.  And as a Minister designate from Lagos said: May your loyalty never be tested. A believer as Minister must  shun pride and arrogance.  He must remember that might and power belongs to God.

God’s knowledge about the begining and the ending of any situation is perfect. Anything that happens or will happen in this world is already known by God.  God’s might is absolute and should not be questioned, challenged or ignored by anyone.

Enjoining good and forbidding evil is a responsibility on every believing Minister; rulers and subjects, men and women, each according to his or her ability. Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand (by taking action); and if he cannot, then with his tongue (by speaking out); and if he cannot, then with his heart (by feeling that it is wrong), and that is the weakest of faith.” Even the subjects must not run down their leaders.  We must not shirk in our own responsibilities.

Lukman did recommend patience when dealing with people for this purpose and in all matters.  Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib defined patience as “seeking God’s help”. Remembering God and contemplating His greatness is the key to patience, and patience is a key to Paradise everlasting, therefore this was a wise advice indeed.

Do not act as if you are better than everybody else. Humility is a much desirable quality for any believer who is desirous of the mercy and compassion of Allah. Humility can guide one to Paradise, just as arrogance, can lead to Hell.  Satan’s arrogance or lack of humility caused not only his expulsion from Paradise but condemned him and his followers to Hell. Prophet Muhammad did not behave towards others as if he was better than they, nor did he spurn manual work.  One of his companions reported that Prophet Muhammad worked happily with servants or workers.

Leaders will be known by the tracks they leave behind, no matter how short their stay in power. Lukman advised his son to be humbly and not to crash into situations with heavy boots. Do not go about by blaring the sirens to intimidate and push others out of the road. Humility is the pathway to success. We hope they will show humility, patience, righteousness and mercy in their actions.