The Story of Prophet Luqman (AS) and the WaterMelon
Prophet Luqman (AS) had such great love for the Almighty Allah (SWT), that it created high moral character and exemplary habits within him. This was a clear sign of his nobility and nearness to Allah (SWT) The details which described in Chapter Luqman (AS) in the Holy Qur’an.
He used to be in the employment of a rich man. The nobility of Luqman (AS)’s character had a great effect on his master, so much so that the master considered him as a great friend and a beloved companion. Although he was the master, yet in fact the master became like a slave to his employee.
It became the practice of the master, that whenever he had something special to eat, he would first feed Luqman (AS) from it and after Luqman (AS), had filled himself, he would eat the leftovers. Luqman (AS) would consider the love of the master and his habit, so he would eat moderately and send what was leftover to the master.
One day during the watermelon season, the master received a melon from somewhere. At that time, Luqman (AS) was not present. The master sent one of his slaves to go and call him. When Luqman (AS) arrived, the master cut the melon into slices and slice-by-slice started giving thereof to Luqman (AS) to eat. As he ate the slices, the master inwardly became pleased at the effect his love was having upon Luqman (AS).
Luqman (AS) ate the slices with great pleasure and all the time expressed thanks for the favor shown to him by the master. After having eaten the slices, when just one slice remained, the master said: “Let me eat this slice and see how sweet is this melon.” Saying this, he put the slice into his mouth.
Immediately, such bitterness spread from the tip of his tongue down to his throat, that as a result of the extreme bitterness of the melon, he fell down unconscious and remained unconscious for one whole hour.
When he regained his consciousness, he questioned Luqman (AS): “O beloved one! How did you manage to so heartily eat those slices of melon? Just one slice of the melon had such an effect on me, then how did you manage to eat so many slices? Luqman (AS) replied:
“O friend! from your hands I have received hundreds of gifts. The burden of thanks upon me is so great, that my back has gone crooked. Hence, I felt ashamed that by the hand that had granted me so much favors, if one day some distastefulness or bitterness should come, how could I turn away from it? O friend, the pleasure of knowing that it comes from your hands has changed the bitterness of the melon to sweetness!”
Lesson:
At every given moment there are numerous bounties and favors of Allah (SWT) upon mankind. But if ever for a moment some such incident takes place, which brings with it a problem and outwardly causes some difficulty, man loses patience and fails to be grateful. On the other hand, there are those who are granted understanding, so that when sorrows and difficulties touch them, they remain happy, pleased and grateful to their Lord. At times, they draw strength from their good understanding and realize that this world is like a hospital and we are like patients in it. There are times when the doctor gives the patient “sweet” medicine and at other times “bitter” medicine. However, in both these, there are beneficial results for the patient.
Similarly, Almighty Allah (SWT) is the All-Wise “Al-Hakeem” and at the same time is the Ruler “Haakim”. He is also the Merciful one “Ar-Raheem”. Hence, whether it brings comfort or discomfort, all these are for our benefit and interest. A lesson for ALL of us is to be Grateful and Thankful under ALL circumstances and conditions to the Almighty Allah (SWT).
