Surah Luqman (31) — Ayah 15

(Ayah 15) ➊ { وَ اِنْ جَاهَدٰكَ عَلٰۤى اَنْ تُشْرِكَ بِيْ …:} After emphasizing good conduct with parents, an exception is made here: if they urge you to associate partners with Me, then no matter how much pressure they exert, do not obey them. The same point is mentioned in the eighth verse of Surah Al-Ankabut. The only difference is that there it is {’’ وَ اِنْ جَاهَدٰكَ عَلٰۤى اَنْ تُشْرِكَ بِيْ ‘‘} and here it is {’’ عَلٰۤى اَنْ تُشْرِكَ بِيْ ‘‘}. In the word {’’ عَلٰۤى ‘‘}, there is more force than in “lam,” which is why the commentary hints at this with the words “no matter how much pressure they exert.” In Surah Al-Ankabut, the mention is of trial, which can come from parents through pleading and gentleness, or through harshness, through coaxing or neglect, or even through force, power, and compulsion. Despite the utmost efforts by parents to make one commit shirk, the command is not to obey them, even if the matter reaches the sword or gun. Lesser efforts are automatically included in this. Then, when it is not permissible to obey the greatest benefactors after Allah in opposition to His command, then what status does anyone else have that they should be obeyed? Whether a relative or friend, a spiritual guide or a poor person, an imam or a ruler, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: [ لَا طَاعَةَ لِمَخْلُوْقٍ فِيْ مَعْصِيَةِ الْخَالِقِ ] [ المعجم الکبیر للطبراني: 60/13، ح : ۱۴۷۹۵ ] “There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator.” See also the commentary of Surah Al-Ankabut (8).
➋ { وَ صَاحِبْهُمَا فِي الدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوْفًا :} It was possible that someone might understand from this that in the case of parents being polytheists or trying to make one commit shirk, one should sever all ties with them. Therefore, it is said that as long as they are alive, in matters not related to religion, live with them in a good manner. For example, take care of their needs for food, drink, clothing, shelter, and treatment, speak to them with gentleness and love, and bear their anger and bitterness. If this is the command regarding polytheist parents, then how much greater is the right of believing parents!
➌ { وَ اتَّبِعْ سَبِيْلَ مَنْ اَنَابَ اِلَيَّ :} In this sentence, it is again emphasized that while living with them in a good manner in worldly matters, be careful that you do not become compromising to the extent that you start following them in religious matters as well. No, the path to follow is that of those who turn to Me and who follow only My guidance and direction. This is the path only of those who follow the Qur’an and Hadith, because these are the only two things revealed by Allah. To follow the opinion or analogy of someone upon whom no revelation comes from Allah is not following {’’ سَبِيْلَ مَنْ اَنَابَ اِلَيَّ ‘‘}, because to seek guidance from him is not turning to Allah but to other than Allah, as He said: «{ اِتَّبِعُوْا مَاۤ اُنْزِلَ اِلَيْكُمْ مِّنْ رَّبِّكُمْ وَ لَا تَتَّبِعُوْا مِنْ دُوْنِهٖۤ اَوْلِيَآءَ }» [ الأعراف : ۳ ] “Follow what has been revealed to you from your Lord and do not follow other friends besides Him.”
➍ { ثُمَّ اِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَاُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُوْنَ :} The force of rebuke in “I will tell you” is greater than in “I will reward you.”

15-1. That is, the path of the believers.
15-2. That is, follow those who turn towards Me, because ultimately all of you have to return to My presence, and it is only from Me that everyone will receive the reward for their good or bad deeds. If you follow My path and live your life remembering Me, then it is hoped that on the Day of Resurrection you will be successful in My court; otherwise, you will be seized by My punishment. The context was related to the advices of Hazrat Luqman. Now, again, those same advices are being mentioned which Luqman gave to his son. In the two intervening verses, Allah, the Exalted, has, as a parenthetical statement, emphasized kindness to parents. One reason for this is that Luqman did not give this advice to his son because there was his own personal interest involved. The second is to make it clear that after the oneness and worship of Allah, serving and obeying parents is necessary. The third is that shirk is such a great sin that even if parents command it, their word should not be obeyed.

15. But if they strive to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge [19], do not obey them. Yet, keep good company with them in this world, but follow the way of the one who turns to Me [20]. Then to Me [21] will be your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.

[19] For the explanation of ﴿السماء﴾, see the footnote number 12 of Surah Ankabut, verse number 8.
[20] That is, even if the parents compel you towards shirk or anything against the religion, their word cannot be accepted in opposition to the command of Allah. However, in worldly matters, good treatment should be shown to them, even if the parents are disbelievers. For example, if they are in need, they should be given financial assistance. And in matters other than religion, their obedience should be maintained. Their respect and honor should be observed. They should be treated with love and kindness, etc. But this is the path of the sincere servants of Allah. Therefore, only this path should be adopted.
[21] That is, both parents and children, all will be presented before Me. I will inform everyone who was excessive and who was deficient.