النص المفهرس

وَ لِسُلَيْمِنَ الرِّيْحَ عَاصِفَةَّ تَجْرِىٌ بِأَمْرِهٍ إِلَى الْأَرْضِ الَّتِىْ بُرَكْنَا فِيْهَا * وَكُنَّا بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِمِيْنَ (٨١)
TRANSLATION: And We placed the swift wind at the service of Sulaymaan v. By his
command, it carried him (within a short span of time) to the land that We had blessed
(Shaam). We have knowledge of all things (We always knew that these tremendous bounties
would not cause pride to creep into his heart).
Verses 12-13 of Surah Saba state:
وَ لِسُلَيْمِنَ الرِّيْحَ غُدُوُّبَا شَهْرٌ وَّ رَوَاحُهَا شَهْرٌ لَّ وَ آَسَلْنَا لَمَّ عَيْنَ الْقِطْرِ * وَ مِنَ الْجِنِّ مَنْ يَّعْمَلُ بَيْنَ يَدَيْمِ
بِذْنِ رَبِّم ٥* وَ مَنْ يَّزِعْ مِنْهُمْ عَنْ أَمْرِنَا نُذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابِ السَّعِيْرِ (١٢) يَعْمَلُوْنَ لَهَ مَا يَشَآءُ مِنْ مَّحَارِيْبَ وَ
تَمَاثِيلَ وَحِفَانٍ كَالْجَوَابِ وَ قُدُورٍ رُّسِيْتٍ ٥ * اِعْمَلُوا أَلَ دَاوَدَ شُكْرًا * وَ قَلِيلٌ مِّنْ عِبَادِىَ الشَّكُوْرُ (١٣)
TRANSLATION: We placed the wind at the service of Sulaymaan v (so that it blew at his
command). Its (distance of) travel (when transporting him) in the morning was (equal to the
distance usually covered in) a month's journey and its travel in the evening was (also equal to
the distance usually covered in) a month's journey (Sulaymaan u could therefore travel wherever
he wished at tremendous speed). We also caused a spring of (molten) copper to flow for him
(which he could use as he pleased without having to dig for it and melt it). There were those of the
Jinn who used to work before him by the command of his Rabb. Those of them (the Jinn)
who turned away from Our command (refusing to work for Sulaymaan v), We would make
them taste the punishment (which made use) of fire. As he (Sulaymaan v) pleased, they (the
Jinn) would construct for him huge buildings, sculptures, dishes the size of dams and large
pots which (were so heavy that they) could not be moved from their place. (Allaah addressed
the family of Dawood v saying,)"O family of Dawood! Express your thanks (to Me for the
favours I have given you). (Unfortunately,) Few of My bondsmen are thankful."
Verse 36 of Surah Saad states:
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فَسَخَّرْنَا لَمُ الرِّيْحَ تَجْرِئْ بِآَمْرِهِ رُخَاءً حَيْثُ أَصَابَ (٣٢)
TRANSLATION: So (in response to his du'aa) We placed the wind at his service, which would
blow gently by his command (transporting him) wherever he wished to go.
Allaah says in verse 82 of Surah Ambiya pul ale :
وَ مِنَ الشَّيْطِيْنِ مَنْ يَّغُوْصُوْنَ لَمْ وَ يَعْمَلُوْنَ عَمَلًا دُوْنَ ذُلِكَ نَّ وَكُنَّا لَهُمْ حُفِظِيْنَ (٨٢)
TRANSLATION: There were some Shayaateen (Jinn) who used to dive for him (to retrieve
pearls) and do other work for him (such as constructing large pots and buildings). It was We
Who kept them under control.
Verse 17 of Surah Naml states:
وَ حُشِرَ لِسُلَيْمِنَ جُنُودُهً مِنَ الْجِنِّ وَالْإِنْسِ وَالطَّيْرِ فَهُمْ يُؤْزَعُوْنَ (١٧)
Sulaymaan v's army of Jinn, men and birds were gathered for him (to march) and they
were (so many in number that they had to be) restrained (so that order may be maintained among
their ranks).
Verses 37-39 of Surah Saad states:
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وَالشَّيْطِيْنَ كُلَّ بَنَّاءٍ وَّ غَوَّاصٍ (٣٧) وَأَخَرِيْنَ مُقَرَّنِيْنَ فِى الْأَصْفَادِ (٣٨) بُذَا عَطَاؤُنَا فَامْنُنْ أَوْ أَمْسِكْ بِغَيْرٍ
حِسَابٍ (٣٩)
TRANSLATION: And (We also placed) the Shayaateen (at his service), who were builders and
divers (they dived for pearls and built large projects for him). Besides these (Shayaateen
who were builders and divers), there were others who were shackled in chains (for disobeying
Sulaymaan v and for committing other crimes). (After giving Sulaymaan u all these favours, Allaah
addressed him saying,) "This is Our gift, so spend (it as you wish) or withhold (as you wish)
without any accountability (for you have complete control over your wealth with none to answer
to)."
His Thoroughbred Horses
The Qur'aan narrates an incident in the life of Hadhrat Sulaymaan u in the
following words:
وَ وَبَبْنَا لِدَاوَدَ سُلَيْمُنَ ٥* نِعْمَ الْعَبْدُ ﴿ إِنَّمَّ أَوَّابٌ (٣٠٠) إِذْ عُرِضَ عَلَيْهِ بِالْعَشِىِّ الصُّفِئْتُ الْجِيَادُ (٣١) فَقَالَ
إِنَّى أَحْبَبْتُ حُبَّ الْخَيْرِ عَنْ ذِكْرِ رَبِّئْ نَّ حَتَّى تَوَارَتْ بِالْحِجَابِ (٣٢) رُدُّوْبَا عَلَىَّ ٥* فَطَفِقَ مَسْخًا بِالسُّوْقِ
وَالْأَعْنَاقِ (٣٣)
TRANSLATION: 30. We gifted Sulaymaan v (as a son) to Dawood v. A fine slave indeed! He
was certainly most penitent (always turning to Us). (It is worth mentioning the time) When
pure-bred horses of the finest calibre were presented before him one evening (for
inspection). (However, he was so enamoured by them and became so engrossed in inspecting them,
that he failed to realised that the sun had already set, causing him to miss his salaah.) (When he
realised his error,) He said, "Indeed, I have given preference to the wealth of this world (the
horses) over the remembrance of my Rabb (salaah) until it (the sun) hid (set) behind the veil
(horizon). (He then commanded his servants saying,) Return them (the horses) to me." He then
began to strike their legs and manes (their necks with his sword, thereby slaughtering them all.
He did this as an offering to Allaah to make amends for his mistake. Since eating horses was
permissible in his Shari'ah, he fed the meat to the people).
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A Hadith narrated by Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b t confirms that 'striking their manes
and legs" refers to passing a sword over them to sacrifice them.251 Imaam Suyuti
dil tas, had classified this Hadith as sound (Hasan).252
While some may find it strange that such fine horses are sacrificed merely on
account of an error. This is, however, not strange at all since there has been the
practice of sacrifice in all religions, which is regarded as an act of Ibaadah.
Although it is wasteful to kill animals for no reason, it is considered virtuous
when done for the pleasure of Allaah and the meat then given to the poor to eat.
It is even more virtuous when it is done to compensate for neglecting the
remembrance of Allaah. Such examples are found even in the Ahadeeth of
Rasulullaah p.
For example, Hadhrat Aa'isha que al gato, reports that Rasulullaah p once performed
salaah in a shawl that had been decorated and happened to glance once at the
decorations (during the salaah). After he had completed the salaah, he said,
"Take this to Abu Jahm and bring me his Ambijaani shawl (that has no
decorations) because this has distracted me from my salaah just now."
In a like manner, Hadhrat Abu Talha t was once performing salaah in his orchard
when the birds fluttering about in the dense growth distracted him from his
salaah, causing him to forget the number of Rakaahs he had performed. To
atone for this, he donated the entire orchard in the path of Allaah. When he
mentioned this to Rasulullaah p, the Nabi of Allaah p approved of his decision.
251
Tabraani.
252
Durrul Manthoor (Vol.5 Pg.309).
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This proves that it is in order to give away in the path of Allaah anything worldly
that has proven to be a distraction from the remembrance of Allaah. However, it
needs to be borne in mind that one should not be wasteful when doing so. It is
narrated that when the great Sufi Hadhrat Shibli alto, once burnt his clothing
because it had distracted him, another Sufi by the name of Sheikh Abdul
Wahhaab Sha'raani , disapproved of his action. 253
The Body
It is amongst the practices of Allaah to test people. When the righteous ones are
tested, the purpose of the test is to elevate their stages. There are other reasons
as well for such tests. The Qur'aan narrates a test that Hadhrat Sulaymaan u was
put through when a 'body was cast upon his throne'. He then turned to Allaah in
repentance. No further details are mentioned.
As stated earlier, the purpose of the narratives mentioned in the Qur'aan is not
mere entertainment, but to teach valuable lessons. It is with this objective that
incidents are sometimes narrated in detail, sometimes in brief and some of them
are often repeated.
Narrating this incident of Hadhrat Sulaymaan v, Allaah says:
وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا سُلَيْمُنَ وَ الْقَيْنَا عَلَى كُرْسِيِّ جَسَدًا ثُمَّ أَنَابَ (٣٣)
253
Ruhul Ma'aani.
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Verily We tested Sulaymaan v and cast a body on his throne, after which he turned (to Us
in repentance).254
The Mufassireen have adopted two stances with regard to the interpretation of
this verse. Some of them such as Allaama Ibn Katheer alda, and Ibn Hazam al das )
have stated that we need to confine ourselves to the context of the verse and
not formulate opinions beyond what is state din the verse. Therefore, all we
need to know is that Hadhrat Sulaymaan u was tested in a manner that involved
a body and his throne. We need not concern ourselves with what the body was,
what the reason was for it to be cast upon his throne or what the test really was.
What we do know is that he then turned to Allaah in repentance and Allaah
accepted his repentance.
However, other Mufassireen state when a military expedition sent by Hadhrat
Sulaymaan u returned unsuccessfully, he was extremely disappointed. He
thought to himself that he would cohabit with all of his wives that night and
father a son from each one of them so that each son would be a Mujaahid in the
path of Allaah. However, it displeased Allaah that Hadhrat Sulaymaan u had
forgotten to say "Inshaa Allaah", so Allaah did not bring his desire to pass.
Instead, only one of his wives conceived that night and Shari'ah gave birth to a
stillborn foetus. It was this foetus that was brought to him as he sat upon his
throne and referred to as the body cast upon his throne. When Hadhrat
Sulaymaan u realised his folly, he immediately repented to Allaah.
There is also a narration in Bukhaari and Muslim to this effect. Hadhrat
Abu Hurayrah t narrated from Rasulullaah p that Hadhrat Sulaymaan v
once resolved to cohabit with each of his seventy wives on a certain
night. He intended to father a dynamic horseman from each wife, all of
254 Surah Saad, verse 34.
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whom would be warriors in Jihaad. An angel (or advisor) who was with
him advised him to say "Inshaa Allaah" ("If Allaah wills"). However,
Hadhrat Sulaymaan v was determined and, although he knew within
his heart that everything occurs only with Allaah's will, he did not say
the words. It then transpired that only one of the wives conceived. She
finally bore only an unformed foetus, which lacked half of its torso.
After narrating the story, Rasulullaah p said, "If Sulaymaan u had said,
'Inshaa Allaah', he would have fathered seventy boys who would have
all fought in Jihaad. "255
Nonetheless, this incident is cited with the purpose of reminded the
faithful to immediately seek Allaah's pardon as soon as they commit an
error. Hadhrat Sulaymaan v's action teaches the Mu'mineen never to
treat their errors lightly and to seek Allaah's forgiveness as soon as
possible.
There are several other interpretations that have been cited, but these are based
on fallacious tales from the Jews and many amount to pure slander. The
Muhaddith Ibn Katheer ily and others have discounted these as mere tales that
are a waste of time to narrate. And Allaah knows best.
The Valley of Arts
It has been mentioned already that the ability to speak with and understand the
speech of the animals and insects is a gift that comes from Allaah and cannot be
learnt or acquired in any way. This was a miracle that Allaah blessed Hadhrat
Sulaymaan v and Hadhrat Dawood v with. They could engage in dialogue with
the birds and other creatures as simply as others would engage in dialogue with
humans.
Hadhrat Sulaymaan u regarded this to be a tremendous bounty from Allaah and
expressed gratitude for it. In fact, the name of the Surah in which he expresses
gratitude for this is Surah Naml (The Chapter of the Ant), which details the
incident of the conversation of the ants that Hadhrat Sulaymaan u overheard.
255 Bukhaari Vol.1 Pg.487.
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Some narrations state that there was once a drought which struck during the
time of Hadhrat Sulaymaan v. He therefore led the people out of the city to
perform the Istisqaa salaah (to make du'aa for rain). As he proceeded towards
an open field with the people, he noticed an ant with its forelegs extended
towards the sky as it made du'aa saying, "O Allaah! We are also Your creation
and in need of Your grace and mercy. Please do not destroy us by depriving us of
rain." When he heard this supplication, Hadhrat Sulaymaan u said to the people,
"You may all return home. Our work has been done by a little creature. Rains will
most certainly fall." 256
The Qur'aan relates an incident concerning the Valley of Ants, which occurred
during the time of Hadhrat Sulaymaan v. While the historian Ibn Batuta and
others have stated that this valley is located close to Asqalaan, majority of
historians are of the opinion that it was in Shaam.
Hadhrat Sulaymaan u was once marching with a large army of men, Jinn and
animals. Despite their large numbers and varying manners of marching because
of their differences, they maintained strict order in their ranks. As the passed
through a valley that was inhabited by ants, the leader of the ants shouted out to
the other ants to run for cover because the army should not trample them.
Hadhrat Sulaymaan u was amused by this action and expressed gratitude to
Allaah for allowing him the privilege of understanding the speech of all of
creation.
In the Words of the Qur'aan
256 Taareekh Ibn Katheer (Vol.2 Pg.2) and Tafseer Ibn Katheer (Vol.3 Pg.359).
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Narrating this incident in verses 15-19 of Surah Naml, Allaah says:
وَلَقَدْ أَتَّيْنَا دَاوُدَ وَ سُلَيْمُنَ عِلْمَا نَّ وَ قَالَا الْحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِى فَضَّلَنَا عَلَى كَثِيْرٍ مِّنْ عِبَادِهِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ (١٥) وَوَرِثَ
سُلَيْمِنُ دَاوُدَ وَ قَالَ يَأَيُّهَا النَّاسُ عُلِّمْنَا مَنْطِقَ الطَّيْرِ وَ أُوْتِيْنَا مِنْ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ بِ ﴿ إِنَّ بُذَا لَهُوَ الْفَضْلُ الْمُبِيْنُ (١٢) وَ
حُشِرَ لِسُلَيْمِنَ جُنُودُةً مِنَ الْجِنِّ وَالْإِنْسِ وَالطَّيْرِ فَهُمْ يُؤْزَ عُوْنَ (١٧) حَتَّى إِذَا آتَوْا عَلَى وَادِ الثَّمْلِ ﴿ قَالَتْ
نَمْلَةٌ يُّأَيُّهَا النَّمْلُ ادْخُلُوْا مَسْكِنَكُمْ وَّ لَا يَحْطِمَنَّكُمْ سُلَيْمنُ وَ جُنُوْدُهُ ﴿ وَ بُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُوْنَ (١٨) فَتَبَسَّمَ ضَاحِكًا مِّنْ
قَوْلِهَا وَ قَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِ عْنِى أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِى أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَىَّ وَ عَلَى وَالِدَىَّ وَ أَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضُهُ وَ
اَدْخِلْنِئْ بِرَحْمَتِکَ فِى عِبَادِکَ الصُّلِحِيْنَ (١٩)
TRANSLATION: Indeed We granted knowledge (of passing sound judgement) to Dawood v
and (his son) Sulaymaan v. They both said, "All praise is due to Allaah Who has favoured us
more than many of His bondsmen who have Imaan (by granting us prophethood, wisdom and
kingdom)." Sulaymaan v succeeded Dawood v (as Nabi and king of the Bani Israa'eel) and he
(once) said (to them), "O people! We (my father and I) have been taught the speech of the
birds and have been granted everything (that is granted to Ambiyaa and to kings). This is
certainly a manifest bounty." (One day) Sulaymaan v's army of Jinn, men and birds were
gathered for him (to march) and they were (so many in number that they had to be) restrained
(so that order may be maintained among their ranks). (They marched) Until, when they reached a
valley of ants, an ant announced, "O ants! Enter your dwellings so that Sulaymaan v and
his army (of men and Jinn) do not trample upon you without realising (that they are trampling
on you because you are almost invisible to them and they do not have knowledge of the unseen)."
(Amused at the intelligence of the ant,) He (Sulaymaan v) began to smile and then (inadvertently)
laughed at her (the ant's) speech saying, "O my Rabb! Allow me to express gratitude for
Your bounty (for enabling me to understand the language of the ants), which You have granted
me and my parents, and (allow me) to perform good actions that You are pleased with.
And, out of Your Mercy, include me among Your righteous bondsmen."
Hudbud and the Queen of Sala
The Qur'aan recounts a fascinating incident in some detail concerning Hadhrat
Sulaymaan v. Again, this incident highlights the tremendous bounties he was
blessed with. Hadhrat Sulaymaan u was once inspecting his army when he
noticed that a bird by the name of Hudhud was absent from the row of birds.
Hadhrat Sulaymaan u asked about his absence and made it clear that he would
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punish Hudhud severely if he did not have a legitimate excuse. It was then that
Hudhud arrived and explained that he had something to tell Hadhrat Sulaymaan
u that he had not heard about previously.
He related that he discovered that the people of Saba in Yemen were ruled by a
queen who had been blessed with tremendous wealth and who owned a throne
that was most elaborate. However, the queen and her people have been misled
by Shaytaan to worship sun instead of Allaah.
Hadhrat Sulaymaan u told Hudhud that he wished to send a letter to the queen,
which Hudhud would deliver and wait for a response. Hudhud took the letter
and dropped it in the lap of the queen when she was seated amongst her
ministers. The queen read the letter to her ministers to seek their counsel. She
said, "O ministers! An honourable letter has been thrown (given) to me. It is from
Sulaymaan and it says, `Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem ("I begin with the name of Allaah, the
Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.").' (It says further,)`Do not be arrogant against me (by
refusing to come) and come to me in submission (in obedience as Muslims)." (Sulaymaan u
summoned them so that he could convey to them the message of Towheed".
Historical accounts tell us that birds were commonly used in the past to carry
messages. These birds were well trained and were able to deliver the messages
to the correct addressees.
After reading the letter to her ministers, the queen assured that she would not
decide anything until they had first given their opinions. The ministers pledged
their loyalty to her and said that they were not intimidated and would be able to
fend off any attack. However, they left the final decision to her.
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Acknowledging that they were indeed capable of fending off an attack, the
queen decided to first ascertain the strength of Hadhrat Sulaymaan v. She
therefore sent her messengers with some very expensive gifts for Hadhrat
Sulaymaan v. With the excuse of delivering the gifts, she charged them with the
duty of judging the military strength of Hadhrat Sulaymaan v and also to find out
exactly what he wanted from them. If they discovered that he was indeed a
powerful foe, it would be futile to resist him since such kings usually ravage their
enemies and humiliate even the noble people. Opposing someone more
powerful than them would be a terrible loss of lives.
The ministers agreed with this ingenious plan of action since they also realised
that the person who sent the letter was not to be treated lightly. The letter
exuded awe and respect because of the following reasons:
1. It was delivered in an extraordinary manner and not by conventional
messengers
2. It was from the supreme king of Palestine and Shaam
3. It began with the name of Allaah and not with the name of the king, as was
the common practice
4. The concise text of the letter indicated that it was extremely important. The
words made it clear that since resistance would be futile, it was best for
them to surrender and come to meet him peacefully
The concluding words of the letter can be interpreted in two ways. It either
means that the queen and her people may surrender and come to Hadhrat
Sulaymaan u or that they accept the Deen of Islaam and come to him as
Muslims.
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Various historical reports list various types of gifts that were sent to Hadhrat
Sulaymaan v. Amongst these were:
· Bricks of gold
· Precious stones
. A hundred slave men
· A hundred slave women
. A letter from the queen with a few questions
However, Allaah notified Hadhrat Sulaymaan v about these gifts even before
they arrived. Hadhrat Sulaymaan u then instructed the Jinn to pave a path of
gold and silver for thirty miles before his court and to place animals of various
types upon both sides of the path. He also had his court specially decorated and
had four thousand gold chairs placed on the right and another four thousand on
the left. On one side, he had all his scholars seated and his ministers and
courtiers on the other side.
When the queen's messengers walked upon the pathway paved with bricks of
gold and silver, they were embarrassed with their meagre gifts. The rows of
various animals and birds that lined both sides of the pathway filled them with
awe for Hadhrat Sulaymaan v. However, their awe was soon replaced by
immense respect and love for Hadhrat Sulaymaan u when they met him and
experienced his humble and kind personality.
When they presented the gifts to him, Hadhrat Sulaymaan u told them that they
had misunderstood his message. While they thought that it was worldly wealth
that he was after, they should note that Allaah had blessed him with more than
everything they could ever hope to give him. He returned the gifts and made it
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clear to them that if they did not come in peace, he would have no option but to
march against them with an army that they had no defences against.
Upon their return to their queen, the messengers briefed her in detail about
Hadhrat Sulaymaan v and emphasised the fact that he had command over even
the Jinn and animal kingdom. Realising that resisting Hadhrat Sulaymaan v
would be suicide; the queen as well as her ministers decided to surrender and
left to meet him in Palestine. Historians state that the journey from Saba to
Palestine was more than 1500 miles. When the queen and her people were a day
or more away from Baytul Muqaddas, Allaah informed Hadhrat Sulaymaan v
about their imminent arrival.
A Giant of a Vinn
When he heard that they were about to arrive, Hadhrat Sulaymaan u summoned
his ministers and courtiers to a meeting. He informed them that he wished to
have her magnificent throne brought to him from Saba before she arrived. By
having this done, Hadhrat Sulaymaan u wished to prove to the people of Saba
that he was indeed the Nabi of Allaah to make his Da'wah to them more
convincing.
A giant from amongst the Jinn volunteered to bring the throne to Hadhrat
Sulaymaan u before their meeting ended, claiming that he was powerful enough
and trustworthy enough to fulfil the task. However, one of the people there who
was blessed with knowledge claimed that he would be able to accomplish the
task before Hadhrat Sulaymaan u could blink his eye. True to his word, the
throne was there in front of Hadhrat Sulaymaan u in an instant. When he saw
this, Hadhrat Sulaymaan u praised Allaah for this favour and stated that such
occurrences take place to test whether people will be grateful to Allaah or not.
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The Qur'aan does not explicitly state who the man was who brought the throne.
The Qur'aan merely describes him as "Someone who possessed knowledge of the
Book". There are no references from authentic Ahadeeth proving his identity
either. Some scholars state that he was a companion of Hadhrat Sulaymaan u
who had been granted some exclusive knowledge of a particular book, which
enables him to accomplish this feat. Others state that he may have been a pious
Jinn who knew the Ismul A'zam, which is the name of Allaah by which any
supplication is answered. Some state that he was an angel who used to
accompany Hadhrat Sulaymaan v. Another opinion states that he was one of
Hadhrat Sulaymaan u's advisors by the name of Aasif bin Burkhiyyah.
Whoever, he was, the fact of the matter is that no being, regardless of his
strength and power, could transport a throne that large and elaborate over a
distance of more than 1500 miles in such a short space of time. Furthermore, the
throne was bound to be very securely guarded, even in the queen's absence. In
fact, this feat cannot even be accomplished by the fastest jets and rockets of
today's' times. There is no doubt that it could occur only by the help of Allaah.
After he expressed gratitude to Allaah, Hadhrat Sulaymaan v instructed his men
to alter the appearance of the throne somewhat so that the queen had to guess
whether the throne was really hers. When she realised that it really was her
throne, she would be convinced that Hadhrat Sulaymaan u must well be the
Nabi of Allaah.
When the queen finally arrived, she was shown the throne and asked whether
hers was the same. Being an intelligent woman, she gave a wise reply and said
that the throne appears to be hers. Although it appeared to be exactly like hers,
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she did not commit herself to say yes because of the alterations that had been
done. She then continued to say that their investigations before arriving had
determined that Hadhrat Sulaymaan u was indeed the Nabi of Allaah and they
were prepared to submit to him.
While the Qur'aan reveals that she was indeed an intelligent woman, but had
been worshipping the sun because she lived amongst people who had been
doing it all along. The customs and traditions of a nation usually suppress the
independent thought processes of people, causing them to flow with the
current.
The Glass Palace
Together with proving to the queen that he was the Nabi of Allaah, Hadhrat
Sulaymaan u also wished to demonstrate to her his power as a sovereign so that
she may not regard herself to be in a superior worldly position. He therefore
commissioned the Jinn to construct a magnificent palace out of crystal glass. At
the entrance to the palace, he had a pond built with fish in it. He then had a floor
of glass built over the pond with such clear crystal that it was invisible to the eye.
It would therefore appear to a new arrival that he had to cross through the pond
to enter the palace.
When the queen was asked to enter the palace, she thought that she had to pass
through the water, so she lifted her dress up to her shins before passing through.
Hadhrat Sulaymaan u then told her that this was not necessary because she
would be crossing over sheer glass. This incident proved to be the final eye-
opener for her before she attested to her Imaan. The other eye-openers for her
were:
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1. The letter of Hadhrat Sulaymaan v, which was unlike the letters of other
kings since it started with the name of Allaah
2. When he returned the gifts, she realised that he was not interested in
worldly wealth
3. The news that her messengers brought to her revealed what the personality
and piety of Hadhrat Sulaymaan u was like
4. The fact that he got her throne from Saba so quickly made her realise that he
must be having the power of Allaah on his side
5. When she saw that Hadhrat Sulaymaan u was so grateful to Allaah despite
the power and riches that he had at his command, she was forced to
exclaim, "O my Rabb! I have surely oppressed my soul (by worshipping the sun).
(However,) I (now) submit with Sulaymaan v to Allaah, the Rabb of the universe"
The Qur'aan has related this incident with such comprehensiveness that the
element of a lesson is found together with the fundamental details.
In the Words of the Qur'an
Allaah says in verses 20-44 of Surah Naml:
وَ تَفَقَّدَ الطَّيْرَ فَقَالَ مَا لِىَ لَا آَرَى الْهُدْبُدَ ى أَمْ كَانَ مِنَ الْغَائِبِيْنَ (٢٠) لَأُعَذِّبَنَّمْ عَذَابًا شَدِيْدًا أَوْ لَاَ اذْبَحَنَّمْ
أَوْ لَيَأْتِيَنِّيْ بِسُلْطَنٍ مُّبِينٍ (٢١) فَمَکَثَ غَيْرَ بَعِيْدٍ فَقَالَ أَحَطْتُ بِمَا لَمْ تُحِطْ بِهِ وَ جِئْتُكَ مِنْ سَبٍَ بِنَبَايَّقِيْنِ (٢٢)
إِنِّى وَجَدْتُ امْرَأَةً تَمْلِكُهُمْ وَ أُوْتِيَتْ مِنْ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَّ لَهَا عَرْشٌ عَظِيمٌ (٢٣) وَ جَدْتُّهَا وَ قَوْمَهَا يُسْجُدُوْنَ لِلشَّمْسِ
مِنْ دُوْنِ اللهِ وَ زَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الشَّيْطِنُ أَعْمَالَهُمْ فَصَدَّبُمْ عَنِ السَّبِيْلِ فَهُمْ لَا يَهْتَدُوْنَ (٢٣) آَلَّا يَسْجُدُوْا لِلِهِ الَّذِى
يُخْرِجُ الْخَبْءَ فِى السَّمُوتِ وَ الْأَرْضِ وَ يَعْلَمُ مَا تُخْفُوْنَ وَمَا تُعْلِنُوْنَ (٢٥) اللّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّ بُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ
الْعَظِيْمِ (٢٢) قَالَ سَنَنْظُرُ أَصَدَقْتَ آَمْ كُنْتَ مِنَ الْكَذِبِيْنَ (٢٧) إِذْبَتْ بِّكِتُبِئْ بُذَا فَلْقِهُ إِلَتِهِمْ ثُمَّ تَوَلَّ عَنْهُمْ فَانْظُرْ
مَاذَا يَرْجِعُوْنَ (٢٨) قَالَتْ يَأَيُّهَا الْمَلَؤُا إِنِّىْ أَلْقِىَ إِلَىَّ كِتُبٌ كَرِيمٌ (٢٩) إِنَّهْ مِنْ سُلَيْمُنَ وَ إِنَّهُ بِسْمِ اللهِ
الرَّحْمنِ الرَّ حِيمِ (٣٠) اَلَّا تَعْلُوْا عَلَىَّ وَآتُوْنِيْ مُسْلِمِيْنَ (٣١) قَالَتْ يَأَيُّهَا الْمَلَوُا أَفْتُوْنِى فِى أَمْرِئْ نَّ مَا
كُنْتُ قَاطِعَةً أَمْرًا حَتَّى تَشْهَدُوْنِ (٣٢) قَالُوْا نَحْنُ أُولُوا قُوَّةٍ وَّ أُولُوا بَآسٍ شَدِيْدٍ ، وَ الْأَمْرُ إِلَيْكِ فَانْظُرِى
مَاذَا تَأْمُرِيْنَ (٣٣) قَالَتْ إِنَّ الْمُلُوْكَ إِذَا دَخَلُوا قَرْيَةً أَفْسَدُوْبَا وَجَعَلُوْا أَعِزَّةَ أَبْلِهَا آَذِلَّةَّ ◌َّ وَكَذُلِكَ يَفْعَلُوْنَ
(٣٣) وَ إِنِّىْ مُرْسِلَةٌ إِلَّتِهِمْ بِهَدِيَّةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ بِمَ يَرْجِعُ الْمُرْسَلُوْنَ (٣٥) فَلَمَّا جَاءَ سُلَيْمُنَ قَالَ آتُّمِنُّوْنَنِ بِمَالٍ ٥
فَمَاَ أَتْنََّ اللهُ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّا أَتُكُمْ وَّ بَلْ أَنْتُمْ بِهَدِيَّتِكُمْ تَفْرَحُوْنَ (٣٢) اِرْجِعْ إِلَيْهِمْ فَلَنَّأْتِيَنَّهُمْ بِجُنُوْدٍ لَّا قِبَلَ لَهُمْ بِهَا
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وَ لَنُخْرِجَنَّهُمْ مِّنْهَا آَذِلَّةً وَّ بُمْ صَغِرُوْنَ (٣٧) قَالَ يَأَيُّهَا الْمَلَّوُا آَيُّكُمْ يَأْتِيْنِىْ بِعَرْشِهَا قَبْلَ أَنْ يَّأْتُوْنِى مُسْلِمِيْنَ
(٣٨) قَالَ عِفْرِيْتٌ مِّنَ الْجِنِّ أَنَا أَتِيْكَ بِ قَبْلَ أَنْ تَقُوْمَ مِنْ مَّقَامِكَ نَّ وَ إِنَّى عَلَيْهِ لَقَوِىٌّ آَمِيْنٌ (٣٩) قَالَ
الَّذِىْ عِنْدَةً عِلْمٌ مِّنَ الْكِتُبِ أَنَا أَتِيْكَ بِم قَبْلَ أَنْ يَّرْتَدَّ إِلَيْکَ طَرْفُكَ ٥* فَلَمَّا رَأْهُ مُسْتَقِرًّا عِنْدَةً قَالَ بُذَا مِنْ
فَضْلِ رَبِّى نَّ لِيَبْلُوَنِى ءَ أَشْكُرُ أَمْ أَكْفُرُ ن* وَمَنْ شَكَرَ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِم ◌َ وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ رَبِّی غَنِىٌّ كَرِيمٌ
(٣٠) قَالَ نَكِّرُوا لَهَا عَرْشَهَا نَنْظُرْ آَتَبْتَدِىْ أَمْ تَكُوْنُ مِنَ الَّذِيْنَ لَا يَهْتَدُوْنَ (٣١) فَلَمَّا جَاءَتْ قِيْلَ أَبْكَذَا
عَرْشُكِ ٥* قَالَتْ كَأَنَّهُ بُوَ نَّ وَ أُوْتِيْنَا الْعِلْمَ مِنْ قَبْلِهَا وَكُنَّا مُسْلِمِيْنَ (٣٢) وَ صَدَّبَا مَا كَانَتْ تَّعْبُدُ مِنْ دُوْنِ اللهِ
٥﴿إِنَّهَا كَانَتْ مِنْ قَوْمٍ كُفِرِيْنَ (٢٣) قِيلَ لَهَا ادْخُلِى الصَّرْحَ نَّ فَلَمَّا رَأَتْهُ حَسِبَتْهُ لُجَّةً وَّكَشَفَتْ عَنْ سَاقَيْهَا ﴾
قَالَ إِنَّمْ صَرْحٌ مُّمَرَّدٌ مِّنْ قَوَارِيْرَ ٥٥* قَالَتْ رَبِّ إِنِّى ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِى وَ أَسْلَمْتُ مَعَ سُلَيْمنَ لِلهِ رَبِّ الْعَلَمِيْنَ
(٪٣٣)
TRANSLATION: When he (Sulaymaan v) inspected (took count of) the birds (of his army and
could not find a bird called Hudhud) he said, "Why do I not see Hudhud (the hoopoe bird)? Is he
among the absentees?" (When Sulaymaan v discovered that Hudhud was absent without leave, he
said,)"I shall surely punish him severely or slaughter him unless he comes to me with a
proper explanation." It was only a short while thereafter when Hudhud (arrived and,
presenting his reason for being away, he) said, "I have knowledge of something about which
you have no knowledge. I have just returned from Saba (Sheba, a place in Yemen) with
confirmed (true/accurate) news. I have discovered that a woman (a queen) rules over them
(the people of Saba) who has been given everything (that other rulers have). (In addition to this,)
She also has a magnificent (beautifully decorated) throne. I found her and her people
prostrating to (worshipping) the sun instead of Allaah. Shaytaan has (tremendously)
beautified their actions (Shirk and sin) for them and (thereby deceptively) prevented them
from the right path (from worshipping Allaah), because of which they are not rightly guided
(and are steeped in Shirk). They do not prostrate before Allaah, Who can expose the hidden
things in the heavens and the earth, and who knows what you hide and what you disclose
(and Who is therefore most worthy of being worshipped). Allaah is the One besides Whom there
is no other Ilaah. He is the Rabb of the glorious throne (which is far superior to any throne of
this world)." He (Sulaymaan v) said (to Hudhud), "We shall soon see whether you have spoken
the truth or whether you are from the liars. Take this letter of mine and throw it to them.
Then turn away from them (out of sight but within earshot) and see what reply they give."
(When Hudhud dropped the letter into the queen's lap, she opened it, read its contents and) She
said, "O ministers! An honourable letter has been thrown (given) to me. It is from
Sulaymaan and it says, 'Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem ("I begin with the name of Allaah, the
Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.").' (It says further,)`Do not be arrogant against me (by
refusing to come) and come to me in submission (obedience)." (Sulaymaan u summoned them so
that he could convey to them the message of Towheed.) She said, "O ministers! Advise me in my
matter, for I shall never decide any matter until you are present with me (until I have your
support)." They replied, "We are people of great might and fierce fighters (and are therefore
prepared to fight Sulaymaan), but (ultimately) the decision rests with you. Therefore you
decide what commands you wish to issue (We will support you in any decision you take)." She
said, "Verily when kings enter any town (as victors), they ruin it and humiliate (abuse) its
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noble people. This is what they (Sulaymaan v and his army) will do (should we fail to conquer
them). (Let us therefore take no drastic action until we ascertain their strength and know whether
Sulaymaan v is a Nabi or just another king. To discover all of this,) I shall send a gift to them and
then see with what (news) the messengers (taking the gift) return (If Sulaymaan u refuses to
accept the gift, he must certainly be a Nabi, otherwise not)." When the (queen's) messenger came
to Sulaymaan v (with the gift), he (Sulaymaan v) said, "Do you wish to assist (bribe) me with
wealth? (I have no need for your wealth because) What (wealth) my Rabb has given me is
better than what He has given you. It is you people who are pleased about your gift
(because you have love for the treasures of this world, while I do not. I do not want your wealth, but
desire that you become Mu'mineen)." (Addressing the queen's messengers, Sulaymaan u said,)
"Return to them (with the gift). (Tell them that if they refuse to submit,) We shall certainly
march against them with an army (so powerful) that they will have no defence against. We
shall then certainly (have no option but to) expel them from there (from Saba) in shame,
while they are humbled (defeated)." (When the message reached the queen and her people, they
decided to comply with Sulaymaan v's instruction and they left for his kingdom.) (Meanwhile) He
(Sulaymaan v) said, "O courtiers! Which of you can bring her throne to me before they
come to us in submission?" A giant of the Jinn said, "I shall bring it to you before you
stand up from your place (after terminating this gathering). Indeed I am strong (capable) and
trustworthy (reliable and honest) for such a task (I shall not betray your trust)." (However,)
Someone (whose identity cannot be proven beyond doubt) who possessed knowledge of the
Book (the Zaboor) said, "(Before you stand up from your place is a long time because) I shall bring
it to you before you can even blink your eye." (True to his word, the throne was present before
the batting of an eye and) When he (Sulaymaan v) saw it placed firmly in his presence, he
said, "This is from the grace (favours) of my Rabb to test whether I will be grateful or
ungrateful. Whoever is grateful shows gratitude only for his own good (because he will
receive the benefit of showing gratitude). (On the other hand,) Whoever is ungrateful, then
indeed my Rabb is Independent (not in need of his gratitude), Bountiful (and can easily bestow
the same favours on others)." He (Sulaymaan v) said, "Disguise her throne for her so that we
may see whether she is rightly guided (whether she is intelligent enough to recognise her
throne) or from among those who are not guided aright (in this manner, it may be ascertained
whether she will be able to understand the message of Towheed or not)." When she arrived, she
was asked, "Is your throne something like this?" She replied, "It seems like this is the
very one. We were informed from before (we arrived that you are Allaah's Rasool) and (we had
therefore already) submitted." (The above proved that she was an intelligent woman, but) What
she worshipped instead of Allaah (her involvement in worshipping the sun) had prevented her
(from worshipping Allaah). She (had grown accustomed to worshipping the sun because she) was
from a nation of Kaafiroon (and had not received the message of Towheed earlier). (To prove to
her that man cannot depend only on his intelligence and senses and needs divine guidance,) She
was told, "Enter the palace." When she saw it (the glass palace built over water), she thought
it was a pool of deep water and exposed her calf (as she lifted her dress to wade through the
water). He (Sulaymaan v) said (to her), " (This is not a pool of water but) It is a palace that is
(meticulously) constructed from (an array of clear) glass (built over water, which is so clear that
the glass is almost invisible and only the water can be seen)." (Realising that she needed guidance
from Allaah) She said, "O my Rabb! I have surely oppressed my soul (by worshipping the sun
which, according to my intelligence and senses, seemed to be the greatest power). (However,) I
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(now) submit with Sulaymaan v to Allaah, the Rabb of the universe (because I realise that my
intelligence and my senses alone cannot tell me everything and often deceives me)."
Marriage to the Queen
The Qur'aan ends the story at this juncture and does not state any more.
Authentic Ahadeeth also provide no further details. When someone asked the
renowned Muhaddith Hadhrat Ibn Uyaynah alto, whether Hadhrat Sulaymaan u
married the queen of Saba, he replied that since the Qur'aan ended the story
with her words "I submit with Sulaymaan v to Allaah, the Rabb of the universe", we
need not delve any further into the subject.
The Muhaddith Ibn Asaakirail dan, has narrated from Hadhrat Ikramah al das, that
Hadhrat Sulaymaan u did marry her and then send her back as governor over her
area. He then occasionally visited her in Yemen, where he had three palaces built
for her just like his own. And Allaah knows best.
Haaroot and Maaroot
During the time of Hadhrat Sulaymaan v, the Bani Israa'eel believed that the Jinn
possessed knowledge of the unseen. They were also misled by the Shayaateen to
believe that Hadhrat Sulaymaan u wielded command over the Jinn and other
creation because his powers of witchcraft. When he learnt about this, Hadhrat
Sulaymaan v collected all the manuscript of witchcraft and had then buried
beneath his throne so that no one would dare to get them. He also issued a
decree stating that he would execute anyone who practised witchcraft or who
believed that the Jinn possess knowledge of the unseen. However, the Jinn
retrieved these manuscripts after Hadhrat Sulaymaan u passed away and used
this to spread the rumour that Hadhrat Sulaymaan u was indeed a witchcraft
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practitioner. It was then the Jinn taught witchcraft to the people and the practice
of magic started to become rife amongst people.
Without a Nabi to guide them, the Bani Israa'eel fell deep into witchcraft and
were convinced that the Jinn possessed knowledge of the unseen. Allaah then
sent two angels to them, called Haaroot and Maaroot. These two angels had
knowledge of the secrets of certain names of Allaah in the Torah, which had
tremendous effects. However, unlike witchcraft, the effects caused by these
pure names of Allaah were devoid of any evil. By teaching these names of Allaah
to the Bani Israa'eel, the people were capable of differentiating between what
was pure and what was witchcraft. The angels made it clear to the Bani Israa'eel
that since they had been taught to tell the difference, they would be guilty of
Kufr if they ever reverted back to witchcraft. The coming of the angels was
therefore a test for the people to ascertain whether it would be the pure
teachings of the Torah that they will follow or the vile teachings of the
Shayaateen. However, the Bani Israa'eel failed the test and started to employ
the new knowledge for their ulterior and evil gains.
The Qur'aan and Ahadeeth do not speak of the famous story of Zuhra, which
contains some details of Haaroot and Maaroot. Allaama Ibn Katheer aldus, and
other scholars have stated that this story is amongst the many Israelite stories
narrated by Hadhrat Ka'b Ahbaar and which then became popular amongst the
Muslims. They have no source in the Ahadeeth. 257
In the Words of the Qur'aan
Relating the incident of Haaroot and Maaroot, verses 101-103 of Surah Baqarah
state:
257
Tafseer Ibn Katheer (Vol.1 Pg.141).
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