Indexed OCR Text

The Ambiyaa Jul Ace Of the Bani Israa'eel followed the teachings of the Torah,
which was the fundamental scripture revealed to them. However, as times and
situations changed, Allaah revealed the Zaboor to Hadhrat Dawood v, which
contained injunctions like the Torah, but with extra details and a large
proportion devoted to the praises of Allaah. Allaah also blessed him with such a
melodious voice that when he recited the Zaboor, humans, Jinn, birds and even
the animals in the wild were moved by it. Some narrations of Ahadeeth state
that even the waters of the rivers and seas stooped when he recited it at their
banks.
The Musannaf of Abdur Razzaaq and other compilations of Ahadeeth narrate
that when Rasulullaah p heard Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari t reciting the
Qur'aan, he told Hadhrat Abu Moosa t that he had been blessed with some part
of the voice of Hadhrat Dawood v.
The word Zaboor means 'a part' because it was essentially a supplement to the
Torah. The subject matter of the Zaboor consisted largely of hymns and poems
in praise of Allaah together with advices, and it also highlights the dependence of
mankind upon Allaah. A narration of Ahmad states that it was revealed in
Ramadhaan and contained many words of advice and wisdom.
It also contained some glad tidings for Rasulullaah p and the Ambiyaa pul mic, as
stated in the verse, "Without doubt, We have already written in the Zaboor after the
reminder (the Torah) that My pious bondsmen shall inherit the land (of Jannah)" .232
232
Surah Ambiyaa عليهم السلام , verse 105.
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A narration of Bukhaari states that Hadhrat Dawood v was given the miraculous
ability to recite all of the Zaboor so quickly that he would commence recitation
when started to saddle his horse and complete the recitation when the saddling
was complete.
Command over Animals and Jim
Allaah had granted unique capabilities to various Ambiyaa >ud) peale that distinguishes
them from others. Allaah says, "We have given excellence to some of these Rusul over
others".233 Hadhrat Dawood v was therefore also granted certain attributes that
were granted to very few Ambiyaa pull make .
Amongst the attributes he was favoured with was his beautiful voice. When he
recited the Zaboor, the birds, animals would gather and join him. In fact, the
Qur'aan states that even mountains would join in chorus. The Tasbeeh and Dhikr
made by the other forms of Allaah's creation are a reality, which Allaah refers to
in the verse:
تُسَبِّحُ لَهُ السَّمُوتُ السَّبْعُ وَ الْأَرْضُ وَ مَنْ فِيْهِنَّ * وَ إِنْ مِّنْ شَىْءٍ إِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِهٍ وَلَكِنْ لَا تَفْقَهُوْنَ تَسْبِيْحَهُمْ
٥﴿ إِنَّمَ كَانَ حَلِيْمًا غَفُورًا (٣٣)
TRANSLATION: The seven heavens and earth together with whatever (creation) is within
them glorify Him. There is nothing that does not glorify His praises, but you do not
understand their glorification (even matter that seems inanimate to us humans glorify Allaah
without us realising it). Undoubtedly He is Most Forbearing, Most Forgiving.234
233
Surah Baqarah, verse 253.
234
Surah Bani Israa'eel, verse 44.
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This verse answers the question of why we humans do not seem to hear the
Tasbeeh of other creation. The fact is that we do not understand the nature of
this, just as we do not understand the nature of the martyrs being alive after
they are martyred.
In his book Al Fasl, Allaama Ibn Hazamail ., has highlighted a doubt concerning
the fact that if the term "whatever (creation) is within them" is general, then even an
atheist ought to be included. How is this possible when such people never glorify
Allaah? The reply is quite simple. If we read the context of the verse, it will be
noticed that the verse tells us that apart from the people who refuse to
acknowledge the glory of Allaah, everything in the heavens and earth glorify
Allaah. The doubt is therefore not valid.
The Tasbeeh (glorification that is carried out by all of creation) as mentioned in
this verse refers to literal Tasbeeh and need not be interrelated figuratively. The
fact that we do not perceive this Tasbeeh is merely because we have not been
endowed with the faculties to understand them. However, Allaah has blessed
Ambiyaa pull & like Hadhrat Dawood v with the faculty to do so. He was therefore
capable of physically hearing their Tasbeeh.
Modern day science has made it evident that what people traditionally regarded
as inanimate are really living creatures. It is therefore not impossible for them to
engage in Tasbeeh even though they do not articulate it in words as we do. The
narrations of Ahadeeth make mention of the trees and stones that the Sahabah
y heard making Tasbeeh when they were with Rasulullaah p. The weeping of the
pillar in the Masjidun Nabawi was also a sign of life in seemingly lifeless objects
and it is also reported that Rasulullaah p spoke to some animals.
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In the Words of the Qur'aan
Allaah says in verse 79 of Surah Ambiya pul ale :
وَ سَخَّرْنَا مَعَ دَاوَدَ الْجِبَالَ يُسَبِّحْنَ وَ الطَّيْرَ * وَكُنَّا فَعِلِيْنَ (٧٩)
TRANSLATION: We placed the mountains and birds at Dawood v's service and they all
engaged in Allaah's glorification (with him). We are the ones Who can do (Who can make
such things possible).
Verse 10 of Surah Saba states:
وَلَقَدْ أَنَّيْنَا دَاوَدَ مِنَّا فَضْلًا * يُحِبَالُ أَوِّبِى مَعَرَ وَالطَّيْرَ ةَ
TRANSLATION: Verily, We granted Dawood v a great bounty from Us (referring to his
prophethood or the Zaboor). (Addressing the mountains, We said,) "O mountains! Repeat (the
Tasbeeh) with Dawood" and the birds (were also given this command).
Verses 18-19 of Surah Saad states:
إِنَّا سَخَّرْنَا الْجِبَالَ مَعَهَ يُسَبِّحْنَ بِالْعَشِىِّ وَ الْإِشْرَاقِ (١٨) وَالطَّيْرَ مَحْشُوْرَةً كُلٌّ لَّمَّ أَوَّابٌ (١٩)
TRANSLATION: Verily, We subjugated (placed at his command) the mountains that would
glorify Allaah (engage in Tasbeeh) with him by evening and at daybreak. We also placed the
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birds at his service, who all gathered together (at his command when it was time to engage in
Tasbeeh). They all turned towards Him (Allaah).
Iron
Despite the fact that the kingdom of Hadhrat Dawood v was so vast, he never
took anything from the treasury for personal use. Whatever he needed, he
earned by the effort of his own hands. Rasulullaah p said, "No person can earn a
living that it better than what he gets by the effort of his own hands. The Nabi of
Allaah Dawood v also earned by the effort of his own hands." 235
Allaama Ayni ail wo, writes that Hadhrat Dawood v made du'aa to Allaah to make
means for him to earn through the effort of his own hands rather than having to
depend on the state treasury. Allaah therefore made iron and steel like wax in
his hands so that he could shape them as he liked without the need for tools.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
Describing this in the Qur'aan, Allaah says in verse 11 of Surah Saba:
آَنِ اعْمَلْ سُبِغْتٍ وَّ قَدِّرْ فِى السَّرْدِ وَ اعْمَلُوْا صَالِحًا ٥ * إِنِّى بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ بَصِيْرٌ (١١)
TRANSLATION: (Allaah commanded Dawood v saying,) "Make coats of armour (with the iron),
perfect the links (so that they join and move perfectly with the movements of the soldier wearing it)
and you all (your family) should do good deeds. I am certainly watching whatever you do
(and will reward you for all the good you do)."
235
Bukhaari, Chapter of Trade.
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Verse 80 of Surah Ambiyaa Jul sk States:
وَ عَلَّمْتُمُ صَنْعَةَ لَبُوْسٍ لَّكُمْ لِتُحْصِنَكُمْ مِّنَّ بَاسِكُمْ ◌َّ فَبَلْ أَنْتُمْ شُكِرُونَ (٨٠)
TRANSLATION: We taught Dawood v the skill of making armour (with links to allow easy
movement, unlike the armour of times before which consisted of uncomfortable solid steel plates
which restricted movement), so that it protects you (people) in your wars. Will you be
grateful?
Whereas the traditional armour of steel plates could be used only by strong men
able to carry the heavy weight, the armour made of steel links was much lighter
and suited everyone.
Communicating with Birds
Another unique attribute that Hadhrat Dawood v was blessed with was that he
could communicate with the birds. Details of this skill will be mentioned in the
story of Hadhrat Sulaymaan v, Inshaa Allaah.
Passing Sound Judgement
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As stated earlier, Hadhrat Dawood v was renowned for the sound judgement
that he passed in disputes between people since he had been blessed with the
rare ability to understand the depths of a dispute and solve it.
One day, two men appeared before him to have their dispute settled. The one
argued that his crops were ready to be harvested when the goats of the other
raided his fields and destroyed all the crops. Hadhrat Dawood v passed
judgement that the goats be made over to the owner of the crops since their
value was the same as the value of the crops. When Hadhrat Sulaymaan u heard
about the judgement that his father Hadhrat Dawood v had passed, he
approached him and said, "Dear father! I know that your decision is correct, but I
have a more amicable resolution to propose. Hand the goats over to the
plantation owner so that he may use the milk and wool to his advantage. In the
meantime, let the owner of the goats work on the damaged fields and restore
them to their original condition. When he is done and the fields ready to be
harvested, he may have his goats back and the other may have his fields and
crops." Hadhrat Dawood v approved of this solution and passed it. The words of
the Qur'aan also suggest that this decision of Hadhrat Sulaymaan u was more
appropriate.
The Qur'aan also makes mention of another incident concerning the judgement
of Hadhrat Dawood v. This dispute was intended as a test for him. When
Hadhrat Dawood v erred during this test, he immediately supplicated to Allaah
and sought forgiveness. Allaah so much loved his humility in this incident that
Allaah has related it in the Qur'aan. It is cited as a lesson to all those who are
close to Allaah and who happen to err. The incident exhorts them to
immediately turn to Allaah and seek His forgiveness. This is what Hadhrat Aadam
u did when he erred in eating from the tree. Hadhrat Nooh u did the same when
he erred in seeking safety for his son, Hadhrat Ibraheem u did so when he told
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the people he was ill, Hadhrat Moosa u did so when he killed the Egyptian and
Hadhrat Yunus u did so when he left his community without first waiting for
Allaah's command. All of these incidents are cited with the purpose of reminded
the faithful to immediately seek Allaah's pardon as soon as they commit an
error. Since the Ambiyaa Jul were examples to all of mankind, it was them who
were first to blaze the trail.
The incident of Hadhrat Dawood v concerned the time when hastened to resolve
a dispute between two men without first hearing both partied plead their case.
The Qur'aan does not relate the details of the case and no authentic Ahadeeth
contain the details either. Whatever had been reported in the books of Tafseer
have been sourced from the Bani Israa'eel, which have been vehemently
rejected by the research scholars of Islaam. Therefore, the correct interpretation
of this verse has been derived either from the statements of the Ambiyaa pul sk Or
from the context of the verses of the Qur'aan. It needs to be borne in mind that
the lesson of every story is more important than knowing the details.
Allaama Ibn Hazam ail., stated that the two disputants who came to Hadhrat
Dawood v to have their dispute settled were in a tremendous hurry because
they scaled the wall to his place of worship rather than entering in the
conventional manner.
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t reports that Hadhrat Dawood u had allocated
separate days to tend to his affairs, which rotated every four days. The first day
was allocated exclusively for Ibaadah, the second day for hearing and settling
disputes, the third day for the guidance and reformation of the Bani Israa'eel and
the fourth day for personal matters.
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When the two men scaled his wall and barged into his presence on the day when
he was engaged in Ibaadah, Hadhrat Dawood v was naturally shocked. The men
therefore bade him not to be frightened and explained that they needed
judgement in their dispute. The one started to explain that he owned only one
ewe, whereas the other person owned 99 ewes. Despite this, he explained, the
other man wanted his one ewe as well and was being harsh in demanding to
have it. Hadhrat Dawood u told him that the man was being oppressive in
demanding the single ewe and that it often happened that one partner in a
business behaved in this manner.
Because the silence of the defendant suggested that he had no counter claim,
Hadhrat Dawood v passed judgment in favour of the plaintiff. However, when he
realised that his judgement seemed partial, he immediately repented to Allaah,
realising that he had been tested. Allaah then forgave him since the error was
not irreparable.
In my opinion, this interpretation of the incident does not conflict with the
words of the Qur'aan or with common logic. It also does not conflict with the
interpretations of the pious predecessors. There is therefore no need to be
critical of other interpretations in defence of this one.
In the Words of the Qur'aan
This incident is recounted in verse 21-26 of Surah Saad in the following words:
وَ بَلْ آَتْكَ نَبَؤُا الْخَصْمِ ﴾ إِذْ تَسَوَّرُوا الْمِحْرَابَ (٢١) إِذْ دَخَلُوْا عَلَى دَاوَدَ فَفَزِعَ مِنْهُمْ قَاأُوْا لَا تَخَفْ ◌ٌّ
خَصْمُنِ بَغَى بَعْضُنَا عَلَى بَعْضٍ فَاحْكُمْ بَيْنَنَا بِالْحَقِّ وَلَا تُشْطِطْ وَابْدِنَا إِلَى سَوَاءِ الصِّرَاطِ (٢٢) إِنَّ بُذَا
آَخِى نْ لَمْ تِسْعٌ وَّ تِسْعُوْنَ نَعْجَةٌّ وَّلِىَ نَعْجَةٌ وَّاحِدَةٌ ، فَقَالَ أَكْفِلْنِيْهَا وَ عَزَّنِيْ فِى الْخِطَابِ (٢٣) قَالَ لَقَدْ
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ظَلَمَكَ بِسُؤَالِ نَعْجَتِكَ إِلَى نِعَاجِم ٥* وَ إِنَّ كَثِيْرًا مِّنَ الْخُلَطَاءِ لَيَبْغِى بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَى بَعْضِ إِلَّا الَّذِيْنَ أَمَنُوْا وَ
عَمِلُوا الصَّلِحَتِ وَ قَلِيْلٌ مَّا بُمْ ٥﴿ وَ ظَنَّ دَاوَدُ أَنَّمَا فَتَتْهُ فَاسْتَغْفَرَ رَبَّهَ وَ خَرَّ رَاكِعًا وَّ أَنَابَ (٢٣) فَغَفَرْنَا لَمْ
ذُلِكَ ﴾﴿ وَ إِنَّ لَمَّ عِنْدَنَا لَزُلْفَى وَ حُسْنَ مَأْبِ (٢٥) يُدَاوَدُ إِنَّا جَعَلْتُكَ خَلِيْفَةَ فِى الْأَرْضِ فَاحْكُمْ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ
بِالْحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعِ الْهَوَى فَيُضِلَّكَ عَنْ سَبِيْلِ اللهِ * إِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ يَضِلُّوْنَ عَنْ سَبِيْلِ اللهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيْدٌ بِمَا نَسُوْا
يَوْمَ الْحِسَابِ (٪٢۶)
TRANSLATION: Has the news about the (two) disputants reached you, when they jumped
over the wall and entered his (Dawood v's) sanctuary? (The incident is worth mentioning)
When they (the two disputants) entered (barged) in on Dawood v, he became alarmed at
their presence (because they had not entered conventionally, causing him to fear that they may
have come with sinister motives). They said, "Do not be afraid. We are merely two disputants
(who want you to resolve our argument). One of us has transgressed against the other, so
judge between us with the truth. Do not be unjust towards us and guide us to the straight
path (by directing us towards the correct course of action)." (One of them said,) "This is my
brother. He has ninety-nine ewes, while I have only one ewe. He said, `Give it to me!' and
he has been harsh towards me in speech." He (Dawood v) said, "He has wronged you by
asking for your ewe to add to his ewes. Indeed, there are many partners who transgress
against each other, except for those who have Imaan and who do righteous deeds.
(Unfortunately) These are but a few." (When reviewing the case,) It occurred to Dawood v that
We had tested him (by presenting to him a case that appeared to be straight forward and which
came from people who displayed great disrespect, causing him to neglect listening to both sides), so
he sought forgiveness from his Rabb, fell prostrate, and turned to Him in repentance. So
We forgave him for that. Undoubtedly, he has a close position to Us, and (shall have) a
favourable return (in the Aakhirah). (Allaah addressed Dawood v saying,) "O Dawood! Indeed,
We have made you a deputy on earth (to ensure that Our commands are carried out), so judge
between people with the truth, and do not follow carnal passions which will mislead you
from Allaah's path. Verily there shall be a severe punishment for those who deviate from
Allaah's path because they forgot the Day of Reckoning.
An Alternative Explanation
The Mustadrak of Haakim236 has reported and alternative explanation about the
incident from Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t. He states that Hadhrat Dawood v
was tested because of a little vanity that crept into his heart. He reports that
Hadhrat Dawood v once said, "O Allaah! Every moment during the day and
night, there is a member of Dawood's family busy in salaah, Tasbeeh, Takbeer, or
some other form of Your worship." (The members of his household were
236 Vol. 2, Pg. 433.
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allocated times to engage in worship so that all hours of the day and night were
occupied with Ibaadah)
Thereupon, Allaah told him, "O Dawood! This all occurs with My assistance. If it
were not for My assistance, you and your family would never be able to engage
in My worship. By my Honour, I shall certainly test you in this." Hadhrat Dawood
v then asked Allaah to inform him which day that would be, but it would come
suddenly. It was on that very day that the two disputants scaled the wall and
Hadhrat Dawood v was unable to complete his day's Ibaadah because of the
distraction.
Age and Demise
The Mustadrak of Haakim reports a narration that is quoted in the Sihaah Sitta
as well. The narration from Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah t states that when the
progeny of Hadhrat Aadam u were extracted from his back and presented before
him, he noticed someone who was extremely handsome and with a shining
forehead. "Who is this son of mine?" he asked. When he was told that this was
to be one of his sons named Dawood, he declared, "O Allaah! I wish to give forty
years of my life as a gift to him."
When Hadhrat Aadam v was about to pass away and the angel of death came
before him, he said, "But I still have forty years of life left." The angel replied,
"Have you forgotten that you gave forty years of your life as a gift to Dawood?"
Hadhrat Aadam v had forgotten this and his progeny are also forgetful.
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It is therefore reported that Hadhrat Dawood v lived for a hundred years. The
Torah and some books of history state that he ruled over the Bani Israa'eel for
forty years. Ja'far bin Muhammad states that Hadhrat Dawood v ruled for
seventy years. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t reports that Hadhrat Dawood v
passed away suddenly on a Saturday while he was engaged in Ibaadah.237
237
Mustadrak of Haakim, Faydhul Baari.
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Lessons and Conclusions
Khilafah and Kingship
Amongst the glaring differences between the Khilaafah of a Khalifah and the
sovereignty of kings is that, despite its immense author and power, the striking
attributes of Khilaafah are humility, servitude to the masses and justice. On the
other hand, the salient features of sovereignty are pomp, arrogance, assertion of
authority and tyranny. Rather than regarding the masses as a trust from Allaah
that is to be cared for, kings regard the people as mere subjects that are there to
serve them.
The Qur'aan describes good rulers in the words, "These are people who, if We grant
them authority (kingdom) on earth, (instead of oppressing others and indulging in their whims,)
they establish salaah, pay zakaah, enjoin good and forbid evil".238 These were the
salient features of the forty years of the reign of Hadhrat Dawood v.
The Universal Law
It has always been the practice of Allaah to accord more favours and prosperity
to people who have raised high in status when they attribute these favours to
Allaah and are grateful for them. It is for this reason that their latter lives are
more blessed and bountiful than their earlier lives. When Hadhrat Dawood v
expressed this gratitude and turned to Allaah even when he erred, Allaah
elevated his status and gave him even more. After declaring his forgiveness,
238
Surah Hajj, verse 41.
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Allaah says about Hadhrat Dawood v, "Undoubtedly, he has a close position to Us,
and (shall have) a favourable return (in the Aakhirah)" .239
Partnerships
When Hadhrat Dawood v pronounced judgement in the case of the two
disputants, he added, "Indeed, there are many partners who transgress against each
other, except for those who have Imaan and who do righteous deeds. (However,) These
are but a few". 240
This verse highlights a problem that is common in partnerships and even more
evident in today's business world. When each partner does not acknowledge his
responsibility towards the others, they may tend to behave unjustly, cheat or
steal. It is for such reasons that large partnership companies have been ruined.
However, such partnerships can be fruitful when both partners have Imaan, are
honest and focus in doing good. This is the remedy for such failing partnerships
stated in the very same verse.
Allaah states in a Hadith Qudsi, "I am the third of two partners (shall be there to
assist them) as long as they do not deceive each other. As soon as they do this, I
shall separate from them."
Dawood
Verse 17 of Surah Saad describes Hadhrat Dawood v as "remember Our slave
Dawood v, the strong". The term "the strong" is used to describe several Ambiyaa
>l Nak in the Qur'aan, such as Hadhrat Ibraheem v, Hadhrat Is'haaq v and Hadhrat
239 Surah Saad, verse 25.
240 Surah Saad, verse 24.
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Ya'qoob v.241 The strength of Hadhrat Dawood v refers to several aspects
described in the Qur'aan, such as:
1. His physical strength, as highlighted by the fact that he killed Jaaloot
2. His intellectual strength, as highlighted by the keen sense of judgement he
had and his decisive speech
3. His strength as a military commander, as highlighted by his military
conquests, which earned him a large kingdom and enabled him to free
Palestine
4. His strength of character, as highlighted by the fact that he preferred to
earn by the effort of his own hands rather than use public funds
5. His strength in worship, as highlighted by the fact that he fasted every
alternate day throughout his life and stood in Ibaadah for a third of every
night despite his military and state duties. Hadhrat Abu Dardaa t reports
that when mention was made of Hadhrat Dawood v, Rasulullaah p used to
describe him as the person who worshipped Allaah the most242
241
Surah Saad, verse 45.
242
Bukhaari in his Taareekh.
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Sayyiduna Sulayman V
Introduction
Hadhrat Sulaymaan u was the son of Hadhrat Dawood v. His lineage will can
therefore also be traced back to Yahooda, the son of Hadhrat Ya'qoob v. The
name of his mother is unknown. Although some narrations of the Torah state
that she was the daughter of Saba, researchers note that this is incorrect
because she was the wife of one of the officers in the army of Hadhrat Dawood
v. All that is mentioned about her in the Ahadeeth is that she once advised her
son Hadhrat Sulaymaan u with the words, "Dear son! Never sleep throughout
the night because sleeping during most of the night makes a person most
dependent on good deeds on the Day of Qiyaamah."
The Qur'aan states that Hadhrat Sulaymaan u was from the progeny of Hadhrat
Ibraheem v through Hadhrat Ya'qoob v. Allaah states, "We gifted him (Ibraheem v)
with (a son) Is'haaq v and (a grandson) Ya'qoob v, both of whom We guided. We guided
Nooh v before (Ibraheem v) and from his progeny (we guided) Dawood v, Sulaymaan
v ...
1) 243
Hadhrat Sulaymaan U in the Qur' aan
Hadhrat Sulaymaan v is mentioned 16 times in the Qur'aan, sometimes with
detail and sometimes with the many favours that Allaah had blessed him and his
father with. He is mentioned in the following verses:
243
Surah An'aam, verse 84.
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1. Surah Baqarah: verse 102
2.
Surah Nisaa: verse 163
3.
Surah An'aam: verse 85
4.
Surah Ambiyaa pull k : Verses 78, 79, 81
5.
Surah Naml: verses 15, 16, 17, 18, 30, 36, 44
6. Surah Saba: verse 12
7. Surah Saad: verses 30, 34
The Successor of Hadhrat Dawood V
Allaah had blessed Hadhrat Sulaymaan u with great intelligence, a keen sense of
judgement and a tremendous aptitude for making the right decisions. All of this
became apparent from a very young age. When Hadhrat Dawood v passed away,
Hadhrat Sulaymaan u succeeded him as king and Nabi of the Bani Israa'eel.
While the mantle of Nubuwwah is not usually inherited by a son, Hadhrat
Sulaymaan u was amongst the few Ambiyaa plo who were made Ambiya plassle
by virtue of their lineage to a Nabi. Allaah had blessed Hadhrat Sulaymaan u with
the traits of Nubuwwah that were present in his father Hadhrat Dawood v.
Allaah says, "Sulaymaan v succeeded Dawood v".244 Allaah also says, "Indeed We
granted knowledge (of passing sound judgement) to Dawood v and (his son) Sulaymaan u".245
Knowledge of the language of the Birds
Like his father, Hadhrat Sulaymaan u was also blessed with the knowledge to
understand and speak with birds. Acknowledging this privilege, the Qur'aan
quotes Hadhrat Sulaymaan v as saying, "This is certainly a manifest bounty".246 This
was nothing but a bounty from Allaah because it cannot be learnt. Even today,
no one can claim to understand and speak with birds. All that people may
understand of their pet birds is perhaps their exclamations of fear, surprise, etc.
This too, is done by guesswork or many years of experience. Nonetheless, it is
244 Surah Naml, verse 16.
245 Surah Naml, verse 15.
246 Surah Naml, verse 16.
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nothing at all like the knowledge that Hadhrat Sulaymaan u possessed. It is also
evident that the knowledge of the speech of birds does not refer to the
knowledge of zoology. The knowledge granted to Hadhrat Dawood v and
Hadhrat Sulaymaan u was far superior and is therefore mentioned with
emphasis in the Qur'aan. This was a certainly a miraculous feat. This feat is
demonstrated in the dialogue between Hadhrat Sulaymaan u and the bird
Hudhud, which will be discussed later, Inshaa Allaah.
In the Words of the Qur'aan
Citing the bounties Allaah bestowed upon Hadhrat Sulaymaan u and his father,
Allaah says in verses 15-16 of Surah Naml:
وَلَقَدْ أَتَيْنَا دَاوُدَ وَ سُلَيْمنَ عِلْمًا ثَّ وَ قَالَا الْحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِىْ فَضَّلَنَا عَلَى كَثِيْرٍ مِّنْ عِبَادِهِ الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ (١٥) وَوَرِثَ
سُلَيْمِنُ دَاوَدَ وَ قَالَ يَأَيُّهَا النَّاسُ عُلِّمْنَا مَنْطِقَ الطَّيْرِ وَ أُوْنِيْنَا مِنْ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ * إِنَّ بَذَا لَهُوَ الْفَضْلُ الْمُبِينُ (١)
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."
Command over the Winds
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Amongst the privileges that Allaah blessed Hadhrat Sulaymaan u with was that
he could command the winds to blow and to stop blowing as and when he
willed. He could also control their speed. He would therefore sit upon his throne
and be carried by the wind with such speed that he could cover the distance of a
month's journey in the span of the early hours of the morning or the evening.
This description given in the Qur'aan is not figurative, but needs to be
interpreted literally since it actually happened. In today's times of aeroplanes
and jets, it is not at all difficult to believe the speed with which Hadhrat
Sulaymaan u travelled. This was yet another miracle that Allaah conferred upon
Hadhrat Sulaymaan v.
Yet another privilege that Allaah blessed Hadhrat Sulaymaan v with
was that he exercised control over the Jinn as well as humans. This
was in reply to his supplication to Allaah to grant him a kingdom that is
greater than that of anyone else. Quoting this supplication in the
Qur'aan, Allaah says, "He (Sulaymaan v) said, `O my Rabb! Forgive me and grant me a
kingdom that cannot be had by any other after me. Undoubtedly, You are the Great
Giver."""247
Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah t reports that Rasulullaah p once said to them, "Last night
an Ifreet from amongst the Jinn interfered with me to cut off my salaah, but
Allaah ranted me power over him. I had originally intended to tie him to one of
the pillars of the Masjid until you all arrive in the morning and can have a look at
him, but I then recalled the du'aa of my brother Sulaymaan v, who said, 'O my
Rabb! Forgive me and grant me a kingdom that cannot be had by any other after me'." I
therefore released him. 248
Reconstruction of Baytul Muşadas
Allaah has given the Jinn the strength to accomplish the most difficult tasks. They
were therefore employed to reconstruct the Masjidul Aqsa and a city around it.
247
Surah Saad, verse 35.
248
Bukhaari.
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For this, they carried large and expensive rock from various parts of the world to
Baytul Muqaddas, where it was used in the construction. In fact, the sheer sizes
of the rocks amaze people who see the construction even today. The manner in
which these large rocks were brought to the site and then used to erect the
building is a wonder to all. In addition to reconstructing the Masjid and Baytul
Muqaddas, the Jinn were also employed to accomplish other monumental tasks
under the supervision of Hadhrat Sulaymaan v.
Describing some of the astounding feats that Jinn accomplished for Hadhrat
Sulaymaan v, a narration from the Bani Israa'eel states that they had made his
throne in such a manner that it was mounted on the backs of two ferocious
lions. When Hadhrat Sulaymaan u arrived to sit on the throne, the lions sat down
to make it easy for him to mount it. They would then stand up when he was
seated, after which two falcons perched on the top would spread out their wings
to provide shade for him.249 In addition to this, the Jinn were also used to
construct large utensils and pots so heavy that they could not be moved from
their places.
Amongst the other favours that Allaah blessed Hadhrat Sulaymaan u with was
that he was shown all the points on earth where molten copper flowed as
fountains from the ground so that he could use it in his construction work in
place of mortar. A narration from Hadhrat Qataadah t states that this fountain of
copper was located in Yemen. 250
In the Words of the Qur' aan
Allaah says in verse 81 of Surah Ambiya pul tule :
249 Tafseer Baydaawi.
250 Al Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vol.2 Pg.28).
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