Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon)
Solomon's Knowledge
Solomon inherited David's prophethood and dominion. This was not a material inheritance, as
prophets do not bequeath their property. It is given away to the poor and needy, not to their
relatives. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "The prophets' property will not be inherited, and
whatever we leave is to be used for charity." (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
"And indeed We gave knowledge to David and Solomon, and they both said: "All the praises and
thanks be to Allah, Who has preferred us above many of His believing slaves!"
And Solomon inherited (the knowledge of) David. He said: "O mankind! We have been taught
the language of birds, and on us have been bestowed all things. This, verily, is an evident grace
(from Allah)."
And there were gathered before Solomon his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they were all
set in battle order (marching forwards). (Ch 27:15-17 Quran).
Solomon Becomes King
After his father's death, Solomon became king. He begged Allah for a kingdom such as none after
him would have, and Allah granted his wish. Besides wisdom, Allah had blessed Solomon with
many abilities. He could command the winds and understand and talk to birds and animals. Allah
directed him to teach both men and jinns to mine the earth and extract its minerals to make tools
and weapons. He also favored him with a mine of copper, which was a rare metal in those days.
Solomon's Admiration of Horses
During his time horses were the common mode of transportation. They were very essential for
defense, to carry soldiers and cart provisions and weapons of war. The animals were well cared
for and well trained. One day Solomon was reviewing a parade of his stable. The fitness, beauty
and posture of the horses fascinated him so much that he kept on stroking and admiring them. The
sun was nearly setting, and the time for the middle prayer was passing by. When he realized this,
he exclaimed: "I surely love the finer things of life than the service of my Lord! Return them to
me."
Allah's Gifts to Solomon - Quranic
Almighty Allah revealed:
"And to David We gave Solomon. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft returning in
repentance (to Us)!
When there were displayed before him, in the afternoon, well-trained horses of the highest breed
(for jihad in Allah's cause). And he said: "Alas! I did love the good (these horses) instead of
remembering my Lord (in my 'Asr prayer)" till the time was over, and the sun had hidden in the
veil of the night. Then he said: "Bring them (horses) back to me." Then he began to pass his
hand over their legs and their necks (till the end of the display).
And indeed We did try Solomon and We placed on his throne Jasadan (a devil, so he lost his
kingdom for a while) but he did return (to his throne and kingdom by the Grace of Allah and he
did return) to Allah with obedience and in repentance. He said: "My Lord! Forgive me, and
bestow upon me a kingdom such as shall not belong to any other after me. Verily, You are the
Bestower."
So, We subjected to him the wind, it blew gently to his order whithersoever he willed, and also
the devils from the jinns including every kind of builder and diver, and also other bound in
fetters. (Saying of Allah to Solomon): "This is Our gift, so spend you or withhold, no account
will be asked." And verily, he enjoyed a near access to Us, and a good final return Paradise.
(Ch38:30-40 Quran).
Solomon Hears the Ant's Warning
One day Solomon gathered his army, which had different battalions of men, jinns, birds, and
animals. He marched them to the country of Askalon.
While they were passing through a valley, an ant saw the approaching army and cried out to warn
the other ants: "Run to your homes! Otherwise, unaware, Solomon and his army might crush
you!" Solomon, hearing the cry of the ant, smiled. He was glad that the ant knew him to be a
prophet who would not intentionally harm Allah's creation. He thanked Allah for saving the ants'
lives.
Solomon Hears the Conversation of Ants - Quranic
Allah the Almighty narrated: And there were gathered before Solomon his hosts of jinns and men,
and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forwards). Till, when they came to a
valley of the ants, one of the ants said: "O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Solomon and his hosts
crush you, while they perceive not."
So he (Solomon) smiled, amused at her speech and said: "My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me
the power and ability that I maybe grateful for Your Favors which You have bestowed on me and
on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by
Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves." (Ch 27:17-19 Quran).
Solomon's Travels
In Jerusalem, on a huge rock, Solomon built a beautiful temple to draw the people to worship
Allah. Today this building is known as "The Dome of the Rock." From there, a large band of
followers joined Solomon on pilgrimage to the Holy Mosque in Mecca. After they had completed
their hajj, they traveled to Yemen and arrived in the city of San'a. Solomon was impressed by their
clever method of channeling water all over their cities. He was keen to build similar water systems
in his own country but did not have enough springs.
The Hoopoe Brings Information to Solomon
He set out to find the hoopoe bird, which could detect water under the ground. He sent signals all
over the hoopoe to call on him, but it was nowhere to be found. In anger, he declared that unless
the bird had a good reason for its absence, he would punish it severely.
The hoopoe eventually came to Solomon and explained the reason for its delay. "I have
discovered something of which you are not aware. I have come from Sheba (Sab'a) with
important news." Solomon became curious, and his anger subsided. The bird continued: "Sab'a is
ruled by a queen named Bilkis (Bilqis), who has plenty of everything, including a splendid throne.
But in spite of all this wealth, Satan has entered her heart and the hearts of her people. She rules
their minds completely. I was shocked to learn that they worship the sun instead of Allah the
Almighty."
To check the hoopoe's information, Solomon sent a letter to the queen with the bird. He
instructed the bird to remain hidden and to watch everything.
The Queen of Sheba Sends Gifts
The hoopoe dropped the letter in front of the queen and flew away to hide. She excitedly opened
and read it:
"Verily! It is from Solomon, and verily! It reads: 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, and
Most Merciful; be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who
submit with full submission).'" ( Ch 27:30-31 Quran).
The queen was very disturbed and hurriedly summoned her advisors. They reacted as to a
challenge, for they felt that there was someone challenging them, hinting at war and defeat, and
asking them to submit to his conditions.
They told her that they could only offer advice, but it was her right to command action. She
sensed that they wanted to meet Solomon's invasion threat with a battle. However, she told them:
"Peace and friendship are better and wiser; war only brings humiliation, enslaves people and
destroys the good things. I have decided to send gifts to Solomon, selected from our most
precious treasure. The courtiers who will deliver the gifts will also have an opportunity to learn
about Solomon and his military mighty."
Solomon's Rejects the Queen's Gifts
Solomon's reconnaissance team brought him the news of the arrival of Bilkis' messengers with a
gift. He immediately realized that the queen had sent her men on a probing mission thus, he gave
orders to rally the army. The envoys of Bilqis, entering amidst the well-equipped army, realized
that their wealth was nothing in comparison to that of the kingdom of Solomon's palace floors,
which were made of sandalwood and inlaid with gold.
They noticed Solomon surveying his army, and they were surprised at the number and variety of
soldiers, which included lions, tigers, and birds. The messengers stood in amazement, realizing
that they were in front of an irresistible army.
The envoys marveled at the splendor surrounding them. They eagerly presented their queen's
precious gifts and told Solomon that the queen wished that he would accept them as an act of
friendship. They were shocked by his reaction: he did not even ask to open the covers of the
containers! He told them: "Allah hagiven me plenty of wealth, a large kingdom, and prophethood.
I am, therefore, beyond bribery. My only objective is to spread the belief in Tawheed, the Oneness
of Allah."
He also directed them to take back the gifts to the queen and to tell her that if she did not stop her
kind of worship he would uproot her kingdom and drive its people out of the land.
The Queen Decides to Visit Solomon
The queen's envoys returned with the gifts and delivered the message. They also told her of the
wonderful things they had seen. Instead of taking offense, she decided to visit Solomon.
Accompanied by her royal officials and servants, she left Sheba, sending a messenger ahead to
inform Solomon that she was on her way to meet him.
Solomon asked the jinns in his employ whether anyone among them could bring her throne to he
palace before she arrived. One of them said; "I will bring it to you before this sitting is over."
Solomon did not react to this offer; it appeared that he was waiting for a faster means. The jinns
competed with each other to please him. One of them named Ifrit said: "I will fetch it for you in
the twinkling of an eye!"
No sooner had this one - who had the knowledge of the Book - finished his phrase than the throne
stood before Solomon. The mission had, indeed, been completed in the blinking of an eye.
Solomon's seat was in Palestine, and the throne of Bilqis had been in Yemen, two thousand miles
away. This was a great miracle performed by one of those sitting with Solomon.
The Queen's Visit with Solomon
When Bilqis arrived at Solomon's palace, she was welcomed with pomp and ceremony. Then,
pointing to the altered throne, Solomon asked her whether her throne looked like that one. She
looked at it again and again. In her mind she was convinced that her throne could not possibly be
the one she was looking at, as hers was in her palace; et, she detected a striking similarity and
replied: "It is as if it were the very one, and resembles mine in every respect." Solomon judged
that she was intelligent and diplomatic.
He then invited her into the great hall, the floor of which was laid in glass and shimmering.
Thinking it was water, as she stepped on the floor, she lifted her skirt slightly above her heels, for
fear of wetting it. Solomon pointed out to her that it was made of solid glass.
She was amazed. She had never seen such things before. Bilqis realized that she was in the
company of a very knowledgeable person who was not only a ruler of a great kingdom but a
messenger of Allah, as well. She repented, gave up sun worship, accepted the faith of Allah, and
asked her people to do the same.
It was finished; Bilqis saw her people's creed fall apart before Solomon. She realized that the sun
which her people worshipped was nothing but one of Allah's creatures.
The sun eclipsed within her for the first time, and her heart was lit by a never fading light, the light
of Islam.
Solomon is Informed About the Queen of Sheba - Quranic
Almighty Allah told us this story in the Quran:
" He inspected the birds, and said: "What is the matter that I see not a hoopoe? Or is he among
the absentees? I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings
me a clear reason."
But the hoopoe stayed not long, he came up and said: "I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing)
which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Sheba with true news. I found a woman
ruling over them, and she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the
earth, and she has a great throne. I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of
Allah, and Satan has made their deeds fair seeming to them, and has barred them from Allah's
Way, so they have no guidance."
Al-La (this word has two interpretations) [As Satan has barred them from Allah's Way} so that
they do not worship (prostrate before) Allah, or so that they may worship (prostrate before)
Allah, Who brings light to what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you
conceal and what you reveal. Allah, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but
He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne!
(Solomon) said: "We shall see whether you speak the truth or you are one of the liars. Go with
this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, then draw back from them, and see what answer they
return."
She said: "O chiefs! Verily! Here is a delivered to me a noble letter. Verily! It is from Solomon
and verily! It (reads): 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; Be you not
exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full
submission)."
She said: "O chiefs! Advise me in this case of mine. I decide no case till you are present with
me."
They said: "We have great strength, and great ability for war, but it is for you to command; so
think over what you will command."
She said: "Verily! Kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it, and make the most
honorable amongst its people low. And thus they do. But verily! I am going to send him a
present, and see with what answer the messengers return."
So when (the messengers with the present) came to Solomon, he said: "Will you help me in
wealth? What Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay, you rejoice in
your gift!" (Then Solomon said to the chief of her messengers who brought the present): "Go
back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive
them out from there is disgrace, and they will be abased."
He said: "O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering
themselves in obedience?"
An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said: "I will bring it to you before you rise from your place
(council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work."
One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: "I will bring it to you within the twinkling
of an eye!" then when Solomon saw it placed before him, he said: "This is by the Grace of my
Lord, to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude
is for the good of his ownself, and whoever is ungrateful, he is ungrateful only for the loss of his
ownself. Certainly! My Lord is Rich (Free of all wants), Bountiful!"
He said: "Disguise her throne for her that we may see whether she will be guided (to recognize
her throne), or she will be one of those not guided."
So when she came, it was said to her: "Is your throne like this?"
She said: "It is as though it was the very same."
And Solomon said: "Knowledge was bestowed on us before her, and we were submitted to Allah
(in Islam as Muslims before her)."
And that which she used to worship besides Allah has prevented her from Islam, for she was of a
disbelieving people.
It was said to her: "Enter As-Sarh" (a glass surface with water underneath it) or a palace, but
when she saw it, she thought it was a pool, and she tucked up her clothes, uncovering her legs.
Solomon said: "Verily, it is Sarh paved smooth with slab of glass."
She said: "My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, and I submit (in Islam), together with
Solomon, to Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists)." (Ch 27:20-44
Quran)
Jinns and Solomon
Solomon's public work was largely carried out by the jinns. This was a punishment for their sins
of making people believe that they were all-powerful, knew the unseen, and could foresee the
future. As a prophet, it was Solomon's duty to remove such false beliefs from his followers.
Solomon's Death
Solomon lived amidst glory, and all creatures were subjected to him. Then Allah the Exalted
ordained for him to die. His life and death were full of wonders and miracles; thus, his death
harmonized with his life and glory. His death, like his life, was unique. The people had to learn
that the future is known neither by the jinns, nor by the prophets, but by Allah alone. Solomon's
effort in this direction did not end with his life, for even his death became an example. He was
sitting holding his staff, overseeing the jinns at work in a mine. He died sitting in this position. For
a long time no one was aware of his death, for he was seen sitting erect. The jinns continued with
their sand toil, thinking that Solomon was watching over them.
Many days later, a hungry ant began nibbling Solomon's staff. It continued to do so, eating the
lower part of the staff, until it fell out of Solomon's hand, and his great body fell to the ground.
People hurried to him, realizing that he had died a long time ago and that the jinns did not
perceive the unseen, for had the jinns known the unseen, they would not have kept working,
thinking that Solomon was alive.
Solomon's Death - Quranic
Allah the Exalted revealed:
"And We caused a fount of molten brass to flow for him, and there were jinns that worked in
front of him by the Leave of his Lord, and whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command,
We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire.
They worked for him what he desired, (making) high rooms, images, basins as large as
reservoirs, and (making) cauldrons fixed (in their places). "Work you, O family of David, with
thanks!" But few of My slaves are grateful.
Then when we decreed death for him (Solomon), nothing informed them (jinns) of his death
except a little worm of the earth, which kept slowly gnawing away at his stick, so when he fell
down, the jinns saw clearly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have stayed in the
humiliating torment. (Ch 34:12-14 Quran).
Solomon's Knowledge
Solomon inherited David's prophethood and dominion. This was not a material inheritance, as
prophets do not bequeath their property. It is given away to the poor and needy, not to their
relatives. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "The prophets' property will not be inherited, and
whatever we leave is to be used for charity." (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
"And indeed We gave knowledge to David and Solomon, and they both said: "All the praises and
thanks be to Allah, Who has preferred us above many of His believing slaves!"
And Solomon inherited (the knowledge of) David. He said: "O mankind! We have been taught
the language of birds, and on us have been bestowed all things. This, verily, is an evident grace
(from Allah)."
And there were gathered before Solomon his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they were all
set in battle order (marching forwards). (Ch 27:15-17 Quran).
Solomon Becomes King
After his father's death, Solomon became king. He begged Allah for a kingdom such as none after
him would have, and Allah granted his wish. Besides wisdom, Allah had blessed Solomon with
many abilities. He could command the winds and understand and talk to birds and animals. Allah
directed him to teach both men and jinns to mine the earth and extract its minerals to make tools
and weapons. He also favored him with a mine of copper, which was a rare metal in those days.
Solomon's Admiration of Horses
During his time horses were the common mode of transportation. They were very essential for
defense, to carry soldiers and cart provisions and weapons of war. The animals were well cared
for and well trained. One day Solomon was reviewing a parade of his stable. The fitness, beauty
and posture of the horses fascinated him so much that he kept on stroking and admiring them. The
sun was nearly setting, and the time for the middle prayer was passing by. When he realized this,
he exclaimed: "I surely love the finer things of life than the service of my Lord! Return them to
me."
Allah's Gifts to Solomon - Quranic
Almighty Allah revealed:
"And to David We gave Solomon. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft returning in
repentance (to Us)!
When there were displayed before him, in the afternoon, well-trained horses of the highest breed
(for jihad in Allah's cause). And he said: "Alas! I did love the good (these horses) instead of
remembering my Lord (in my 'Asr prayer)" till the time was over, and the sun had hidden in the
veil of the night. Then he said: "Bring them (horses) back to me." Then he began to pass his
hand over their legs and their necks (till the end of the display).
And indeed We did try Solomon and We placed on his throne Jasadan (a devil, so he lost his
kingdom for a while) but he did return (to his throne and kingdom by the Grace of Allah and he
did return) to Allah with obedience and in repentance. He said: "My Lord! Forgive me, and
bestow upon me a kingdom such as shall not belong to any other after me. Verily, You are the
Bestower."
So, We subjected to him the wind, it blew gently to his order whithersoever he willed, and also
the devils from the jinns including every kind of builder and diver, and also other bound in
fetters. (Saying of Allah to Solomon): "This is Our gift, so spend you or withhold, no account
will be asked." And verily, he enjoyed a near access to Us, and a good final return Paradise.
(Ch38:30-40 Quran).
Solomon Hears the Ant's Warning
One day Solomon gathered his army, which had different battalions of men, jinns, birds, and
animals. He marched them to the country of Askalon.
While they were passing through a valley, an ant saw the approaching army and cried out to warn
the other ants: "Run to your homes! Otherwise, unaware, Solomon and his army might crush
you!" Solomon, hearing the cry of the ant, smiled. He was glad that the ant knew him to be a
prophet who would not intentionally harm Allah's creation. He thanked Allah for saving the ants'
lives.
Solomon Hears the Conversation of Ants - Quranic
Allah the Almighty narrated: And there were gathered before Solomon his hosts of jinns and men,
and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forwards). Till, when they came to a
valley of the ants, one of the ants said: "O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Solomon and his hosts
crush you, while they perceive not."
So he (Solomon) smiled, amused at her speech and said: "My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me
the power and ability that I maybe grateful for Your Favors which You have bestowed on me and
on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by
Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves." (Ch 27:17-19 Quran).
Solomon's Travels
In Jerusalem, on a huge rock, Solomon built a beautiful temple to draw the people to worship
Allah. Today this building is known as "The Dome of the Rock." From there, a large band of
followers joined Solomon on pilgrimage to the Holy Mosque in Mecca. After they had completed
their hajj, they traveled to Yemen and arrived in the city of San'a. Solomon was impressed by their
clever method of channeling water all over their cities. He was keen to build similar water systems
in his own country but did not have enough springs.
The Hoopoe Brings Information to Solomon
He set out to find the hoopoe bird, which could detect water under the ground. He sent signals all
over the hoopoe to call on him, but it was nowhere to be found. In anger, he declared that unless
the bird had a good reason for its absence, he would punish it severely.
The hoopoe eventually came to Solomon and explained the reason for its delay. "I have
discovered something of which you are not aware. I have come from Sheba (Sab'a) with
important news." Solomon became curious, and his anger subsided. The bird continued: "Sab'a is
ruled by a queen named Bilkis (Bilqis), who has plenty of everything, including a splendid throne.
But in spite of all this wealth, Satan has entered her heart and the hearts of her people. She rules
their minds completely. I was shocked to learn that they worship the sun instead of Allah the
Almighty."
To check the hoopoe's information, Solomon sent a letter to the queen with the bird. He
instructed the bird to remain hidden and to watch everything.
The Queen of Sheba Sends Gifts
The hoopoe dropped the letter in front of the queen and flew away to hide. She excitedly opened
and read it:
"Verily! It is from Solomon, and verily! It reads: 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, and
Most Merciful; be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who
submit with full submission).'" ( Ch 27:30-31 Quran).
The queen was very disturbed and hurriedly summoned her advisors. They reacted as to a
challenge, for they felt that there was someone challenging them, hinting at war and defeat, and
asking them to submit to his conditions.
They told her that they could only offer advice, but it was her right to command action. She
sensed that they wanted to meet Solomon's invasion threat with a battle. However, she told them:
"Peace and friendship are better and wiser; war only brings humiliation, enslaves people and
destroys the good things. I have decided to send gifts to Solomon, selected from our most
precious treasure. The courtiers who will deliver the gifts will also have an opportunity to learn
about Solomon and his military mighty."
Solomon's Rejects the Queen's Gifts
Solomon's reconnaissance team brought him the news of the arrival of Bilkis' messengers with a
gift. He immediately realized that the queen had sent her men on a probing mission thus, he gave
orders to rally the army. The envoys of Bilqis, entering amidst the well-equipped army, realized
that their wealth was nothing in comparison to that of the kingdom of Solomon's palace floors,
which were made of sandalwood and inlaid with gold.
They noticed Solomon surveying his army, and they were surprised at the number and variety of
soldiers, which included lions, tigers, and birds. The messengers stood in amazement, realizing
that they were in front of an irresistible army.
The envoys marveled at the splendor surrounding them. They eagerly presented their queen's
precious gifts and told Solomon that the queen wished that he would accept them as an act of
friendship. They were shocked by his reaction: he did not even ask to open the covers of the
containers! He told them: "Allah hagiven me plenty of wealth, a large kingdom, and prophethood.
I am, therefore, beyond bribery. My only objective is to spread the belief in Tawheed, the Oneness
of Allah."
He also directed them to take back the gifts to the queen and to tell her that if she did not stop her
kind of worship he would uproot her kingdom and drive its people out of the land.
The Queen Decides to Visit Solomon
The queen's envoys returned with the gifts and delivered the message. They also told her of the
wonderful things they had seen. Instead of taking offense, she decided to visit Solomon.
Accompanied by her royal officials and servants, she left Sheba, sending a messenger ahead to
inform Solomon that she was on her way to meet him.
Solomon asked the jinns in his employ whether anyone among them could bring her throne to he
palace before she arrived. One of them said; "I will bring it to you before this sitting is over."
Solomon did not react to this offer; it appeared that he was waiting for a faster means. The jinns
competed with each other to please him. One of them named Ifrit said: "I will fetch it for you in
the twinkling of an eye!"
No sooner had this one - who had the knowledge of the Book - finished his phrase than the throne
stood before Solomon. The mission had, indeed, been completed in the blinking of an eye.
Solomon's seat was in Palestine, and the throne of Bilqis had been in Yemen, two thousand miles
away. This was a great miracle performed by one of those sitting with Solomon.
The Queen's Visit with Solomon
When Bilqis arrived at Solomon's palace, she was welcomed with pomp and ceremony. Then,
pointing to the altered throne, Solomon asked her whether her throne looked like that one. She
looked at it again and again. In her mind she was convinced that her throne could not possibly be
the one she was looking at, as hers was in her palace; et, she detected a striking similarity and
replied: "It is as if it were the very one, and resembles mine in every respect." Solomon judged
that she was intelligent and diplomatic.
He then invited her into the great hall, the floor of which was laid in glass and shimmering.
Thinking it was water, as she stepped on the floor, she lifted her skirt slightly above her heels, for
fear of wetting it. Solomon pointed out to her that it was made of solid glass.
She was amazed. She had never seen such things before. Bilqis realized that she was in the
company of a very knowledgeable person who was not only a ruler of a great kingdom but a
messenger of Allah, as well. She repented, gave up sun worship, accepted the faith of Allah, and
asked her people to do the same.
It was finished; Bilqis saw her people's creed fall apart before Solomon. She realized that the sun
which her people worshipped was nothing but one of Allah's creatures.
The sun eclipsed within her for the first time, and her heart was lit by a never fading light, the light
of Islam.
Solomon is Informed About the Queen of Sheba - Quranic
Almighty Allah told us this story in the Quran:
" He inspected the birds, and said: "What is the matter that I see not a hoopoe? Or is he among
the absentees? I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings
me a clear reason."
But the hoopoe stayed not long, he came up and said: "I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing)
which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Sheba with true news. I found a woman
ruling over them, and she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the
earth, and she has a great throne. I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of
Allah, and Satan has made their deeds fair seeming to them, and has barred them from Allah's
Way, so they have no guidance."
Al-La (this word has two interpretations) [As Satan has barred them from Allah's Way} so that
they do not worship (prostrate before) Allah, or so that they may worship (prostrate before)
Allah, Who brings light to what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you
conceal and what you reveal. Allah, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but
He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne!
(Solomon) said: "We shall see whether you speak the truth or you are one of the liars. Go with
this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, then draw back from them, and see what answer they
return."
She said: "O chiefs! Verily! Here is a delivered to me a noble letter. Verily! It is from Solomon
and verily! It (reads): 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; Be you not
exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full
submission)."
She said: "O chiefs! Advise me in this case of mine. I decide no case till you are present with
me."
They said: "We have great strength, and great ability for war, but it is for you to command; so
think over what you will command."
She said: "Verily! Kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it, and make the most
honorable amongst its people low. And thus they do. But verily! I am going to send him a
present, and see with what answer the messengers return."
So when (the messengers with the present) came to Solomon, he said: "Will you help me in
wealth? What Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay, you rejoice in
your gift!" (Then Solomon said to the chief of her messengers who brought the present): "Go
back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive
them out from there is disgrace, and they will be abased."
He said: "O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering
themselves in obedience?"
An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said: "I will bring it to you before you rise from your place
(council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work."
One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: "I will bring it to you within the twinkling
of an eye!" then when Solomon saw it placed before him, he said: "This is by the Grace of my
Lord, to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude
is for the good of his ownself, and whoever is ungrateful, he is ungrateful only for the loss of his
ownself. Certainly! My Lord is Rich (Free of all wants), Bountiful!"
He said: "Disguise her throne for her that we may see whether she will be guided (to recognize
her throne), or she will be one of those not guided."
So when she came, it was said to her: "Is your throne like this?"
She said: "It is as though it was the very same."
And Solomon said: "Knowledge was bestowed on us before her, and we were submitted to Allah
(in Islam as Muslims before her)."
And that which she used to worship besides Allah has prevented her from Islam, for she was of a
disbelieving people.
It was said to her: "Enter As-Sarh" (a glass surface with water underneath it) or a palace, but
when she saw it, she thought it was a pool, and she tucked up her clothes, uncovering her legs.
Solomon said: "Verily, it is Sarh paved smooth with slab of glass."
She said: "My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, and I submit (in Islam), together with
Solomon, to Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists)." (Ch 27:20-44
Quran)
Jinns and Solomon
Solomon's public work was largely carried out by the jinns. This was a punishment for their sins
of making people believe that they were all-powerful, knew the unseen, and could foresee the
future. As a prophet, it was Solomon's duty to remove such false beliefs from his followers.
Solomon's Death
Solomon lived amidst glory, and all creatures were subjected to him. Then Allah the Exalted
ordained for him to die. His life and death were full of wonders and miracles; thus, his death
harmonized with his life and glory. His death, like his life, was unique. The people had to learn
that the future is known neither by the jinns, nor by the prophets, but by Allah alone. Solomon's
effort in this direction did not end with his life, for even his death became an example. He was
sitting holding his staff, overseeing the jinns at work in a mine. He died sitting in this position. For
a long time no one was aware of his death, for he was seen sitting erect. The jinns continued with
their sand toil, thinking that Solomon was watching over them.
Many days later, a hungry ant began nibbling Solomon's staff. It continued to do so, eating the
lower part of the staff, until it fell out of Solomon's hand, and his great body fell to the ground.
People hurried to him, realizing that he had died a long time ago and that the jinns did not
perceive the unseen, for had the jinns known the unseen, they would not have kept working,
thinking that Solomon was alive.
Solomon's Death - Quranic
Allah the Exalted revealed:
"And We caused a fount of molten brass to flow for him, and there were jinns that worked in
front of him by the Leave of his Lord, and whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command,
We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire.
They worked for him what he desired, (making) high rooms, images, basins as large as
reservoirs, and (making) cauldrons fixed (in their places). "Work you, O family of David, with
thanks!" But few of My slaves are grateful.
Then when we decreed death for him (Solomon), nothing informed them (jinns) of his death
except a little worm of the earth, which kept slowly gnawing away at his stick, so when he fell
down, the jinns saw clearly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have stayed in the
humiliating torment. (Ch 34:12-14 Quran).