The Qur’an contains several mentions of Prophet Sulayman (Solomon, Peace Be Upon Him), highlighting his wisdom, power, and miraculous control over the wind, jinns, and even animals.
Verses Mentioning Prophet Sulayman (PBUH):
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102):
- Arabic: وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُوا الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَىٰ مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَٰنَ وَمَا كَفَرَ سُلَيْمَٰنُ وَلَٰكِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ يُعَلِّمُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ ٱلسِّحْرَ ۖ
- Translation: “They followed what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. Solomon did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic…”
- Surah An-Naml (27:15-44):
- Arabic: وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَا دَاوُۥدَ وَسُلَيْمَٰنَ عِلْمًۭا ۖ وَقَالَا ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى فَضَّلَنَا عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍۢ مِّنْ عِبَادِهِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ١٥
- Translation: “And We gave knowledge to David and Solomon, and they said, ‘Praise be to Allah, who has favored us over many of His believing servants.’ (27:15)”
- Arabic: وَوَرِثَ سُلَيْمَٰنُ دَاوُۥدَ ۖ وَقَالَ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ عُلِّمْنَا مَنطِقَ ٱلطَّيْرِ وَأُوتِينَا مِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍ ۖ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلْفَضْلُ ٱلْمُبِينُ ١٦
- Translation: “And Solomon inherited David. He said, ‘O people, we have been taught the speech of birds, and we have been given from all things. Indeed, this is evident bounty.’ (27:16)”
- Arabic: وَحُشِرَ لِسُلَيْمَٰنَ جُنُودُهُۥ مِنَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ وَٱلطَّيْرِ فَهُمْ يُوزَعُونَ ١٧
- Translation: “And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn, men, and birds, and they were [marching] in rows. (27:17)”
- Arabic: حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَتَوْا۟ عَلَىٰ وَادِ ٱلنَّمْلِ قَالَتْ نَمْلَةٌۭ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّمْلُ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ مَسَٰكِنَكُمْ لَا يَحْطِمَنَّكُمْ سُلَيْمَٰنُ وَجُنُودُهُۥ وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ ١٨
- Translation: “Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, ‘O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not.’ (27:18)”
- Arabic: فَتَبَسَّمَ ضَاحِكًۭا مِّن قَوْلِهَا وَقَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِىٓ أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَىَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَٰلِدَىَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَٰلِحًۭا تَرْضَىٰهُ وَأَدْخِلْنِى بِرَحْمَتِكَ فِى عِبَادِكَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ ١٩
- Translation: “So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, ‘My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants.’ (27:19)”
- Arabic: وَتَفَقَّدَ ٱلطَّيْرَ فَقَالَ مَا لِىَ لَآ أَرَى ٱلْهُدْهُدَ أَمْ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْغَآئِبِينَ ٢٠
- Translation: “And he inspected the birds and said, ‘Why do I not see the hoopoe—or is he among the absent?’ (27:20)”
- Arabic: أَوْلَأُعَذِّبَنَّهُۥ عَذَابًۭا شَدِيدًا أَوْ لَأَاْذْبَحَنَّهُۥٓ أَوْ لَيَأْتِيَنِّى بِسُلْطَٰنٍۢ مُّبِينٍۢ ٢١
- Translation: “‘I will surely punish him with a severe punishment or slaughter him unless he brings me a clear authorization.’ (27:21)”
- Arabic: فَمَكَثَ غَيْرَ بَعِيدٍۢ فَقَالَ أَحَطتُ بِمَا لَمْ تُحِطْ بِهِۦ وَجِئْتُكَ مِن سَبَإٍۢ بِنَبَإٍۢ يَقِينٍ ٢٢
- Translation: “But the hoopoe stayed not long and said, ‘I have encompassed [in knowledge] that which you have not encompassed, and I have come to you from Sheba with certain news.’ (27:22)”
- Arabic: إِنِّى وَجَدتُّ ٱمْرَأَةًۭ تَمْلِكُهُمْ وَأُوتِيَتْ مِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ وَلَهَا عَرْشٌ عَظِيمٌۭ ٢٣
- Translation: “‘Indeed, I found a woman ruling them, and she has been given of all things, and she has a great throne.’ (27:23)”
- Arabic: وَجَدتُّهَا وَقَوْمَهَا يَسْجُدُونَ لِلشَّمْسِ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ أَعْمَٰلَهُمْ فَصَدَّهُمْ عَنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ فَهُمْ لَا يَهْتَدُونَ ٢٤
- Translation: “‘I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds pleasing to them and averted them from [His] way, so they are not guided.’ (27:24)”
- Arabic: أَلَّا يَسْجُدُوا۟ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى يُخْرِجُ ٱلْخَبْءَ فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تُخْفُونَ وَمَا تُعْلِنُونَ ٢٥
- Translation: “‘[They do not prostrate] to Allah, who brings forth what is hidden within the heavens and the earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare.’ (27:25)”
- Arabic: ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ رَبُّ ٱلْعَرْشِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ ٢٦
- Translation: “Allah—there is no deity except Him, Lord of the Great Throne.’ (27:26)”
- Arabic: قَالَ سَنَنظُرُ أَصَدَقْتَ أَمْ كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلْكَٰذِبِينَ ٢٧
- Translation: “[Solomon] said, ‘We will see whether you were truthful or were of the liars.’ (27:27)”
The full narrative about Prophet Solomon’s communication with the Hoopoe, the Queen of Sheba, and the events that follow continue till verse 44 in Surah An-Naml.
- Surah Saba (34:12-14):
- Arabic: وَلِسُلَيْمَٰنَ ٱلرِّيحَ غُدُوُّهَا شَهْرٌۭ وَرَوَاحُهَا شَهْرٌۭ وَأَسَلْنَا لَهُۥ عَيْنَ ٱلْقِطْرِ ۖ
- Translation: “And to Solomon [We subjected] the wind—its morning [journey] was a month, and its afternoon [journey] was a month—and We made flow for him a spring of liquid copper…”
- Surah Sad (38:30-40):
- Arabic: وَوَهَبْنَا لِدَاوُۥدَ سُلَيْمَٰنَ ۚ نِعْمَ ٱلْعَبْدُ ۖ إِنَّهُۥٓ أَوَّابٌۭ ٣٠
- Translation: “And We certainly gave David Solomon. An excellent servant, indeed he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah]. (38:30)”
5. Surah Saba (34:12-14):
- Arabic: وَمِنَ ٱلْجِنِّ مَن يَعْمَلُ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِۦ ۖ وَمَن يَزِغْ مِنْهُمْ عَنْ أَمْرِنَا نُذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ ١٢
- Translation: “And among the jinn were those who worked for him by the permission of his Lord. And whoever deviated among them from Our command—We will make him taste of the punishment of the Blaze.” (34:12)
- Arabic: يَعْمَلُونَ لَهُۥ مَا يَشَآءُ مِن مَّحَٰرِيبَ وَتَمَٰثِيلَ وَجِفَانٍۢ كَٱلْجَوَابِ وَقُدُورٍۢ رَّٰسِيَٰتٍ ۚ ٱعْمَلُوٓا۟ ءَالَ دَاوُۥدَ شُكْرًۭا ۚ وَقَلِيلٌۭ مِّنْ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ ١٣
- Translation: “They made for him whatever he willed of elevated chambers, statues, bowls like reservoirs, and stationary kettles. [We said], ‘Work, O family of David, in gratitude.’ And few of My servants are grateful.” (34:13)
- Arabic: فَلَمَّا قَضَيْنَا عَلَيْهِ ٱلْمَوْتَ مَا دَلَّهُمْ عَلَىٰ مَوْتِهِۦٓ إِلَّا دَآبَّةُ ٱلْأَرْضِ تَأْكُلُ مِنسَأَتَهُۥ ۖ فَلَمَّا خَرَّ تَبَيَّنَتِ ٱلْجِنُّ أَن لَّوْ كَانُوا۟ يَعْلَمُونَ ٱلْغَيْبَ مَا لَبِثُوا۟ فِى ٱلْعَذَابِ ٱلْمُهِينِ ١٤
- Translation: “And when We decreed for him [Solomon] death, nothing indicated to them his death except a creature of the earth eating his staff. But when he fell, it became clear to the jinn that if they had known the unseen, they would not have remained in humiliating punishment.” (34:14)
6. Surah Sad (38:34-40):
- Arabic: وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا سُلَيْمَٰنَ وَأَلْقَيْنَا عَلَىٰ كُرْسِيِّهِۦ جَسَدًۭا ثُمَّ أَنَابَ ٣٤
- Translation: “And We certainly tried Solomon and placed on his throne a body; then he returned [to Allah].” (38:34)
- Arabic: قَالَ رَبِّ ٱغْفِرْ لِى وَهَبْ لِى مُلْكًۭا لَّا يَنۢبَغِى لِأَحَدٍۢ مِّنۢ بَعْدِىٓ ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلْوَهَّابُ ٣٥
- Translation: “He said, ‘My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.'” (38:35)
- Arabic: فَسَخَّرْنَا لَهُ ٱلرِّيحَ تَجْرِى بِأَمْرِهِۦ رُخَآءً حَيْثُ أَصَابَ ٣٦
- Translation: “So We subjected to him the wind blowing by his command, gently wherever he directed.” (38:36)
- Arabic: وَٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ كُلَّ بَنَّآءٍۢ وَغَوَّاصٍۢ ٣٧
- Translation: “And the devils [of jinn], every builder and diver.” (38:37)
- Arabic: وَءَاخَرِينَ مُقَرَّنِينَ فِى ٱلْأَصْفَادِ ٣٨
- Translation: “And others bound together in chains.” (38:38)
- Arabic: هَٰذَا عَطَآؤُنَا فَٱمْنُنْ أَوْ أَمْسِكْ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍۢ ٣٩
- Translation: “[We said], ‘This is Our gift, so grant or withhold without account.'” (38:39)
- Arabic: وَإِنَّ لَهُۥ عِندَنَا لَزُلْفَىٰ وَحُسْنَ مَـَٔابٍۢ ٤٠
- Translation: “And indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return.” (38:40)
These verses recount a test from Allah to Prophet Sulayman, after which he asked for a unique kingdom, which Allah granted him. He was given control over the wind, the jinn (including builders and divers), and other powers beyond ordinary human capability. Despite his immense kingdom, he remained humble and close to Allah.
The story of Prophet Sulayman (PBUH), or Solomon, is one of the most remarkable and fascinating accounts in Islamic tradition. Sulayman, a prophet and king, was the son of Prophet Dawud (David), and both are considered among the greatest of God’s messengers in Islam. The story of Sulayman (PBUH) is filled with themes of wisdom, justice, power, and the unique gifts bestowed upon him by Allah. His narrative appears in various parts of the Qur’an, with the most prominent details found in Surah An-Naml (Chapter 27), Surah Saba (Chapter 34), and Surah Sad (Chapter 38).
Prophet Sulayman (PBUH) Wisdom
Prophet Sulayman (PBUH) was the son of Dawud (PBUH), who himself was a revered prophet and the ruler of the Israelites. Sulayman grew up observing the wisdom and justice of his father and was bestowed with knowledge and judgment from an early age. According to the Qur’an, Allah gave Sulayman wisdom even as a child. One famous incident involves a case that was brought before both Dawud and Sulayman for judgment.
The case was about two men, one of whom owned a field, and the other owned sheep. The sheep of one man had wandered into the other’s field and destroyed the crops. Dawud, the father, initially ruled that the sheep should be given to the owner of the field as compensation for the loss. However, young Sulayman, using his deeper wisdom, suggested a more balanced solution. He proposed that the sheep should temporarily be given to the owner of the field so that he could benefit from their wool and milk, while the field owner would take care of the field until it regrew. Once the field was restored, both parties would regain their original property. This wise judgment highlighted Sulayman’s extraordinary intellect, even at a young age.
The Kingdom of Prophet Sulayman (PBUH)
Upon his father’s death, Sulayman (PBUH) succeeded him as both a prophet and a king. He was known for his exceptional rule and the vastness of his kingdom. The Qur’an describes his dominion as unprecedented, as he was given control over not just human beings but also the jinn (supernatural beings) and animals. Allah granted him powers that no one else possessed before or after him.
Command Over the Wind and the Jinns
One of Sulayman’s (PBUH) most extraordinary gifts was his control over the wind. The Qur’an narrates that he could direct the wind to carry him wherever he wished. This gift allowed him to travel swiftly across great distances, which would have been impossible for ordinary men. In Surah Saba (34:12), it is mentioned that a month’s journey could be accomplished in just a day due to the control he had over the wind.
Even more unique was his command over the jinn. The jinn are mentioned throughout the Qur’an as beings created from smokeless fire, invisible to humans, with their distinct society. Some of them were rebellious and mischievous, but they were forced into submission by Sulayman’s power. He made them work for him, and they were tasked with various laborious duties, such as constructing buildings, creating art, and diving into the depths of the seas to retrieve precious materials. The jinn under his command even built the grand structure of the Temple of Jerusalem.
The Qur’an tells us that Sulayman’s dominion over the jinn was part of his test from Allah. Despite his incredible powers, Sulayman remained humble and continually acknowledged that these gifts were granted by Allah and could be taken away at any moment.
The Incident of the Ants
The story of Sulayman (PBUH) in Surah An-Naml (27) includes a famous episode involving ants, demonstrating his ability to communicate with animals. The story begins with Sulayman traveling with his army, which included not just humans but also jinn and birds. As they approached a valley of ants, Sulayman overheard an ant warning its colony to retreat into their homes so that they wouldn’t be crushed by Sulayman’s army.
What is remarkable in this story is not just Sulayman’s understanding of the ants’ speech, but also his reaction. He smiled and expressed gratitude to Allah for granting him such a unique gift, acknowledging that it was only by God’s grace that he had been given such extraordinary abilities. This story illustrates Sulayman’s humility and constant awareness of Allah’s blessings.
The Story of the Hoopoe Bird (Hud Hud) & the Queen of Sheba
One of the most significant stories involving Prophet Sulayman (PBUH) is the narrative of his interaction with the Queen of Sheba, known as Bilqis. This account is found in Surah An-Naml (27) and provides valuable insights into Sulayman’s diplomacy, wisdom, and ability to call others to the worship of Allah.
One day, as Sulayman was inspecting his troops, he noticed that the hoopoe bird (a bird known for its distinctive crown of feathers) was missing. Sulayman was displeased and said that he would punish the bird unless it presented a valid reason for its absence. When the bird returned, it brought news from the land of Sheba (Saba’), where it had observed a magnificent kingdom ruled by a powerful queen. The hoopoe informed Sulayman that the people of Sheba, including their queen, were worshiping the sun instead of Allah.
Sulayman (PBUH) sent a letter to the Queen of Sheba through the hoopoe, inviting her to submit to the One True God. The letter was written in a gentle tone, showing Sulayman’s diplomatic approach. The queen, after consulting with her advisors, decided to visit Sulayman’s court to assess the situation for herself.
Before her arrival, Sulayman sought to demonstrate his power and the might of Allah by asking who among his court could bring him the queen’s throne before she arrived. A powerful jinn offered to bring it in the blink of an eye, but Sulayman’s advisor, who knew the Book, was able to retrieve the throne instantly by the will of Allah. When the queen arrived and saw her throne in Sulayman’s palace, she was amazed by his wisdom and the signs of Allah’s power.
The Queen of Sheba eventually embraced Islam, acknowledging the greatness of Allah. This story not only showcases Sulayman’s (PBUH) ability to communicate with animals and jinns but also emphasizes his role as a prophet, guiding others to monotheism and the worship of the One true God.
The Death of Prophet Sulayman (PBUH)
Prophet Sulayman (PBUH) ruled for many years, during which time he maintained justice, upheld the laws of Allah, and oversaw a vast and diverse kingdom. His death is mentioned in Surah Saba (34:14) and provides a remarkable lesson about human mortality and the unseen world.
According to Islamic tradition, Sulayman’s death came while he was leaning on his staff, overseeing the work of the jinn who were engaged in building a project. The jinn, who were unaware that Sulayman had died, continued their labor, thinking that he was still watching over them. It wasn’t until a creature, described as a termite, gnawed through Sulayman’s staff that his body fell to the ground. Only then did the jinn realize that he had been dead for some time.
This incident is seen as a powerful reminder that no matter how powerful or wise a person may be, death comes to all. Moreover, it demonstrated that the jinn, despite their supernatural abilities, did not have knowledge of the unseen and were powerless in the face of divine decree.
Also, read the Story of Prophet Dawud (David) (Pbuh)