Sulaiman, the son of Dawud, was chosen by Allah to be a prophet and a king, inheriting not only his father’s throne but also his wisdom, leadership, and commitment to justice. From a young age, Sulaiman displayed remarkable insight and understanding, qualities that made him a worthy successor to his father. Allah granted him extraordinary gifts, including dominion over humans, jinn, and animals, and the ability to communicate with creatures of the natural world.
One of the early signs of Sulaiman's exceptional wisdom was when he was faced with a dispute between two individuals over a field. The first claimed that the other's sheep had strayed into his vineyard and destroyed it. Dawud, Sulaiman’s father, initially ruled that the sheep should be given to the vineyard’s owner as compensation for the loss. However, Sulaiman suggested a more just solution: the vineyard's owner should take the sheep temporarily to benefit from their milk and wool while the shepherd worked to restore the vineyard. This judgment impressed everyone, including Dawud, and showcased Sulaiman’s unique sense of justice and understanding.
As Sulaiman grew older and ascended to power, Allah answered his prayer for a kingdom unmatched by anyone before or after him. He was given control over the wind, which could carry him and his army wherever he wished. The jinn, powerful and unseen beings, were placed under his command to build grand structures, extract treasures from the earth, and carry out tasks that required immense strength and skill. Yet, with all this power, Sulaiman remained deeply humble and grateful to Allah, constantly acknowledging that his abilities were blessings bestowed upon him by the Almighty.
One of the most remarkable moments in Sulaiman’s life occurred during a journey with his army, which consisted of humans, jinn, and animals. As they marched through a valley, Sulaiman overheard the speech of an ant warning its colony to retreat into their homes to avoid being crushed. The ant’s words, filled with concern and intelligence, brought a smile to Sulaiman’s face. Instead of feeling pride at the vastness of his army, he turned to Allah in gratitude, praising Him for granting him the ability to understand even the smallest of creatures.
Sulaiman’s dominion extended beyond his immediate kingdom. One day, while inspecting the ranks of his forces, he noticed the absence of the hoopoe bird. This bird was known for its keen intelligence and its ability to scout distant lands. Sulaiman, displeased, declared that the bird would face consequences unless it brought a valid reason for its absence. When the hoopoe returned, it brought extraordinary news of a distant land ruled by a queen named Bilqis. Her kingdom was prosperous, but her people worshipped the sun instead of Allah.
Determined to guide them to the truth, Sulaiman sent a letter to Bilqis, inviting her to submit to Allah. When the queen received the message, she sought counsel from her advisors. Eventually, she decided to visit Sulaiman’s court herself to assess his intentions. Before her arrival, Sulaiman asked his court who could bring him Bilqis’ throne, a symbol of her power, as a demonstration of Allah’s might. A jinn offered to bring it within moments, but a man with knowledge of the Book brought it instantly by Allah’s permission.
When Bilqis arrived, she was astonished to see her throne already present in Sulaiman’s palace. This display of divine power humbled her, and she recognized the truth of Sulaiman’s message. She declared her submission to Allah, embracing Islam and abandoning the worship of the sun. This episode highlighted Sulaiman’s dedication to spreading the worship of Allah, using wisdom and diplomacy rather than force.
Throughout his life, Sulaiman maintained his dedication to justice and worship. He built grand structures, including the famous temple, with the help of the jinn, who worked tirelessly under his command. Yet, despite his immense wealth and power, Sulaiman was deeply aware of his mortality and the ultimate accountability before Allah.
Sulaiman’s death came in a manner befitting his life of dignity and humility. As he stood in prayer, leaning on his staff, his soul was taken by Allah. For a time, his death went unnoticed by the jinn, who continued their laborious tasks, believing him to be alive. It was only when a creature gnawed through his staff, causing his body to fall, that they realized he had passed away. This moment served as a profound reminder to all of creation that no one, not even the mightiest of kings, can escape death.
Lessons from the Story of Prophet Sulaiman:
- Gratitude for Allah's Blessings: Prophet Sulaiman always acknowledged that his wisdom, power, and dominion were blessings from Allah. His gratitude teaches us to remain humble and thankful for what we have, knowing that all gifts are from Allah.
- Justice and Fairness: Sulaiman’s judgment in resolving disputes exemplifies the importance of fairness and wisdom in leadership. Justice is a cornerstone of a righteous society and a value cherished in Islam.
- Power with Responsibility: Despite his vast kingdom and control over humans, jinn, and animals, Sulaiman used his power responsibly to spread Allah’s message and ensure justice. Power should be a means to serve, not dominate.
- The Value of Humility: When Sulaiman heard the ant's warning and witnessed its intelligence, he responded with humility and gratitude to Allah, not arrogance. This reminds us to stay grounded no matter how high we rise.
- Spreading the Truth with Wisdom: Sulaiman’s approach to Queen Bilqis—sending a respectful invitation rather than waging war—highlights the importance of wisdom, dialogue, and respect in guiding others to the truth.
- Mortality and Accountability: Sulaiman’s death serves as a reminder that no one, regardless of their worldly power, can escape death or judgment. We must use our time wisely and focus on earning Allah’s pleasure.
- Knowledge is Power: The man with knowledge of the Book who brought Bilqis’ throne demonstrates the value of knowledge in achieving remarkable feats. Islam emphasizes seeking knowledge as a path to success in this life and the hereafter.
- Tawheed (Oneness of Allah): Sulaiman’s mission to guide Bilqis and her people to worship Allah underscores the core message of Islam—there is no god but Allah. All acts of worship and obedience should be directed to Him alone.
- Animals and Nature Deserve Respect: Sulaiman’s understanding of animals and his concern for them show that humans have a duty to respect and care for all of Allah’s creation.
- A Test of Power and Wealth: Sulaiman’s immense wealth and control were tests of his character. His story teaches that power and riches are not inherently evil but can become a blessing when used in service of Allah and His creation.
- Reliance on Allah: Despite his might, Sulaiman relied on Allah for guidance and success. True reliance on Allah is a hallmark of faith.
- Submission to Allah is Key: Bilqis’s story illustrates that true greatness lies in submitting to Allah, even if one possesses worldly power and authority.