Prophet Sulaimān

Prophet Sulaimān (Solomon) – عليه السلام

Prophet Sulaimān (عليه السلام) was one of the greatest kings to walk the earth — not just in wealth or power, but in submission to Allāh, wisdom in judgment, and justice in leadership. The beloved son of Prophet Dāwūd (David) عليه السلام, Sulaimān inherited more than a throne; he inherited prophethood, knowledge, and a deep sense of taqwā (God-consciousness). From a young age, he exhibited extraordinary intellect and discernment. The Qur’an tells us of a case brought to his father involving sheep that had destroyed a field. While Dāwūd ruled fairly, Sulaimān offered a deeper solution, impressing even his father. Allāh said: “We gave understanding of the case to Sulaimān, and to each [of them] We gave judgment and knowledge.” (Surah Al-Anbiyā’ 21:79). This divine wisdom marked the beginning of his legacy as a prophet-king — one who would balance both dunya and dīn with perfect harmony.

Allāh granted Prophet Sulaimān miraculous powers, unlike any other prophet before or after him. He was given control over the wind, which could carry him across vast lands in mere moments; over the jinn, who worked under his command building palaces and fortresses; and even over animals, with the ability to understand their speech. The Qur’an says: “And We subjected the wind to Sulaimān — its morning stride was a month’s journey, and its evening stride a month. And We made a stream of molten copper flow for him. And among the jinn were those who worked for him by permission of his Lord.” (Surah Saba’ 34:12). This power did not make him arrogant. Instead, he used it to establish justice, spread Tawḥīd, and serve humanity. His control over jinn and animals was a trust — and he fulfilled it as a humble servant, often bowing in deep gratitude to Allāh.

One of the most famous episodes in his life was his encounter with the Queen of Sheba (Bilqīs). When his scouts, including the hoopoe bird, reported that she and her people were worshiping the sun instead of Allāh, Sulaimān sent her a dignified message inviting her to submit to the Lord of the worlds. “Be not arrogant with me, but come to me in submission [to Allāh].” (Surah An-Naml 27:31). The Queen, known for her intelligence, responded respectfully and traveled to meet him. Before her arrival, Sulaimān showed the might of his kingdom by asking his council who could bring her throne to him. A powerful jinn offered to do it in moments, but a man with knowledge from the Book brought it in the blink of an eye. When the throne appeared before him, Sulaimān didn’t boast — he bowed his head and said: “This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful.” (Surah An-Naml 27:40). This humility is what set him apart. Though he possessed a kingdom no one would ever match, his heart remained chained to Allāh, not the world.

When Queen Bilqīs saw his palace — which had a floor of clear glass appearing like water — and experienced his wisdom and justice, she accepted the truth. “My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Sulaimān to Allāh, Lord of the Worlds.” (Surah An-Naml 27:44). Her conversion was a spiritual victory, not just political — showing that the mission of a prophet, even one with a mighty empire, is always to guide hearts to Tawḥīd.

Sulaimān (عليه السلام) was also known for his deep worship and constant remembrance of Allāh. Despite his royal duties and enormous kingdom, he remained devoted in prayer and sought nearness to Allāh through every action. Once, he was so engrossed in admiring his fine horses — which were used in the path of Allāh — that he missed his afternoon prayer. Overwhelmed with grief for missing his spiritual duty, he sacrificed those horses, showing that nothing, not even the finest gifts of this world, could come between him and his Lord. “He said, ‘I love the love of good [horses] for the remembrance of my Lord.’” (Surah Ṣād 38:32).

Like all prophets, Sulaimān was tested. The Qur’an hints at a great trial in his life, perhaps involving his kingdom or body, though details remain with Allāh. But Sulaimān turned in repentance and supplication, saying: “My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.” (Surah Ṣād 38:35). Allāh answered this heartfelt du‘ā and strengthened his dominion — but Sulaimān always used his blessings for the sake of dīn. His leadership was marked by fairness, humility, and relentless dedication to righteousness.

When Sulaimān (عليه السلام) passed away, his death was hidden from even the jinn who served him. As he stood leaning on his staff, the jinn continued to work, believing him to be alive — until termites slowly ate through the staff and his body fell. This moment revealed that the jinn had no knowledge of the unseen. “When We decreed death for him, nothing indicated to them his death except a creature of the earth eating his staff. When he fell, it became clear to the jinn that if they had known the unseen, they would not have remained in humiliating torment.” (Surah Saba’ 34:14). His death was a sign, a lesson in humility, and a final affirmation that all power belongs to Allāh alone, and not even the greatest prophet-king could escape His decree.

Prophet Sulaimān (عليه السلام) left behind a legacy unmatched in power yet rooted in humility, unmatched in glory yet bowed in gratitude. He was the only man in history to combine prophethood, kingship, miraculous control over nature, and absolute submission to Allāh in one life. He ruled not from pride but from sincerity, not for dominance but for da‘wah. His life is a timeless example for rulers and leaders, teaching that true greatness lies in serving the Creator and guiding the creation. May Allāh elevate his rank, bless us with wisdom like his, and allow us to walk in his footsteps toward eternal success. Āmīn.

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