Sulaiman (سُلَيْمَان), also written as Solomon, was a Prophet. He is one of the 25 Prophets mentioned in the Quran by name. His name appears 17 times in the Quran. Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is also one of those who were Prophet and King simultaneously. He belonged to Bani Israel (Children of Israel, also known as Israelites).

Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was the successor of his father, Prophet Dawud عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ came after him. He was one of the 19 sons of the Prophet Dawud عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. So, he inherited both Prophet-Hood and Kingship from his father. Like his father, Prophet Sulaiman was also granted the knowledge of the languages of birds and animals. He was also given the power to communicate with and rule over the Jins. He is rated as a wise King and Prophet sent to the Israelites.

Early Life of Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ

The abilities and wisdom of Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was evident from his early life. When he was 11 years old, a dispute between two persons was brought in the Court of his father, Prophet Dawud عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. It is a famous story, a hint of which is also mentioned in the Quran.

One person owned a grape field, while another owned a herd of sheep. One day, the sheep entered the first person’s field and ate the grapes. This critical issue was brought before Prophet Dawud عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ for a judgment. The sheep owner admitted that this was true. The Prophet, after listening to both of them, gave his verdict that the sheep owner should hand over his sheep to the owner of the grape field.

At this stage, young Sulaiman, who was present in his father’s Court, said there might be another solution to this matter. The sheep owner should give his sheep to the field owner so he can rare them and use their milk for his living. Meanwhile, the field should be handed over to the sheep owner so he can cultivate a fresh crop of grapes. The field should be returned to its original owner when the grapes are ready for consumption. The sheep owner can then take back his sheep as well.

Prophet Dawud عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ liked this decision very much and praised Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ for giving such a power of judgment to Sulaiman. This story is briefly mentioned in verse 78 of Surah Al-Anbiya:

Translation

We bestowed the same favor upon David and Solomon. Recall, when they gave judgement regarding a tillage into which the sheep of some people had strayed at night, and We were witnesses to their judgement.

Prophethood and Kingship of Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ

After the death of Prophet Dawud عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, Sulaiman inherited the Kingship of Israelites. Simultaneously, he was also granted the Prophethood by Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. The inheritance from his father is not about the wealth or assets; it is just the kingship, which was transferred to him by the Will of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. It would not be out of context to quote a Hadith about the inheritance of assets of the Prophets, as mentioned in Hadith 6727 of Sahih Al-Bukhari:

Translation

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Our (Apostles’) property should not be inherited, and whatever we leave, is to be spent in charity.”

So, the inheritance of Prophet Dawud عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, being transferred to Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, is not a material inheritance; rather it is the inheritance of Kingship only.

Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and the Gifts from Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ

When Sulaiman got the Prophethood and the Kingship of Israelites, he prayed for a Kingdom that had not been given to anyone before and would not be given to anyone after him. His prayer was graciously accepted by Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. He was blessed with the Kingdom of Israel. He was also blessed with wisdom. Moreover, he was also given a mine of copper (a rare metal of that time).

Other unique gifts from Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ for His servant were the ability to communicate with birds and animals. He was also granted command over the winds. All the Jinns were also given under his command. Despite all these extraordinary abilities, Prophet Sulaiman remained a humble servant of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ and always relied upon Him, as mentioned in verse 30 of Surah Sad:

Translation

We bestowed upon David (an illustrious son), Solomon. How excellent a servant (of Ours he was)! Indeed he constantly turned to Us in devotion.

Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ Tested by Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ

One day Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was inspecting the parade of his beautiful and well-trained horses. He was much pleased seeing his horses. Meanwhile, the evening approached, when he was supposed to offer prayers. The time of prayer lapsed but he couldn’t offer prayer on that evening. This incident is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Sad in verses 31 to 40:

Translation

  1. And when one evening well-trained and running horses of noble breed were brought to him
  2. he said: “Lo! I have come to love this wealth on account of the remembrance of my Lord.” And when the horses disappeared,
  3. he ordered): “Bring these horses back to me,” and then he began to gently stroke their shanks and necks.
  4. Surely We put Solomon to the test and cast upon his throne a mere body. Thereupon he penitently turned (to Us).
  5. He said: “My Lord, forgive me and bestow upon me a kingdom such as none other after me will deserve. Surely You are the Bounteous Giver.”
  6. We subjected the wind to him, so that it blew gently at his bidding, wherever he directed it,
  7. and We also subjected the devils to him — all kinds of builders and divers;
  8. and others that were bound with chains.
  9. This is Our bestowal. So give or withhold as you wish without an account.
  10. Indeed an exalted position of nearness awaits him and an excellent resort.

So, after offering repentance, Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was forgiven.

Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ in the Valley of Ants

Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was once traveling with his army of men, jins, and birds. When they reached the valley of ants, one of the ants asked others to enter their dwellings immediately or the arm of Sulaiman may unintentionally crush them under their feet. Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ heard this, as he knew the language of all creatures. He smiled and turned towards Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, seeking His blessings so he can turn out to be a righteous person and remain grateful to Him. This historical incident is narrated in the Quran in Surah An-Nml in verses 17-19:

Translation

  1. Hosts of jinn and humans and birds were marshalled for Solomon and were kept under full control.
  2. (Solomon was once on the move with them) until when they reached a valley of ants one of the ants said: “O ants, get into your holes, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you (under their feet) without even knowing.”
  3. Smiling at the ant’s utterance, Solomon burst into laughter and said: “My Lord! Hold me under (Your) control that I may render thanks for the favor which You have bestowed on me and my parents, and that I may act righteously in a manner that would please You. Include me, out of Your Mercy, among Your righteous servants

Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ Builds the Dome of the Rock

When Prophet Sulaiman visited Jerusalem, he built a place of worship on a big rock. This worship place is known as the “Dome of the Rock.” A large group of his followers joined him from Jerusalem, and they traveled to Mecca for the Hajj.

Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and the Queen of Sheba

One day during a routine assembly, Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ noticed that a bird Hoopoe (hud hud, هُدْهُد) was absent. When he enquired about it, the Hoopoe said that she had brought news for the Prophet. A country named Sheba (Saba) is being ruled by a woman named Bilkis. This is a rich nation and has everything in abundance. Their throne is huge and beautiful. But the Satan has distracted them. The Queen and her nation worship the Sun, instead of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ.

This information was shocking for the Prophet. To confirm the news, he wrote a letter to the Queen and asked the Hoopoe to deliver it to her. He also instructed the Hoopoe to secretly watch her reaction and tell him about that. The Queen was much disturbed to read the content of the letter. She consulted her aides and asked for their opinion about it. They were ready to go for a battle with Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ but they left it to the will of the Queen. The Queen declared that she was not in favor of war and wanted to send a delegation to the Prophet with the best gifts from her treasure.

The Quran mentions this event in Surah An-Naml in verses 20-35:

Translation

  1. On another occasion) Solomon inspected the birds and said: “Why is it that I do not see the hoopoe? Is he among the absentees?
  2. I will inflict a severe punishment on him or maybe even slaughter him unless he comes forth with a convincing reason (for his absence).”
  3. Not before long the hoopoe came up and said: “I have obtained a knowledge which you could not. I have brought for you sure news about Sheba.
  4. I found there a woman ruling over them, one who has been endowed with all things and has a mighty throne
  5. found that she and her people prostrate themselves before the sun rather than Allah. ” Satan has made their deeds appear attractive to them and has, thus, debarred them from the Right Path so they do not find true guidance
  6. that they would prostrate themselves before Allah Who brings to light all that is hidden in the heavens and the earth and knows all that you conceal and all that you reveal.
  7. Allah – none is worthy of worship save He; He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne
  8. Solomon said: “Soon shall we see whether you have spoken the truth or are one of those that lie
  9. Take this letter of mine, deliver it to them, and then draw back from them, and observe what they do.”
  10. The Queen said:” Know my nobles that a gracious letter has been delivered to me
  11. It is from Solomon, and it is: “In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
  12. (It says): “Do not act towards me with defiance, but come to me in submission.”
  13. (After reading the letter) the Queen said: “Nobles, let me have your counsel in this matter for I make no firm decision without you.”
  14. They said: “We are strong and are given to vehement fighting. But the decision is yours. Therefore, consider what you would like to command.
  15. The Queen said: “When the kings enter a country they cause corruption in it and abase those of its people who are held in honour. This is what they are wont to do
  16. I will send them a gift and then see with what answer my envoys return.”

Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ Rejects the Gifts from Queen of Sheba

Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was informed about the arrival of an envoy from the Queen of Sheba, with gifts from her. He realized that she was trying to impress and bribe him. On the other hand, the delegates of the Queen of Sheba felt belittled by watching the huge army of the Prophet, which included lions, tigers, and many other animals, in addition to the soldiers.

The Prophet flatly refused to accept the gift from the Queen and told her men that he had plenty of wealth with the blessings of Allah بْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ and that he only wanted the Queen and her nation to stop worshiping the Sun and turn back to Allah بْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, Who is the Only to be worshipped.

This is mentioned in Surah An-Naml in verses 36 and 37:

Translation

  1. Now, when (the envoy of the Queen) came to Solomon, he said: “Do you want to aid me with wealth? Whatever Allah has granted me is much more than what He has given me. (Keep for yourselves) your gift in which you are exulting.
  2. Envoy, go back to those who sent you and we shall certainly come upon them with hosts whom they will be unable to resist. We shall drive them out from there, and they will suffer humiliation and disgrace.”

Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and the Throne of Sheba

When the envoy returned to the Queen and told her about what they had seen in the Court of Prophet Sulaiman, she decided to visit the Prophet herself. The information about her visit was passed on to the Prophet beforehand.

The Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ asked if there was someone who could bring the Throne of Sheba before the Queen arrived here. One of the Jinns said that he could bring the throne before this talk was over. Another Jinn said he could do it in a blink of an eye. But a man, who is referred to as the man of the Book, brought the throne before the end of the phrase. This is mentioned in the Quran in Surah An-Naml in verses 38 to 44:

Translation

  1. Solomon said: “My nobles, which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?
  2. A stalwart of the jinn said: “I will bring it to you before you rise from your council. Surely I have the power to do so and I am trustworthy.”
  3. And he who had some knowledge of the Book said: “I will bring it before the twinkling of your eye.” When Solomon saw the throne placed firmly beside him, he cried out: “This is by the grace of my Lord so that He may test me whether I give thanks for (His Bounty) or act with ingratitude. Whoever is grateful is so to his good; and whoever is ungrateful, let him know that my Lord is Immensely Resourceful, Most Bountiful.”
  4. Solomon said: ” Set the throne before her casually, and let us see whether she gets to the Truth or is one of those who are not guided to what is right.”
  5. When the Queen arrived, she was asked: “Is your throne like this one?” She said: “It seems as if it is the same. We had already come to know this and we had submitted ourselves.”
  6. What prevented her (from accepting the True Faith) was her worshipping deities other than Allah, for she belonged to an unbelieving people.
  7. She was told: “Enter the palace.” But when she saw it, she thought it was a pool of water and she bared both her calves (to enter into it). Solomon said: “This is a slippery floor of crystal.” Thereupon she cried out: “My Lord, I have been inflicting much wrong on myself. Now I submit myself with Solomon to Allah, the Lord of the whole Universe.

So, in this way, the Queen of Sheba embraced the preaching of Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and became one of the believers.

The Death of Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ

The death of Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is mentioned in the Quran, according to which he died when he was standing, resting on his staff. It was the time when he was supervising the work of Jinns. The Jinns remained unaware of his death as he was still leaning on his staff. Then a small ant arrived and ate up the staff, which resulted in the collapse of the Prophet’s body. Only then did the Jinns realize that the Prophet had died. It is mentioned in the Quran as a lesson for those who believed that Jinns knew the unseen, whereas they remained ignorant of the death of the Prophet.

This is narrated in the Surah Saba in verses 12-14:

Translation

  1. And We subdued the wind to Solomon: its morning course was a month’s journey and its evening course was a month’s journey. We gave him a spring flowing with molten brass, and We subdued for him jinn who, by his Lord’s permission, worked before him. Such of them as swerved from Our commandment, We let them taste the chastisement of the Blazing Fire.
  2. They made for him whatever he would desire: stately buildings, images, basins like water troughs, and huge, built-in-cauldrons: “Work, O house of David, in thankfulness (to your Lord). Few of My servants are truly thankful.”
  3. When We executed Our decree of death on Solomon, nothing indicated to the jinn that he was dead except a worm eating away his staff. So when Solomon fell, the jinn realized that had they known what lies in the realm beyond perception, they would not have continued to be in this humiliating chastisement.

So, that was the end of a righteous Prophet and the King of the Kingdom of Israel, also known as the Kingdom of Solomon.

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