“And God gave him (David) the kingdom and AlHikmah (Prophethood), and taught him of that which He willed.” (Quran 2:251)
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In the tales from the Old Testament, and Biblical history, Prophet Solomon is often referred to as Solomon the wise, however in Islam; all the prophets are known to possess exceptional wisdom. In fact, the Arabic wordhikmah is sometimes translated as Prophethood when in fact it means all the qualities we associate with wisdom including good judgement and the ability to run the affairs of people and deal with them justly. God prepares and moulds the character of all His Prophets, however both David, and his son Solomon were known to be exceptionally wise men. Solomon displayed wisdom at an early age and even advised his father, but Prophet David’s early adulthood was spent gaining knowledge and life experience.[1] Gradually God steered the course of their lives. David made mistakes, but he learned from them. The knowledge and wisdom of these two men continues to have an affect on Islamic judgement and counsel.
Although David endured a demanding lifestyle, he always found time for contemplation and prayer. Everyday he would spend time in a secluded area remembering God, praying, and supplicating. David's soldiers guarded the area but one particular day two men appeared out of nowhere. David was shocked and surprised by their presence. He drew back, startled, but the men spoke calmly and reassured David; they explained that they were petitioners seeking judgement.
“And has the news of the litigants reached you? When they climbed over the wall into (his) Mihrâb (a praying place or a private room).When they entered in upon David, he was terrified of them, they said, "Fear not! (We are) two litigants, one of whom has wronged the other, therefore judge between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, and guide us to the Right Way.” (Quran 38:21-22)
The two men stood before David and one presented his case. David was shocked by what appeared to be an obvious case of the oppression of one person by the other. He swiftly passed judgement and just as swiftly, the two men disappeared. In that moment, David realised that the two men were angels sent by God to test him and that he had failed to pass the test. He fell to the floor and begged God to forgive his rash judgement. David now understood that he had not listened to both sides of the story. He had passed judgement with only half the information he needed. Quran describes David’s lack of patience and impulsiveness, and the benefit of turning to God in repentance in the following verses.
“Verily, my brother (in religion) has ninety-nine ewes, while I have (only) one ewe and he says, "Hand it over to me, and he overpowered me in speech.” David said (immediately without listening to the opponent): "He has wronged you in demanding your ewe in addition to his ewes. And, verily, many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and they are few.” And David guessed that We have tried him and he sought Forgiveness of his Lord, and he fell down prostrate and turned (to God) in repentance. Therefore, we forgave him that, and verily, for him is a near access to us, and a good place of (final) return (Paradise).” (Quran 38:23-25)
David learned valuable lessons from this experience. He learned that in order to make sound judgements one needed to have all the information available. He also learned the significance of recognising sins and mistakes and turning to God for forgiveness. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, told his followers that knowing something was not the same as seeing it.[2] Meaning that one may have knowledge of something, but not true understanding until he or she has experienced it. God bestowed knowledge upon David, and gave him life experiences designed to mould and shape his character. David learned from his mistake and became a better man.
God sent the angels to teach David about fairness and justice and He rewarded David for his repentance. God granted David al-hikmah (prophethood) and appointed him to rule over the Children of Israel with wise judgement, and a soft heart. David recognised his mistake and repented. This changed him, and even today true repentance and fear of God can make us better people.
“O David! Verily! e have placed you as a successor on earth, so judge you between men in truth (and justice) and follow not your desire for it will mislead you from the Path of God. Verily! Those who wander astray from the Path of God (shall) have a severe torment, because they forget the Day of Reckoning.” (Quran 38:26)
David’s son Solomon was intelligent and wise, even as a child. Ibn Kathir, the renowned and respected Islamic scholar and exegete of the 14th century, relates that one day David was sitting, solving the problems of his people when two men, one of whom had a field, presented themselves to him. The owner of the field said: "O Prophet! This man's sheep came to my field at night and ate up the grapes and I have come to ask for compensation.” David asked the owner of the sheep, “Is this true? ” when he answered yes, David said, “I have decided that you should give him your sheep in exchange for the field. ”
Solomon offered a different opinion. He suggested that the owner of the sheep should take the field to cultivate until the grapes grow, while the other man should take the sheep and make use of their wool and milk until his field is repaired. If the grapes grow, and the field returns to its former state, then the field owner should take his field and give back the sheep to their owner. ” David accepted his son’s wise counsel and thus from a young age Solomon earned the title, Solomon the Wise. However, that was not the only title history bestowed on Prophet Solomon. He is also known as Solomon the magnificent. When he took over his father’s Empire, King Solomon led the Children of Israel into a Golden Age.
The prophets of God were mere human beings but their responsibilities required that they posses exceptional characteristics. Each Prophet was obligated to spread the same message – man’s purpose is to worship One God. (Quran 51:56) However, they were also required to implement and uphold the laws of God. In order to make each prophet credible, God granted them miracles, pertinent and understandable to the people to whom they were sent. The miracle that defined Prophet Solomon was his unique kingdom.[1]
Both Prophet David, and his son Solomon were wise and just rulers because God had bestowed upon them knowledge, and good judgement. David established an empire, and Solomon led the children of Israel into a Golden Age. Solomon’s kingdom was like no other that has ever existed, or indeed will exist in the future. God, the best of planners, involved Prophet Solomon in tests and trials designed to mould his character, thus his life was punctuated by events designed to mold knowledge and experience.
God describes Solomon as “an excellent slave” because of his sincere repentance. The tests and trials Solomon confronted sometimes led him to commit errors in judgement but he learned from his mistakes. On one occasion Solomon wiled away his time admiring his string of thoroughbred horses until the time for the afternoon prayer had passed. However, when he realised his error, he turned to God with remorse and sadness, and begged for forgiveness.
“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. He said, “Alas! I did love these horses instead of remembering my Lord until the time for prayer was over, and (the sun) had hidden in the veil (of 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...” (Quran 38:30-34)
Upon the death of Prophet David, Solomon inherited both the prophethood and the empire. Due to his high level of wisdom, Solomon was acutely aware of the power of God. He recognised that God was responsible for any condition he found himself in, whether easy or difficult, and he praised God for it. He said, “All praise and thanks is due to God” (Quran 27: 15). Solomon understood that no power or strength would be his, unless he requested it from God. Therefore, he turned to God and asked for a kingdom that would never be surpassed. God granted his request. He bestowed upon Solomon many abilities, and they assisted him in establishing a magnificent kingdom.
“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 God 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.” (Quran 38:35-40)
Prophet Solomon was able to use and control the wind by the will of God. He could travel vast distances in a short amount of time. Furthermore, Solomon was able to control the devils from among the jinn,[2] whom worked for him constructing buildings, mining metals, diving for treasures and generally securing the infrastructure of Solomon’s kingdom. God also gave Solomon a fountain flowing with molten brass. Just as his father David was given the gift of being able to mould iron, Solomon was able to mould and bend brass into tools, armoury, and utensils.
“And to Solomon We subjected the wind strongly raging, running by his command towards the land, which We had blessed. And of everything, We are the All-Knower. And of the devils from the jinn were some who dived for him, and did other work besides that; and it was We who guarded them.” (Quran 21:81-82)
“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.” (Quran 34:12-13)
Prophet Solomon was a King of great renown. His Kingdom was unique and his Empire represented a golden age for the Children of Israel. He ruled with wisdom and justice, and acknowledged that all power and strength were from God alone. King Solomon however was not the only mighty ruler in the area. In the land now known as Yemen but once known as Sheba, lived a Queen named Bilqis.
The story of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba is the final part in a series of articles about the Ancient Kingdom of Israel. Many people may have been intrigued by the fact that the characters and stories are similar to those contained in Biblical texts and history. However, the Islamic perspective differs in some fundamental ways.
Solomon was both a prophet and a king. His mission as a Prophet of God was to spread the message that God is One, without partner or similitude. He also upheld the laws of God,. As king, he led the Children of Israel into a golden age of wealth and prosperity.
Solomon’s kingdom and army were beyond compare. His army consisted of battalions of men, troops of jinn (creations from fire) and even squadrons of birds. Solomon was able to communicate with birds, control the jinn, and command the respect and loyalty of men. He marched with the immense army, believed to number in the hundreds of thousands, across his empire.
The Mosque in Jerusalem
Muslims believe that Masjid al Aqsa (the Holy Mosque in Jerusalem) was rebuilt or expanded by King Solomon. According to Islamic history, Prophet Jacob, built Masjid al Aqsa approximately 40 years after his grandfather Prophet Abraham built the House of God in Mecca. Islam totally rejects the notion that King Solomon built a temple on the Masjid al Aqsa site, and herein lays one of the basic differences between Jewish and Islamic belief. It is what causes some of the dilemmas that exist in the Holy Land today. Although a Prophet in all three monotheistic religions, small differences about the nature and history of Solomon have, over time, created great divides.
Towards Sheba
After consolidating his kingdom, with Jerusalem as the capital, Solomon and his army marched towards the area known as Sheba. Rain in this area (the Empty Quarter of the Saudi Arabian desert and Yemen) was seasonal; therefore, the people had constructed dams and irrigation networks. The barren land was transformed into vast gardens and fertile plains. After learning of this lush greenery, Solomon wanted to see the transformation himself.
The battalions marched forward and came to a valley populated by ants. One of the tiny ants saw the huge army approaching and cried out. “O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Solomon and his army crush you, while they perceive not.” (Quran 27:18). Solomon understood the language of the ants and he smiled, pleased that the ant knew that he would not allow the nation of ants to be crushed intentionally. Solomon was grateful to God and thanked him for saving the ant’s lives. He was not a tyrannical King who ruled with an iron fist over his dominion; Solomon treated all of God’s creatures with respect.
After his encounter with the ant, Solomon was inspecting his army and noticed that one particular bird was missing from the ranks. He inquired as to the hoopoe’s whereabouts and was determined to punish the bird for its absence. The hoopoe was a bird able to detect underground waterways and King Solomon was particularly interested in how and why the Sheba plains were lush and fertile. With in a short time the hoopoe returned and addressed King Solomon saying,
“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, 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 God, and Satan has made their deeds fair seeming to them, and has barred them from God’s Way, so they have no guidance.” (Quran 27: 22-24)
The Hoopoe worshipped and obeyed God with true submission. The bird explained to King Solomon that although Queen Bilqis’ throne was truly magnificent and a wonder of the age the Owner of the Supreme Throne was God, the Almighty. Solomon addressed the hoopoe saying,
“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.”
The hoopoe dropped the letter into the Queen’s lap and withdrew, hiding, listening to the exchange between the Queen and her advisors.
“She said, “O chiefs! Verily! Here is a delivered to me a noble letter. Verily! It is from Solomon and verily! It (reads), ‘I begin with the Name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; be you not arrogant towards me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to God 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.”“ (Quran 27:27-33)
Queen Bilqis displayed wisdom, for although she had the ability to engage in a war, she chose instead to send gifts to King Solomon. Solomon returned the gifts explaining that God had already given him everything that he needed. He dealt with Bilqis respectfully but pointed that if she did not cease worshipping the sun he would have no choice but to uproot her kingdom and drive her people from their land. Again, Bilqis displayed wisdom and good judgement.
Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
Rather then taking offense at Solomon’s words and actions, Bilqis decided to visit him and see first hand the wonders her envoys had described to her. Whilst she was travelling, King Solomon ordered one of his jinn to bring him Bilqis’ magnificent throne. It was delivered to him within the flicker of an eye; such was the speed and ability of the jinn. When Bilqis arrived, King Solomon asked her if she recognised the throne before her. With her customary wisdom and diplomacy, she said, “it appeared to be just like my very own”.
After experiencing the wonders of Solomon’s empire Bilqis realised that she was in the presence of a wise and formidable leader, but to her benefit she also realised his status a Prophet of God. Bilqis immediately renounced sun worship and vowed to accept the teaching of God and encourage her people to do the same. The scholars of Islam point out that Bilqis’ innate wisdom led her to the truth.
Solomon’s life was full of wonder and his death was no different. He died sitting on his throne, looking out over his kingdom. The jinn continued to work unabated thinking that their master was watching over them. A tiny ant nibbled at Solomon’s staff until it fell from his hand and his body toppled over, revealing that he had passed away.
“Then when we decreed death for him (Solomon), nothing informed them (jinn) of his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept slowly gnawing away at his stick, so when he fell down.” (Quran 34:12-14).
Jewish and Christian history decries King Solomon as a man known for his excesses. For Muslims, he is a wise and noble man. Islam rejects completely that Prophet Solomon disobeyed the laws of God or that he worshipped idols. He was the son of a prophet who spent his entire life striving to please God. He consolidated his father David’s empire, and led the children of Israel into a golden age. He possessed many talents and his life is one of wonder and miracles but wisely, he understood that the true and lasting reward was in the hereafter.
