The Story of Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon, peace be upon him) is one of the most fascinating prophets mentioned in the Qur’an and the Bible. Known for his unparalleled wisdom, vast kingdom, and miraculous control over the natural and supernatural world, his story stands as a testament to divine favor, just leadership, and the pursuit of knowledge. As the son of Prophet Dawud (David, peace be upon him), Sulaiman inherited not only kingship but also prophecy, and he led with exceptional fairness and justice. This article explores the life, miracles, and legacy of Prophet Sulaiman (PBUH), based on Islamic sources, particularly the Qur’an, with added insights from historical and scriptural perspectives.
The Story Of Prophet Sulaiman
Sulaiman (PBUH) was born into a prophetic household. His father, Prophet Dawud (PBUH), was a wise and just ruler, known for his Psalms (Zabur) and his fair judgment. From an early age, Sulaiman demonstrated exceptional intelligence, maturity, and a deep sense of justice.
One of the earliest incidents showcasing his wisdom is mentioned in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:78-79). Two men came to his father with a dispute: one man’s sheep had strayed into the other’s vineyard and damaged the crops. Dawud (PBUH) gave his judgment, but Sulaiman, despite his youth, offered a more insightful resolution, and Allah praised his wisdom.
“And to David We gave Solomon. How excellent a servant! Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah].” — Qur’an (38:30)
Eventually, Sulaiman inherited both his father’s kingdom and prophethood, which was a unique combination granted by Allah.
A Unique Kingdom and Divine Gifts
Prophet Sulaiman (PBUH) was blessed with extraordinary powers, unparalleled among prophets. His kingdom was vast and his authority extended not only over humans but also jinn, animals, birds, and even the winds.
Communication with Animals and Birds
One of Sulaiman’s special gifts was the ability to understand and communicate with animals. This is beautifully illustrated in Surah An-Naml (27:16-17):
“And Solomon inherited David. He said, ‘O people, we have been taught the language of birds, and we have been given from all things. Indeed, this is evident bounty.’”
He led armies composed of men, jinn, and birds, and he used this ability to maintain harmony and order in his kingdom.
A particularly famous incident involves the Hoopoe bird (Hudhud), who went missing from the army’s ranks. When it returned, it informed Sulaiman about the Queen of Sheba and her people, who were sun worshippers. This sparked one of the most dramatic episodes in his story.
The Encounter with the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis)
The Qur’an narrates in Surah An-Naml (27:20-44) how the Hoopoe bird discovered a powerful queen named Bilqis ruling over Sheba (modern-day Yemen). She had a mighty throne and was wise and politically strong, but her people worshipped the sun.
Sulaiman sent her a letter, inviting her to Islam and monotheism. She responded diplomatically and came to meet Sulaiman herself. Before her arrival, Sulaiman tested the power of his court. He asked who could bring her throne before she arrived. A mighty jinn offered to bring it before Sulaiman could rise from his seat, but a man with knowledge from the Book (believed by scholars to be Asif, one of his ministers) brought it in the blink of an eye.
When Bilqis arrived, Sulaiman showed her the throne, which had been subtly altered. She recognized it, and this, along with the palace made of crystal, humbled her. She eventually accepted the worship of Allah:
“She said, ‘My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Solomon to Allah, Lord of the worlds.’” — Qur’an (27:44)
Control Over the Jinn and Supernatural Forces
One of Sulaiman’s most unique blessings was authority over the jinn. They built palaces, monuments, and even dived into the seas to retrieve treasures for him. However, he kept them in check with divine authority.
“And We subjected to Solomon the wind—its morning [journey was that of] a month—and its afternoon [journey was that of] a month, and We made a fountain of molten copper to flow for him. And among the jinn were those who worked for him by the permission of his Lord.” — Qur’an (34:12)
Sulaiman used this power not for personal gain but to serve justice and enhance the welfare of his people.
Read about: The story of Prophet Yaqub
The Ants and the Story of Humility
Another famous event involves a colony of ants. As Sulaiman’s army marched, he heard an ant warning its fellows to retreat to avoid being trampled. He smiled in appreciation and gratitude to Allah.
“So he 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…’” — Qur’an (27:19)
This incident highlights Sulaiman’s humility and gratitude, even at the height of power.
The Death of Prophet Sulaiman
The death of Sulaiman is also an extraordinary lesson. He passed away while standing with his staff, overseeing the jinn at work. His body remained upright, and the jinn continued working, thinking he was still alive.
It was only when a termite ate through his staff that his body fell, revealing his death. This event proved to the jinn that they did not have knowledge of the unseen.
“Then when We decreed death for him, nothing indicated to the jinn 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.” — Qur’an (34:14)
Read more: the story of Prophet Harun
Legacy and Lessons from Prophet Sulaiman
The story of Sulaiman (PBUH) offers many powerful lessons:
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Justice Above All: Despite his power, he remained a just and fair leader.
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Gratitude to Allah: He always acknowledged Allah’s blessings.
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Wisdom in Leadership: He sought knowledge and advice even when he had authority.
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Humility: Despite his dominion, he remained humble and obedient to Allah.
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Respect for Life: His attention to even the smallest creatures, like ants, reflects a high level of ethical leadership.
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Monotheism and Dawah: His interaction with Queen Bilqis shows his commitment to spreading monotheism peacefully.
FAQs
Who was Prophet Sulaiman's father?
His father was Prophet Dawud (David, peace be upon him), a former king and prophet known for his Psalms and fair rule.
What were Prophet Sulaiman’s miracles?
Sulaiman was given control over the wind, the jinn, the language of animals, and had exceptional wisdom.
Who was the Queen of Sheba?
The Queen of Sheba, known in Arabic as Bilqis, ruled over a rich kingdom and eventually accepted Islam after witnessing Sulaiman’s wisdom and miracles.
Did Sulaiman abuse his power over the jinn?
No. He used his power responsibly for the good of his people and to glorify Allah. He was a just ruler and a devout prophet.
How did Prophet Sulaiman die?
He died while standing with his staff, and the jinn did not realize his death until a termite ate through the staff and his body fell.
Conclusion
Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him) was a beacon of divine wisdom, justice, and mercy. His ability to lead vast armies, communicate with animals, command supernatural beings, and yet maintain humility and submission to Allah makes his story one of the most compelling in Islamic tradition. He showed the world that true power lies not in material might but in submission to the Creator, and that wisdom and justice are the ultimate signs of a great leader.