1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,580 The story of the Queen of Sheba. 2 00:00:02,580 --> 00:00:13,970 “So when (the envoy) came unto Solomon, (the King) said: What! Would ye help me with wealth? But that which Allah hath given me is better than that which He hath given you. Nay it is ye (and not I) who exult in your gift.” (27:36) 3 00:00:13,970 --> 00:00:17,429 The Queen of Sheba erred in her decision. 4 00:00:17,429 --> 00:00:25,050 When she decided to present a gift to the Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him), to sway his heart. 5 00:00:25,050 --> 00:00:31,030 Those attached to the worldly life do not understand the psychology of those attached to the Hereafter. 6 00:00:31,030 --> 00:00:34,810 For a figure like the Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him), 7 00:00:34,929 --> 00:00:37,759 can never be swayed by wealth. 8 00:00:37,759 --> 00:00:40,039 However, the Queen of Sheba 9 00:00:40,039 --> 00:00:45,000 dealt with the Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him), according to the customs of monarchs, 10 00:00:45,000 --> 00:00:47,359 who are seduced by wealth, 11 00:00:47,359 --> 00:00:50,399 who rejoice in it and in what is gifted to them, 12 00:00:50,399 --> 00:00:53,200 and whose decisions are influenced by it. 13 00:00:53,200 --> 00:00:57,280 This is because the ultimate ambition of many kings and leaders 14 00:00:57,280 --> 00:00:58,880 is the accumulation of wealth, 15 00:00:58,880 --> 00:01:04,120 except for those whom Allah has shown mercy and guided to the straight path. 16 00:01:04,239 --> 00:01:10,840 The Queen of Sheba wanted to discern the nature of the Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him): 17 00:01:10,840 --> 00:01:15,640 Is he a king like the kings of this world who love wealth, 18 00:01:15,640 --> 00:01:18,260 or is he a sent Prophet? 19 00:01:18,260 --> 00:01:26,019 Yet, she erred in her method of discerning the great qualities of the Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him). 20 00:01:26,019 --> 00:01:29,540 When we wish to know the true character of men, 21 00:01:29,540 --> 00:01:33,540 we should look at their logic and what they speak of, 22 00:01:33,579 --> 00:01:38,349 for it is evidence of their level of intellect and thought. 23 00:01:38,349 --> 00:01:44,150 The outward displays of grandeur that some men project through their appearance and attire, 24 00:01:44,150 --> 00:01:47,150 and their manner of walking and movement, 25 00:01:47,150 --> 00:01:52,430 may hide beneath them empty minds and trivial preoccupations. 26 00:01:52,430 --> 00:01:57,180 Therefore, one should not rely on judging men solely by their outward appearance. 27 00:01:57,180 --> 00:02:00,060 Consider Rustam, the commander of the Persians; 28 00:02:00,099 --> 00:02:04,700 he rebuked his courtiers when they looked at Rib'i ibn 'Amir 29 00:02:04,700 --> 00:02:08,460 and judged him based on his clothing and appearance. 30 00:02:08,460 --> 00:02:11,219 Rustam replied to them, saying: 31 00:02:11,219 --> 00:02:17,300 "Do not look at his appearance; look at his logic." 32 00:02:17,300 --> 00:02:20,020 Indeed, there are some men whom, when you see them, 33 00:02:20,020 --> 00:02:22,979 you are struck by their imposing presence, 34 00:02:22,979 --> 00:02:27,580 but when they speak and articulate, they fall in the eyes of the wise 35 00:02:27,580 --> 00:02:30,419 due to the triviality of their minds. 36 00:02:30,419 --> 00:02:34,460 Triviality has dominated the lives of many of the affluent, 37 00:02:34,460 --> 00:02:37,460 and those who hold positions and leadership. 38 00:02:37,460 --> 00:02:41,539 This has been the state of many kings throughout history, 39 00:02:41,539 --> 00:02:45,699 and it was the very state the Queen of Sheba herself was living in. 40 00:02:45,699 --> 00:02:49,580 She had been preoccupied with adorning her throne and tending to it, 41 00:02:49,580 --> 00:02:53,740 to the point that the hoopoe described it as a "great throne." 42 00:02:53,740 --> 00:02:57,060 Thus, she assumed that the Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him), 43 00:02:57,060 --> 00:02:59,699 was of this same class of kings. 44 00:02:59,740 --> 00:03:06,150 So, she sent him a gift that was great in her eyes and in the eyes of the people of this world. 45 00:03:06,150 --> 00:03:09,550 The Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him), disapproved of 46 00:03:09,550 --> 00:03:12,430 this action by the Queen of Sheba. 47 00:03:12,430 --> 00:03:14,469 He became angry and said: 48 00:03:14,469 --> 00:03:16,669 "Do you provide me with wealth?" 49 00:03:16,669 --> 00:03:21,750 “So when (the envoy) came unto Solomon, (the King) said: What! Would ye help me with wealth? But that which Allah hath given me is better than that which He hath given you. Nay it is ye (and not I) who exult in your gift.” (27:36) 50 00:03:21,750 --> 00:03:26,000 “So when (the envoy) came unto Solomon, (the King) said: What! Would ye help me with wealth? But that which Allah hath given me is better than that which He hath given you. Nay it is ye (and not I) who exult in your gift.” (27:36) 51 00:03:26,000 --> 00:03:29,280 The Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him), confronted 52 00:03:29,319 --> 00:03:33,240 the gift of the Queen of Sheba with three points: 53 00:03:33,240 --> 00:03:39,280 First, his rejection of the gift in exchange for his call to Islam. 54 00:03:39,280 --> 00:03:46,240 Second, his mention of Allah’s favor upon him through what He had granted him of religion, prophethood, and sovereignty, 55 00:03:46,240 --> 00:03:48,879 and the subjection of the jinn and the birds to him, 56 00:03:48,879 --> 00:03:51,479 and his knowledge of the language of the birds. 57 00:03:51,479 --> 00:03:56,490 All of this is far greater than the gift of the Queen of Sheba. 58 00:03:56,530 --> 00:04:01,969 Third, he clarified who it is that is impressed by such gifts, 59 00:04:01,969 --> 00:04:04,409 noting that it is not part of his character, 60 00:04:04,409 --> 00:04:09,270 but rather part of theirs, because they are accustomed to it. 61 00:04:09,270 --> 00:04:12,110 Al-Qushayri (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 62 00:04:12,110 --> 00:04:14,389 "Do you gift me wealth?" 63 00:04:14,389 --> 00:04:18,310 "Is someone like me to be swayed by such actions?" 64 00:04:18,310 --> 00:04:24,600 "You and your likes are treated with the same treatment you offer." 65 00:04:24,600 --> 00:04:27,509 And Al-Baghawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 66 00:04:27,509 --> 00:04:32,269 "What Allah has given me of prophethood, religion, wisdom, and sovereignty 67 00:04:32,269 --> 00:04:35,509 is better and superior to what He has given you." 68 00:04:35,509 --> 00:04:38,550 “So when (the envoy) came unto Solomon, (the King) said: What! Would ye help me with wealth? But that which Allah hath given me is better than that which He hath given you. Nay it is ye (and not I) who exult in your gift.” (27:36) 69 00:04:38,550 --> 00:04:43,189 "Because you are people of boasting and competition in this world, 70 00:04:43,189 --> 00:04:46,860 rejoicing in gifting one another." 71 00:04:46,860 --> 00:04:48,180 "As for me, 72 00:04:48,180 --> 00:04:52,180 I do not rejoice in it, and the world is not among my needs, 73 00:04:52,180 --> 00:04:55,500 because Allah the Almighty has empowered me within it, 74 00:04:55,500 --> 00:04:59,019 and has given me what He has not given anyone else." 75 00:04:59,019 --> 00:05:04,420 "And with that, He has honored me with religion and prophethood." 76 00:05:04,420 --> 00:05:07,019 Al-Razi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 77 00:05:07,019 --> 00:05:13,100 "He demonstrated through these words his lack of concern for that wealth." 78 00:05:13,100 --> 00:05:18,740 The Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him), knew the reason for sending the gift: 79 00:05:18,740 --> 00:05:24,579 it was to deter him from his resolve to conquer their lands and call them to Islam. 80 00:05:24,579 --> 00:05:27,329 Therefore, he did not accept the gift. 81 00:05:27,370 --> 00:05:33,170 Foresight in understanding the reason why people of wealth, status, and influence offer gifts 82 00:05:33,170 --> 00:05:36,209 to scholars, callers to Islam, and reformers 83 00:05:36,209 --> 00:05:38,850 is of great importance, 84 00:05:38,850 --> 00:05:42,329 because their underlying motive may be far-reaching, 85 00:05:42,329 --> 00:05:48,370 which the scholar or caller might not perceive if they look at the matter superficially, 86 00:05:48,370 --> 00:05:52,610 or if they justify to themselves the acceptance of the ruler's gifts. 87 00:05:52,610 --> 00:05:56,569 What is incumbent upon scholars, callers, and reformers 88 00:05:56,610 --> 00:06:00,490 is to remain above accepting any gift or offering 89 00:06:00,490 --> 00:06:03,529 that might one day cast doubt upon their religion, 90 00:06:03,529 --> 00:06:06,129 to practice asceticism regarding what people possess, 91 00:06:06,129 --> 00:06:10,329 and to turn to Allah in seeking what they need. 92 00:06:10,329 --> 00:06:13,769 For His bounties never cease for His servants, 93 00:06:13,769 --> 00:06:18,069 and He provides for them from where they do not expect. 94 00:06:18,069 --> 00:06:21,149 The unjust ruler in every age 95 00:06:21,149 --> 00:06:26,750 confronts scholars and callers to deter them from calling to Allah, spreading knowledge, 96 00:06:26,750 --> 00:06:31,829 guiding people, and speaking the truth, through two paths: 97 00:06:31,829 --> 00:06:33,750 The first path: 98 00:06:33,750 --> 00:06:37,629 Silencing them with offerings, wealth, and gifts, 99 00:06:37,629 --> 00:06:43,329 and involving them in all his occasions, ceremonies, and receptions. 100 00:06:43,329 --> 00:06:45,250 The second path: 101 00:06:45,250 --> 00:06:49,250 Restricting them, pursuing them, and imprisoning them, 102 00:06:49,250 --> 00:06:54,329 and preventing them from teaching people by any means possible. 103 00:06:54,370 --> 00:06:59,329 Changing labels does not change the reality of the matter at all. 104 00:06:59,329 --> 00:07:01,930 The Queen of Sheba said: 105 00:07:01,930 --> 00:07:05,850 “But lo! I am going to send a present unto them, and to see with what (answer) the messengers return.” (27:35) 106 00:07:05,850 --> 00:07:09,370 So, did she send a gift or a bribe? 107 00:07:09,370 --> 00:07:14,170 Swaying people with wealth contains both truth and falsehood. 108 00:07:14,170 --> 00:07:18,810 As for swaying a disbeliever with wealth so that he may embrace Islam and abandon disbelief, 109 00:07:18,810 --> 00:07:22,449 this is among the truths permitted by Islam, 110 00:07:22,490 --> 00:07:25,009 and it has been designated as one of the categories of zakat, 111 00:07:25,009 --> 00:07:27,870 as in the saying of the Almighty: 112 00:07:27,870 --> 00:07:34,269 “The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is Knower, Wise.” (9:60) 113 00:07:34,269 --> 00:07:39,870 “The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is Knower, Wise.” (9:60) 114 00:07:39,870 --> 00:07:47,500 "and for freeing captives, for those in debt, 115 00:07:47,500 --> 00:07:52,620 for the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarer." 116 00:07:52,620 --> 00:07:57,089 "An obligation from Allah." 117 00:07:57,089 --> 00:08:02,569 "And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise." 118 00:08:02,569 --> 00:08:05,970 This type of swaying, and what resembles it, 119 00:08:05,970 --> 00:08:09,769 does not involve a personal interest for the one who provides the wealth, 120 00:08:09,769 --> 00:08:12,569 but rather it is for the benefit of the one given the wealth, 121 00:08:12,569 --> 00:08:15,370 so that he may adhere to the truth and hold fast to it, 122 00:08:15,370 --> 00:08:17,569 or enter the religion of Allah, 123 00:08:17,569 --> 00:08:19,970 or remain steadfast in Islam. 124 00:08:19,970 --> 00:08:22,970 Just as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 125 00:08:23,170 --> 00:08:26,170 used to reconcile the hearts of those who embraced Islam during the conquest of Makkah 126 00:08:26,170 --> 00:08:30,860 by giving them from the spoils so that they would remain steadfast in Islam. 127 00:08:30,860 --> 00:08:33,460 As for the forbidden swaying, 128 00:08:33,460 --> 00:08:36,659 it is that which is for the interest of the one who provides the wealth, 129 00:08:36,659 --> 00:08:39,860 to obtain what he has no right to, 130 00:08:39,860 --> 00:08:43,059 or to be excused from a right owed by him, 131 00:08:43,059 --> 00:08:47,059 or to oppress others, or the like. 132 00:08:47,059 --> 00:08:49,659 This is the forbidden bribe, 133 00:08:49,659 --> 00:08:52,159 even if it is called a gift. 134 00:08:52,159 --> 00:08:55,559 Most of the offerings of sultans, kings, and leaders 135 00:08:55,559 --> 00:08:57,559 are of this category, 136 00:08:57,559 --> 00:09:00,960 either to silence poets or speakers, 137 00:09:00,960 --> 00:09:03,360 or to manufacture "scholars of evil" 138 00:09:03,360 --> 00:09:06,759 to permit for them what Allah has forbidden, 139 00:09:06,759 --> 00:09:08,759 or to validate their actions, 140 00:09:08,759 --> 00:09:11,320 even if they contradict the Sharia. 141 00:09:11,320 --> 00:09:14,519 The fundamental principle of a gift is desirability, 142 00:09:14,519 --> 00:09:18,519 for the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 143 00:09:18,519 --> 00:09:20,919 "Exchange gifts, and you will love one another." 144 00:09:20,919 --> 00:09:24,149 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad. 145 00:09:24,149 --> 00:09:26,950 The Prophet (peace be upon him) 146 00:09:26,950 --> 00:09:28,750 used to accept gifts, 147 00:09:28,750 --> 00:09:31,750 and it is a righteous deed among Muslims 148 00:09:31,750 --> 00:09:35,740 if they seek through it the countenance of Allah the Almighty. 149 00:09:35,740 --> 00:09:39,340 But if the gift is not for the sake of Allah, 150 00:09:39,340 --> 00:09:42,539 or is intended to prevent the establishment of the law of Allah, 151 00:09:42,539 --> 00:09:45,539 or to turn a person away from the obedience of Allah, 152 00:09:45,539 --> 00:09:47,740 or is for a forbidden purpose, 153 00:09:47,740 --> 00:09:50,940 such as relationships between young men and women, 154 00:09:50,940 --> 00:09:55,539 or the gifting of flowers and the like on Valentine's Day, as they claim, 155 00:09:55,539 --> 00:09:57,139 or on any other occasion, 156 00:09:57,139 --> 00:10:00,899 then these are among the forbidden gifts. 157 00:10:00,899 --> 00:10:03,100 And what the Queen of Sheba sent 158 00:10:03,100 --> 00:10:05,700 is of this forbidden type, 159 00:10:05,700 --> 00:10:09,899 for she wanted to prevent the Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him), 160 00:10:09,899 --> 00:10:13,700 from conquering her land, bringing them into the religion of Allah, 161 00:10:13,700 --> 00:10:16,549 and having them submit to his rule. 162 00:10:16,549 --> 00:10:19,549 And the Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him), 163 00:10:19,750 --> 00:10:22,149 only acts for the sake of Allah, 164 00:10:22,149 --> 00:10:23,950 to spread the religion of Allah, 165 00:10:23,950 --> 00:10:26,950 for the word of Allah to be supreme on earth, 166 00:10:26,950 --> 00:10:32,950 and to save them from the worship of the sun to the worship of Allah, the One, the Subduer, 167 00:10:32,950 --> 00:10:36,820 and for people to surrender to the Lord of the Worlds. 168 00:10:36,820 --> 00:10:41,220 Thus, obstructing this great purpose with gifts and wealth 169 00:10:41,220 --> 00:10:44,220 is nothing but an obstruction from the path of Allah. 170 00:10:44,220 --> 00:10:49,019 Therefore, the Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him), did not accept it, 171 00:10:49,019 --> 00:10:52,220 and said: "Return to them." 172 00:10:52,220 --> 00:10:57,019 “Return unto them. We verily shall come unto them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from thence with shame, and they will be abased.” (27:37) 173 00:10:57,019 --> 00:11:02,710 “Return unto them. We verily shall come unto them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from thence with shame, and they will be abased.” (27:37) 174 00:11:02,710 --> 00:11:04,909 The response was firm: 175 00:11:04,909 --> 00:11:07,710 to wage war against the people of the kingdom of Sheba, 176 00:11:07,710 --> 00:11:10,909 to bring them into the religion of Allah the Almighty, 177 00:11:10,909 --> 00:11:13,909 and to distance them from the worship of other than Allah, 178 00:11:13,909 --> 00:11:17,309 as a means of saving them from eternal punishment in the Fire. 179 00:11:17,309 --> 00:11:21,429 This is one of the forms of jihad in the path of Allah. 180 00:11:21,429 --> 00:11:24,429 When the news reached the Queen of Sheba, 181 00:11:24,429 --> 00:11:28,830 she submitted to the command of the Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him), 182 00:11:28,830 --> 00:11:31,629 and set out herself, along with the nobles of her people, 183 00:11:31,629 --> 00:11:35,230 to the Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him), 184 00:11:35,230 --> 00:11:38,230 to submit to his rule voluntarily, 185 00:11:38,230 --> 00:11:43,500 and to spare the blood of her people from being shed in the streets. 186 00:11:43,500 --> 00:11:45,899 This demonstrates the soundness of her intellect 187 00:11:45,899 --> 00:11:49,700 in protecting her people from entering into a losing war 188 00:11:49,700 --> 00:11:51,899 by all measures. 189 00:11:51,899 --> 00:11:55,419 And it is no shame for her to surrender to the truth, 190 00:11:55,419 --> 00:11:57,220 for yielding to the truth 191 00:11:57,220 --> 00:12:00,460 is better than persisting in falsehood. 192 00:12:00,460 --> 00:12:03,659 This is what is incumbent upon every rational person: 193 00:12:03,659 --> 00:12:06,860 to yield to the truth once it becomes clear to them, 194 00:12:06,860 --> 00:12:09,259 and to distance themselves from entering into battles, 195 00:12:09,259 --> 00:12:12,259 verbal exchanges, or futile arguments, 196 00:12:12,259 --> 00:12:13,860 just to prove their point, 197 00:12:13,860 --> 00:12:18,009 when it has become clear to them that the truth lies with others. 198 00:12:18,009 --> 00:12:20,009 Wasting time and effort 199 00:12:20,009 --> 00:12:23,009 in battles that have no benefit 200 00:12:23,009 --> 00:12:27,169 is a type of foolishness that does not befit the intellect. 201 00:12:27,169 --> 00:12:30,370 This is what the Queen of Sheba did; 202 00:12:30,370 --> 00:12:32,370 she shortened the time and the path 203 00:12:32,370 --> 00:12:35,970 after it became clear to her that what she had done was wrong. 204 00:12:35,970 --> 00:12:37,370 So she went herself 205 00:12:37,370 --> 00:12:40,970 to the Prophet of Allah, Sulayman (peace be upon him), 206 00:12:40,970 --> 00:12:44,620 surrendering to the truth. 207 00:12:44,620 --> 00:12:47,820 But what happened in her kingdom 208 00:12:47,820 --> 00:12:49,220 While she was on her way 209 00:12:49,220 --> 00:12:53,669 to the Prophet of Allah, Sulayman, peace be upon him, 210 00:12:53,669 --> 00:12:57,470 we shall continue in our next meeting, insha'Allah. 211 00:12:57,470 --> 00:13:00,269 And all praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. 212 00:13:01,879 --> 00:13:04,279 The story of the Queen of Sheba 213 00:13:04,279 --> 00:13:08,480 with the Prophet of Allah, Sulayman, peace be upon him.