WEBVTT 00:00:00.460 --> 00:00:02.459 Stories of the Prophets, 00:00:02.459 --> 00:00:05.580 Stories of the Prophets, 00:00:05.580 --> 00:00:07.580 peace be upon them. 00:00:07.580 --> 00:00:09.650 May the blessings of Allah 00:00:09.650 --> 00:00:11.650 followed by His 00:00:11.650 --> 00:00:13.650 peace 00:00:13.650 --> 00:00:15.650 be upon the finest of 00:00:15.650 --> 00:00:17.649 all creation, 00:00:17.649 --> 00:00:20.219 the resolute Messengers 00:00:20.219 --> 00:00:22.219 whose rank 00:00:22.219 --> 00:00:24.480 is exalted. 00:00:24.480 --> 00:00:26.539 The Story of Solomon (Sulayman), 00:00:26.539 --> 00:00:28.539 peace be upon him. 00:00:28.539 --> 00:00:32.880 In the Name of Allah, 00:00:32.880 --> 00:00:34.880 In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 00:00:34.880 --> 00:00:36.909 All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, 00:00:36.909 --> 00:00:38.909 and may peace and blessings 00:00:38.909 --> 00:00:40.909 be upon our Prophet Muhammad, 00:00:40.909 --> 00:00:42.909 and upon his family and all his Companions. 00:00:42.909 --> 00:00:44.909 To proceed: 00:00:44.909 --> 00:00:47.070 In Damascus, in the land of the Levant, 00:00:47.070 --> 00:00:49.070 the Prophet of Allah, Solomon, 00:00:49.070 --> 00:00:51.070 was born, 00:00:51.070 --> 00:00:53.070 peace be upon him. 00:00:53.070 --> 00:00:55.070 He was raised in a household of prophethood, 00:00:55.070 --> 00:00:57.070 for his father was the Prophet of Allah, 00:00:57.070 --> 00:00:59.070 David (Dawud), peace be upon him. 00:00:59.070 --> 00:01:01.070 In the previous 00:01:01.070 --> 00:01:03.070 gathering, we learned about 00:01:03.070 --> 00:01:05.069 the virtue of David, peace be upon him, 00:01:05.069 --> 00:01:07.069 his diligence in worship, 00:01:07.069 --> 00:01:09.069 his eagerness to set things right 00:01:09.069 --> 00:01:11.069 and benefit people, 00:01:11.069 --> 00:01:13.170 and to judge between them in their disputes. 00:01:13.170 --> 00:01:15.170 Amidst this atmosphere 00:01:15.170 --> 00:01:17.170 of faith, 00:01:17.170 --> 00:01:19.170 Solomon, peace be upon him, grew up. 00:01:19.170 --> 00:01:21.170 He learned noble character from his father, 00:01:21.170 --> 00:01:23.170 as well as good manners, 00:01:23.170 --> 00:01:25.170 and inherited from him both kingship and prophethood. 00:01:25.170 --> 00:01:27.170 Solomon, peace be upon him, 00:01:27.170 --> 00:01:29.170 was distinguished by justice, wisdom, 00:01:29.170 --> 00:01:31.170 and excellent judgment among his subjects. 00:01:31.170 --> 00:01:34.319 Allah Almighty informed us 00:01:34.319 --> 00:01:36.319 about Solomon, peace be upon him, 00:01:36.319 --> 00:01:38.319 saying: 00:01:38.319 --> 00:01:40.319 "And Solomon inherited David." 00:01:40.319 --> 00:01:42.450 Indeed, the inheritance that Solomon 00:01:42.450 --> 00:01:44.450 received from his father 00:01:44.450 --> 00:01:46.450 was the greatest inheritance; 00:01:46.450 --> 00:01:48.450 it was a bounty from Allah Almighty 00:01:48.450 --> 00:01:50.450 bestowed upon both father and son. 00:01:50.450 --> 00:01:52.450 He inherited from him 00:01:52.450 --> 00:01:54.450 prophethood and kingship, 00:01:54.450 --> 00:01:56.450 and this does not mean monetary inheritance, 00:01:56.450 --> 00:01:58.450 for David 00:01:58.450 --> 00:02:00.450 had other sons, 00:02:00.450 --> 00:02:02.450 and he would not single Solomon out for material wealth 00:02:02.450 --> 00:02:04.450 over the others. 00:02:04.450 --> 00:02:06.450 Furthermore, it is authentically established in the Sahih 00:02:06.450 --> 00:02:08.449 that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:02:08.449 --> 00:02:10.449 said: 00:02:10.449 --> 00:02:12.449 "We, the assembly of Prophets, 00:02:12.449 --> 00:02:14.539 leave no inheritance; 00:02:14.539 --> 00:02:16.539 whatever wealth we leave behind 00:02:16.539 --> 00:02:18.539 is charity after us" 00:02:18.539 --> 00:02:20.539 for the poor and the needy. 00:02:20.539 --> 00:02:22.539 It was also said 00:02:22.539 --> 00:02:24.539 that Solomon 00:02:24.539 --> 00:02:26.539 had a greater kingdom than David, 00:02:26.539 --> 00:02:28.539 while David was more devoted 00:02:28.539 --> 00:02:30.539 in worship than Solomon, 00:02:30.539 --> 00:02:32.539 may peace and blessings 00:02:32.539 --> 00:02:35.949 be upon them both. 00:02:35.949 --> 00:02:37.949 Allah uniquely endowed Solomon, 00:02:37.949 --> 00:02:39.949 peace be upon him, with knowledge 00:02:39.949 --> 00:02:41.949 unprecedented before him 00:02:41.949 --> 00:02:43.949 and unmatched by anyone after him. 00:02:43.949 --> 00:02:45.949 Allah taught him 00:02:45.949 --> 00:02:47.949 the speech and language of birds 00:02:47.949 --> 00:02:49.949 and animals. 00:02:49.949 --> 00:02:51.949 He understood what 00:02:51.949 --> 00:02:53.949 birds in the sky communicated to one another, 00:02:53.949 --> 00:02:55.949 and the sounds made by animals 00:02:55.949 --> 00:02:57.949 of all kinds. 00:02:57.949 --> 00:02:59.949 This was among the miracles of Allah, 00:02:59.949 --> 00:03:01.949 Glorified and Exalted is He, 00:03:01.949 --> 00:03:04.020 granted specifically to him. 00:03:04.020 --> 00:03:06.020 Allah also gave him of every 00:03:06.020 --> 00:03:08.020 thing he needed 00:03:08.020 --> 00:03:10.110 for his dominion. 00:03:10.110 --> 00:03:12.110 Moreover, Allah augmented that 00:03:12.110 --> 00:03:14.110 by subjecting the jinn, mankind, 00:03:14.110 --> 00:03:16.110 devils, and the winds to his command; 00:03:16.110 --> 00:03:18.110 he would order them as he willed, 00:03:18.110 --> 00:03:20.110 and they would execute for him 00:03:20.110 --> 00:03:22.270 whatever he wished. 00:03:22.270 --> 00:03:24.270 And immense was Allah's favor upon him. 00:03:25.270 --> 00:03:27.500 Ibn Jarir 00:03:27.500 --> 00:03:29.500 al-Tabari, the leading exegete, said: 00:03:29.500 --> 00:03:31.500 "The entire earth, 00:03:31.500 --> 00:03:32.500 its east and its west, was ruled 00:03:32.500 --> 00:03:34.500 by four individuals: 00:03:34.500 --> 00:03:36.500 two believers and two disbelievers. 00:03:36.500 --> 00:03:38.500 The two believers were 00:03:38.500 --> 00:03:40.500 Solomon, son of David, 00:03:40.500 --> 00:03:42.500 and Dhu al-Qarnayn; 00:03:42.500 --> 00:03:44.500 the two disbelievers were 00:03:44.500 --> 00:03:46.500 Nebuchadnezzar (Bakht Nasr) 00:03:46.500 --> 00:03:48.500 and Nimrod, son of Canaan. 00:03:48.500 --> 00:03:51.710 No one else ruled it completely." 00:03:51.710 --> 00:03:53.710 Solomon, peace be upon him, once gave an order, 00:03:53.710 --> 00:03:55.710 and his troops were marshaled on that day. 00:03:55.710 --> 00:03:57.780 His hosts were assembled for him, 00:03:57.780 --> 00:03:59.780 “And there were gathered together unto Solomon his armies of the jinn and humankind, and of the birds, and they were set in battle order;” (27:17) 00:03:59.780 --> 00:04:01.780 and he rode among them 00:04:01.780 --> 00:04:03.780 in magnificent splendor 00:04:03.780 --> 00:04:05.840 and great majesty. 00:04:05.840 --> 00:04:07.840 Humans were placed closest to him, 00:04:07.840 --> 00:04:09.840 followed by the jinn, 00:04:09.840 --> 00:04:11.840 while birds flew over 00:04:11.840 --> 00:04:13.840 his head; 00:04:13.840 --> 00:04:15.840 if it was hot, they shaded him 00:04:15.840 --> 00:04:17.939 with their wings. 00:04:17.939 --> 00:04:19.939 They were kept in strict formation, 00:04:19.939 --> 00:04:21.939 meaning the front ranks were held back for the rear ranks 00:04:21.939 --> 00:04:23.939 so that no one would step out 00:04:23.939 --> 00:04:25.939 of their designated position. 00:04:25.939 --> 00:04:28.290 When Solomon, peace be upon him, 00:04:28.290 --> 00:04:30.290 along with the armies and hosts 00:04:30.290 --> 00:04:32.290 accompanying him, 00:04:32.290 --> 00:04:34.290 arrived at the Valley of the Ants, 00:04:34.290 --> 00:04:36.290 an ant said: 00:04:36.290 --> 00:04:38.290 "O ants, enter your dwellings, 00:04:38.290 --> 00:04:40.290 lest you be crushed 00:04:40.290 --> 00:04:42.290 by Solomon and his hosts 00:04:42.290 --> 00:04:44.350 while they perceive not!" 00:04:44.350 --> 00:04:46.350 Solomon, peace be upon him, understood 00:04:46.350 --> 00:04:48.350 the counsel this ant gave 00:04:48.350 --> 00:04:50.350 to her community, 00:04:50.350 --> 00:04:52.350 as she commanded, 00:04:52.350 --> 00:04:54.350 warned, 00:04:54.350 --> 00:04:56.350 and made an excuse for Solomon 00:04:56.350 --> 00:04:58.350 and his troops 00:04:58.350 --> 00:05:00.350 regarding their lack of awareness, 00:05:00.350 --> 00:05:02.350 all in simple, eloquent words. 00:05:02.350 --> 00:05:04.350 This pleased him greatly, 00:05:04.350 --> 00:05:06.350 and he smiled with 00:05:06.350 --> 00:05:08.350 joy and delight 00:05:08.350 --> 00:05:10.350 at what Allah had granted him insight into, 00:05:10.350 --> 00:05:12.350 to the exclusion of others. 00:05:12.350 --> 00:05:14.350 He asked Allah to grant him the ability 00:05:14.350 --> 00:05:16.350 to give thanks for the blessings He had bestowed 00:05:16.350 --> 00:05:18.350 upon him and his parents, 00:05:18.350 --> 00:05:22.350 and for the special privilege He had uniquely granted him over others, 00:05:22.350 --> 00:05:24.350 and to facilitate righteous deeds for him, 00:05:24.350 --> 00:05:26.350 and to include him, 00:05:26.350 --> 00:05:28.350 when He takes his soul, among His 00:05:28.350 --> 00:05:30.579 righteous servants. 00:05:30.579 --> 00:05:32.579 Allah Almighty said: 00:05:32.579 --> 00:05:34.860 "And We gave 00:05:34.860 --> 00:05:36.860 David and Solomon 00:05:36.860 --> 00:05:38.860 knowledge, 00:05:38.860 --> 00:05:40.860 and they said, 'Praise be to Allah, 00:05:40.860 --> 00:05:42.860 Who has favored us 00:05:42.860 --> 00:05:44.860 “And We verily gave knowledge unto David and Solomon, and they said: Praise be to Allah, Who hath preferred us above many of His believing slaves!” (27:15) 00:05:44.860 --> 00:05:46.860 over many of His believing servants.' 00:05:46.860 --> 00:05:50.860 And Solomon inherited David, 00:05:50.860 --> 00:05:52.860 “And Solomon was David's heir. And he said: O mankind! Lo! we have been taught the language of birds, and have been given (abundance) of all things. This surely is evident favour.” (27:16) 00:05:52.860 --> 00:05:54.860 and said, 'O people, we have been taught 00:05:54.860 --> 00:05:56.860 the language of birds, 00:05:56.860 --> 00:05:58.860 and we have been given 00:05:58.860 --> 00:06:00.860 of all things. 00:06:00.860 --> 00:06:02.860 Indeed, this 00:06:02.860 --> 00:06:04.860 is truly an evident favor.' 00:06:04.860 --> 00:06:06.860 And there were gathered 00:06:06.860 --> 00:06:08.860 for Solomon his hosts 00:06:08.860 --> 00:06:10.860 of jinn, 00:06:10.860 --> 00:06:12.860 humans, 00:06:12.860 --> 00:06:14.860 and birds, and they were set in ranks, 00:06:14.860 --> 00:06:16.860 until, when 00:06:16.860 --> 00:06:18.860 they came upon the Valley 00:06:18.860 --> 00:06:20.860 of the Ants, 00:06:20.860 --> 00:06:22.860 an ant said, 00:06:22.860 --> 00:06:24.860 'O 00:06:24.860 --> 00:06:26.860 ants, 00:06:26.860 --> 00:06:28.860 an ant said, 00:06:28.860 --> 00:06:30.860 'O ants, 00:06:30.860 --> 00:06:32.860 enter your dwellings, 00:06:32.860 --> 00:06:34.860 lest you be crushed 00:06:34.860 --> 00:06:36.860 by Solomon— 00:06:36.860 --> 00:06:38.860 lest you be crushed 00:06:38.860 --> 00:06:40.860 by Solomon and his hosts 00:06:40.860 --> 00:06:42.860 while they perceive not.' 00:06:42.860 --> 00:06:44.860 So he smiled, 00:06:44.860 --> 00:06:46.860 laughing at 00:06:46.860 --> 00:06:48.860 her words, 00:06:48.860 --> 00:06:50.860 and said, 'My Lord, enable me 00:06:50.860 --> 00:06:52.860 to be grateful 00:06:52.860 --> 00:06:54.860 for Your favor 00:06:54.860 --> 00:06:56.860 and said, 'My Lord, enable me 00:06:56.860 --> 00:06:58.860 "that I may be grateful for Your favor 00:06:58.860 --> 00:07:00.860 which You have bestowed upon me 00:07:00.860 --> 00:07:02.860 and upon my parents, 00:07:02.860 --> 00:07:04.860 and that I may do 00:07:04.860 --> 00:07:06.860 righteous deeds 00:07:06.860 --> 00:07:08.860 that will please You, 00:07:08.860 --> 00:07:10.860 and admit me by Your mercy 00:07:10.860 --> 00:07:12.860 among Your righteous servants." 00:07:12.860 --> 00:07:15.310 It is narrated that Solomon, 00:07:15.310 --> 00:07:17.310 peace be upon him, 00:07:17.310 --> 00:07:19.310 went out with his companions to pray for rain, 00:07:19.310 --> 00:07:21.310 whereupon he saw 00:07:21.310 --> 00:07:23.310 an ant standing, 00:07:23.310 --> 00:07:25.310 raising one of its legs, 00:07:25.310 --> 00:07:27.310 supplicating for rain. 00:07:27.310 --> 00:07:29.310 So he said to his companions, 00:07:29.310 --> 00:07:31.310 "Go back, for you have been granted rain 00:07:31.310 --> 00:07:34.750 by the supplication of someone else." 00:07:34.750 --> 00:07:36.750 Solomon inspected 00:07:36.750 --> 00:07:38.750 the birds, peace be upon him, 00:07:38.750 --> 00:07:40.750 and this was part of his perfect resolve, 00:07:40.750 --> 00:07:42.750 his excellent organization of his troops, 00:07:42.750 --> 00:07:44.750 and his personal management 00:07:44.750 --> 00:07:46.750 of all affairs, both minor and major, 00:07:46.750 --> 00:07:48.750 such that 00:07:48.750 --> 00:07:50.750 he did not overlook even this matter, 00:07:50.750 --> 00:07:52.750 which was inspecting the birds 00:07:52.750 --> 00:07:54.750 and examining 00:07:54.750 --> 00:07:56.750 whether they were all present 00:07:56.750 --> 00:07:58.750 or if any of them 00:07:58.750 --> 00:08:00.750 was missing. 00:08:00.750 --> 00:08:02.750 Representatives would come to him from every 00:08:02.750 --> 00:08:04.750 species of bird. 00:08:04.750 --> 00:08:06.750 So he looked, 00:08:06.750 --> 00:08:08.750 and found that all kinds of birds were present before him, 00:08:08.750 --> 00:08:10.779 except for the hoopoe. 00:08:10.779 --> 00:08:12.779 Thereupon he said, 00:08:12.779 --> 00:08:14.779 “And he sought among the birds and said: How is it that I see not the hoopoe, or is he among the absent?” (27:20) 00:08:14.779 --> 00:08:16.779 "Has my sight missed it, 00:08:16.779 --> 00:08:19.040 or is it absent and failed to attend?" 00:08:19.040 --> 00:08:21.040 When it became clear that it was indeed absent, 00:08:21.040 --> 00:08:23.040 he said, 00:08:23.040 --> 00:08:25.040 "I will surely punish this hoopoe 00:08:25.040 --> 00:08:27.040 with a severe punishment for its absence, 00:08:27.040 --> 00:08:29.040 as a discipline for it, 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:31.040 or I will surely slaughter it 00:08:31.040 --> 00:08:33.039 as a penalty for what it did, 00:08:33.039 --> 00:08:35.039 since it neglected the duty it was subjected to, 00:08:35.039 --> 00:08:37.100 or it must bring me 00:08:37.100 --> 00:08:39.100 a valid excuse for its absence." 00:08:39.100 --> 00:08:42.580 So the hoopoe stayed away 00:08:42.580 --> 00:08:44.580 for not a very long time, 00:08:44.580 --> 00:08:46.580 and then it arrived 00:08:46.580 --> 00:08:48.580 and said to Solomon, peace be upon him: 00:08:48.580 --> 00:08:50.580 "I have encompassed what you have not encompassed," 00:08:50.580 --> 00:08:52.580 meaning: 00:08:52.580 --> 00:08:54.580 "I possess knowledge 00:08:54.580 --> 00:08:56.580 that you do not have, O Prophet of Allah, 00:08:56.580 --> 00:08:58.580 despite your vast 00:08:58.580 --> 00:09:00.580 and expansive knowledge; 00:09:00.580 --> 00:09:02.580 and I have come to you from Sheba," 00:09:02.580 --> 00:09:04.580 the well-known tribe in Yemen, 00:09:04.580 --> 00:09:06.669 "with certain news." 00:09:06.669 --> 00:09:08.669 It then began to mention the state of 00:09:08.669 --> 00:09:10.669 the monarchs of Sheba in the land of Yemen, 00:09:10.669 --> 00:09:12.669 regarding their great kingdom, 00:09:12.669 --> 00:09:14.669 and that the rule had passed 00:09:14.669 --> 00:09:16.669 to a woman among them, 00:09:16.669 --> 00:09:18.669 the daughter of their king, 00:09:18.669 --> 00:09:20.669 named Bilqis, 00:09:20.669 --> 00:09:22.669 as he left no heir other than her, 00:09:22.669 --> 00:09:24.669 so they made her queen over them. 00:09:24.669 --> 00:09:26.669 She was given of worldly possessions 00:09:26.669 --> 00:09:28.669 all that an established monarch requires, 00:09:28.669 --> 00:09:30.669 including a throne 00:09:30.669 --> 00:09:32.669 upon which she sits, 00:09:32.669 --> 00:09:34.669 magnificent and imposing. 00:09:34.669 --> 00:09:36.669 Then it mentioned their disbelief in Allah, 00:09:36.669 --> 00:09:38.669 their worship of the sun 00:09:38.669 --> 00:09:40.799 instead of Allah, 00:09:40.799 --> 00:09:42.799 Satan's misleading of them, 00:09:42.799 --> 00:09:44.799 and his diverting them 00:09:44.799 --> 00:09:46.799 from the worship of Allah alone, 00:09:46.799 --> 00:09:48.799 without any partner, 00:09:48.799 --> 00:09:50.799 Who brings forth what is hidden 00:09:50.799 --> 00:09:52.799 in the heavens and the earth, 00:09:52.799 --> 00:09:54.799 and knows all secrets 00:09:54.799 --> 00:09:56.799 and manifest matters, 00:09:56.799 --> 00:09:58.799 both tangible and intangible. 00:09:58.799 --> 00:10:00.799 None has the right to be worshipped but He, 00:10:00.799 --> 00:10:02.799 perhaps 00:10:02.799 --> 00:10:04.799 none has the right to be worshipped but He, 00:10:04.799 --> 00:10:06.799 Lord of the Magnificent Throne. 00:10:06.799 --> 00:10:09.090 Allah Almighty said: 00:10:09.090 --> 00:10:11.470 "And he inspected 00:10:11.470 --> 00:10:13.470 the birds and said, 00:10:13.470 --> 00:10:15.470 “And he sought among the birds and said: How is it that I see not the hoopoe, or is he among the absent?” (27:20) 00:10:15.470 --> 00:10:19.470 “And he sought among the birds and said: How is it that I see not the hoopoe, or is he among the absent?” (27:20) 00:10:19.470 --> 00:10:21.470 'I will surely punish it 00:10:21.470 --> 00:10:23.470 with a severe punishment 00:10:23.470 --> 00:10:25.470 or slaughter it, 00:10:25.470 --> 00:10:27.470 or slaughter it, 00:10:27.470 --> 00:10:29.470 or slaughter it, 00:10:29.470 --> 00:10:31.470 or slaughter it, 00:10:31.470 --> 00:10:35.470 unless it brings me a clear authorization.' 00:10:35.470 --> 00:10:37.470 But the hoopoe stayed not long, 00:10:37.470 --> 00:10:39.470 and said, 'I have encompassed 00:10:39.470 --> 00:10:41.470 that which you have not encompassed, 00:10:41.470 --> 00:10:43.470 and said, 'I have encompassed 00:10:43.470 --> 00:10:45.470 that which you have not encompassed, 00:10:45.470 --> 00:10:47.470 and I have come to you from Sheba 00:10:47.470 --> 00:10:49.470 with news 00:10:49.470 --> 00:10:51.470 that is certain. 00:10:51.470 --> 00:10:53.470 Indeed, I found 00:10:53.470 --> 00:10:55.470 a woman 00:10:55.470 --> 00:10:57.470 ruling over them, 00:10:57.470 --> 00:10:59.470 and she has been given of all 00:10:59.470 --> 00:11:01.470 and she has been given of all 00:11:01.470 --> 00:11:03.470 things, 00:11:03.470 --> 00:11:05.470 and she has a throne 00:11:05.470 --> 00:11:07.470 that is magnificent. 00:11:07.470 --> 00:11:09.470 I found her and her people 00:11:09.470 --> 00:11:11.470 prostrating to the sun 00:11:11.470 --> 00:11:13.470 instead of Allah, 00:11:13.470 --> 00:11:15.470 and made pleasing 00:11:15.470 --> 00:11:17.470 to them by Satan 00:11:17.470 --> 00:11:19.470 were their deeds, so he averted 00:11:19.470 --> 00:11:21.470 them from the path, 00:11:21.470 --> 00:11:23.470 so they are not guided, 00:11:23.470 --> 00:11:25.470 so that they do not prostrate 00:11:25.470 --> 00:11:27.470 to Allah, Who brings forth 00:11:27.470 --> 00:11:29.470 brings forth what is hidden 00:11:29.470 --> 00:11:31.470 in the heavens and the earth 00:11:31.470 --> 00:11:33.470 and knows 00:11:33.470 --> 00:11:35.470 what you conceal 00:11:35.470 --> 00:11:37.470 and what you declare. 00:11:37.470 --> 00:11:39.470 Allah — there is no 00:11:39.470 --> 00:11:41.470 deity except Him, Lord of 00:11:41.470 --> 00:11:43.470 the Magnificent Throne.'" 00:11:43.470 --> 00:11:46.620 Said 00:11:46.620 --> 00:11:48.620 Solomon, peace be upon him, 00:11:48.620 --> 00:11:50.620 to the hoopoe: 00:11:50.620 --> 00:11:52.620 "We will see whether the news you have brought us 00:11:52.620 --> 00:11:54.620 is true, 00:11:54.620 --> 00:11:56.620 “(Solomon) said: We shall see whether thou speakest truth or whether thou art of the liars.” (27:27) 00:11:56.620 --> 00:11:58.720 So he, peace be upon him, wrote 00:11:58.720 --> 00:12:00.720 a letter and handed it 00:12:00.720 --> 00:12:02.720 to the hoopoe, 00:12:02.720 --> 00:12:04.720 and said to it: "Go 00:12:04.720 --> 00:12:06.720 with this letter of mine and deliver it 00:12:06.720 --> 00:12:08.720 to the Queen of Sheba, 00:12:08.720 --> 00:12:10.720 then turn away from them 00:12:10.720 --> 00:12:12.720 so that you can hear what 00:12:12.720 --> 00:12:16.000 they say in response." 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:18.000 The hoopoe carried the letter 00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:20.000 and came to the palace of Bilqis, 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:22.000 casting it down to her 00:12:22.000 --> 00:12:24.000 while she was in her private chamber. 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:26.029 It then stood aside, 00:12:26.029 --> 00:12:28.029 waiting to see what her response would be 00:12:28.029 --> 00:12:30.029 to the letter. 00:12:30.029 --> 00:12:32.220 So she assembled her nobles, 00:12:32.220 --> 00:12:34.220 her ministers, 00:12:34.220 --> 00:12:36.220 the dignitaries of her state, 00:12:36.220 --> 00:12:38.220 and her advisors, 00:12:38.220 --> 00:12:40.220 and said to them: 00:12:40.220 --> 00:12:42.220 "O eminent ones, 00:12:42.220 --> 00:12:44.220 “(The Queen of Sheba) said (when she received the letter): O chieftains! Lo! there hath been thrown unto me a noble letter.” (27:29) 00:12:44.220 --> 00:12:46.220 Then she read to them 00:12:46.220 --> 00:12:48.220 its opening heading first: 00:12:48.220 --> 00:12:50.220 "It is from Solomon," 00:12:50.220 --> 00:12:52.220 and then she read its contents: 00:12:52.220 --> 00:12:54.220 "In the Name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful: 00:12:54.220 --> 00:12:56.220 Do not be arrogant toward me, 00:12:56.220 --> 00:12:58.220 but come to me in submission." 00:12:58.220 --> 00:13:00.220 That is: "Do not be haughty toward me, 00:13:00.220 --> 00:13:02.220 but come to me 00:13:02.220 --> 00:13:04.220 in full surrender and obedience 00:13:04.220 --> 00:13:06.220 to my command." 00:13:06.220 --> 00:13:09.440 Then she consulted them regarding their affair 00:13:09.440 --> 00:13:11.440 and the situation that had befallen them, 00:13:11.440 --> 00:13:13.440 addressing them 00:13:13.440 --> 00:13:15.440 while they listened: 00:13:15.440 --> 00:13:17.440 "O eminent ones, 00:13:17.440 --> 00:13:19.440 advise me in this matter of mine; 00:13:19.440 --> 00:13:21.440 I would never decide an affair 00:13:21.440 --> 00:13:23.440 until you are present with me." 00:13:23.440 --> 00:13:25.470 They said to her: 00:13:25.470 --> 00:13:27.470 "We possess great strength and ability 00:13:27.470 --> 00:13:29.470 for warfare and combat, 00:13:29.470 --> 00:13:31.470 and for facing valiant warriors; 00:13:31.470 --> 00:13:33.470 so if you choose that path, 00:13:33.470 --> 00:13:35.470 we are well able 00:13:35.470 --> 00:13:37.470 to undertake it. 00:13:37.470 --> 00:13:39.470 Nevertheless, 00:13:39.470 --> 00:13:41.470 the command is yours, so consider what 00:13:41.470 --> 00:13:43.570 you will command." 00:13:43.570 --> 00:13:45.570 Her judgment was more complete 00:13:45.570 --> 00:13:47.570 and more sound than their opinion, 00:13:47.570 --> 00:13:49.570 for she realized that the sender of this letter 00:13:49.570 --> 00:13:51.570 could neither be overcome nor resisted, 00:13:51.570 --> 00:13:53.570 nor opposed or deceived. 00:13:55.730 --> 00:13:57.730 Thus she said: "Indeed, when kings 00:13:57.730 --> 00:13:59.730 "When they enter a city, 00:13:59.730 --> 00:14:01.730 they ruin it 00:14:01.730 --> 00:14:03.730 and reduce the noblest of its people 00:14:03.730 --> 00:14:05.789 to disgrace." 00:14:05.789 --> 00:14:07.789 So Allah confirmed her words, 00:14:07.789 --> 00:14:09.789 saying: "And thus 00:14:09.789 --> 00:14:11.789 they will do." 00:14:11.789 --> 00:14:13.789 “But lo! I am going to send a present unto them, and to see with what (answer) the messengers return.” (27:35) 00:14:13.789 --> 00:14:15.789 "So I will wait and see what 00:14:15.789 --> 00:14:17.919 the messengers bring back." 00:14:17.919 --> 00:14:19.919 She intended to win Solomon's favor 00:14:19.919 --> 00:14:21.919 on her own behalf 00:14:21.919 --> 00:14:23.919 and for the people of her kingdom, 00:14:23.919 --> 00:14:25.919 by means of a gift she would send 00:14:25.919 --> 00:14:27.919 and treasures she would dispatch, 00:14:27.919 --> 00:14:29.919 hoping he might accept it 00:14:29.919 --> 00:14:31.950 and spare them. 00:14:31.950 --> 00:14:33.950 Yet she did not know that Solomon 00:14:33.950 --> 00:14:35.950 would never accept from them, 00:14:35.950 --> 00:14:37.950 in such a state, 00:14:37.950 --> 00:14:39.950 any ransom or compensation, 00:14:39.950 --> 00:14:41.950 because they were a disbelieving people. 00:14:41.950 --> 00:14:44.940 For this reason, 00:14:44.940 --> 00:14:46.940 when her envoy arrived 00:14:46.940 --> 00:14:48.940 before Solomon, 00:14:48.940 --> 00:14:50.940 he said to him: 00:14:50.940 --> 00:14:52.940 "Do you provide me with wealth, 00:14:52.940 --> 00:14:54.940 when that which 00:14:54.940 --> 00:14:56.940 Allah has given me is far better than 00:14:56.940 --> 00:14:58.940 what He has given you? 00:14:58.940 --> 00:15:00.940 Rather, it is in your gift 00:15:00.940 --> 00:15:02.940 that you rejoice!" 00:15:02.940 --> 00:15:04.940 Those gifts had indeed 00:15:04.940 --> 00:15:06.940 consisted of magnificent items 00:15:06.940 --> 00:15:08.940 and presents befitting 00:15:08.940 --> 00:15:10.940 royal sovereigns. 00:15:10.940 --> 00:15:12.940 Yet Solomon did not give them a second glance, 00:15:12.940 --> 00:15:14.940 peace be upon him, 00:15:14.940 --> 00:15:16.940 and said to her envoy who had arrived before him: 00:15:16.940 --> 00:15:18.940 "Return with your gifts 00:15:18.940 --> 00:15:20.940 that you have brought to the one who 00:15:20.940 --> 00:15:22.940 sent you with them. 00:15:22.940 --> 00:15:24.940 For we shall surely come upon them 00:15:24.940 --> 00:15:26.940 with hosts that they cannot 00:15:26.940 --> 00:15:28.940 resist, fight, 00:15:28.940 --> 00:15:30.940 withstand, 00:15:30.940 --> 00:15:32.940 or battle against, 00:15:32.940 --> 00:15:34.940 and we shall drive them out of their land 00:15:34.940 --> 00:15:37.389 in utter disgrace and humiliation." 00:15:37.389 --> 00:15:39.710 Allah Almighty said: 00:15:39.710 --> 00:15:41.710 "He said: 'We shall see 00:15:41.710 --> 00:15:43.710 whether you have spoken the truth or are 00:15:43.710 --> 00:15:45.710 among the liars. 00:15:45.710 --> 00:15:47.710 Take this letter of mine 00:15:47.710 --> 00:15:49.710 and deliver it to them; 00:15:49.710 --> 00:15:51.710 then 00:15:51.710 --> 00:15:53.710 turn away from them, 00:15:53.710 --> 00:15:55.710 then turn away from them 00:15:55.710 --> 00:15:57.710 and see 00:15:57.710 --> 00:15:59.710 what they return in response.'" 00:15:59.710 --> 00:16:01.710 "She said: 'O 00:16:01.710 --> 00:16:03.710 eminent chiefs! 00:16:03.710 --> 00:16:05.710 Truly, there has been delivered to me 00:16:05.710 --> 00:16:07.710 a noble letter. 00:16:07.710 --> 00:16:09.710 It is 00:16:09.710 --> 00:16:11.710 from Solomon, 00:16:11.710 --> 00:16:13.710 and it reads: 00:16:13.710 --> 00:16:17.710 "In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful: 00:16:17.710 --> 00:16:19.710 Do not be arrogant toward me, 00:16:19.710 --> 00:16:23.710 but come to me in full submission."' 00:16:23.710 --> 00:16:25.710 She said: 'O eminent chiefs! 00:16:25.710 --> 00:16:27.710 Advise me in this matter of mine; 00:16:27.710 --> 00:16:29.710 I have never 00:16:29.710 --> 00:16:31.710 decided any matter 00:16:31.710 --> 00:16:33.710 until you were present with me.' 00:16:33.710 --> 00:16:35.710 “They said: We are lords of might and lords of great prowess, but it is for thee to command; so consider what thou wilt command.” (27:33) 00:16:35.710 --> 00:16:37.710 'and possessors of 00:16:37.710 --> 00:16:39.710 mighty prowess, 00:16:39.710 --> 00:16:41.710 and possessors of 00:16:41.710 --> 00:16:43.710 mighty prowess, 00:16:43.710 --> 00:16:45.710 yet the command is yours, 00:16:45.710 --> 00:16:47.710 so consider what you will command.' 00:16:47.710 --> 00:16:49.710 She said: 00:16:49.710 --> 00:16:51.710 'Indeed, kings, 00:16:51.710 --> 00:16:53.710 when they enter a city, 00:16:53.710 --> 00:16:55.710 ruin it and reduce 00:16:55.710 --> 00:16:57.710 the noblest of its people to disgrace. 00:16:57.710 --> 00:16:59.710 And thus 00:16:59.710 --> 00:17:01.710 they will do. 00:17:01.710 --> 00:17:03.710 But I am sending 00:17:03.710 --> 00:17:05.710 a gift to them, 00:17:05.710 --> 00:17:07.710 and I will wait, 00:17:07.710 --> 00:17:09.710 and I will wait 00:17:09.710 --> 00:17:11.710 to see what 00:17:11.710 --> 00:17:13.710 the messengers bring back.' 00:17:13.710 --> 00:17:15.710 So when he came 00:17:15.710 --> 00:17:17.710 to Solomon, 00:17:17.710 --> 00:17:19.710 he said: 'Do you provide 00:17:19.710 --> 00:17:21.710 with wealth? 00:17:21.710 --> 00:17:23.710 He said: 'Do you provide 00:17:23.710 --> 00:17:25.710 with wealth, when that which 00:17:25.710 --> 00:17:27.710 Allah has given me is better 00:17:27.710 --> 00:17:29.710 than what He has given you? 00:17:29.710 --> 00:17:31.710 Rather, 00:17:31.710 --> 00:17:33.710 it is in your gift 00:17:33.710 --> 00:17:35.710 that you rejoice! 00:17:35.710 --> 00:17:37.710 Return 00:17:37.710 --> 00:17:39.710 to them, for we shall surely come 00:17:39.710 --> 00:17:41.710 upon them 00:17:41.710 --> 00:17:43.710 with hosts that are impossible 00:17:43.710 --> 00:17:45.710 for them to resist, 00:17:45.710 --> 00:17:47.710 for we shall surely come 00:17:47.710 --> 00:17:49.710 upon them with hosts 00:17:49.710 --> 00:17:51.710 impossible for them 00:17:51.710 --> 00:17:53.710 to resist, and we shall surely drive 00:17:53.710 --> 00:17:55.710 them 00:17:55.710 --> 00:17:57.710 from it 00:17:57.710 --> 00:17:59.710 in disgrace, 00:17:59.710 --> 00:18:01.710 utterly humbled.'" 00:18:01.710 --> 00:18:05.599 So when 00:18:05.599 --> 00:18:07.599 the messenger returned to Bilqis, the Queen, 00:18:07.599 --> 00:18:09.599 with what Solomon had said, 00:18:09.599 --> 00:18:11.599 peace be upon him, 00:18:11.599 --> 00:18:13.599 she said: "I now realize 00:18:13.599 --> 00:18:15.599 that this is no ordinary king, 00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:17.599 and we have no 00:18:17.599 --> 00:18:19.660 power against him." So she sent word 00:18:19.660 --> 00:18:21.660 to him, saying: "I am coming 00:18:21.660 --> 00:18:23.660 to you with the dignitaries 00:18:23.660 --> 00:18:25.660 of my people to examine 00:18:25.660 --> 00:18:27.660 your affair and what you call us 00:18:27.660 --> 00:18:29.859 to." Then she set out 00:18:29.859 --> 00:18:31.859 toward him among twelve thousand men 00:18:31.859 --> 00:18:33.859 from the nobles of her people, 00:18:33.859 --> 00:18:35.859 after having locked up 00:18:35.859 --> 00:18:37.859 her throne securely. 00:18:37.859 --> 00:18:39.890 Thereupon, Solomon, peace be upon him, began 00:18:39.890 --> 00:18:41.890 sending the jinn 00:18:41.890 --> 00:18:43.890 to bring him reports of her journey 00:18:43.890 --> 00:18:46.109 every day and night. 00:18:46.109 --> 00:18:48.109 Once she drew near him, 00:18:48.109 --> 00:18:50.109 he assembled those in his presence 00:18:50.109 --> 00:18:52.109 from among humans and jinn, 00:18:52.109 --> 00:18:54.180 and said to them: 00:18:54.180 --> 00:18:56.180 "Can any of you 00:18:56.180 --> 00:18:58.180 bring me the throne of this queen 00:18:58.180 --> 00:19:00.180 before she comes to me 00:19:00.180 --> 00:19:02.180 along with her people 00:19:02.180 --> 00:19:04.369 in willing submission?" 00:19:04.369 --> 00:19:06.369 Perhaps Solomon, peace be upon him, 00:19:06.369 --> 00:19:08.369 sought the bringing of 00:19:08.369 --> 00:19:10.369 her throne from the land of Yemen 00:19:10.369 --> 00:19:12.369 to Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem), 00:19:12.369 --> 00:19:14.369 the seat of his kingdom, 00:19:14.369 --> 00:19:16.369 in order to show her the magnificent 00:19:16.369 --> 00:19:18.369 power of Allah Almighty 00:19:18.369 --> 00:19:20.369 and the vast dominion He had bestowed upon him, 00:19:20.369 --> 00:19:22.369 along with immense blessings 00:19:22.369 --> 00:19:24.369 and miraculous 00:19:24.369 --> 00:19:26.369 strength, such that He subjected to him 00:19:26.369 --> 00:19:28.369 those who could bring him her throne 00:19:28.369 --> 00:19:30.369 from a distant place 00:19:30.369 --> 00:19:32.369 in a brief moment, 00:19:32.369 --> 00:19:34.369 thereby leading her and her people 00:19:34.369 --> 00:19:36.369 to faith in Allah Almighty. 00:19:36.369 --> 00:19:39.460 “A stalwart of the jinn said: I will bring it thee before thou canst rise from thy place. Lo! I verily am strong and trusty for such work.” (27:39) 00:19:39.460 --> 00:19:41.460 An 'Ifrit, a mighty demon among the jinn, said: 00:19:41.460 --> 00:19:43.460 "I will bring it to you 00:19:43.460 --> 00:19:45.460 before you rise 00:19:45.460 --> 00:19:47.460 from this assembly of yours." 00:19:47.460 --> 00:19:49.549 Solomon, peace be upon him, 00:19:49.549 --> 00:19:51.549 used to sit among the people 00:19:51.549 --> 00:19:53.549 to administer justice 00:19:53.549 --> 00:19:55.549 from the beginning of the day until the sun passed its zenith. 00:19:55.549 --> 00:19:57.549 The 'Ifrit said: 00:19:57.549 --> 00:19:59.549 "And indeed, I am strong enough 00:19:59.549 --> 00:20:01.549 to carry it, 00:20:01.549 --> 00:20:03.549 despite all the jewels it contains." 00:20:03.549 --> 00:20:05.779 Solomon said, 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:07.779 peace be upon him: 00:20:07.779 --> 00:20:09.779 "I desire it even quicker than that." 00:20:09.779 --> 00:20:11.779 Thereupon, another soldier 00:20:11.779 --> 00:20:13.779 from among his ranks stepped forward, 00:20:13.779 --> 00:20:15.779 namely Asif Ibn Barkhiya, 00:20:15.779 --> 00:20:17.779 a man from among the righteous of 00:20:17.779 --> 00:20:19.779 the Children of Israel, 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:21.779 whom Allah Almighty had granted 00:20:21.779 --> 00:20:23.779 knowledge from His presence. 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:25.779 He was a minister to Solomon 00:20:25.779 --> 00:20:27.779 and knew the Greatest Name 00:20:27.779 --> 00:20:29.779 of Allah. He said: 00:20:29.779 --> 00:20:31.779 "I will bring you 00:20:31.779 --> 00:20:33.779 the throne of Bilqis 00:20:33.779 --> 00:20:35.779 before you can blink your eye 00:20:35.779 --> 00:20:37.779 and open it again"— 00:20:37.779 --> 00:20:39.779 which was a metaphor for extraordinary, 00:20:39.779 --> 00:20:42.700 instantaneous speed in bringing it. 00:20:42.700 --> 00:20:44.700 And so the throne of Bilqis was brought 00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:46.700 to Solomon from the land of 00:20:46.700 --> 00:20:48.700 Yemen to the Levant (al-Sham) 00:20:48.700 --> 00:20:50.700 with that extraordinary, 00:20:50.700 --> 00:20:52.829 extraordinary. 00:20:52.829 --> 00:20:54.829 When Solomon saw the throne, 00:20:54.829 --> 00:20:56.829 aforesaid, present before him 00:20:56.829 --> 00:20:58.829 and standing right in his presence, 00:20:58.829 --> 00:21:00.829 he did not become arrogant or boastful, 00:21:00.829 --> 00:21:02.829 nor was he overcome with pride 00:21:02.829 --> 00:21:04.829 and conceit; 00:21:04.829 --> 00:21:06.829 rather, he said: 00:21:06.829 --> 00:21:08.829 “One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: I will bring it thee before thy gaze returneth unto thee. And when he saw it set in his presence, (Solomon) said: This is of the bounty of my Lord, that He may try me whether I give thanks or am ungrateful. Whosoever giveth thanks he only giveth thanks for (the good of) his own soul; and whosoever is ungrateful (is ungrateful only to his own soul's hurt). For lo! my Lord is Absolute in independence, Bountiful.” (27:40) 00:21:08.829 --> 00:21:10.829 "[This is to] test me: 00:21:10.829 --> 00:21:12.829 will I be grateful for His blessings, 00:21:12.829 --> 00:21:15.819 or ungrateful for them?" 00:21:15.819 --> 00:21:17.819 Solomon (peace be upon him) said 00:21:17.819 --> 00:21:19.819 to those around him: 00:21:19.819 --> 00:21:21.819 "Disguise the throne of her kingdom, 00:21:21.819 --> 00:21:23.819 upon which she sits, 00:21:23.819 --> 00:21:25.819 into a state that alters it, 00:21:25.819 --> 00:21:27.819 to see whether she will recognize it when she sees it, 00:21:27.819 --> 00:21:29.819 or fail to recognize it." 00:21:29.819 --> 00:21:31.819 “He said: Disguise her throne for her that we may see whether she will go aright or be of those not rightly guided.” (27:41) 00:21:31.819 --> 00:21:33.920 When she arrived, 00:21:33.920 --> 00:21:35.920 namely Bilqis (the Queen of Sheba), 00:21:35.920 --> 00:21:37.920 Solomon (peace be upon him) said to her: 00:21:37.920 --> 00:21:40.019 "Is your throne like this?" 00:21:40.019 --> 00:21:42.019 She replied: 00:21:42.019 --> 00:21:44.019 "It is as though it were the very same." 00:21:44.019 --> 00:21:46.019 This was part of her sharp wit 00:21:46.019 --> 00:21:48.049 and deep understanding, 00:21:48.049 --> 00:21:50.049 for she deemed it improbable that it could be 00:21:50.049 --> 00:21:52.049 her exact throne, since 00:21:52.049 --> 00:21:54.049 she had left it behind in the land of Yemen, 00:21:54.049 --> 00:21:56.049 yet she could not outright deny it 00:21:56.049 --> 00:21:58.049 due to the striking resemblance. 00:21:58.049 --> 00:22:00.079 Thus, there became manifest to her 00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:02.079 the supreme power of Allah Almighty 00:22:02.079 --> 00:22:04.079 and the prophethood of Solomon 00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:06.109 (peace be upon him). 00:22:06.109 --> 00:22:08.109 What had previously diverted her from affirming Allah's oneness 00:22:08.109 --> 00:22:10.109 and having faith in Him 00:22:10.109 --> 00:22:12.109 “And (all) that she was wont to worship instead of Allah hindered her, for she came of disbelieving folk.” (27:43) 00:22:12.109 --> 00:22:14.109 was merely following her people 00:22:14.109 --> 00:22:16.109 and blindly imitating them, 00:22:16.109 --> 00:22:18.109 “And (all) that she was wont to worship instead of Allah hindered her, for she came of disbelieving folk.” (27:43) 00:22:18.109 --> 00:22:21.039 who were disbelievers. 00:22:21.039 --> 00:22:23.039 Then it was said to her: 00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:25.039 "Enter the palace." 00:22:25.039 --> 00:22:27.039 Its courtyard was made of clear glass, 00:22:27.039 --> 00:22:29.039 beneath which water flowed. 00:22:29.039 --> 00:22:31.039 When she saw it, 00:22:31.039 --> 00:22:33.039 she thought it was deep, rippling water, 00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:35.039 so she bared her legs 00:22:35.039 --> 00:22:37.140 to wade through it. 00:22:37.140 --> 00:22:39.140 Thereupon, Solomon 00:22:39.140 --> 00:22:41.140 (peace be upon him) said to her: 00:22:41.140 --> 00:22:43.140 "It is made of smooth, clear glass, 00:22:43.140 --> 00:22:45.230 with water beneath it." 00:22:45.230 --> 00:22:47.230 At that moment, she realized the greatness 00:22:47.230 --> 00:22:49.230 of Solomon's kingdom, 00:22:49.230 --> 00:22:51.230 and she said: 00:22:51.230 --> 00:22:53.230 "My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself" 00:22:53.230 --> 00:22:55.299 through polytheism, 00:22:55.299 --> 00:22:57.299 and she yielded in submission, following Solomon, 00:22:57.299 --> 00:22:59.299 entering 00:22:59.299 --> 00:23:01.299 into the religion of Allah, 00:23:01.299 --> 00:23:03.650 the Lord of the worlds. 00:23:03.650 --> 00:23:06.289 Allah Almighty said: 00:23:06.289 --> 00:23:08.289 “He said: O chiefs! Which of you will bring me her throne before they come unto me, surrendering?” (27:38) 00:23:08.289 --> 00:23:10.289 "Which of you will bring me 00:23:10.289 --> 00:23:12.289 her throne before 00:23:12.289 --> 00:23:14.289 they come to me in submission?" 00:23:14.289 --> 00:23:16.289 Said 00:23:16.289 --> 00:23:18.289 a stalwart of the jinn: 00:23:18.289 --> 00:23:20.289 "I will bring it to you 00:23:20.289 --> 00:23:22.289 before 00:23:22.289 --> 00:23:24.289 “A stalwart of the jinn said: I will bring it thee before thou canst rise from thy place. Lo! I verily am strong and trusty for such work.” (27:39) 00:23:24.289 --> 00:23:26.289 you rise from your place, and indeed, 00:23:26.289 --> 00:23:28.289 I am strong enough for it 00:23:28.289 --> 00:23:30.289 and trustworthy." 00:23:30.289 --> 00:23:32.289 Said the one 00:23:32.289 --> 00:23:34.289 who had knowledge 00:23:34.289 --> 00:23:36.289 of the Scripture: 00:23:36.289 --> 00:23:38.289 "I will bring it to you 00:23:38.289 --> 00:23:40.289 before 00:23:40.289 --> 00:23:42.289 your glance returns 00:23:42.289 --> 00:23:44.289 to you." 00:23:44.289 --> 00:23:46.289 And when he saw it 00:23:46.289 --> 00:23:48.289 placed firmly before him, 00:23:48.289 --> 00:23:50.289 “One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: I will bring it thee before thy gaze returneth unto thee. And when he saw it set in his presence, (Solomon) said: This is of the bounty of my Lord, that He may try me whether I give thanks or am ungrateful. Whosoever giveth thanks he only giveth thanks for (the good of) his own soul; and whosoever is ungrateful (is ungrateful only to his own soul's hurt). For lo! my Lord is Absolute in independence, Bountiful.” (27:40) 00:23:50.289 --> 00:23:52.289 he said: "This is from the favor of my Lord, 00:23:52.289 --> 00:23:54.289 “One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: I will bring it thee before thy gaze returneth unto thee. And when he saw it set in his presence, (Solomon) said: This is of the bounty of my Lord, that He may try me whether I give thanks or am ungrateful. Whosoever giveth thanks he only giveth thanks for (the good of) his own soul; and whosoever is ungrateful (is ungrateful only to his own soul's hurt). For lo! my Lord is Absolute in independence, Bountiful.” (27:40) 00:23:54.289 --> 00:23:56.289 to test me whether 00:23:56.289 --> 00:23:58.289 I will be grateful or ungrateful. 00:23:58.289 --> 00:24:00.289 And whoever is grateful, 00:24:00.289 --> 00:24:02.289 his gratitude is only 00:24:02.289 --> 00:24:04.289 for his own soul; 00:24:04.289 --> 00:24:06.289 and whoever is ungrateful— 00:24:06.289 --> 00:24:08.289 then surely my Lord 00:24:08.289 --> 00:24:10.289 is Self-Sufficient, Generous." 00:24:10.289 --> 00:24:12.289 He said: 00:24:12.289 --> 00:24:14.289 "Disguise her throne for her; 00:24:14.289 --> 00:24:16.289 let us see whether she will be guided [to recognize it] 00:24:16.289 --> 00:24:18.289 “He said: Disguise her throne for her that we may see whether she will go aright or be of those not rightly guided.” (27:41) 00:24:18.289 --> 00:24:20.289 or be among those who are not guided." 00:24:20.289 --> 00:24:22.289 So when she arrived, 00:24:22.289 --> 00:24:24.289 it was said: "Is 00:24:24.289 --> 00:24:26.289 your throne like this?" 00:24:26.289 --> 00:24:28.289 She said: "It is as though 00:24:28.289 --> 00:24:30.289 it were the very same." 00:24:30.289 --> 00:24:32.289 [Solomon said]: "And we were given knowledge 00:24:32.289 --> 00:24:34.289 before her, and we have been 00:24:34.289 --> 00:24:36.289 Muslims [in submission to Allah]." 00:24:36.289 --> 00:24:38.289 But what she used to worship 00:24:38.289 --> 00:24:40.289 besides Allah 00:24:40.289 --> 00:24:42.289 had prevented her [from believing]; 00:24:42.289 --> 00:24:44.289 indeed, she was 00:24:44.289 --> 00:24:46.289 from a people 00:24:46.289 --> 00:24:48.289 of disbelievers. 00:24:48.289 --> 00:24:50.289 She was told: "Enter 00:24:50.289 --> 00:24:52.289 the palace." 00:24:52.289 --> 00:24:54.289 But when she saw it, 00:24:54.289 --> 00:24:56.289 she thought it was a body of water 00:24:56.289 --> 00:24:58.289 and uncovered 00:24:58.289 --> 00:25:00.289 her legs. 00:25:00.289 --> 00:25:02.289 He said: "Indeed, it is 00:25:02.289 --> 00:25:04.289 a palace paved smooth 00:25:04.289 --> 00:25:06.289 with crystal." 00:25:06.289 --> 00:25:08.289 She said: 00:25:08.289 --> 00:25:10.289 "My Lord, indeed I have wronged 00:25:10.289 --> 00:25:12.289 myself, and I submit, 00:25:12.289 --> 00:25:14.289 along with Solomon, to Allah, 00:25:14.289 --> 00:25:16.289 Lord of the worlds." 00:25:46.690 --> 00:25:48.690 He then began striking their legs 00:25:48.690 --> 00:25:50.690 and necks with the sword, 00:25:50.690 --> 00:25:52.690 seeking nearness to Allah Almighty 00:25:52.690 --> 00:25:54.690 and pursuing His pleasure, 00:25:54.690 --> 00:25:56.690 because he had been distracted 00:25:56.690 --> 00:25:58.779 by them from His obedience. 00:25:58.779 --> 00:26:00.779 And when he slaughtered the horses 00:26:00.779 --> 00:26:02.779 for the sake of Allah, 00:26:02.779 --> 00:26:04.779 Allah Almighty replaced them 00:26:04.779 --> 00:26:06.779 with something far better and swifter: 00:26:06.779 --> 00:26:08.779 the wind, 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:10.779 blowing by his command wherever he willed. 00:26:10.779 --> 00:26:13.140 Allah Almighty said: 00:26:13.140 --> 00:26:15.579 "And We granted 00:26:15.579 --> 00:26:17.579 to David, Solomon. 00:26:19.579 --> 00:26:21.579 An excellent servant he was! Indeed, he was 00:26:21.579 --> 00:26:23.579 ever-turning in repentance. 00:26:23.579 --> 00:26:25.579 When there were displayed before him 00:26:25.579 --> 00:26:27.579 in the afternoon well-trained, 00:26:27.579 --> 00:26:29.579 noble steeds, 00:26:29.579 --> 00:26:31.579 he said: 'Indeed, 00:26:31.579 --> 00:26:33.579 I have preferred the love of good things 00:26:33.579 --> 00:26:35.579 over the remembrance of my Lord, 00:26:35.579 --> 00:26:37.579 until they were hidden behind the veil [of sunset]. 00:26:37.579 --> 00:26:39.579 Bring them back 00:26:39.579 --> 00:26:41.579 to me!' 00:26:41.579 --> 00:26:43.579 And he began passing his hand over their legs 00:26:43.579 --> 00:26:45.579 and necks." 00:26:45.579 --> 00:26:47.970 And it is narrated 00:26:47.970 --> 00:26:49.970 that among these horses 00:26:49.970 --> 00:26:51.970 were some with wings, 00:26:51.970 --> 00:26:53.970 which had come from the sea— 00:26:53.970 --> 00:26:55.970 and Allah knows best. 00:26:55.970 --> 00:26:58.259 On the authority of 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased 00:26:58.259 --> 00:27:00.259 with her), she said: 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:02.259 "The Messenger of Allah 00:27:02.259 --> 00:27:04.259 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) returned from the expedition 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:06.259 of Tabuk or Khaybar, 00:27:06.259 --> 00:27:08.259 and in her room was a curtain. 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:10.259 A gust of wind blew, 00:27:10.259 --> 00:27:12.259 uncovering a corner of the curtain 00:27:12.259 --> 00:27:14.259 to reveal 'A'ishah's doll-figures— 00:27:14.259 --> 00:27:16.259 that is, toys. 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:18.259 He asked: 00:27:18.259 --> 00:27:20.259 'What is this, O 'A'ishah?' 00:27:20.259 --> 00:27:22.319 She replied: 'My dolls.' 00:27:22.319 --> 00:27:24.319 And he saw among them 00:27:24.319 --> 00:27:26.319 a horse with two wings, 00:27:26.319 --> 00:27:28.319 so he asked: 00:27:28.319 --> 00:27:30.319 'What is this I see in their midst?' 00:27:30.319 --> 00:27:32.319 She replied: 'A horse.' 00:27:32.319 --> 00:27:34.420 He said: 00:27:34.420 --> 00:27:36.420 'And what is this upon it?' 00:27:36.420 --> 00:27:38.420 She said: 'Two wings.' 00:27:38.420 --> 00:27:40.539 He asked: 00:27:40.539 --> 00:27:42.539 'A horse with two wings?' 00:27:42.539 --> 00:27:44.670 She replied: 00:27:44.670 --> 00:27:46.670 'Have you not heard that Solomon had 00:27:46.670 --> 00:27:48.670 horses that possessed wings?' 00:27:48.670 --> 00:27:50.900 She said: 00:27:50.900 --> 00:27:52.900 'He laughed until I could see 00:27:52.900 --> 00:27:54.900 his molar teeth, peace and blessings of Allah 00:27:54.900 --> 00:27:57.059 be upon him.'" 00:27:57.059 --> 00:27:59.059 Narrated by Abu Dawud. 00:27:59.059 --> 00:28:02.980 The hadith will be continued, 00:28:02.980 --> 00:28:04.980 if Allah wills. 00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:06.980 And Allah knows best. 00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:08.980 All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. 00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:10.980 May Allah send blessings and peace 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:12.980 upon our Prophet Muhammad, 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:14.980 and upon his family and companions, 00:28:14.980 --> 00:28:18.420 one and all. 00:28:18.420 --> 00:28:20.420 You have been listening to *Stories of the Prophets*.