1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,769
The Story of the Queen of Sheba.

2
00:00:05,769 --> 00:00:11,699
"Give me your counsel in my affair."

3
00:00:11,699 --> 00:00:15,779
After the Queen of Sheba read the letter to her people,

4
00:00:15,779 --> 00:00:17,339
she said to them:

5
00:00:17,339 --> 00:00:24,829
“She said: O chieftains! Pronounce for me in my case. I decide no case till ye are present with me.” (27:32)

6
00:00:24,829 --> 00:00:26,629
Concisely chosen words

7
00:00:26,629 --> 00:00:30,510
that demonstrated the level of intellect and intelligence of the Queen of Sheba,

8
00:00:30,670 --> 00:00:36,130
in addition to what we previously discussed and explained in the last episode.

9
00:00:36,130 --> 00:00:39,689
These words encompassed several matters:

10
00:00:39,689 --> 00:00:42,810
Among them was consulting the people,

11
00:00:42,810 --> 00:00:45,729
which she expressed by asking for their formal counsel (ftwa),

12
00:00:45,729 --> 00:00:49,969
her method of issuing decisions in her kingdom,

13
00:00:49,969 --> 00:00:52,250
winning the hearts of her subjects,

14
00:00:52,250 --> 00:00:55,189
and the humility of the Queen of Sheba.

15
00:00:55,189 --> 00:00:57,750
Al-Sa'di (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

16
00:00:57,750 --> 00:00:59,869
"It was part of her sound judgment and intellect

17
00:00:59,869 --> 00:01:04,790
that she gathered the senior figures of her state and the men of her kingdom and said:

18
00:01:04,790 --> 00:01:08,390
“She said: O chieftains! Pronounce for me in my case. I decide no case till ye are present with me.” (27:32)

19
00:01:08,390 --> 00:01:11,989
Meaning: advise me on how we should respond to him;

20
00:01:11,989 --> 00:01:15,230
shall we submit to his authority and obey,

21
00:01:15,230 --> 00:01:17,500
or what should we do?

22
00:01:17,500 --> 00:01:21,420
“She said: O chieftains! Pronounce for me in my case. I decide no case till ye are present with me.” (27:32)

23
00:01:21,420 --> 00:01:27,989
Meaning: I have never been autocratic in any matter without your counsel and opinion."

24
00:01:27,989 --> 00:01:30,230
The Queen of Sheba pursued

25
00:01:30,269 --> 00:01:33,750
the path of the wise among kings and leaders,

26
00:01:33,750 --> 00:01:36,670
those who are not autocratic in their opinions,

27
00:01:36,670 --> 00:01:39,629
nor do they ignore the wise among their people;

28
00:01:39,629 --> 00:01:44,239
rather, they consult them in both public and private affairs.

29
00:01:44,239 --> 00:01:47,109
Al-Qushayri (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

30
00:01:47,109 --> 00:01:52,189
"She engaged in consultation, as required by the circumstances of major events.

31
00:01:52,189 --> 00:01:56,390
For a king should not be autocratic in his opinion,

32
00:01:56,390 --> 00:02:02,450
and he must surround himself with people of sound judgment and insight."

33
00:02:02,450 --> 00:02:07,370
Indeed, the practice of consultation was commanded to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)

34
00:02:07,370 --> 00:02:09,490
in the Noble Qur'an,

35
00:02:09,490 --> 00:02:13,360
as Allah Almighty said to His Prophet:

36
00:02:13,360 --> 00:02:18,560
“It was by the mercy of Allah that thou wast lenient with them (O Muhammad), for if thou hadst been stern and fierce of heart they would have dispersed from round about thee. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult with them upon the conduct of affairs. And when thou art resolved, then put thy trust in Allah. Lo! Allah loveth those who put their trust (in Him).” (3:159)

37
00:02:18,560 --> 00:02:22,680
"And if you had been rude in speech and harsh in heart,

38
00:02:22,680 --> 00:02:26,680
they would have disbanded from around you.

39
00:02:26,680 --> 00:02:33,120
So pardon them, ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in the matter."

40
00:02:33,120 --> 00:02:38,159
“It was by the mercy of Allah that thou wast lenient with them (O Muhammad), for if thou hadst been stern and fierce of heart they would have dispersed from round about thee. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult with them upon the conduct of affairs. And when thou art resolved, then put thy trust in Allah. Lo! Allah loveth those who put their trust (in Him).” (3:159)

41
00:02:38,159 --> 00:02:44,949
“It was by the mercy of Allah that thou wast lenient with them (O Muhammad), for if thou hadst been stern and fierce of heart they would have dispersed from round about thee. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult with them upon the conduct of affairs. And when thou art resolved, then put thy trust in Allah. Lo! Allah loveth those who put their trust (in Him).” (3:159)

42
00:02:44,949 --> 00:02:49,069
Thus, the Prophet (peace be upon him) applied this in his life:

43
00:02:49,069 --> 00:02:53,909
he consulted his Companions during the Battles of Badr, Uhud, and the Trench,

44
00:02:53,909 --> 00:02:56,830
he consulted them regarding the Event of the Slander (al-Ifk),

45
00:02:56,830 --> 00:03:03,310
in which his honor and his wife Aisha, Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her), were attacked,

46
00:03:03,310 --> 00:03:08,819
and he consulted them on many matters that arose during his lifetime.

47
00:03:08,819 --> 00:03:13,580
How, then, is it fitting for someone who claims to love him and follow his path

48
00:03:13,580 --> 00:03:19,030
to abandon this great approach to arriving at sound judgment?

49
00:03:19,030 --> 00:03:25,750
Consulting wise individuals has a profound effect on their hearts and the hearts of the general public.

50
00:03:25,789 --> 00:03:29,990
Whoever is known for seeking counsel regarding the public interest

51
00:03:29,990 --> 00:03:36,360
will be loved and obeyed, people will rally around him, and they will support his rule.

52
00:03:36,360 --> 00:03:39,229
Al-Zamakhshari (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

53
00:03:39,229 --> 00:03:41,830
"What is meant by asking for counsel here

54
00:03:41,830 --> 00:03:47,710
is seeking their input through whatever opinion and strategy they might offer regarding what has occurred.

55
00:03:47,710 --> 00:03:51,789
Her intention in turning to them and relying on their consultation

56
00:03:51,789 --> 00:03:54,069
and exploring their views

57
00:03:54,069 --> 00:04:01,210
was to win their hearts and comfort them, so they would support her and stand with her."

58
00:04:01,210 --> 00:04:06,930
No one initiates a request for consultation in all their affairs except a humble person;

59
00:04:06,930 --> 00:04:10,530
as for the arrogant, he consults no one,

60
00:04:10,530 --> 00:04:13,169
because he grandiosely elevates himself and his opinion,

61
00:04:13,169 --> 00:04:16,529
while despising others and deeming their opinions foolish.

62
00:04:16,529 --> 00:04:21,129
For that reason, hearts turn away from him, people abandon him,

63
00:04:21,170 --> 00:04:27,019
he contradicts the Prophetic guidance, and he loses in this world and the Hereafter.

64
00:04:27,019 --> 00:04:31,899
If kings and leaders were to follow the path of consulting the wise,

65
00:04:31,899 --> 00:04:34,259
hearts would unite around them,

66
00:04:34,259 --> 00:04:38,100
and populations would stand by them during great tribulations.

67
00:04:38,100 --> 00:04:42,459
However, the real problem between leaders and their people

68
00:04:42,459 --> 00:04:44,620
is autocracy of opinion

69
00:04:44,620 --> 00:04:48,579
and following the path of Pharaoh when he said:

70
00:04:48,579 --> 00:04:55,310
“O my people! Yours is the kingdom to-day, ye being uppermost in the land. But who would save us from the wrath of Allah should it reach us? Pharaoh said: I do but show you what I think, and I do but guide you to wise policy.” (40:29)

71
00:04:55,310 --> 00:04:58,139
Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

72
00:04:58,139 --> 00:05:05,259
"Pharaoh said to his people, rejecting the counsel offered by this righteous, pious, and guided man—

73
00:05:05,259 --> 00:05:08,740
who was more deserving of kingship than Pharaoh—

74
00:05:08,740 --> 00:05:11,699
“O my people! Yours is the kingdom to-day, ye being uppermost in the land. But who would save us from the wrath of Allah should it reach us? Pharaoh said: I do but show you what I think, and I do but guide you to wise policy.” (40:29)

75
00:05:11,699 --> 00:05:17,339
meaning: I only tell you and advise you with what I see as beneficial for myself.

76
00:05:17,379 --> 00:05:19,220
And Pharaoh lied,

77
00:05:19,220 --> 00:05:25,800
for he was certain of the truthfulness of Moses (peace be upon him) regarding the message he brought,

78
00:05:25,800 --> 00:05:33,600
“He said: In truth thou knowest that none sent down these (portents) save the Lord of the heavens and the earth as proofs, and lo! (for my part) I deem thee lost, O Pharaoh.” (17:102)

79
00:05:33,600 --> 00:05:35,800
as Allah Almighty said:

80
00:05:35,800 --> 00:05:41,740
“And they denied them, though their souls acknowledged them, for spite and arrogance. Then see the nature of the consequence for the wrong-doers!” (27:14)

81
00:05:41,740 --> 00:05:45,060
Thus, his saying, 'I only show you what I see,'

82
00:05:45,060 --> 00:05:47,259
was a lie and a fabrication,

83
00:05:47,300 --> 00:05:52,860
through which he betrayed Allah Blessed and Exalted, His Messenger, and his subjects.

84
00:05:52,860 --> 00:05:55,620
He deceived them and gave them no sincere advice,

85
00:05:55,620 --> 00:05:57,220
as was his saying:

86
00:05:57,220 --> 00:06:01,019
'And I only guide you to the path of right conduct.'

87
00:06:01,019 --> 00:06:06,379
Meaning: I only call you to the path of truth, honesty, and guidance.

88
00:06:06,379 --> 00:06:08,660
And he lied in that as well,

89
00:06:08,660 --> 00:06:12,750
even though his people obeyed him and followed him."

90
00:06:12,750 --> 00:06:15,589
Allah Blessed and Exalted said:

91
00:06:15,629 --> 00:06:17,910
"So they followed the command of Pharaoh,"

92
00:06:17,910 --> 00:06:21,029
“Unto Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they did follow the command of Pharaoh, and the command of Pharaoh was no right guide.” (11:97)

93
00:06:21,029 --> 00:06:23,269
and Exalted is His Majesty, He said:

94
00:06:23,269 --> 00:06:27,110
"And Pharaoh led his people astray and did not guide them."

95
00:06:27,110 --> 00:06:28,670
It is stated in the hadith:

96
00:06:28,670 --> 00:06:33,629
"There is no leader who dies while deceiving his subjects

97
00:06:33,629 --> 00:06:36,589
except that he will not smell the fragrance of Paradise,

98
00:06:36,589 --> 00:06:41,589
even though its fragrance can be detected from a distance of five hundred years."

99
00:06:41,629 --> 00:06:47,100
And Allah Almighty is the Grantor of success toward what is right.

100
00:06:47,100 --> 00:06:49,100
This autocracy of opinion

101
00:06:49,100 --> 00:06:56,019
does not lead to sound judgment when facing events that confront kingdoms and states;

102
00:06:56,019 --> 00:06:59,899
rather, it is a sign of the collapse of nations.

103
00:06:59,899 --> 00:07:05,139
For autocracy stems from arrogance, contempt for people, belittling them,

104
00:07:05,139 --> 00:07:09,019
dismissing their opinions, and tyranny in the land—

105
00:07:09,019 --> 00:07:12,519
and all of this ultimately leads to ruin.

106
00:07:12,519 --> 00:07:18,240
Consultation should only be sought from the wise and specialists in every field,

107
00:07:18,240 --> 00:07:20,920
not from the general populace,

108
00:07:20,920 --> 00:07:25,360
for among them are the scholar and the ignorant, the wise and the foolish.

109
00:07:25,360 --> 00:07:27,120
Therefore, the person seeking counsel

110
00:07:27,120 --> 00:07:34,199
must distinguish between a specialist and a non-specialist in the matter regarding which counsel is sought,

111
00:07:34,199 --> 00:07:39,589
especially in issues that affect the lives of the public at large.

112
00:07:39,629 --> 00:07:44,149
This is contrary to what is called democratic thought;

113
00:07:44,149 --> 00:07:50,589
for democracy does not distinguish between the wise and the foolish, or the scholar and the ignorant.

114
00:07:50,589 --> 00:07:55,269
Thus, some ignorant and foolish individuals enter parliamentary assemblies

115
00:07:55,269 --> 00:07:59,949
and speak on issues that affect the destiny of entire nations,

116
00:07:59,949 --> 00:08:05,430
turning neither to Allah nor doing good for their people.

117
00:08:05,430 --> 00:08:11,230
Seeking counsel is not restricted to the major affairs of the Ummah alone;

118
00:08:11,230 --> 00:08:15,750
rather, consultation enters into many everyday matters of life,

119
00:08:15,750 --> 00:08:20,019
because the opinion of two is better than the opinion of one.

120
00:08:20,019 --> 00:08:26,620
That is why Allah Almighty directed spouses to consult each other in family matters,

121
00:08:26,620 --> 00:08:29,860
as He Almighty said:

122
00:08:29,899 --> 00:08:36,299
“Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No-one should be charged beyond his capacity. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child. And on the (father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, it is no sin for them; and if ye wish to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you, provide that ye pay what is due from you in kindness. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what ye do.” (2:233)

123
00:08:36,299 --> 00:08:42,259
“Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No-one should be charged beyond his capacity. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child. And on the (father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, it is no sin for them; and if ye wish to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you, provide that ye pay what is due from you in kindness. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what ye do.” (2:233)

124
00:08:42,259 --> 00:08:51,019
"And upon the father is the mothers' provision and their clothing according to acceptable terms,"

125
00:08:51,019 --> 00:08:55,740
“Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No-one should be charged beyond his capacity. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child. And on the (father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, it is no sin for them; and if ye wish to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you, provide that ye pay what is due from you in kindness. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what ye do.” (2:233)

126
00:08:55,740 --> 00:09:06,049
“Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No-one should be charged beyond his capacity. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child. And on the (father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, it is no sin for them; and if ye wish to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you, provide that ye pay what is due from you in kindness. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what ye do.” (2:233)

127
00:09:06,049 --> 00:09:10,159
"and upon the heir is [a duty] like that,"

128
00:09:10,159 --> 00:09:21,740
“Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No-one should be charged beyond his capacity. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child. And on the (father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, it is no sin for them; and if ye wish to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you, provide that ye pay what is due from you in kindness. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what ye do.” (2:233)

129
00:09:21,779 --> 00:09:30,539
“Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No-one should be charged beyond his capacity. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child. And on the (father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, it is no sin for them; and if ye wish to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you, provide that ye pay what is due from you in kindness. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what ye do.” (2:233)

130
00:09:30,539 --> 00:09:38,340
“Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No-one should be charged beyond his capacity. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child. And on the (father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, it is no sin for them; and if ye wish to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you, provide that ye pay what is due from you in kindness. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what ye do.” (2:233)

131
00:09:38,340 --> 00:09:48,100
“Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No-one should be charged beyond his capacity. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child. And on the (father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, it is no sin for them; and if ye wish to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you, provide that ye pay what is due from you in kindness. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what ye do.” (2:233)

132
00:09:48,100 --> 00:09:52,539
This is the system of nursing that Allah stipulated in His Book

133
00:09:52,539 --> 00:09:54,779
and explained its details:

134
00:09:54,779 --> 00:10:01,019
a woman cannot wean her infant child except after consulting her husband.

135
00:10:01,019 --> 00:10:06,139
So if Allah guided toward consultation regarding the weaning of a child,

136
00:10:06,139 --> 00:10:12,779
then in major family issues, it is even more paramount that the spouses consult each other.

137
00:10:12,779 --> 00:10:18,899
It is not right in a family for the husband to be autocratic in his opinion without consulting his wife,

138
00:10:18,940 --> 00:10:28,820
just as it is not right for the wife to be autocratic in her opinion regarding family affairs and raising children without consulting her husband.

139
00:10:28,820 --> 00:10:34,779
The family may even consult an outside third party to rectify its situation

140
00:10:34,779 --> 00:10:38,899
and protect its structure from breaking down or fracturing.

141
00:10:38,899 --> 00:10:45,850
All of this is good if intentions are pure and the advisor is chosen well.

142
00:10:45,889 --> 00:10:49,450
The Queen of Sheba demonstrated another principle,

143
00:10:49,450 --> 00:10:57,129
which is that her decisions in her kingdom were not issued without the awareness of the wise and senior leaders of her people.

144
00:10:57,129 --> 00:11:02,929
She said: "I am not one to decide a matter until you are present with me."

145
00:11:02,929 --> 00:11:08,210
This is an important principle in the life of states, societies, and families:

146
00:11:08,210 --> 00:11:12,370
that decisions be issued with the knowledge and consultation of the people,

147
00:11:12,370 --> 00:11:19,669
not that people are surprised by a decision affecting their lives without their knowledge or benefit.

148
00:11:19,669 --> 00:11:22,350
Abu Zahrah (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

149
00:11:22,350 --> 00:11:28,389
"She gathered her people and directed her speech to their nobles and decision-makers,

150
00:11:28,389 --> 00:11:35,620
those who appoint and depose, saying to them: 'Give me your counsel in my affair.'

151
00:11:35,620 --> 00:11:37,779
She attributed the affair to herself

152
00:11:37,779 --> 00:11:43,259
because she was the one responsible for them and addressed with the matter on their behalf.

153
00:11:43,259 --> 00:11:50,379
She informed them that she would not make a final decision or resolve a matter by her opinion alone without them

154
00:11:50,379 --> 00:11:54,940
“She said: O chieftains! Pronounce for me in my case. I decide no case till ye are present with me.” (27:32)

155
00:11:54,940 --> 00:11:59,740
until they were present to witness the matter and assess it together.

156
00:11:59,740 --> 00:12:02,340
The letter *nun* here is the *nun* of protection,

157
00:12:02,340 --> 00:12:04,980
and the first-person pronoun *ya* was omitted in recitation,

158
00:12:04,980 --> 00:12:07,659
meaning: 'until you are present with me,'

159
00:12:07,700 --> 00:12:10,059
that is: 'until you attend with me

160
00:12:10,059 --> 00:12:16,789
and we exchange views so we may know what contains your best interest.'"

161
00:12:16,789 --> 00:12:20,230
This was the method of the Queen of Sheba,

162
00:12:20,230 --> 00:12:24,309
and it is no wonder that her people accepted her rule over them.

163
00:12:24,309 --> 00:12:27,710
For whoever follows this approach in governance

164
00:12:27,710 --> 00:12:33,919
will be loved, obeyed, followed, and his kingdom protected.

165
00:12:33,919 --> 00:12:39,059
But what was the opinion of her people after this presentation?

166
00:12:39,100 --> 00:12:42,860
We will continue in our next session, Allah willing.

167
00:12:42,860 --> 00:12:47,470
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.

168
00:12:47,470 --> 00:12:53,870
The story of the Queen of Sheba with the Prophet of Allah, Solomon (peace be upon him).