WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.769 The Story of the Queen of Sheba. 00:00:05.769 --> 00:00:11.699 "Give me your counsel in my affair." 00:00:11.699 --> 00:00:15.779 After the Queen of Sheba read the letter to her people, 00:00:15.779 --> 00:00:17.339 she said to them: 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) 00:00:24.829 --> 00:00:26.629 Concisely chosen words 00:00:26.629 --> 00:00:30.510 that demonstrated the level of intellect and intelligence of the Queen of Sheba, 00:00:30.670 --> 00:00:36.130 in addition to what we previously discussed and explained in the last episode. 00:00:36.130 --> 00:00:39.689 These words encompassed several matters: 00:00:39.689 --> 00:00:42.810 Among them was consulting the people, 00:00:42.810 --> 00:00:45.729 which she expressed by asking for their formal counsel (ftwa), 00:00:45.729 --> 00:00:49.969 her method of issuing decisions in her kingdom, 00:00:49.969 --> 00:00:52.250 winning the hearts of her subjects, 00:00:52.250 --> 00:00:55.189 and the humility of the Queen of Sheba. 00:00:55.189 --> 00:00:57.750 Al-Sa'di (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 00:00:57.750 --> 00:00:59.869 "It was part of her sound judgment and intellect 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: 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) 00:01:08.390 --> 00:01:11.989 Meaning: advise me on how we should respond to him; 00:01:11.989 --> 00:01:15.230 shall we submit to his authority and obey, 00:01:15.230 --> 00:01:17.500 or what should we do? 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) 00:01:21.420 --> 00:01:27.989 Meaning: I have never been autocratic in any matter without your counsel and opinion." 00:01:27.989 --> 00:01:30.230 The Queen of Sheba pursued 00:01:30.269 --> 00:01:33.750 the path of the wise among kings and leaders, 00:01:33.750 --> 00:01:36.670 those who are not autocratic in their opinions, 00:01:36.670 --> 00:01:39.629 nor do they ignore the wise among their people; 00:01:39.629 --> 00:01:44.239 rather, they consult them in both public and private affairs. 00:01:44.239 --> 00:01:47.109 Al-Qushayri (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 00:01:47.109 --> 00:01:52.189 "She engaged in consultation, as required by the circumstances of major events. 00:01:52.189 --> 00:01:56.390 For a king should not be autocratic in his opinion, 00:01:56.390 --> 00:02:02.450 and he must surround himself with people of sound judgment and insight." 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) 00:02:07.370 --> 00:02:09.490 in the Noble Qur'an, 00:02:09.490 --> 00:02:13.360 as Allah Almighty said to His Prophet: 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) 00:02:18.560 --> 00:02:22.680 "And if you had been rude in speech and harsh in heart, 00:02:22.680 --> 00:02:26.680 they would have disbanded from around you. 00:02:26.680 --> 00:02:33.120 So pardon them, ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in the matter." 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) 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) 00:02:44.949 --> 00:02:49.069 Thus, the Prophet (peace be upon him) applied this in his life: 00:02:49.069 --> 00:02:53.909 he consulted his Companions during the Battles of Badr, Uhud, and the Trench, 00:02:53.909 --> 00:02:56.830 he consulted them regarding the Event of the Slander (al-Ifk), 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, 00:03:03.310 --> 00:03:08.819 and he consulted them on many matters that arose during his lifetime. 00:03:08.819 --> 00:03:13.580 How, then, is it fitting for someone who claims to love him and follow his path 00:03:13.580 --> 00:03:19.030 to abandon this great approach to arriving at sound judgment? 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. 00:03:25.789 --> 00:03:29.990 Whoever is known for seeking counsel regarding the public interest 00:03:29.990 --> 00:03:36.360 will be loved and obeyed, people will rally around him, and they will support his rule. 00:03:36.360 --> 00:03:39.229 Al-Zamakhshari (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 00:03:39.229 --> 00:03:41.830 "What is meant by asking for counsel here 00:03:41.830 --> 00:03:47.710 is seeking their input through whatever opinion and strategy they might offer regarding what has occurred. 00:03:47.710 --> 00:03:51.789 Her intention in turning to them and relying on their consultation 00:03:51.789 --> 00:03:54.069 and exploring their views 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." 00:04:01.210 --> 00:04:06.930 No one initiates a request for consultation in all their affairs except a humble person; 00:04:06.930 --> 00:04:10.530 as for the arrogant, he consults no one, 00:04:10.530 --> 00:04:13.169 because he grandiosely elevates himself and his opinion, 00:04:13.169 --> 00:04:16.529 while despising others and deeming their opinions foolish. 00:04:16.529 --> 00:04:21.129 For that reason, hearts turn away from him, people abandon him, 00:04:21.170 --> 00:04:27.019 he contradicts the Prophetic guidance, and he loses in this world and the Hereafter. 00:04:27.019 --> 00:04:31.899 If kings and leaders were to follow the path of consulting the wise, 00:04:31.899 --> 00:04:34.259 hearts would unite around them, 00:04:34.259 --> 00:04:38.100 and populations would stand by them during great tribulations. 00:04:38.100 --> 00:04:42.459 However, the real problem between leaders and their people 00:04:42.459 --> 00:04:44.620 is autocracy of opinion 00:04:44.620 --> 00:04:48.579 and following the path of Pharaoh when he said: 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) 00:04:55.310 --> 00:04:58.139 Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 00:04:58.139 --> 00:05:05.259 "Pharaoh said to his people, rejecting the counsel offered by this righteous, pious, and guided man— 00:05:05.259 --> 00:05:08.740 who was more deserving of kingship than Pharaoh— 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) 00:05:11.699 --> 00:05:17.339 meaning: I only tell you and advise you with what I see as beneficial for myself. 00:05:17.379 --> 00:05:19.220 And Pharaoh lied, 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, 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) 00:05:33.600 --> 00:05:35.800 as Allah Almighty said: 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) 00:05:41.740 --> 00:05:45.060 Thus, his saying, 'I only show you what I see,' 00:05:45.060 --> 00:05:47.259 was a lie and a fabrication, 00:05:47.300 --> 00:05:52.860 through which he betrayed Allah Blessed and Exalted, His Messenger, and his subjects. 00:05:52.860 --> 00:05:55.620 He deceived them and gave them no sincere advice, 00:05:55.620 --> 00:05:57.220 as was his saying: 00:05:57.220 --> 00:06:01.019 'And I only guide you to the path of right conduct.' 00:06:01.019 --> 00:06:06.379 Meaning: I only call you to the path of truth, honesty, and guidance. 00:06:06.379 --> 00:06:08.660 And he lied in that as well, 00:06:08.660 --> 00:06:12.750 even though his people obeyed him and followed him." 00:06:12.750 --> 00:06:15.589 Allah Blessed and Exalted said: 00:06:15.629 --> 00:06:17.910 "So they followed the command of Pharaoh," 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) 00:06:21.029 --> 00:06:23.269 and Exalted is His Majesty, He said: 00:06:23.269 --> 00:06:27.110 "And Pharaoh led his people astray and did not guide them." 00:06:27.110 --> 00:06:28.670 It is stated in the hadith: 00:06:28.670 --> 00:06:33.629 "There is no leader who dies while deceiving his subjects 00:06:33.629 --> 00:06:36.589 except that he will not smell the fragrance of Paradise, 00:06:36.589 --> 00:06:41.589 even though its fragrance can be detected from a distance of five hundred years." 00:06:41.629 --> 00:06:47.100 And Allah Almighty is the Grantor of success toward what is right. 00:06:47.100 --> 00:06:49.100 This autocracy of opinion 00:06:49.100 --> 00:06:56.019 does not lead to sound judgment when facing events that confront kingdoms and states; 00:06:56.019 --> 00:06:59.899 rather, it is a sign of the collapse of nations. 00:06:59.899 --> 00:07:05.139 For autocracy stems from arrogance, contempt for people, belittling them, 00:07:05.139 --> 00:07:09.019 dismissing their opinions, and tyranny in the land— 00:07:09.019 --> 00:07:12.519 and all of this ultimately leads to ruin. 00:07:12.519 --> 00:07:18.240 Consultation should only be sought from the wise and specialists in every field, 00:07:18.240 --> 00:07:20.920 not from the general populace, 00:07:20.920 --> 00:07:25.360 for among them are the scholar and the ignorant, the wise and the foolish. 00:07:25.360 --> 00:07:27.120 Therefore, the person seeking counsel 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, 00:07:34.199 --> 00:07:39.589 especially in issues that affect the lives of the public at large. 00:07:39.629 --> 00:07:44.149 This is contrary to what is called democratic thought; 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. 00:07:50.589 --> 00:07:55.269 Thus, some ignorant and foolish individuals enter parliamentary assemblies 00:07:55.269 --> 00:07:59.949 and speak on issues that affect the destiny of entire nations, 00:07:59.949 --> 00:08:05.430 turning neither to Allah nor doing good for their people. 00:08:05.430 --> 00:08:11.230 Seeking counsel is not restricted to the major affairs of the Ummah alone; 00:08:11.230 --> 00:08:15.750 rather, consultation enters into many everyday matters of life, 00:08:15.750 --> 00:08:20.019 because the opinion of two is better than the opinion of one. 00:08:20.019 --> 00:08:26.620 That is why Allah Almighty directed spouses to consult each other in family matters, 00:08:26.620 --> 00:08:29.860 as He Almighty said: 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) 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) 00:08:42.259 --> 00:08:51.019 "And upon the father is the mothers' provision and their clothing according to acceptable terms," 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) 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) 00:09:06.049 --> 00:09:10.159 "and upon the heir is [a duty] like that," 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) 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) 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) 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) 00:09:48.100 --> 00:09:52.539 This is the system of nursing that Allah stipulated in His Book 00:09:52.539 --> 00:09:54.779 and explained its details: 00:09:54.779 --> 00:10:01.019 a woman cannot wean her infant child except after consulting her husband. 00:10:01.019 --> 00:10:06.139 So if Allah guided toward consultation regarding the weaning of a child, 00:10:06.139 --> 00:10:12.779 then in major family issues, it is even more paramount that the spouses consult each other. 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, 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. 00:10:28.820 --> 00:10:34.779 The family may even consult an outside third party to rectify its situation 00:10:34.779 --> 00:10:38.899 and protect its structure from breaking down or fracturing. 00:10:38.899 --> 00:10:45.850 All of this is good if intentions are pure and the advisor is chosen well. 00:10:45.889 --> 00:10:49.450 The Queen of Sheba demonstrated another principle, 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. 00:10:57.129 --> 00:11:02.929 She said: "I am not one to decide a matter until you are present with me." 00:11:02.929 --> 00:11:08.210 This is an important principle in the life of states, societies, and families: 00:11:08.210 --> 00:11:12.370 that decisions be issued with the knowledge and consultation of the people, 00:11:12.370 --> 00:11:19.669 not that people are surprised by a decision affecting their lives without their knowledge or benefit. 00:11:19.669 --> 00:11:22.350 Abu Zahrah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 00:11:22.350 --> 00:11:28.389 "She gathered her people and directed her speech to their nobles and decision-makers, 00:11:28.389 --> 00:11:35.620 those who appoint and depose, saying to them: 'Give me your counsel in my affair.' 00:11:35.620 --> 00:11:37.779 She attributed the affair to herself 00:11:37.779 --> 00:11:43.259 because she was the one responsible for them and addressed with the matter on their behalf. 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 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) 00:11:54.940 --> 00:11:59.740 until they were present to witness the matter and assess it together. 00:11:59.740 --> 00:12:02.340 The letter *nun* here is the *nun* of protection, 00:12:02.340 --> 00:12:04.980 and the first-person pronoun *ya* was omitted in recitation, 00:12:04.980 --> 00:12:07.659 meaning: 'until you are present with me,' 00:12:07.700 --> 00:12:10.059 that is: 'until you attend with me 00:12:10.059 --> 00:12:16.789 and we exchange views so we may know what contains your best interest.'" 00:12:16.789 --> 00:12:20.230 This was the method of the Queen of Sheba, 00:12:20.230 --> 00:12:24.309 and it is no wonder that her people accepted her rule over them. 00:12:24.309 --> 00:12:27.710 For whoever follows this approach in governance 00:12:27.710 --> 00:12:33.919 will be loved, obeyed, followed, and his kingdom protected. 00:12:33.919 --> 00:12:39.059 But what was the opinion of her people after this presentation? 00:12:39.100 --> 00:12:42.860 We will continue in our next session, Allah willing. 00:12:42.860 --> 00:12:47.470 Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. 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).