WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:13.910 The Story of the Queen of Sheba with Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him) 00:00:13.910 --> 00:00:16.429 Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. 00:00:16.429 --> 00:00:20.730 Peace and blessings be upon the most noble of prophets and messengers, 00:00:20.730 --> 00:00:22.609 Our Prophet Muhammad, 00:00:22.609 --> 00:00:25.489 And upon his family and all his companions. 00:00:25.489 --> 00:00:27.219 To proceed: 00:00:27.219 --> 00:00:29.820 This is a blessed series 00:00:29.940 --> 00:00:36.200 On the story of the Queen of Sheba with Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him). 00:00:36.200 --> 00:00:41.700 The story is mentioned in the Qur'an once, in Surah An-Naml. 00:00:41.700 --> 00:00:44.780 The Kingdom of Sheba was located in Yemen, 00:00:44.780 --> 00:00:46.859 And it possessed an ancient history 00:00:46.859 --> 00:00:52.579 And a civilization whose ruins remain to this day. 00:00:52.579 --> 00:00:56.219 Allah mentioned it in the Qur'an in Surah Saba', 00:00:56.219 --> 00:00:59.539 Clarifying the abundant goodness it had attained 00:00:59.579 --> 00:01:01.280 And the great blessings it enjoyed, 00:01:01.280 --> 00:01:04.299 Such that it became a marvel of its age, 00:01:04.299 --> 00:01:07.629 And He described it as a good land. 00:01:07.629 --> 00:01:11.129 Yet, Glorified be He, He destroyed and ruined it 00:01:11.129 --> 00:01:15.540 When its people turned away from the command of Allah, the Exalted and Sublime. 00:01:15.540 --> 00:01:17.780 Allah Almighty said: 00:01:17.780 --> 00:01:23.540 "Indeed, there was for Sheba a sign in their dwelling place: 00:01:23.540 --> 00:01:30.019 Two gardens, one on the right and one on the left." 00:01:30.019 --> 00:01:34.219 “There was indeed a sign for Sheba in their dwelling-place: Two gardens on the right hand and the left (as who should say): Eat of the provision of your Lord and render thanks to Him. A fair land and an indulgent Lord!” (34:15) 00:01:34.219 --> 00:01:40.780 “There was indeed a sign for Sheba in their dwelling-place: Two gardens on the right hand and the left (as who should say): Eat of the provision of your Lord and render thanks to Him. A fair land and an indulgent Lord!” (34:15) 00:01:40.780 --> 00:01:45.340 “But they were froward, so We sent on them the flood of 'Iram, and in exchange for their two gardens gave them two gardens bearing bitter fruit, the tamarisk and here and there a lote-tree.” (34:16) 00:01:45.340 --> 00:01:50.180 "So We replaced their two gardens with two gardens 00:01:50.180 --> 00:01:53.260 Yielding bitter fruit," 00:01:53.260 --> 00:01:58.579 "So We replaced their two gardens with two gardens" 00:01:58.579 --> 00:02:02.780 “But they were froward, so We sent on them the flood of 'Iram, and in exchange for their two gardens gave them two gardens bearing bitter fruit, the tamarisk and here and there a lote-tree.” (34:16) 00:02:02.780 --> 00:02:09.240 “But they were froward, so We sent on them the flood of 'Iram, and in exchange for their two gardens gave them two gardens bearing bitter fruit, the tamarisk and here and there a lote-tree.” (34:16) 00:02:09.240 --> 00:02:14.159 “This We awarded them because of their ingratitude. Punish We ever any save the ingrates?” (34:17) 00:02:14.159 --> 00:02:20.210 “This We awarded them because of their ingratitude. Punish We ever any save the ingrates?” (34:17) 00:02:20.210 --> 00:02:23.490 “And We set, between them and the towns which We had blessed, towns easy to be seen, and We made the stage between them easy, (saying): Travel in them safely both by night and day.” (34:18) 00:02:23.490 --> 00:02:28.650 “And We set, between them and the towns which We had blessed, towns easy to be seen, and We made the stage between them easy, (saying): Travel in them safely both by night and day.” (34:18) 00:02:28.650 --> 00:02:32.629 "And We determined the distance between them for travel." 00:02:32.629 --> 00:02:38.990 “And We set, between them and the towns which We had blessed, towns easy to be seen, and We made the stage between them easy, (saying): Travel in them safely both by night and day.” (34:18) 00:02:38.990 --> 00:02:43.349 "But they said, 'Our Lord, make the distance between our journeys longer,' 00:02:43.349 --> 00:02:50.590 And they wronged themselves, 00:02:50.590 --> 00:02:52.909 So We made them history, 00:02:52.909 --> 00:02:57.030 And We dispersed them completely. 00:02:57.030 --> 00:03:05.229 Indeed in that are signs for everyone who is patient and grateful." 00:03:05.229 --> 00:03:09.669 “And Satan indeed found his calculation true concerning them, for they follow him, all save a group of true believers.” (34:20) 00:03:09.669 --> 00:03:16.020 “And Satan indeed found his calculation true concerning them, for they follow him, all save a group of true believers.” (34:20) 00:03:16.020 --> 00:03:20.819 “And he had no warrant whatsoever against them, save that We would know him who believeth in the Hereafter from him who is in doubt thereof; and thy Lord (O Muhammad) taketh note of all things.” (34:21) 00:03:20.819 --> 00:03:25.139 “And he had no warrant whatsoever against them, save that We would know him who believeth in the Hereafter from him who is in doubt thereof; and thy Lord (O Muhammad) taketh note of all things.” (34:21) 00:03:25.139 --> 00:03:29.419 "...those who are in doubt about it." 00:03:29.419 --> 00:03:35.270 “And he had no warrant whatsoever against them, save that We would know him who believeth in the Hereafter from him who is in doubt thereof; and thy Lord (O Muhammad) taketh note of all things.” (34:21) 00:03:35.270 --> 00:03:37.750 As-Sa'di (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 00:03:37.750 --> 00:03:40.750 “This We awarded them because of their ingratitude. Punish We ever any save the ingrates?” (34:17) 00:03:40.750 --> 00:03:43.669 “This We awarded them because of their ingratitude. Punish We ever any save the ingrates?” (34:17) 00:03:43.669 --> 00:03:46.509 "That is: 'Do We requite with such punishment— 00:03:46.509 --> 00:03:48.189 As indicated by the context— 00:03:48.189 --> 00:03:51.800 Anyone except the ungrateful who disbelieves in Allah and rejects His blessings?' 00:03:51.800 --> 00:03:54.719 So when they were afflicted with what befell them, 00:03:54.759 --> 00:03:59.319 They were scattered and torn apart after having been united, 00:03:59.319 --> 00:04:02.800 And Allah made them cautionary tales for people to talk about, 00:04:02.800 --> 00:04:05.199 And evening tales for people to recount. 00:04:05.199 --> 00:04:07.479 A proverb was coined after them, 00:04:07.479 --> 00:04:11.400 So it would be said: 'They dispersed like Sheba's people.' 00:04:11.400 --> 00:04:14.639 Everyone spoke of what had happened to them, 00:04:14.639 --> 00:04:17.519 Yet no one truly takes heed or learns from their lesson 00:04:17.519 --> 00:04:19.720 Except those whom Allah described: 00:04:19.720 --> 00:04:25.040 'Indeed in that are signs for everyone who is patient and grateful.' 00:04:25.040 --> 00:04:28.040 Patient in the face of hardships and adversity, 00:04:28.040 --> 00:04:30.079 Enduring them solely for the sake of Allah, 00:04:30.079 --> 00:04:32.000 Not becoming discontented with His decree, 00:04:32.000 --> 00:04:33.959 But rather showing steadfast patience; 00:04:33.959 --> 00:04:36.639 Grateful for the blessings of Allah Almighty, 00:04:36.639 --> 00:04:38.759 Acknowledging and affirming them, 00:04:38.759 --> 00:04:41.040 Praising the One who bestowed them, 00:04:41.040 --> 00:04:43.699 And expending them in His obedience. 00:04:43.699 --> 00:04:45.860 Such a person, upon hearing their story 00:04:45.860 --> 00:04:48.259 And what transpired among them and befell them, 00:04:48.300 --> 00:04:51.100 Realizes through this that that punishment 00:04:51.100 --> 00:04:53.939 Was a retribution for their ingratitude toward Allah's blessings, 00:04:53.939 --> 00:04:55.740 And that whoever acts as they acted 00:04:55.740 --> 00:04:58.420 Will be dealt with as they were dealt with; 00:04:58.420 --> 00:05:00.180 And that gratitude to Allah Almighty 00:05:00.180 --> 00:05:03.779 Preserves blessings and wards off tribulations; 00:05:03.779 --> 00:05:07.699 And that Allah's messengers were truthful in what they conveyed, 00:05:07.699 --> 00:05:09.779 And that divine recompense is true, 00:05:09.779 --> 00:05:14.730 Just as he saw its sample in the earthly realm." 00:05:14.730 --> 00:05:16.810 The story of the Queen of Sheba— 00:05:16.850 --> 00:05:20.089 Which is part of the history of the Kingdom of Sheba— 00:05:20.089 --> 00:05:22.129 Is, on the other hand, 00:05:22.129 --> 00:05:25.759 One of the stories of women in the Holy Qur'an. 00:05:25.759 --> 00:05:29.439 Allah only mentioned the stories of women in the Qur'an 00:05:29.439 --> 00:05:32.079 So that women may be nurtured through them, 00:05:32.079 --> 00:05:34.680 Take heed from them, and be admonished, 00:05:34.680 --> 00:05:36.920 Following the path of the believers 00:05:36.920 --> 00:05:40.050 And avoiding the path of the corrupt. 00:05:40.050 --> 00:05:43.569 These stories came within the fold of various surahs, 00:05:43.610 --> 00:05:49.129 And each story corresponds appropriately to the theme of the surah in which it is mentioned, 00:05:49.129 --> 00:05:51.050 Containing lessons, admonitions, 00:05:51.050 --> 00:05:53.290 Guidance, and mercy, 00:05:53.290 --> 00:05:55.759 Just as Allah Almighty said: 00:05:55.759 --> 00:06:02.839 “In their history verily there is a lesson for men of understanding. It is no invented story but a confirmation of the existing (Scripture) and a detailed explanation of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for folk who believe.” (12:111) 00:06:02.839 --> 00:06:07.000 “In their history verily there is a lesson for men of understanding. It is no invented story but a confirmation of the existing (Scripture) and a detailed explanation of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for folk who believe.” (12:111) 00:06:07.000 --> 00:06:11.879 "...but a confirmation of what came before it, 00:06:11.879 --> 00:06:15.120 A detailed explanation of all things, 00:06:15.120 --> 00:06:17.959 And guidance and mercy— 00:06:17.959 --> 00:06:26.300 And guidance and mercy for a people who believe." 00:06:26.300 --> 00:06:29.620 Muhammad Rashid Rida (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 00:06:29.620 --> 00:06:33.100 "The Qur'an is neither a history book nor a collection of mere tales; 00:06:33.100 --> 00:06:36.139 Rather, it is guidance and admonition. 00:06:36.139 --> 00:06:39.939 It does not mention a story merely to detail its historical timeline, 00:06:39.939 --> 00:06:42.100 Nor for entertainment, 00:06:42.100 --> 00:06:44.660 Nor to encompass its minutiae; 00:06:44.660 --> 00:06:48.300 Rather, it mentions what it mentions for the sake of moral lesson, 00:06:48.300 --> 00:06:49.740 As Allah said," 00:06:49.740 --> 00:06:54.139 “In their history verily there is a lesson for men of understanding. It is no invented story but a confirmation of the existing (Scripture) and a detailed explanation of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for folk who believe.” (12:111) 00:06:54.139 --> 00:06:56.540 "And to clarify the divine laws of human society, 00:06:56.540 --> 00:06:58.019 As Allah said:" 00:06:58.019 --> 00:07:00.860 “Systems have passed away before you. Do but travel in the land and see the nature of the consequence for those who did deny (the messengers).” (3:137) 00:07:00.860 --> 00:07:06.459 "'So travel through the earth and observe what was the end of the deniers.' 00:07:06.459 --> 00:07:07.740 And He said:" 00:07:07.740 --> 00:07:11.779 "'Such was the established way of Allah among His servants who passed before.' 00:07:11.779 --> 00:07:14.720 And other such verses. 00:07:14.720 --> 00:07:18.800 Among past events, some are well known, 00:07:18.800 --> 00:07:23.519 And Allah Almighty mentions from this and that whatever He wills to mention 00:07:23.519 --> 00:07:26.079 For the purpose of moral lesson and admonition. 00:07:26.079 --> 00:07:30.720 Thus, He contents Himself within the story with the point of lesson and benefit, 00:07:30.720 --> 00:07:36.000 Without detailing its trivial particulars that do not add to the lesson, 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:40.089 But might rather distract from it." 00:07:40.089 --> 00:07:45.290 This last statement from the scholar Muhammad Rashid Rida (may Allah have mercy on him) 00:07:45.290 --> 00:07:47.850 Is a very important passage, 00:07:47.850 --> 00:07:52.370 Because it provides us with the methodology for engaging with Qur'anic stories: 00:07:52.370 --> 00:07:56.050 What aspects we ought to focus on 00:07:56.050 --> 00:07:59.170 To ponder the story and draw lessons from it, 00:07:59.170 --> 00:08:02.850 While setting aside the aspects that were not mentioned to us in the story 00:08:02.850 --> 00:08:05.259 Without becoming preoccupied by them. 00:08:05.259 --> 00:08:07.980 Abu Zahrah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 00:08:08.019 --> 00:08:12.339 "The objective behind Qur'anic stories is moral lesson and reflection, 00:08:12.339 --> 00:08:17.420 Not the mere recounting of events or entertaining people with detailed narration— 00:08:17.420 --> 00:08:20.100 'A lesson for people of understanding.' 00:08:20.100 --> 00:08:24.939 Therefore, the Noble Lord directs attention to the locus of lesson and highlights it, 00:08:24.939 --> 00:08:28.019 And to the place of insight and clarifies it. 00:08:28.019 --> 00:08:30.139 That is the most upright path: 00:08:30.139 --> 00:08:35.460 Nurturing through history and educating through the conditions of predecessors. 00:08:35.460 --> 00:08:37.940 For man is the child of man; 00:08:37.940 --> 00:08:41.179 Whoever shows you a picture of the past accompanied by a lesson 00:08:41.179 --> 00:08:44.129 Shows you yourself alongside an admonition. 00:08:44.129 --> 00:08:48.370 The past is ever a light illuminating the future; 00:08:48.370 --> 00:08:53.990 It is the lamp carried by whoever seeks guidance and hopes for it." 00:08:53.990 --> 00:08:57.870 Indeed, in that story mentioned in the Holy Qur'an— 00:08:57.870 --> 00:09:00.269 Revealed by the All-Wise, All-Knowing— 00:09:00.269 --> 00:09:02.870 Lies a lesson for all people, 00:09:02.870 --> 00:09:07.950 Especially nations tested with defeat. 00:09:07.990 --> 00:09:13.029 Mentioning these stories is also one of the signs of prophethood, 00:09:13.029 --> 00:09:18.419 For the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not know them prior to divine revelation. 00:09:18.419 --> 00:09:21.740 Muhammad Rashid Rida (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 00:09:21.740 --> 00:09:24.460 "Mentioning these stories in the Qur'an 00:09:24.460 --> 00:09:28.220 Is among the proofs that it is from Allah Almighty, 00:09:28.220 --> 00:09:34.460 Because the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not know this, nor did his people, 00:09:34.460 --> 00:09:37.059 As explicitly stated in Surah Hud 00:09:37.059 --> 00:09:41.539 After detailing the story of Noah with his people, by His saying: 00:09:41.539 --> 00:09:45.820 'That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you,' 00:09:45.820 --> 00:09:51.460 “This is of the tidings of the Unseen which We inspire in thee (Muhammad). Thou thyself knewest it not, nor did thy folk (know it) before this. Then have patience. Lo! the sequel is for those who ward off (evil).” (11:49) 00:09:51.460 --> 00:09:55.700 “This is of the tidings of the Unseen which We inspire in thee (Muhammad). Thou thyself knewest it not, nor did thy folk (know it) before this. Then have patience. Lo! the sequel is for those who ward off (evil).” (11:49) 00:09:55.700 --> 00:10:01.340 And as He said at the end of Surah Yusuf after recounting his story with his brothers: 00:10:01.340 --> 00:10:05.940 'That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you.'" 00:10:05.940 --> 00:10:12.860 “This is of the tidings of the Unseen which We inspire in thee (Muhammad). Thou wast not present with them when they fixed their plan and they were scheming.” (12:102) 00:10:12.860 --> 00:10:17.259 For a woman to benefit from the stories of women in the Qur'an, 00:10:17.259 --> 00:10:20.100 She must take time in reading it, 00:10:20.100 --> 00:10:24.740 Reflect upon the verses, and ponder the meanings within them. 00:10:24.740 --> 00:10:29.820 For Allah praised the people of understanding who ponder the Qur'an. 00:10:29.820 --> 00:10:31.460 Allah Almighty said: 00:10:31.460 --> 00:10:37.019 "A blessed Book We have revealed to you that they may ponder its verses 00:10:37.019 --> 00:10:39.899 And that those of understanding may take heed." 00:10:39.899 --> 00:10:41.659 And He, Glorified be He, said: 00:10:41.659 --> 00:10:46.460 "Indeed, in their stories there was a lesson for people of understanding." 00:10:46.460 --> 00:10:49.059 Abu Zahrah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 00:10:49.059 --> 00:10:52.220 "And He, Glorified and Exalted, restricts those who take heed 00:10:52.220 --> 00:10:54.740 To being 'people of understanding'— 00:10:54.740 --> 00:11:01.019 That is, minds whose perception penetrates to the core of matters and their realities, 00:11:01.019 --> 00:11:06.409 Pondering their beginnings and ultimate ends. 00:11:06.409 --> 00:11:09.970 Therefore, a woman must exercise her intellect 00:11:09.970 --> 00:11:13.129 In pondering the stories of women in the Qur'an, 00:11:13.129 --> 00:11:17.409 So that she may derive lessons from them, take admonition within herself, 00:11:17.409 --> 00:11:21.850 And set her life upright upon what pleases Allah, the Exalted and Majestic. 00:11:21.850 --> 00:11:24.169 For this reason, Allah Almighty said: 00:11:24.169 --> 00:11:28.299 'So relate the stories that perhaps they may reflect.'" 00:11:28.299 --> 00:11:31.379 At-Tahir ibn 'Ashur (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 00:11:31.379 --> 00:11:34.620 "Meaning: relate this story and others. 00:11:34.620 --> 00:11:38.220 This serves as a concluding comment on the story used as a parable, 00:11:38.220 --> 00:11:42.460 Encompassing it and other stories in the Qur'an. 00:11:42.460 --> 00:11:45.700 For in stories there is reflection and admonition, 00:11:45.700 --> 00:11:49.059 So through them, their reflection and admonition are hoped for. 00:11:49.059 --> 00:11:51.779 This is because parables and bringing forth parallels 00:11:51.779 --> 00:11:55.139 Have a profound impact on guiding souls through them 00:11:55.139 --> 00:12:00.539 And bringing obscure conditions close to souls that are heedless or oblivious, 00:12:00.539 --> 00:12:03.139 Owing to how drawing parallels through a specific story 00:12:03.139 --> 00:12:06.820 Evokes the recollection of witnessing a state with the senses, 00:12:06.820 --> 00:12:13.240 Unlike bare reminder devoid of parallels drawn from tangible things." 00:12:13.240 --> 00:12:15.320 The story of the Queen of Sheba 00:12:15.320 --> 00:12:17.679 Is among the Qur'anic stories 00:12:17.679 --> 00:12:21.379 Intended for deriving lessons and admonitions. 00:12:21.379 --> 00:12:24.139 So where is the locus of lesson in the story? 00:12:24.139 --> 00:12:29.019 What is the primary objective of mentioning this story in Surah An-Naml? 00:12:29.019 --> 00:12:31.700 What was the role of the hoopoe in the story? 00:12:31.700 --> 00:12:36.940 What personal qualities of this woman were manifested in this story? 00:12:36.940 --> 00:12:41.580 What ruse did the Queen of Sheba use with Solomon? 00:12:41.580 --> 00:12:45.059 How did Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him) deal 00:12:45.059 --> 00:12:49.059 With the Queen of Sheba after exposing her ruse? 00:12:49.059 --> 00:12:52.700 What was the impact of knowledge in the story of the Queen of Sheba? 00:12:52.700 --> 00:12:56.220 Was the Queen of Sheba intelligent and wise, 00:12:56.220 --> 00:12:58.289 And what is the proof of that? 00:12:58.289 --> 00:13:01.889 Why did the Queen of Sheba not resort to fighting, 00:13:01.889 --> 00:13:05.330 Despite the strength and formidable might of the people of Yemen? 00:13:05.330 --> 00:13:10.919 What factors turn a person away from recognizing the truth and following it? 00:13:10.919 --> 00:13:17.639 These are questions we will attempt to answer, Allah willing, in this blessed series 00:13:17.639 --> 00:13:20.259 On the story of the Queen of Sheba, 00:13:20.259 --> 00:13:22.539 Asking the Lord, the Exalted and Majestic, 00:13:22.539 --> 00:13:26.259 To grant us success in righteous speech and deed. 00:13:26.299 --> 00:13:30.600 Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. 00:13:30.600 --> 00:13:33.279 The Story of the Queen of Sheba 00:13:33.279 --> 00:13:37.279 With Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him).