Prophet Sulaiman and the Queen of Sheba

Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon), peace be upon him, was granted by Allah a kingdom unlike any other in history. He could understand the speech of birds and animals, command the jinn to work for him, and control the wind to travel vast distances. "And to Sulaiman [We subjected] the wind - its morning [journey was that of] a month - and its afternoon [journey was that of] a month." (Quran 34:12)

Despite this tremendous power, Sulaiman never forgot that all blessings came from Allah. When he witnessed a humble ant warning its colony about his approaching army, he smiled at its words and prayed: "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do righteousness of which You approve." (Quran 27:19)

Among Sulaiman's subjects was the Hoopoe bird (hudhud), who served as a scout. One day, the Hoopoe returned with remarkable news: "I have found out something you have not known, and I have come to you from Sheba with certain news. Indeed, I found a woman ruling them, and she has been given of all things, and she has a great throne. I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah." (Quran 27:22-24)

The Queen of Sheba, known as Bilqis, ruled a wealthy kingdom in Yemen. Her magnificent throne was adorned with gold and precious gems. But despite all their material blessings, her people worshipped the sun.

Sulaiman sent the Hoopoe back with a letter: "In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. Be not haughty with me but come to me in submission [as Muslims]." (Quran 27:30-31)

Bilqis, known for her wisdom, consulted her advisors. They declared their military strength: "We are men of strength and of great military might." But Bilqis, understanding that war brings destruction, chose diplomacy. She sent expensive gifts to test Sulaiman.

When the gifts arrived, Sulaiman responded: "Do you provide me with wealth? But what Allah has given me is better than what He has given you. Rather, it is you who rejoice in your gift." He sent the gifts back with a warning that his forces - of men, jinn, and birds - would march against them if they did not submit to the truth.

Bilqis decided to visit Sulaiman herself. Before she arrived, Sulaiman asked his assembly: "Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?"

A powerful jinn offered to bring it before Sulaiman could rise from his seat. But one who had knowledge of the Scripture said, "I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you." In an instant, the throne appeared before Sulaiman.

Sulaiman had the throne disguised to test the Queen's intelligence. When she arrived and was asked if her throne resembled the one before her, she replied diplomatically, "It is as though it were the same." This showed both her intelligence and her openness to possibilities beyond her understanding.

The final test awaited. Sulaiman invited her to enter his palace. Its floor was made of glass, beneath which water flowed. Bilqis, thinking it was real water, lifted her skirt to avoid getting wet, revealing her legs.

Sulaiman explained: "Indeed, it is a palace [whose floor is] made smooth with glass." At that moment, Bilqis recognized the truth. This was no ordinary king. The same Being who granted Sulaiman such marvels must be the true God.

She declared: "My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Sulaiman to Allah, Lord of the worlds." (Quran 27:44)