Prophet Sulaiman (AS) was both a Prophet and a king, endowed by Allah with wisdom, justice, and a miraculous control over the jinn, animals, and the winds. And Prophet Sulaiman (AS) was the son of Prophet Dawud (AS), who inherited from him both kingship and divine knowledge.
In magnificence and righteousness, his rule knew no peer; he employed the divine powers with which God had gifted him to advance virtue and ensure adherence to the command of Allah. The Quran makes mention of Prophet Sulaiman (AS) as one who was deeply religious, exceedingly wise, and profoundly humble, though he ruled a unique empire.
Allah mentions his exceptional blessings in the Quran:
“And We certainly gave Dawud and Sulaiman knowledge, and they said, ‘Praise be to Allah, who has favored us over many of His believing servants.’”
(Surah An-Naml 27:15)
Birth and Early Life: A Prince with Divine Wisdom
Prophet Sulaiman (AS) was born to a royal and Prophetic household, being the son of Prophet Dawud (AS). As a child, he already exhibited brilliance, fairness, and wisdom, and thus began his privileged position as one of his father’s advisors.
Allah gifted Sulaiman (AS) with the understanding and ability to communicate with animals, hinting at the extraordinary rule he would have in the future.
Even as a young man, his wisdom is evident from an early judgment he made between two men who had a dispute.
The Test of Judgment: Sulaiman’s (AS) Early Wisdom
Two men had a case regarding their herd during the time of Prophet Dawud (AS).
- One man’s sheep had gotten into another man’s field and destroyed his crops.
- Prophet Dawud (AS) firstly decided that the livestock is to be moved to the owner of the field and given as compensation.
Nevertheless, young Sulaiman (AS) proposed a different solution:
- The owner of the field should be able to hold the sheep temporarily, for their wool and milk.
- The other person, meanwhile, will fix and replant the wounded field.
- When the field was regained, everyone would receive what was theirs.
Allah praises Sulaiman’s (AS) wisdom in the Quran:
“And We gave Sulaiman understanding of it, and to each [of them] We gave judgment and knowledge.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:79)
This judgment showed his deep intelligence and sense of fairness that would characterize his rule moving forward.
The Inheritance of Kingship and Prophethood
Sulaiman (AS) succeeded his father Dawud after his death, inheriting prophethood and kingship. His rule was not only an extension of his father’s rule, but was given the miraculous powers that Allah had granted him.
It was the kingdom of a prophet to whom Allah gave absolute dominion over the winds, the jinn, and animals, unlike any other in history.
“And Sulaiman inherited Dawud, and he said, ‘O people, we have been taught the language of birds, and we have been given from all things. Indeed, this is evident bounty.’ “
(Surah An-Naml 27:16)
Those divine gifts would become the cornerstone of his reign, which would guide one of the greatest civilizations in history.
The Miraculous Powers of Prophet Sulaiman (AS)
Prophet Sulaiman (AS) was bestowed by Allah with many miraculous virtues that no other sovereign had.
1. Command Over the Wind
Sulaiman (AS) could control the wind, which allowed him to travel great distances in little time.
“And to Sulaiman [We subjected] the wind blowing forcefully, proceeding by his command toward the land which We had blessed. And we are ever knowing of all things.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:81)
2. Control Over the Jinn
Allah had given Sulaiman (AS) authority over the jinn, supernatural beings that would do construction, exploration, and other tasks for him.
“And among the jinn were those who worked for him by the permission of his Lord. And whoever deviated among them from Our command—We will make him taste the punishment of the Blaze.”
(Surah Saba 34:12)
3. Communication with Animals
One of his most famous miracles was his ability to communicate with animals.
“And Sulaiman was given knowledge of the speech of birds.”
(Surah An-Naml 27:16)
This ability played a key role in his famous encounter with the Hoopoe bird (Hudhud).
The Story of Hudhud and the Queen of Sheba
Among the greatest incidents of Prophet Sulaiman’s (AS) life was an encounter with the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis).
One day, Sulaiman (AS) noticed that the Hoopoe bird (Hudhud) was missing. When Hudhud returned, he brought astonishing news:
- He found a prosperous kingdom led by a woman, Queen of Sheba (Bilqis).
- Her people prayed to the sun, not to Allah.
“I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given everything, and she has a great throne. I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah.”
(Surah An-Naml 27:23-24)
Sulaiman (AS) sent a letter to her inviting her to embrace Islam, Bilqis accepted the invitation and came to his court. Her throne was carried to the palace of Sulaiman (AS) by the jinn, this being a show of Allah’s great power before her arrival.
Having seen his wisdom, power, and faith, Bilqis followed the religion of Islam and submitted to the One True God.
“She said, ‘My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Sulaiman to Allah, Lord of the worlds.’ “
(Surah An-Naml 27:44)
This story showcases his strategic wisdom and ability to spread Allah’s message peacefully.
The Construction of the Great Temple
The great Prophet Sulaiman (AS) built the great Bayt al-Maqdis (the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem).
And so, with the help of the jinn, he oversaw the construction of grand palaces, fortresses, and places of worship, and it was under his reign that his land would be a land of justice, faith, and knowledge.
The Death of Prophet Sulaiman (AS): A Silent Passing
And despite his authority, Sulaiman (AS) was humble, as being able to do that was a will from Allah only.
His death was special and divine. The Quran states that:
- He died on his feet, resting on his staff.
- No one noticed he was dead until a worm ate through his staff, and he collapsed.
- Only then did it occur to the jinn that they had been working for a deceased king.
“And when We decreed for him death, nothing indicated to them his death except a creature of the earth eating his staff. But when he fell, it became clear to the jinn that if they had known the unseen, they would not have remained in humiliating torment.”
(Surah Saba 34:14)
His death was a reminder that no one, no matter how powerful, can escape death.
Lessons from the Life of Prophet Sulaiman (AS)
- Wisdom and Justice – Leaders must be based on fairness and knowledge.
- Gratitude for Blessings –Despite having immense power, he remained humble.
- The Power of Faith – Real success is submission to Allah.
- Humility in Greatness – Although he ruled over humans, jinn, and nature, he never became arrogant.
Conclusion
Prophet Sulaiman (AS) was a king, a prophet, and a servant of Allah. His wisdom, leadership, and devotion to Allah made him one of the greatest figures in mankind’s history. His story is an important reminder that real power lies in faith, justice, and humility before the Almighty Allah.
May peace be upon the Prophet Sulaiman (AS) and all the prophets of Allah. Ameen.
