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OTHER ANIMALS:
What are the other animals mentioned in the Qur'an?
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What are their characteristics?
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PERFECTION OF THE CREATION
The perfect unison between earth, sky and the man was given in the form of a gift to
prophet Dawud (David) (Peace be upon him). The mountains and the birds echoed the
incantations he made for Allah Ta'alah.
We bestowed Grace aforetime on David from ourselves: "O you Mountains! Sing
you back the Praises of Allah with him (David)! and you birds (also)!
[Surah Saba’ (Sheba): 34: 10]
His son, Suleiman, was also blessed with the gift of Prophethood and the ability to understand the
language of animals.
Story of PROPHET SOULEIMAN (Solomon)
(peace be upon him)
Suleiman inherited his father David's prophethood and dominion. This was not a
material inheritance. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
The prophets' property will not be inherited, and whatever
we leave is to be used for charity.
(Sahih Al-Bukhari).
And indeed We gave knowledge to David and Suleiman, and they both said: "All the
praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has preferred us above many of His believing
slaves!"
And Suleiman inherited (the knowledge of) David. He said: "O mankind! We have been
taught the language of birds, and on us have been bestowed all things. This, verily, is an
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evident grace (from Allah)." And there were gathered before Suleiman his hosts of jinns
and men, and birds, and they were all set in battle order (marching forwards).
[Qur’an: Surah An-Naml (The Ants) 27:15-17]
After his father's death, Suleiman became king. He begged Allah for a kingdom such as none
after him would have, and Allah granted his wish.
35. He said, "O my Lord! Forgive me, and grant me a kingdom which, (it may be), suits
not another after me: for You are the Grantor of Bounties (without measure).
[Qur’an: Surah Sad (the Letter): 38: 35]
Besides wisdom, Allah had blessed Suleiman with many abilities. He could command
the winds and understand and talk to birds and animals. Allah directed him to teach both men
and jinns to mine the earth and extract its minerals to make tools and weapons.
80. It was We Who taught him the making of coats of mail for your benefit, to guard you
from each other's violence: will you then be grateful?
[Qur’an: Surah (The Prophets): 21-80]
He also favored him with a mine of copper, which was a rare metal in those days.
12. And to Suleiman (We made) the Wind (obedient): Its early morning (stride) was a
month's (journey), and its evening (stride) was a month's (journey); and We made a Font
of molten brass to flow for him; and there were Jinns that worked in front of him, by the
leave of his Lord, and if any of them turned aside from our command, We made him taste
of the Penalty of the Blazing Fire.
13. They worked for him as he desired, (making) arches, images, basons as large as
reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fixed (in their places): "Work you, sons of David,
with thanks! but few of My servants are grateful!"
[Qur’an: Surah Saba ( Sheba:) 34: 12-13]
During his time horses were the common mode of transportation. They were very
essential for defense, to carry soldiers and cart provisions and weapons of war. The animals were
well cared for and well trained. One day Suleiman was reviewing a parade of his stable. The
fitness, beauty and posture of the horses fascinated him so much that he kept on stroking and
admiring them. The sun was nearly setting, and the time for the middle prayer was passing by.
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