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When he realized this, he exclaimed: "Alas! I did love the good (these horses) instead of
remembering my Lord (in my 'Asr prayer)" till the time was over, and the sun had hidden
in the veil of the night. Then he said: "Bring them (horses) back to me." Then he began
to pass his hand over their legs and their necks (till the end of the display). And indeed
We did try Suleiman and We placed on his throne Jasadan (a devil, so he lost his
kingdom for a while) but he did return (to his throne and kingdom by the Grace of Allah
and he did return) to Allah with obedience and in repentance.
He said: "My Lord! Forgive me, and bestow upon me a kingdom such as shall not
belong to any other after me. Verily, You are the Bestower."
So, We subjected to him the wind, it blew gently to his order whithersoever he willed, and
also the devils from the jinns including every kind of builder and diver, and also other
bound in fetters. (Saying of Allah to Suleiman): "This is Our gift, so spend you or
withhold, no account will be asked." And verily, he enjoyed a near access to Us, and a
good final return Paradise.
[Qur’an: Surah Sad: 38: 30-40]
One day Suleiman gathered his army, which had different battalions of men, jinns, birds,
and animals. He marched them to the country of Askalon. He thanked Allah for saving some
ants' lives. He was glad that the ant knew him to be a prophet who would not intentionally harm
Allah's creation.
Allah the Almighty narrated: And there were gathered before Suleiman his hosts of jinns
and men, and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forwards). Till, when
they came to a valley of the ants, one of the ants said: "O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest
Suleiman and his hosts crush you, while they perceive not."
So he (Suleiman) smiled, amused at its speech and said: "My Lord! Inspire and bestow
upon me the power and ability that I maybe grateful for Your Favors which You have
bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will
please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves."
[Qur’an: Surah An-Naml (The Ants): 27:17-19]
In Jerusalem, on a huge rock, Suleiman built a beautiful temple to draw the people to
worship Allah. Today this building is known as "The Dome of the Rock." From there, a large
band of followers joined Suleiman on pilgrimage to the Holy Mosque in Mecca. After they had
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completed their hajj, they traveled to Yemen and arrived in the city of San'a. Suleiman was
impressed by their clever method of channeling water all over their cities. He was keen to build
similar water systems in his own country but did not have enough springs. He set out to find the
hoopoe bird, which could detect water under the ground. He sent the hoopoe, but this one was
nowhere to be found. In anger, he declared that unless the bird had a good reason for its absence,
he would punish it severely. The hoopoe eventually came to Suleiman and explained the reason
for its delay.
20. He inspected the birds; and he said: "Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among
the absentees?
21. "I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me
a clear reason (for absence)."
22. But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: "I have grasped (the
knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped, and I have come to thee from Saba’
(Sheba) with tidings true.
23. "I found (there) a woman ruling over them and she has been given all things that
could be possessed by any ruler on earth; and she has a magnificent throne.
24. "I found her and her people worshipping the sun besides Allah. Satan has made their
deeds seem pleasing in their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path,- so they receive
no guidance,-
25. "(As Shaitan (Satan) has kept them away from the Path), so that they should not
worship Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and
knows what you hide and what you reveal.
26. "(Allah)!- there is no god but He!- Lord of the Throne Supreme!"
27. (Suleiman) said: "Soon shall we see whether you have told the truth or lied!
28. "Go you, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them: then draw back from them,
and (wait to) see what answer they return"...
29. (The queen) said: "You chiefs! here is delivered to me - a letter worthy of respect.
30. "It is from Suleiman, and is (as follows): 'In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most
Merciful:
31. "'Be you not arrogant against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who
submit to Allah with full submission).'"
32. She said: "You chiefs! advise me in (this) my affair: no affair have I decided except in
your presence."
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