No less were Prophet David and Prophet Solomon (PBUT) versed in knowledge and mystic wisdom. Even Prophet Solomon could appreciate the wisdom of the humble Ant. He used all his power and resources in extending the Kingdom of Allah. In wonderful ways did he lead the Queen of Sheba to the Light of the Faith of Unity, and confirmed her in pure worship, the worship of the Lord of the Worlds.
And Prophet Solomon was Prophet David's (PBUT) heir. He said: "O ye people! We have been taught the speech of Birds, and on us has been bestowed (a little) of all things: this is indeed Grace manifest (from Allah (SWT).)
And before Prophet Solomon (PBUH) were marshaled his hosts-of Jinns and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks.
At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the ants said: "o ye ants, get into your habitations, lest Prophet Solomon (PBUH) and his hosts crush you (under foot) without knowing it.
So he smiled, amused at its speech; and he said: "O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for They favours, which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: and admit me, by Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy Righteous Servants."
And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: "Why is it I see not the Hooper? Or is he among the absentees?"
"I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for absence)."
But the Hooper tarried not far: he (came up and) said: "I have compassed (territory) which though hast not compassed, and I have come to thee from Saba" with tiding true.
"I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne."
"I found her and her people worshiping the sun besides Allah: Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing to their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path-so they receive no guidance"
"(Kept them away from the Path). that they should not worship Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what ye hide and what ye reveal."
"Allah! there is no god but He! Lord of the Throne Supreme!"
(Solomon) said: "Soon shall we see whether thou hast told the truth or lied!
"Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them: then draw back from them, and (wait to) see what answer they return."
(The Queen) said: "Ye chiefs! here is-delivered to me-a letter worthy of respect."
"It is from Solomon, and is (as follows):
'In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful:
"'Be ye not arrogant against me, but come to me in submission (to the true Religion).'"
She said: "Ye chiefs! advise me in (this) my affair: no affair have I decided except in your presence."
They said: "We are endued with strength, and given to vehement war: but the command is with thee; so consider what thou wilt command."
She said: "Kings, when they enter a country, despoil it, and make the noblest of its people its meanest thus do they behave."
"But I am going to send him a present, and (wait) to see with what (answer) return (my) ambassadors."
Now when (the embassy) came to Solomon, he said:
"Will ye give me abundance in wealth? But that which Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay it is ye who rejoice in your gift!"
"Go back to them, and be sure we shall come to them with such hosts as they will never be able to meet: we shall expel them from there in disgrace, and they will feel humbled (indeed)."
He said (to his own men): "ye Chiefs! which of you can bring me her throne before they come me in submission?"
Said an 'Ifrit, of the Jinns: "I will bring it to thee before thou rise from thy council: indeed I have full strenth for the purpose, and may be trusted."
Said one who had knowledge of the Book: "I will bring it to thee with in the twinkling of any eye!" Then when (Solomon) saw it placed firmly before him, he said: "This is by the grace of my Lord! to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! and if any is grateful, truly his gratitude is (a gain) for his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, truly my Lord is Free of All Needs, Supreme in Honour!"
He said: "Transform her throne out of all recognition by her: Let us see whether she is guided (to the truth) or is one of those who receive no guidance."
So when she arrived, she was asked, "Is this thy throne?" She said, It was like this, and knowledge was bestowed on us in advance of this, and we have submitted to Allah (in Islam)."
And he diverted her from the worship of others besides Allah: for she was (sprung) of a people that had no faith.
She was asked to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of water, and she (tucked up her skirts), uncovering her legs.
He said: "This is but a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass."
She Said: "O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul: I do (now) submit (in Islam), with Solomon, to the Lord of the Worlds."
[Surah Al Naml, 27:15-44]
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