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The Ancient Kingdom of Israel – An Islamic Perspective (part 1 of 6): Prophet Samuel and King Saul
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Description: The Children of Israel enter a new era.
By Aisha Stacey (© 2009 IslamReligion.com)
Published on 06 Apr 2009 - Last modified on 04 Sep 2011
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_001.jpg) According to Biblical history,
the ancient Kingdom of Israel was ruled over by a succession of Kings. After
wandering in the desert for an undetermined length of time, the Children of Israel
(Israelites) entered the Promised Land and split into two distinct kingdoms. King
David managed to unite the two Kingdoms, while his son Solomon led the children
of Israel into a period of prosperity and peace known as the Golden Age. For
many readers, it may come as a surprise to learn that Islamic history also
contains stories of kings, Saul, David, and Solomon. Muslims believe that
David and Solomon are Prophets and as such, they are required to believe in,
and love and respect them as part of the creed of Islam. What follows is an
account of the Kingdom of Israel from an Islamic perspective.
When Prophet Moses led his people out of bondage in Egypt, he faced severe tests and challenges. After generations under the brutal yoke of
the Egyptians, the Children of Israel needed a period of recovery. Their souls
had been hardened by the idolatrous practices prevalent in Egypt and this caused a blackness to settle upon their hearts. Although God directed Moses
to lead his people to the Promised Land they were prevented from entering until
Moses’ entire generation had passed away and were replaced by people whose
hearts were filled with remembrance of God. Joshua led the Children of Israel
into the Promised Land and for some time their condition remained pure and
their hearts and minds remained focused on pleasing the One God.
Time passed and their moral condition deteriorated, the
Israelites began to commit many sins, including the abdominal crime of killing
their Prophets. Consequently, God decreed that a tyrannical king who cared
little for his people rule them. He shed their blood, treated them with
contempt and his aggression involved them in wars with neighbouring countries.
During the endless wars, the Israelites carried with them a chest containing
relics and treasures from their Prophets Moses and Aaron.
The chest was known as the Ark of the Covenant and the
Israelites set such store by it, they even carried into battle. It bought them
great peace and filled them with courage. Their enemies however, believed the
chest contained special powers and it filled them with fear. In time, the
Philistines overcame that fear, defeated the Israelites, and captured the chest.
When the tyrannical king learned that the chest had been captured, he collapsed
and died. The children of Israel remained lost, like sheep without a shepherd
until God sent Prophet Samuel to guide them back to the true path- to worship
One God, without partners, sons, daughters, or rivals.
Appoint for us a King
Disheartened by the loss of their power the Israelites
beseeched Prophet Samuel to appoint for them a king. They asked for a strong
man to lead them back to power and prosperity but Samuel was wary of their
promises and pleas. He feared that their blackened hearts would not allow them
to fight for the sake of God. Samuel was a wise man and he prayed that God
direct him to a man suitable to be the King of the Israelites. God chose Saul
(Talut) to be the King and informed Prophet Samuel that he would recognise this
pious young man.
Saul was a tall, well-built young man who worked with
his father on a farm. One day when some donkeys wandered away from the farm
Saul and a servant went in search of them. The search led them into Prophet
Samuel’s town. Saul was a wise man who took his servants advice and
approached Prophet Samuel about the loss of the donkeys. Samuel recognised him
immediately as the future king and assured Saul that the donkeys were already
being returned to his father. Prophet Samuel informed Saul that God had chosen
him to be the King of the children of Israel.
Saul was shocked and amazed, he immediately responded by
saying that he was not worthy of such an honour because he was from the tribe
of Benjamin, a lowly tribe that most Israelites considered unworthy for such
greatness. Prophet Samuel explained that this was of no consequence since God
had already decreed that Saul be the King. Samuel presented Saul to the
Israelites saying , “Indeed God has appointed Saul (Talut) as a king
over you.” (Quran 2:247)
The children of Israel’s immediate reaction was to
complain. Even though they had begged God for mercy and deliverance from
oppression, they responded contemptuously towards both the pious young man,
whose heart was filled with love for the One God, and Prophet Samuel. They
said, “How can he be a king over us when we are better fitted than him for
the kingdom, and he has not been given enough wealth.” (Quran 2:247)
The Israelites’ hearts had once again become hardened
and diseased. They were concerned with wealth and status rather then piety, and
found fault with God’s chosen leader. Although Saul had neither wealth nor
status, God had blessed him with knowledge and stature. Prophet Samuel tried
to reason with them. He said, “Verily, God has chosen him above you and has
increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And God grants His Kingdom
to whom He wills.” (Quran 2:247) However the Israelites continued to
complain and object asking for a sign from God that Saul was indeed fit to be
their king.
God, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, decided to provide
the Israelites with the sign (or miracle) they demanded. God instructed the
angels to return the Ark of the Covenant that had been captured by the
Philistines. God not only returned their beloved wooden chest, filled with the
relics of the past but He added tranquillity to its contents.
“And their Prophet (Samuel) said to them: Verily! The sign of
His Kingdom is that there shall come to you a wooden box, wherein is Sakinah
(peace and reassurance) from your Lord and a remnant of that which Moses and
Aaron left behind, carried by the angels. Verily, in this is a sign for you if
you are indeed believers.” (Quran.2:248)
Saul was officially appointed King. He established and
prepared an army in order to take back the lands stolen from the children of Israel. However, Saul insisted that his army only comprise of courageous and pious men. The
men under Saul’s command would be those whose hearts were filled with love for
the One True God.
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The Ancient Kingdom of Israel (part 2 of 6): Saul Recruits an Army
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Description: Tests and trials mould a fighting force.
By Aisha Stacey (© 2009 IslamReligion.com)
Published on 13 Apr 2009 - Last modified on 25 Aug 2009
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_001.jpg) Prophet Samuel informed the Children of Israel
(Israelites) that the pious young man known as Saul would be their king and
leader. As was the way of the Children of Israel at the time, they complained,
and asked for a sign from God. God, in His infinite wisdom granted them a sign
that was unmistakable. The angels returned the Ark of the Covenant, captured by
the Philistines, to the Children of Israel. With hearts full of peace, the Israelites
accepted Saul as their King.
Saul however, recognised that the Israelites were a
people who had strayed very far from piety and goodness. Some time passed and
Saul decided to form an army, in order to reclaim the lands and homes conquered
by the Philistines. Saul needed to be confident that his fighters were pure of
heart and focused on fighting bravely for the sake of God, so he decided to
take the men who had volunteered through a series of tests. He was not looking
for large numbers of fighting men; rather he wanted pious, courageous men who
would be able to face trial and hardship, without complaint, or lack of faith.
The scholars of Islamic history estimate that Saul’s
army comprised of 80,000 men. It is however important to understand that Saul
was not interested in strength of numbers, he was looking for strength of
heart, and patience. He ordered that only men free from responsibilities
should join. Those engaged in building homes, those about to be married and
those preoccupied with business were ordered not to join. King Saul tested his
army by marching them through the desert until they were exhausted and
extremely thirsty. When they reached a river and saw water in front of their
eyes, Saul said to them, do not drink. He informed them that whoever
drank from the river would no longer be part of the army.
“Then when Saul set out with the army, he said: "Verily!
God will try you by a river. So whoever drinks thereof, he is not of me, and
whoever tastes it not, he is of me, except him who takes (thereof) in the
hollow of his hand.” Yet, they drank thereof, all, except a few of them.” (Quran
2:249)
King Saul instructed his men to either, not drink at all,
or if necessary to take only one handful. Seventy six thousand men drank from
the river; therefore, Saul was left with an army of 4000. Saul was satisfied,
he wanted men able to resist temptation, and with strong resolve, even in the
face of hardship. Soon however, they faced another severe test. Saul’s army sighted
the enemy on the other side of the river. They crossed the river and were face
to face with the army of the Philistines.
“So when he had crossed it (the river), he (Saul), and those
who believed with him, said: "We have no power this day against Goliath and
his hosts.” But those who knew with certainty that they were to meet their
Lord, said, "How often a small group overcame a mighty host by God’s
Leave?” And God is with the patient ones.” (Quran 2:249)
The size of Goliath’s army filled many of the 4000 with
fear. However, those who knew with certainty that they were fighting for the
sake of God stood firm, and said to their companions, “How often, in past
battles has a small army overcome a larger one, by the permission of God?”
Most of Saul’s army looked with fear at the army of the Philistines. Many of
the soldiers refused to go on. In the end, Saul was left with just over 300
fighters. They had faced a series of tests and out of the original 80,000 only
300 remained.
“And when they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they invoked
"Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience and make us victorious over the
disbelieving people.” (Quran 2:250)
At that moment, when the small band of comrades faced Goliath,
they looked into the distance at the vastness of the army before them, and put
their trust in God. They beseeched Him to cover them with patience and to give
them victory over the disbelieving people. Saul’s army was small, but each man
possessed a will of iron. Goliath, the tall, massive leader of the Philistines,
marched toward the 300, who now faced yet another test of courage and trust in
God.
When the armies stood facing each other, Goliath
challenged any soldier from King Saul’s army to single combat. Although Saul’s
men were the best from among the Children of Israel, they looked at Goliath
with fear and trepidation. No man was willing to take up the challenge. Saul
offered his beautiful daughter in marriage to the man who would take up the
offer but still no one stepped forward. Then to everyone’s amazement a young
man volunteered. The Philistines roared with laughter and even the members of
Saul’s army shook their heads in disbelief.
King Saul saw that the youth was little more than a
child, small in stature and armed only with a slingshot. He called for
volunteers again, but not one soldier could match the bravery of the young man.
The youth spoke in his own defence, relating that he had, on previous occasions,
killed both a lion and a bear while guarding his father’s flock of sheep. Saul
remembered the tests of patience he had put his army through and saw before him
a youth who embodied the fine qualities of courage, patience, and above all,
total trust in God. Saul agreed to let David, a youth from the town of Bethlehem, face the giant Goliath in mortal combat.
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The Ancient Kingdom of Israel (part 3 of 6): Prophet David
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Description: David Kills Goliath and Gains a Kingdom.
By Aisha Stacey (© 2009 IslamReligion.com)
Published on 20 Apr 2009 - Last modified on 04 Oct 2009
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_001.jpg) King Saul took his army through a series of tests in
order to assure that his fighting force was made up only of pious yet strong
willed men. From an initial recruitment of 80,000, the army that faced Goliath
and the Philistines was a mere 300. Goliath challenged any man from King
Saul’s army to single, mortal combat, but the only volunteer was a small, agile
youth named David.
When it became clear to King Saul that no other man was willing to volunteer, he
gave the young David permission to face the giant Goliath. Goliath roared with
laughter at the sight of the small youth, and even Saul’s own army looked incredulously
at the sight.
King Saul wanted to dress David in armour and supply him
with weapons however, the youth refused. He bent down, picked up a handful of
pebbles, and put them in the leather pouch he wore over his shoulder. David
strode towards Goliath armed with only a sling shot. Saul was worried, but
David reassured him by saying that God protected him on previous occasions from
attacks by a bear and a lion while he was guarding his father’s sheep. David
was confident that God would protect him once again, now that he was facing a
brutish giant man.
When Goliath set eyes on the lean young man armed only
with a small slingshot, he roared with laughter. David calmly took a pebble
from his pouch, placed it in his slingshot, and took aim. The pebble flew
across the divide between them with the speed and accuracy of a well-aimed
arrow. It hit Goliath on the head with great force. The giant man staggered
and blood poured from the wound, he did not even have time to unsheathe his
sword before he fell to the ground dead. The army behind Goliath gasped in
horror mingled with disbelief and turned their backs on the battlefield. Children
of Israel surged forward to reclaim the honour lost to the army of Philistines
years before.
“So they routed them by God’s Leave and David killed Goliath,
and God gave him (David) the kingdom (after the death of Saul and Samuel) and Prophethood,
and taught him of that which He willed. And if God did not check one set of
people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief. But God
is full of Bounty to mankind and all that exists.” (Quran 2:251)
Prophet David’s Miraculous Qualities
At the time of fighting Goliath, David was not yet a
Prophet, but after the deaths of King Saul and Prophet Samuel, he was endowed
with both a kingdom and prophethood. God gave David the wisdom and the
knowledge necessary to lead an empire and more importantly to lead his people,
the Children of Israel, on the straight path, worshipping One God. God
empowered all of His Prophets with attributes indicating their prophethood and
Prophet David was given miracles and unique qualities. David was given a
beautiful voice. It is said that when he recited from the book of Psalms,
(known in Islam as the Zaboor) the creation around David glorified God along
with him. One of the unique things about Prophet David was that he understood
the language of the animals and the birds.
“Verily, We made the mountains to glorify Our Praises with him
(David) in the afternoon and morning. And (so
did) the birds assembled: all with him (David) did turn to God and glorify His
Praises.” (Quran 38:18-19)
Prophet David was also given another miracle. Iron
would become soft in his hands; He could mould it to whatever shape he desired.
Humans of that time had iron but the process of using it and softening it was
very difficult. God taught David a new way of making shields and body armour.
Before David’s invention of linking iron together in the form of small rings,
the soldiers had to wear heavy iron sheets that restricted their movements.
“And We taught him (David) the making of metal coats of mail
(for battle), to protect you in your fighting. Are you then grateful?” (Quran
21:80)
David was known for his piety and devotion to
worshipping One God, and he fasted every other day. Prophet Muhammad, may the
mercy and blessings of God be upon him, is said to have told his companions
that, “The most beloved fasting to
God was the fasting of Prophet David, he used to fast alternate days. And the
most beloved prayer to God was the prayer of David, he used to sleep the first
half of the night, and pray for one third of it and again sleep for a sixth of
it.”
David was a just and righteous leader who brought peace
and prosperity to the Children of Israel. He is thought to have divided his
working day into four parts. One for earning a living and rest. Prophet David
did not live off the proceeds of his empire. He was a skilled armourer and he
made and sold weapons to support himself and his family. The second part of the
day was to pray and spend time contemplating the greatness of God. The third
part was to deliver his sermons and the final part was devoted to listening to
the problems and complaints of his subjects. David also appointed deputies to
meet with the people in all corners of his empire.
Prophet David was blessed with a son, Solomon. “And
to David We gave Solomon. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft
returning in repentance (to Us)!” (Quran 38:30) Both men were known to be
just and wise rulers. David carved an Empire for the Children of Israel and
Prophet Solomon led them into a Golden Age.
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The Ancient Kingdom of Israel (part 4 of 6): Wisdom
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Description: God granted Prophets David and Solomon with wisdom.
By Aisha Stacey (© 2009 IslamReligion.com)
Published on 27 Apr 2009 - Last modified on 04 Oct 2009
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“And God gave him (David) the kingdom and AlHikmah
(Prophethood), and taught him of that which He willed.” (Quran 2:251)
_001.jpg) In the tales from the Old Testament, and Biblical history,
Prophet Solomon is often referred to as Solomon the wise, however in Islam; all
the prophets are known to possess exceptional wisdom. In fact, the Arabic word
hikmah is sometimes translated as Prophethood when in fact it means all
the qualities we associate with wisdom including good judgement and the ability
to run the affairs of people and deal with them justly. God prepares and
moulds the character of all His Prophets, however both David, and his son
Solomon were known to be exceptionally wise men. Solomon displayed wisdom at
an early age and even advised his father, but Prophet David’s early adulthood
was spent gaining knowledge and life experience.
Gradually God steered the course of their lives. David made mistakes, but he learned
from them. The knowledge and wisdom of these two men continues to have an
affect on Islamic judgement and counsel.
Although David endured a demanding lifestyle, he always
found time for contemplation and prayer. Everyday he would spend time in a
secluded area remembering God, praying, and supplicating. David's soldiers
guarded the area but one particular day two men appeared out of nowhere. David
was shocked and surprised by their presence. He drew back, startled, but the
men spoke calmly and reassured David; they explained that they were petitioners
seeking judgement.
“And has the news of the litigants reached you? When they
climbed over the wall into (his) Mihrâb (a praying place or a private room).When
they entered in upon David, he was terrified of them, they said, "Fear
not! (We are) two litigants, one of whom has wronged the other, therefore
judge between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, and guide us to
the Right Way.” (Quran 38:21-22)
The two men stood before David and one presented his
case. David was shocked by what appeared to be an obvious case of the oppression
of one person by the other. He swiftly passed judgement and just as swiftly,
the two men disappeared. In that moment, David realised that the two men were
angels sent by God to test him and that he had failed to pass the test. He
fell to the floor and begged God to forgive his rash judgement. David now understood
that he had not listened to both sides of the story. He had passed judgement
with only half the information he needed. Quran describes David’s lack of
patience and impulsiveness, and the benefit of turning to God in repentance in
the following verses.
“Verily, my brother (in religion) has ninety-nine ewes, while
I have (only) one ewe and he says, "Hand it over to me, and he overpowered
me in speech.” David said (immediately without listening to the opponent):
"He has wronged you in demanding your ewe in addition to his ewes. And,
verily, many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do
righteous good deeds, and they are few.” And David guessed that We have tried
him and he sought Forgiveness of his Lord, and he fell down prostrate and
turned (to God) in repentance. Therefore, we forgave him that, and verily, for
him is a near access to us, and a good place of (final) return (Paradise).” (Quran 38:23-25)
David learned valuable lessons from this experience. He
learned that in order to make sound judgements one needed to have all the
information available. He also learned the significance of recognising sins
and mistakes and turning to God for forgiveness. Prophet Muhammad, may the
mercy and blessings of God be upon him, told his followers that knowing something
was not the same as seeing it.
Meaning that one may have knowledge of something, but not true understanding
until he or she has experienced it. God bestowed knowledge upon David, and
gave him life experiences designed to mould and shape his character. David
learned from his mistake and became a better man.
God sent the angels to teach David about fairness and
justice and He rewarded David for his repentance. God granted David al-hikmah
(prophethood) and appointed him to rule over the Children of Israel with wise
judgement, and a soft heart. David recognised his mistake and repented. This
changed him, and even today true repentance and fear of God can make us better
people.
“O David! Verily! e have placed you as a successor on earth,
so judge you between men in truth (and justice) and follow not your desire for
it will mislead you from the Path of God. Verily! Those who wander astray
from the Path of God (shall) have a severe torment, because they forget the Day
of Reckoning.” (Quran 38:26)
David’s son Solomon was intelligent and wise, even as a
child. Ibn Kathir, the renowned and respected Islamic scholar and exegete of the
14th century, relates that one day David was sitting, solving the
problems of his people when two men, one of whom had a field, presented
themselves to him. The owner of the field said: "O Prophet! This man's
sheep came to my field at night and ate up the grapes and I have come to ask
for compensation.” David asked the owner of the sheep, “Is this true? ”
when he answered yes, David said, “I have decided that you should give
him your sheep in exchange for the field. ”
Solomon offered a different opinion. He suggested that
the owner of the sheep should take the field to cultivate until the grapes
grow, while the other man should take the sheep and make use of their wool and
milk until his field is repaired. If the grapes grow, and the field returns to
its former state, then the field owner should take his field and give back the
sheep to their owner. ” David accepted his son’s wise counsel and thus from a
young age Solomon earned the title, Solomon the Wise. However, that was not
the only title history bestowed on Prophet Solomon. He is also known as
Solomon the magnificent. When he took over his father’s Empire, King Solomon
led the Children of Israel into a Golden Age.
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The Ancient Kingdom of Israel (part 5 of 6): Into the Golden Age
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Description: All power and strength is from God alone.
By Aisha Stacey (© 2009 IslamReligion.com)
Published on 04 May 2009 - Last modified on 25 Aug 2009
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_001.jpg) The prophets of God were mere human beings but their
responsibilities required that they posses exceptional characteristics. Each
Prophet was obligated to spread the same message – man’s purpose is to worship
One God. (Quran 51:56) However, they were also required to implement
and uphold the laws of God. In order to make each prophet credible, God
granted them miracles, pertinent and understandable to the people to whom they
were sent. The miracle that defined Prophet Solomon was his unique kingdom.
Both Prophet David, and his son Solomon were wise and
just rulers because God had bestowed upon them knowledge, and good judgement. David
established an empire, and Solomon led the children of Israel into a Golden Age. Solomon’s kingdom was like no other that has ever existed, or
indeed will exist in the future. God, the best of planners, involved Prophet
Solomon in tests and trials designed to mould his character, thus his life was
punctuated by events designed to mold knowledge and experience.
God describes Solomon as “an excellent slave” because
of his sincere repentance. The tests and trials Solomon confronted sometimes
led him to commit errors in judgement but he learned from his mistakes. On one
occasion Solomon wiled away his time admiring his string of thoroughbred horses
until the time for the afternoon prayer had passed. However, when he realised his
error, he turned to God with remorse and sadness, and begged for forgiveness.
“And to David We gave Solomon. How excellent a slave! Verily,
he was ever oft returning in repentance (to Us)! When there were displayed
before him, in the afternoon, well-trained horses of the highest breed. He
said, “Alas! I did love these horses instead of remembering my Lord until the
time for prayer was over, and (the sun) had hidden in the veil (of 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 Solomon...” (Quran 38:30-34)
Upon the death of Prophet David, Solomon inherited both
the prophethood and the empire. Due to his high level of wisdom, Solomon was
acutely aware of the power of God. He recognised that God was responsible for any
condition he found himself in, whether easy or difficult, and he praised God
for it. He said, “All praise and thanks is due to God” (Quran 27: 15). Solomon
understood that no power or strength would be his, unless he requested it from God.
Therefore, he turned to God and asked for a kingdom that would never be
surpassed. God granted his request. He bestowed upon Solomon many abilities, and
they assisted him in establishing a magnificent kingdom.
“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 God to
Solomon): “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.” (Quran 38:35-40)
Prophet Solomon was able to use and control the wind by
the will of God. He could travel vast distances in a short amount of time. Furthermore,
Solomon was able to control the devils from among the jinn, whom worked for
him constructing buildings, mining metals, diving for treasures and generally
securing the infrastructure of Solomon’s kingdom. God also gave Solomon a
fountain flowing with molten brass. Just as his father David was given the
gift of being able to mould iron, Solomon was able to mould and bend brass into
tools, armoury, and utensils.
“And to Solomon We subjected the wind strongly raging,
running by his command towards the land, which We had blessed. And of everything,
We are the All-Knower. And of the devils from the jinn were
some who dived for him, and did other work besides that; and it was We who
guarded them.” (Quran 21:81-82)
“And We caused a fount of molten brass to flow for him, and
there were jinns that worked in front of him by the Leave of his Lord, and
whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command, We shall cause him to taste of
the torment of the blazing Fire. They worked for him what he desired, (making)
high rooms, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (making) cauldrons fixed
(in their places). “Work you, O family of David, with thanks!” But few of My
slaves are grateful.” (Quran 34:12-13)
Prophet Solomon was a King of great renown. His Kingdom
was unique and his Empire represented a golden age for the Children of Israel.
He ruled with wisdom and justice, and acknowledged that all power and strength
were from God alone. King Solomon however was not the only mighty ruler in the
area. In the land now known as Yemen but once known as Sheba, lived a Queen
named Bilqis.
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The Ancient Kingdom of Israel (part 6 of 6): Kingship and Prophethood
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Description: An army marches and King Solomon encounters Queen Bilqis.
By Aisha Stacey (© 2009 IslamReligion.com)
Published on 11 May 2009 - Last modified on 25 Aug 2009
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_001.jpg) The story of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba is the
final part in a series of articles about the Ancient Kingdom of Israel. Many
people may have been intrigued by the fact that the characters and stories are
similar to those contained in Biblical texts and history. However, the Islamic
perspective differs in some fundamental ways.
Solomon was both a prophet and a king. His mission as a
Prophet of God was to spread the message that God is One, without partner or
similitude. He also upheld the laws of God,. As king, he led the Children of
Israel into a golden age of wealth and prosperity.
Solomon’s kingdom and army were beyond compare. His army
consisted of battalions of men, troops of jinn (creations from fire) and even
squadrons of birds. Solomon was able to communicate with birds, control the
jinn, and command the respect and loyalty of men. He marched with the immense
army, believed to number in the hundreds of thousands, across his empire.
The Mosque in Jerusalem
Muslims believe that Masjid al Aqsa (the Holy Mosque in
Jerusalem) was rebuilt or expanded by King Solomon. According to Islamic
history, Prophet Jacob, built Masjid al Aqsa approximately 40 years after his
grandfather Prophet Abraham built the House of God in Mecca. Islam totally
rejects the notion that King Solomon built a temple on the Masjid al Aqsa site,
and herein lays one of the basic differences between Jewish and Islamic
belief. It is what causes some of the dilemmas that exist in the Holy Land
today. Although a Prophet in all three monotheistic religions, small differences
about the nature and history of Solomon have, over time, created great divides.
Towards Sheba
After consolidating his kingdom, with Jerusalem as the capital,
Solomon and his army marched towards the area known as Sheba. Rain in this
area (the Empty Quarter of the Saudi Arabian desert and Yemen) was seasonal;
therefore, the people had constructed dams and irrigation networks. The barren
land was transformed into vast gardens and fertile plains. After learning of
this lush greenery, Solomon wanted to see the transformation himself.
The battalions marched forward and came to a valley
populated by ants. One of the tiny ants saw the huge army approaching and
cried out. “O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Solomon and his army crush
you, while they perceive not.” (Quran 27:18). Solomon understood
the language of the ants and he smiled, pleased that the ant knew that he would
not allow the nation of ants to be crushed intentionally. Solomon was grateful
to God and thanked him for saving the ant’s lives. He was not a tyrannical King
who ruled with an iron fist over his dominion; Solomon treated all of God’s
creatures with respect.
After his encounter with the ant, Solomon was inspecting
his army and noticed that one particular bird was missing from the ranks. He
inquired as to the hoopoe’s whereabouts and was determined to punish the bird
for its absence. The hoopoe was a bird able to detect underground waterways
and King Solomon was particularly interested in how and why the Sheba plains
were lush and fertile. With in a short time the hoopoe returned and addressed King
Solomon saying,
“I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not
grasped and I have come to you from Sheba with true news. I found a woman
ruling over them, she has been given all things that could be possessed by any
ruler of the earth, and she has a great throne. I found her and her people
worshipping the sun instead of God, and Satan has made their deeds fair seeming
to them, and has barred them from God’s Way, so they have no guidance.” (Quran
27: 22-24)
The Hoopoe worshipped and obeyed God with true
submission. The bird explained to King Solomon that although Queen Bilqis’
throne was truly magnificent and a wonder of the age the Owner of the Supreme Throne
was God, the Almighty. Solomon addressed the hoopoe saying,
“We shall see whether you speak the truth or you are one of
the liars. Go with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, then draw back
from them, and see what answer they return.”
The hoopoe dropped the letter into the Queen’s lap and
withdrew, hiding, listening to the exchange between the Queen and her advisors.
“She said, “O chiefs! Verily! Here is a delivered to me a
noble letter. Verily! It is from Solomon and verily! It (reads), ‘I begin with
the Name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; be you not arrogant
towards me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to God with
full submission).”
She said, “O chiefs! Advise me in this case of mine. I
decide no case till you are present with me.”
They said, “We have great strength, and great ability for war,
but it is for you to command; so think over what you will command.”“ (Quran 27:27-33)
Queen Bilqis displayed wisdom, for although she had the
ability to engage in a war, she chose instead to send gifts to King Solomon. Solomon
returned the gifts explaining that God had already given him everything that he
needed. He dealt with Bilqis respectfully but pointed that if she did not
cease worshipping the sun he would have no choice but to uproot her kingdom and
drive her people from their land. Again, Bilqis displayed wisdom and good
judgement.
Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
Rather then taking offense at Solomon’s words and
actions, Bilqis decided to visit him and see first hand the wonders her envoys had
described to her. Whilst she was travelling, King Solomon ordered one of his
jinn to bring him Bilqis’ magnificent throne. It was delivered to him within
the flicker of an eye; such was the speed and ability of the jinn. When Bilqis
arrived, King Solomon asked her if she recognised the throne before her. With
her customary wisdom and diplomacy, she said, “it appeared to be just like my
very own”.
After experiencing the wonders of Solomon’s empire
Bilqis realised that she was in the presence of a wise and formidable leader,
but to her benefit she also realised his status a Prophet of God. Bilqis immediately
renounced sun worship and vowed to accept the teaching of God and encourage her
people to do the same. The scholars of Islam point out that Bilqis’ innate
wisdom led her to the truth.
Solomon’s life was full of wonder and his death was no
different. He died sitting on his throne, looking out over his kingdom. The
jinn continued to work unabated thinking that their master was watching over
them. A tiny ant nibbled at Solomon’s staff until it fell from his hand and
his body toppled over, revealing that he had passed away.
“Then when we decreed death for him (Solomon), nothing
informed them (jinn) of his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept
slowly gnawing away at his stick, so when he fell down.” (Quran 34:12-14).
Jewish and Christian history decries King Solomon as a
man known for his excesses. For Muslims, he is a wise and noble man. Islam
rejects completely that Prophet Solomon disobeyed the laws of God or that he worshipped
idols. He was the son of a prophet who spent his entire life striving to
please God. He consolidated his father David’s empire, and led the children of
Israel into a golden age. He possessed many talents and his life is one of
wonder and miracles but wisely, he understood that the true and lasting reward
was in the hereafter.
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