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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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