Surah an-Naml (The Ant ) 27 : 23

Explanatory Note

The hoopoe is fully aware of the king’s firm and serious demeanour. Therefore, he begins his report with a surprise that overshadows the fault of his absence and ensures that the king will listen to him: ‘I have just learnt things that are unknown to you.” What king would not listen when one of his subjects tells him that he has learnt something that he could not know? Now that the hoopoe has the king’s attention, it proceeds to give the news he brought from Sheba, in Yemen. He mentions first that “I found there a woman ruling over them,” and he further adds that “she has been given of all good things,” which tells that her kingdom was affluent, powerful and civilized. Furthermore, the queen’s “is a magnificent throne.” (Verse 23) She sits on a magnificent couch which indicates the presence of skilled workers.