Surah an-Naml (The Ant ) 27 : 38

Overview (Verses 38 - 40)

Waiting for the Queen
 
We now see Solomon fully aware that his answer will settle the matter with the queen, whom he realized had no wish for conflict. Indeed, he felt that she was likely to respond to his call. The sūrah, however, does not mention how her envoys returned, what they said to her, and how she made up her mind. There is a gap here, but we learn from what comes afterwards that she planned to go to Solomon, and that he was aware of her intention. Hence, he discusses with his commanders how to bring him her throne which she had left well guarded in her palace:
 
Solomon said: “Which of you, nobles, can bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?’ Said an afreet of the jinn: I shall bring it to you before you rise from your position. I am powerful enough to do it, and worthy of trust.’ But the one who was deeply versed in the Book said: I shall bring it to you within the twinkling of your eye.’ (Verses 38-40)
 
What was Solomon’s objective behind bringing her throne before she arrived and declared her submission to God? Most probably he wanted to show her some aspect of the superior power placed at his command. This was likely to win her heart and influence her to believe in God.
 
An afreet from among the jinn offered to bring the throne to him before he had finished the session he was attending. It is reported that he sat from morning till noon to judge in disputes that were put to him. Apparently, Solomon felt that this was too long a time to wait. Therefore, a person ‘who was deeply versed in the Book’ offered to bring it in the twinkling of an eye. The sūrah does not mention the name of that person, nor does it say which was the book known to him. We understand, however, that he was a believer who had a strong bond with God, and had some divine secret that allowed him to use something of the great power that transcends barriers and distances. This is something that at times occurs to some people with very strong faith. No explanation is offered for it, because it goes beyond what is familiar to people. This, then, is all that we can say without delving into the realm of legend and superstition.
 
Some commentators on the Qur’ān add certain details. Some say that the book mentioned in the verse is the Torah; others say that the person knew God’s greatest name; and others still have offered yet more suggestions. None of these, however, gives us any explanation that carries any degree of certainty. Yet the matter is much simpler than all such explanations. Countless are the secrets we know nothing about in the universe around us, and numerous also are the powers that we do not use ourselves. Indeed, within the human soul there are many secrets and powers that we cannot fathom. When God wants to inform any of His servants of one of these secrets or powers that person will accomplish something of a miraculous nature that goes beyond what is familiar. It is all accomplished by God’s will and design. No one other than a true servant of God will be able to accomplish such feats.
 
The person in Solomon’s story who is described as deeply versed in the Book’ was able, by the knowledge imparted to him, to use some secret or power that enabled him to accomplish the miraculous bringing over of the queen’s throne to Solomon. His knowledge of the Book established a bond between him and his Lord that made him able to do what was required.
 
Some commentators suggest that this was Solomon himself, but we think it was more likely that it was a different person. Had it been Solomon, the sūrah would have mentioned this given that the whole story is about him. There would have been no need to withhold his name at this remarkable juncture. Some say that his name was Assaf ben Berachia, but we have no evidence to support this.
 
When he saw it standing before him, he said: This is by the grace of my Lord, so as to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful. He who is grateful [to God] is but grateful for his own good. As for him who is ungrateful... My Lord is self sufficient, most generous. (Verse 40)
 
Solomon was clearly in awe of God’s majesty as He fulfilled his requests in such a supernatural way. He also felt that such grace constituted a serious test for him personally. To pass such a test successfully he would need to be very alert, as also need help from God. He also needed to recognize God’s favours and to be genuinely grateful for them. Needless to say, God needed no thanks from anyone, but the one who thanks God for His favours does so for his own good, because his thanks ensure that more favours will come his way. In this way, then Solomon would be better able to pass the test. As for those who are ungrateful, they should know that God has no need of them or their gratitude; He is most generous, granting favours and expecting neither return nor gratitude.