Surah an-Naml (The Ant ) 27 : 40

Explanatory Note

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 t

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.

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.