Prophet Sulayman (Solomon, peace be upon him)

Sulayman (peace be upon him), son of the prophet Dawud, was granted by Allah a kingdom of unparalleled power and scope — one that has never been matched before or since. Yet he was simultaneously a deeply devout prophet who combined worldly authority with sincere servitude to Allah, and who prayed: "My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower" (Surah Sad 38:35). Among the extraordinary gifts given to Sulayman was command over the wind (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:81). The jinn were subjected to his authority — they built for him great structures, dived into the sea to retrieve treasures, and carried out whatever tasks he commanded (Surah Saba 34:12–13). Sulayman was also granted the remarkable ability to understand and speak the language of animals and birds. The Quran records him hearing an ant warn its colony as his vast army marched — and Sulayman smiled, grateful to Allah (Surah An-Naml 27:18–19). The story of Sulayman and the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis) is one of the most celebrated narratives in the Quran (Surah An-Naml 27:20–44). His hoopoe bird brought news of a great queen who worshipped the sun. Sulayman sent her a message calling her to Islam. Before she arrived, her throne was transported to his court in the blink of an eye. When she saw the magnificent crystal court, she recognized the truth and submitted to Allah along with Sulayman. Sulayman oversaw the construction of Bayt al-Maqdis (the Temple in Jerusalem) — one of the great architectural and spiritual achievements of the prophetic era. His story is a lesson in using worldly power and divine gifts in the service of Allah and maintaining gratitude for extraordinary blessings.