The Story of Prophet Sulaymān

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Contents

Jinn took control of his kingdom He was an excellent slave of Allah Bestowed with control over Jinn and wind Action points Also read

Prophet Sulaymān was himself the son of a prophet, Dāwūd (ʿalayhima al-Salām). He was blessed with a kingdom similar to Dāwūd and spread the truth with wisdom and justice. Similar to Dāwūd, he was tested.

Jinn took control of his kingdom

While Sulaymān (ʿalayhi al-Salām) was away from his throne, a Jinn sat in his place and took his appearance.

According to tafsīr by al-Jalālayn, upon approaching his throne, when he (ʿalayhi al-Salām) saw the Jinn, he told his people,

“I am Sulaymān.” [1]

It is said that the people replied,

“No, you are not Sulaymān, return.” [1]

When Sulaymān (ʿalayhi al-Salām) asked,

“Why?” [1]

…they reportedly answered,

“Sulaymān is over there, sitting on his throne.” [1]

Scholars differ on what exactly happened, but one thing is certain: Sulaymān (ʿalayhi al-Salām) was tested through this incident. He (ʿalayhi al-Salām) understood this to be a major trial from Allah.

In regards to the above, Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) says,

“And indeed, We tested Sulaymān, placing a [deformed] body on his throne, then he turned [to Allah in repentance].” [2]

He was an excellent slave of Allah

Sulaymān (ʿalayhi al-Salām) was someone who constantly turned to Allah in repentance.

In fact, it is for this quality that Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) named him an excellent slave.

“And to Dāwūd, We gave Sulaymān. How excellent a servant! Verily, he was ever turning in repentance (to Us)!” [3]

After seeking Allah’s forgiveness, Sulaymān (ʿalayhi al-Salām) beseeched Allah to give him a kingdom that will not belong to anyone after him. This would mean it’d never be taken from him like what happened with the Jinn previously.

Allah mentions Sulaymān’s repentance and supplication:

“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 by his order wherever he willed. And the Shayātīn, from every kind of builder and diver. And also others bound in chains. We said to Sulaymān:

‘This is Our gift, so spend you or withhold, no account will be asked of you.’

“And indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return.” [4]

Bestowed with control over Jinn and wind

The abovementioned supplication by Sulaymān (ʿalayhi al-Salām) was answered, and he was given power over the Jinn, the same beings that had taken his kingdom from him. Those that disobeyed him or did not work well out of rebellion were restrained with chains.

To this day, no-one can take control of the Jinn. The Messenger ﷺ mentioned the supplication of Sulaymān (ʿalayhi al-Salām), as narrated by Abu Hurayrah (radiy Allahu ‘anhu):

“A strong demon from the Jinns came to me yesterday suddenly, so as to spoil my prayer, but Allah enabled me to overpower him, and so I caught him and intended to tie him to one of the pillars of the Mosque so that all of you might see him.

“But I remembered the invocation of my brother Sulaymān: ‘And grant me a kingdom such as shall not belong to any other after me’ (38:35), so I let him go, cursed.” [5]

He (ʿalayhi al-Salām) was also given power over the wind, a greater medium to travel compared to the horses that distracted him from prayer.

Action points

Don't forget the trials you face are a test for you. Whether you were wronged or made a mistake, turn to Allah in repentance.
Remember, Allah is the One that gives and takes; if something is taken from you, it is easy for Him to give you that which is better.
Regularly make du'ā for protection from Shaytān, and from being overpowered by those that will not have mercy upon you.