Surah Naml

Surah Naml is the 27 surah in the Qur'an and was revealed in the Meccan period. In this Surah Allah swt tells us the story of Prophet Sulayman, the son of Prophet Dawud (May Allah be pleased with them both). He explains the power and authority that was granted to Prophet Sulayman in this world. He was granted the exceptional power over mankind and Jinns. He was also granted the talent of understanding the language of the animals. Prophet Sulayman inherited, not only prophethood, but kingship as well. This is not to say that Prophethood is inherited by lineage but in this case, it was both a father and son. Prophet Sulayman and his men happened upon a gathering of ants. One of the ants heard and warned the others to return to their habitation for safety. Prophet Sulayman, with his unique gift was able to understand their communication and said "O my Lord! So order me that I may be grateful for Your favors, which You have bestowed upon me and on my parents, and that I make work righteousness that will please You."

While this story involves the one of the tiniests of creations, there is a great lesson to be learned in it. Allah swt is showing us a powerful and wealthy leader who is humbled by Allah's creation regardless of its position. In the eyes of Allah, that creature has spent its entire day and night in worship, doing exactly what He swt has commanded. What then makes us, a creatures capable of error in any speech, thought, or action, better than the ant. We feel superior to them, but from what perspective? Prophet Sulayman recognizes the beauty of this gift from Allah swt and immediately asks Allah swt to make him grateful for it and to use it in a way that will please Allah. Is this how we react to the gifts Allah swt gives us? When we get food at the end of the day, a check at the end of the month, our health intellect, do we respond with gratitude or do we credit it to our own efforts?

Let us reflect on the following verses 59-64 of Surah Naml:

Say: Praise be to Allah, and Peace on his servants whom He has chosen (for his Message). (Who) is better?- Allah or the false gods they associate (with Him)?

Or, Who has created the heavens and the earth, and Who sends you down rain from the sky? Yea, with it We cause to grow well-planted orchards full of beauty of delight: it is not in your power to cause the growth of the trees in them. (Can there be another) god besides Allah. Nay, they are a people who swerve from justice.

Or, Who has made the earth firm to live in; made rivers in its midst; set thereon mountains immovable; and made a separating bar between the two bodies of flowing water? (can there be another) god besides Allah. Nay, most of them know not.

Or, Who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and Who relieves its suffering, and makes you (mankind) inheritors of the earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah. Little it is that ye heed!

Or, Who guides you through the depths of darkness on land and sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy? (Can there be another) god besides Allah.- High is Allah above what they associate with Him!

Or, Who originates creation, then repeats it, and who gives you sustenance from heaven and earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah. Say, "Bring forth your argument, if ye are telling the truth!"