Surah An-Naml (The Ant): Lessons of Wisdom, Justice, and Submission

Introduction to Surah An-Naml (The Ant)

Surah An-Naml, the 27th chapter of the Quran, is a Meccan surah that consists of 93 verses. Its title is derived from the story of the ants mentioned in the Surah, particularly the fascinating event in which Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman) understands the speech of an ant. This Surah is not just known for its narratives of prophets but also for the lessons it provides regarding faith, wisdom, and the nature of divine guidance. Through its vivid stories of prophets like Moses, Solomon, and the Queen of Sheba, the Surah emphasizes Allah’s omnipotence and how creation, in all its diversity, submits to His will.

Surah An-Naml is unique in its integration of moral, ethical, spiritual, and even scientific themes. It captures the wisdom of Prophet Solomon, the strength of faith displayed by various prophets, and the consequences faced by those who deny divine guidance. The chapter serves as a profound reminder of Allah’s mercy and the miracles bestowed upon His messengers, which were meant to guide humanity back to monotheism and righteousness. The Surah also demonstrates Allah’s omniscience, omnipresence, and authority over creation, from the smallest creatures like ants to the grandest of kings.

This Surah covers a wide array of topics, including divine judgment, animal communication, leadership, justice, and humility, while conveying the ultimate message of submitting to Allah and following the righteous path. Its themes resonate with both historical reflections and contemporary relevance, offering a timeless guide for spiritual growth and moral integrity.

1. Themes and Subjects in Surah An-Naml

a. Miracles of Prophets

The Surah begins with a reference to Prophet Moses and his encounter with Allah on Mount Sinai. Prophet Musa is chosen as the messenger to free the Children of Israel, and his miracles—such as the transformation of his staff into a serpent—are highlighted:

• “When Moses said to his family, ‘Indeed, I have perceived a fire. I will bring you from there information or will bring you a burning torch that you may warm yourselves.’ But when he came to it, he was called, ‘Blessed is whoever is at the fire and whoever is around it. And exalted is Allah, Lord of the worlds.’” (27:7-8)

This story reiterates the divine authority given to prophets, allowing them to perform miracles to validate their message and confront disbelievers.

b. The Story of Solomon and the Ant

One of the most distinctive stories in this Surah is Prophet Solomon’s encounter with the ants. Solomon is gifted with the ability to understand the speech of animals and interact with them, which reflects Allah’s unique blessings upon him:

• “Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, ‘O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not.’ So he smiled, amused at her speech, and said, ‘My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve.’” (27:18-19)

This narrative not only demonstrates Solomon’s wisdom and power but also offers a profound lesson about humility and gratitude, even when one is endowed with immense authority.

c. The Queen of Sheba and Solomon’s Wisdom

The story of the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis) and Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman) in Surah An-Naml is one of the most well-known and profound narratives in the Quran. It showcases Solomon’s wisdom, divine guidance, and leadership qualities, as well as the transformative power of submission to Allah. This account is rich in moral, spiritual, and political lessons that resonate even today. Let’s delve deeper into this fascinating episode and explore its various dimensions.

c.1. The Visit of the Hoopoe (Hudhud)

The story begins with the hoopoe bird, an integral part of Solomon’s army of birds and jinn. The hoopoe informs Solomon about the Queen of Sheba and her people, who were sun-worshippers:

• Verse 27:22-24: “But the hoopoe stayed not long and said, ‘I have encompassed [in knowledge] that which you have not encompassed, and I have come to you from Sheba with certain news. Indeed, I found [there] a woman ruling them, and she has been given of all things, and she has a great throne. I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds pleasing to them and averted them from [His] way, so they are not guided.’”

This verse reveals several important aspects:

• Prophet Solomon’s leadership: Solomon’s control and communication with animals like the hoopoe demonstrates the unique gifts bestowed upon him by Allah, signifying his role as a wise and divinely-guided leader. His kingdom was not just vast in land but extended over creatures of the earth and the jinn, which reflects his exceptional status.
• The advanced civilization of Sheba: The mention of the Queen’s throne and her prosperous rule suggests that the Kingdom of Sheba was highly developed, prosperous, and possibly at the height of its cultural and political power.
• The spiritual dimension: The fact that the Queen of Sheba and her people worshipped the sun reflects the spiritual state of the kingdom. The sun-worship could be seen as a metaphor for their devotion to worldly power, beauty, and celestial objects rather than submission to Allah, the Creator.

c.2. Solomon’s Diplomacy and Wisdom

Upon receiving this news, Solomon acts with extraordinary wisdom and patience. Rather than waging war against Sheba or condemning them outright, he sends a letter to invite the Queen to embrace Islam:

• Verse 27:28-31: “Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them. Then leave them and see what answer they will return. She said, ‘O eminent ones, indeed, to me has been delivered a noble letter. Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it reads: In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, Be not haughty with me but come to me in submission [as Muslims].’”

Solomon’s approach reflects a profound understanding of diplomacy, humility, and wisdom:

• Respectful and non-confrontational: Instead of using force, Solomon’s letter is an invitation to reason and faith. He emphasizes the power of Allah and invites the Queen of Sheba to submit to divine guidance.
• A strategic leader: Solomon’s invitation shows his intent to bring peace and harmony between kingdoms. He could have used his power to conquer Sheba, but instead, he prioritized a peaceful and moral solution.

c.3. The Queen of Sheba’s Response: Wisdom and Caution

The Queen of Sheba, portrayed as an intelligent and cautious ruler, consults her council of advisors upon receiving Solomon’s message:

• Verse 27:32-33: “She said, ‘O eminent ones, advise me in my affair. I would not decide a matter until you witness [for] me.’ They said, ‘We are men of strength and of great military might, but the command is yours, so see what you will command.’”

She seeks the counsel of her ministers, showcasing her wisdom and desire to avoid rash decisions. She is open to understanding Solomon’s message but is also wary of engaging in conflict. Despite her wealth and military power, she chooses diplomacy over warfare.

c.4. Solomon’s Display of Power and Mercy

To further demonstrate the power and greatness of Allah, Solomon orders his court to bring the Queen’s throne to him before her arrival:

• Verse 27:38-40: “[Solomon] said, ‘O assembly [of jinn], which of you will bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?’ A powerful jinn said, ‘I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and indeed, I am for this task strong and trustworthy.’ Said one who had knowledge from the Scripture, ‘I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye.’ And when [Solomon] saw it placed firmly before him, he said, ‘This is by the favor of my Lord, to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful, his gratitude is only for the benefit of his soul. And whoever is ungrateful—then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.’”

This miraculous event showcases the divine power granted to Solomon, but also highlights his humility. He recognizes that such power is a test from Allah, and his response is one of gratitude and submission.

c.5. The Queen’s Recognition of Divine Truth

When the Queen of Sheba arrives, she is astonished to see her throne already transported to Solomon’s court. This event, combined with Solomon’s wisdom, moves her to reconsider her beliefs. Solomon invites her to the worship of Allah alone, and the Queen finally acknowledges the truth:

• Verse 27:44: “She was told, ‘Enter the palace.’ But when she saw it, she thought it was a body of water, and she uncovered her shins [to wade through]. He said, ‘Indeed, it is a palace whose floor is made smooth with glass.’ She said, ‘My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Solomon to Allah, Lord of the worlds.’”

Here, we see the transformation of the Queen of Sheba from a powerful ruler attached to worldly power and celestial worship, to a humble believer who submits to Allah. This moment is not just about political submission but is a profound spiritual awakening for her.

c.6. Modern Reflections on Solomon and Sheba

The story of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba has immense relevance today. It teaches the importance of wisdom in leadership, peaceful diplomacy, and the recognition of spiritual truth beyond worldly attachments. In a world where power struggles, pride, and ego often dominate international relations, the diplomatic approach taken by Solomon reflects the higher values of wisdom, patience, and morality.

Moreover, the Queen of Sheba’s openness to accepting divine guidance after a rational and respectful encounter with Solomon provides a timeless lesson on humility and the pursuit of truth. She did not let her ego or her position of power prevent her from embracing the truth when it was revealed to her.

d. The Consequences of Denying Prophets

Another key theme in Surah An-Naml is the fate of those who reject divine guidance. The destruction of disbelieving nations—such as the people of Thamud and Lot—is used as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting Allah’s messengers:

• “And We destroyed ‘Ad and Thamud, and it has become clear to you from their [ruined] dwellings. And Satan had made pleasing to them their deeds and averted them from the way, so they were not guided.” (27:38)

This verse serves as a reminder that those who reject divine warnings inevitably face destruction, both in this world and the next.

2. Scientific and Historical Reflections in Surah An-Naml

Surah An-Naml contains numerous references that can be explored from both scientific and historical perspectives. Though the Quran is not primarily a book of science, its verses often provide insight into natural phenomena and realities of the world. These reflections serve as signs for believers, pointing to the wisdom and omniscience of Allah. Some aspects of Surah An-Naml—especially the story of Solomon (Sulaiman) and his interaction with nature—have drawn interest from scholars and scientists alike, given that some of these ideas were understood by humanity long after the Quranic revelation. Let’s explore these scientific and historical reflections in detail:

2.1 Animal Communication: The Ants and the Hoopoe (Hudhud)

One of the most remarkable scientific elements in Surah An-Naml is the communication between Prophet Solomon and the creatures around him, particularly the ants and the hoopoe bird. The Quran says:

• Ants Communicating:
• Verse 27:18: “Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, ‘O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not.’”

In this verse, Prophet Solomon overhears an ant warning other ants about his approaching army, demonstrating both the communication skills of ants and Solomon’s ability to understand them. Modern science has confirmed that ants do, in fact, have complex communication systems, primarily through chemical signals called pheromones, but also through sounds and touch.

Scientific Discovery:

• The complex communication and organizational systems of ants were not fully understood until the 20th century, long after the revelation of the Quran (1400 years ago). Through research in entomology and the advent of technologies like microscopic studies and bio-chemical analysis, it was discovered that ants communicate warnings, directions, and food sources within their colonies.
• The Quran anticipated the existence of a sophisticated communication system long before humans discovered this intricate behavior in ants.
• Hoopoe Bird and Water Detection:
• Verse 27:20: “And he sought among the birds and said, ‘Why do I not see the hoopoe—or is he among the absent?’”
• Verse 27:22: “But the hoopoe stayed not long and said, ‘I have encompassed [in knowledge] that which you have not encompassed, and I have come to you from Sheba with certain news.’”

In these verses, the hoopoe bird is mentioned as an essential part of Solomon’s army, capable of detecting water beneath the ground. Although this may have seemed extraordinary at the time, modern research has revealed that certain birds, like hoopoes, possess an extraordinary sense of detection for water, possibly using infrasound or magnetic fields to locate sources.

Scientific Discovery:

• Research into animal navigation and communication has shown that many species, including birds, can detect environmental changes like underground water or shifts in the Earth’s magnetic fields. The hoopoe’s role in finding water in Surah An-Naml may point to advanced biological adaptations, which humans only began to study in detail through zoological research and modern animal behavior studies centuries later.

2.2 Prophet Solomon’s Leadership and Advanced Technology

Solomon’s reign is characterized by his wisdom, justice, and his ability to harness the power of nature, elements, and even jinn. The Quran highlights his use of technology in building great structures and transportation:

• Verse 27:38-40: “[Solomon] said, ‘O assembly [of jinn], which of you will bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?’ A strong demon said, ‘I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work.’ But one with knowledge of the Scripture said, ‘I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye.’”

This passage alludes to the extraordinary abilities granted to Solomon by Allah, where the throne of the Queen of Sheba is brought to him instantly. While the means are supernatural in this case, the idea of transferring objects or constructing large buildings with the help of advanced technologies mirrors the ongoing human quest for rapid communication, transportation, and engineering feats, such as the use of cranes, aerial transportation, and instant communication devices.

Historical Reflection:

• In a historical sense, Solomon’s court likely reflected the most advanced technology of his time, but the Quranic descriptions also suggest phenomena that go beyond human capabilities of that era. Although the exact nature of the supernatural abilities mentioned in the Surah is not clear from a scientific point of view, the human pursuit of technological advancement can be seen as an echo of these Quranic descriptions.

2.3 Wind and Jinn in the Service of Solomon

The Quran mentions that Solomon was granted control over the wind, which he used for transportation, and jinn, who helped him construct various structures. This is found in:

• Verse 27:17: “And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn, men, and birds, and they were [marching] in rows.”
• Verse 34:12: “And to Solomon [We subjected] the wind – its morning [journey was that of] a month – and its afternoon [journey was that of] a month…”

While the manipulation of wind for travel may have seemed fantastical in ancient times, the development of technologies like wind-powered sailing and even the modern use of air travel (aircraft powered by engines that manipulate air) demonstrates how humans have harnessed similar forces.

Scientific Discovery:

• The concept of wind power is as ancient as sailing itself, but its deeper applications, including flight and wind energy technologies, have only been fully realized in the last few centuries.
• The role of jinn in Solomon’s service, while not scientifically measurable, could be interpreted metaphorically in terms of unseen forces or energies that were harnessed for construction. Modern advancements in physics and engineering have allowed us to manipulate forces like electricity and magnetism in ways that would have seemed magical in the past.

2.4 The Story of Sheba and the Sun-Worshippers

In the Surah, Prophet Solomon encounters the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis), who leads a nation that worships the sun. Upon realizing her error, she submits to the worship of Allah:

• Verse 27:24: “I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds pleasing to them and averted them from [His] way, so they are not guided.”

The story highlights humanity’s historical engagement with astronomy and celestial objects, often leading to erroneous beliefs like sun-worship. The Quran corrects this by emphasizing monotheism and the creation of celestial bodies by Allah. The Quran’s position is that the sun, like all celestial bodies, is merely a creation serving a specific function in the divine order.

Historical Reflection:

• Historically, many ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Mesopotamians, practiced forms of sun-worship, attributing divine powers to celestial bodies. The Quran’s correction of these beliefs resonates with the shift in human understanding as astronomy advanced, especially during the Islamic Golden Age when scholars like Al-Biruni and Ibn Al-Haytham made significant contributions to our understanding of the cosmos.

2.5 The Miracle of Animal Behavior: Locusts, Ants, and Spiders

In verse 27:18, the description of the ants’ behavior in coordination and communication aligns with modern ethological studies of insect behavior. Similarly, the Surah refers to locusts and spiders in symbolic and metaphorical terms throughout the Quran, showing an awareness of their role in the ecosystem.

Scientific Discovery:

• The role of animals in their habitats, their migration patterns, and their communication have all become areas of scientific study in modern biology, entomology, and ecology. It wasn’t until modern science investigated insect colonies and migration behavior that we fully understood how finely tuned these creatures are to their environments.

3. Moral and Spiritual Lessons in Surah An-Naml

a. Gratitude for Divine Blessings

One of the recurring themes in this Surah is gratitude. Prophet Solomon’s reaction to hearing the ant’s speech reflects his deep sense of humility and thankfulness:

• “My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve.” (27:19)

This teaches believers the importance of recognizing and being thankful for Allah’s blessings, no matter how great or small.

b. Justice and Wisdom in Leadership

Prophet Solomon’s fair treatment of his subjects—whether human or animal—serves as a model of just leadership. His wisdom in dealing with the Queen of Sheba also reflects the Quranic emphasis on diplomacy and guidance before confrontation. The lesson here is that power must be exercised with fairness, compassion, and humility.

c. Submission to Allah’s Will

The Queen of Sheba’s eventual acceptance of Islam serves as a reminder of the importance of submitting to Allah’s will. Despite her initial reluctance and her power as a monarch, she recognizes the truth of Solomon’s message and turns to Allah in submission:

• “She said, ‘My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Solomon to Allah, Lord of the worlds.’” (27:44)

This highlights the Quranic message that submission to Allah is the ultimate goal for all human beings, regardless of their status in this world.

Conclusion

Surah An-Naml offers profound lessons through the stories of prophets and historical events. Its narratives underscore the importance of wisdom, justice, and gratitude, while also reflecting on the consequences of rejecting divine guidance. The Surah’s insights into animal communication and natural phenomena invite reflection on the harmony of creation and Allah’s mastery over all things. Ultimately, Surah An-Naml calls believers to recognize the signs of Allah in the world around them and to live lives of humility, submission, and righteousness.

The story of the Queen of Sheba and Solomon in Surah An-Naml is a rich narrative that offers profound moral, spiritual, and political lessons. Solomon’s wisdom, humility, and reliance on Allah set an example for leaders, while the Queen of Sheba’s eventual submission to divine guidance shows the transformative power of truth and spiritual awakening. This narrative invites all of us to reflect on the importance of wisdom, peaceful communication, and submission to the greater reality of Allah’s guidance.

Surah An-Naml touches on numerous subjects that reflect deeper scientific and historical realities. The Quran’s references to animal behavior, advanced technologies in the era of Solomon, and the correction of astronomical misconceptions offer timeless lessons. While not all Quranic references are scientific in nature, many contain elements that humanity would come to understand centuries later. These reflections demonstrate the profound wisdom contained within the Quran, showcasing how divine knowledge encompasses the entirety of the natural world and its workings.