The Holy Qur’an states that there is no nation for whom a Warner, Apostle, Messenger or Prophet was not raised. It, however, mentions only a small number of prophets by name. The Qur’an has no genealogies or personal histories of any prophet or people. According to the Qur’anic style, only that part of their life work is mentioned that is necessary in the first instance, for providing comfort and guidance to the Holy Prophet of Islam, peace be upon him and, thereafter for the continuous reformation of mankind for all times. The Holy Qur’an also provides the correct versions of the prophet’s stories narrated in earlier scriptures, which, over the centuries, in translations and in revisions, has been missed, changed or corrupted.
Prophet Davidas (Daud) is first mentioned in Sura Al Baqarah as he completes the work of the restoration of the Israelites, and finishes off the forces of evil, (Goliath), and is given Wisdom and Kingdom by God. (2:252) In Sura Bani Israel God declares “And we gave David the ‘Zabur’” which signifies scriptures or ‘Psalms’. (17:56) Longer accounts are found in Suras Al Anbiya, Saba and Saad. We learn that Prophet Davidas was a man of much wisdom and physical prowess, who always resorted to God for succor in all matters: He was given mastery over mountains and the birds (121:81), and was given knowledge of working with Iron, which was made ‘pliant’ for him. (34:11). In the allegorical style of the Holy Qur’an, the ‘mountains’ may also mean men of great stature or the rebellious and headstrong highland dwellers. The ‘birds’ may, of course, be actual birds used for carrying messages or trained for other purposes. There is likelihood, too, that the word signifies men of high intellect, and militarily speaking, swift acting forces like light cavalry. There is repeated mention of his being given exceptional wisdom, insight and discerning judgment, in addition to the great kingdom and mastery over the land. King Davidas ruled with a just but firm hand, subjugating the rebellious tribes by force of arms. (21:79)
His wisdom, sagacity and mastery of the affairs of state are further elaborated in Sura Saad, as is his deep adoration and devout obedience to the Almighty to whom he turns repeatedly, seeking His protection against all human lapses. God commends Prophet Davidas to stay firm on his adopted course of righteousness and deal justly without fear or favor between the people, reminding him that he is God’s vicegerent on earth. The Holy Qur’an clears him of all accusations of being unjust, immoral, committing adultery and other calumnies; declaring instead that ‘We gave him our protection, he had a position of nearness with Us and an excellent retreat’ (38:18-27)
In the Hadith literature, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is reputed to have said that Prophet Davidas only consumed what he had earned by the labor of his own hands, that his scriptures were made easy for him to remember and recite. He also said that the best form of fasting is that of Prophet Davidas who would fast continually on alternate days. (Bukhari 646 et seq)
Solomon (Sulaiman) was heir to David. And he said: O ye people, we have been taught the language of the birds and we have had everything bestowed upon us. This indeed is God’s manifest grace. (27:17). This is a unique instance in the history of the prophets that while kingdom, worldly domain and possessions may pass from father to son; prophethood does not. Solomonas was an heir not only to the temporal power of his father but also to his spiritual knowledge and was chosen to continue his mission. The commentators have likened the ‘language of the birds’ to the speech and communications of high spiritual nature, signifying that both were Elects of God who had been given all that was required for the Israelites to attain Power and Glory.
The story of Prophet Solomonas is told in several chapters of the Holy Qur’an. The longest account is in Sura Al Naml. He has a large force of Jinn, men and birds under his command, formed in separate divisions (27:18) Jinn may signify the wild tribes who had not been subjugated before or a ‘stealth’ type of force whose movements were secret and whose capabilities were unknown to the enemy, or even the heavy fighting contingent, not unlike today’s armored corps. ‘Men’ being the foot soldiers and ‘birds’ as mentioned before, may be light cavalry and/ or intelligence gathering units. These forces were very orderly and certainly more developed than that of Prophet Davidas. Indeed, the discipline and piety of the force was well known and is explained in the next few verses: When they pass the valley populated by the Naml tribe, their chief warns his people to stay within their houses as the Army may unknowingly cause them harm.
From this and other passages the sense emerges that the reign of Prophet Solomonas was indeed a benevolent one. His army was a deterrent to the errant tribes, and he expanded his domain, to the greater glory to God, mainly by superior wisdom, and judicious use of threat of force. Peace and prosperity reigned in his kingdom. And to Solomon We subjugated the wind (34:10). And he made much use of the winds, as his ships were able to cut the passage of a month into a traveling duration of a day. God also gave him access to mineral resources and with the subjugation of hitherto unknown artisans; there was a building boom and greatly enhanced standard of living under King Solomonas. (34:13). He also exploited the wealth of the ocean, and used chains, (block and tackle) to bring about heavy construction. (38:36-38) God did all this so that the House of Davidas would be grateful and appreciate the blessings. Alas, only a few did. And Solomon’sas heirs were neither righteous nor worthy of the duties of state. The internal dissention ate away like termites and the staff of sovereignty passed away from his heirs (34:11-16) His heir is called Mere bodies (38:35). Prophet Solomonas had perceived this, and asked for God’s protection and for a kingdom that would not be suitable to any after him.
The story of Queen of Sheba, Bilqis is related with much detail in Sura Al Naml. Solomonas gets her news from an officer of his court, Hudhud: That the people adored the Sun, and the devil has lulled them into complacency and enticed them away from the worship of God. Prophet Solomonas sends her an epistle that starts with: In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful (This is the first recorded use of the opening benediction of all works of Islam and of Muslims in their daily lives) He invites her to ‘behave not proudly and come to me in submission’ (27:23 et seq) The ‘proud behavior’ was the arrogance in sticking to false beliefs, while the submission refers to peaceful acquiescence of his superior power and also has the benevolent purpose of avoiding bloodshed. The Queen seeks advice from her chiefs who assure her that even though they have military might to meet an onslaught; there are other dimensions, i.e. the matters of faith and beliefs, which only she could decide.
(27:33-34)The Queen understands warfare, but the question of faith troubles her. So she tries to buy time by sending Solomonas valuable gifts, including a ‘throne,. He is offended by the Queens behavior, and sends her an ultimatum.This, combined with the great efficiency and advanced science and technical proficiency of his court, convinces the Queen and she shows her willingness to submit to Solomonas. On her arrival at his court, he has her enter the palace through a walkway of slabs of clear glass, under which clear water was made to flow. The Queen is perplexed by this and she ‘uncovered her shank’ to meet this difficulty. Solomon advised her that ‘it is a palace paved with slabs of glass’. She recognizes her error that just as she mistook the slabs of glass as running water, she also mistook the Sun to be the real source of light, and not as an instrument of God’s working. She nobly confesses My Lord, I have indeed wronged my soul; and I submit myself with Solomon to God, the Lord of the Worlds (27:45)
Prophet Solomonas has been cleared in the Holy Qur’an of all charges of misconduct that are mentioned in other scriptures, including that of idol-worship: And Solomon did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved. (2:103) He, too, is called an excellent servant, and he preferred the love of good things as this reminded him of his Lord (38:31-33)
Thereupon (Solomon) smiled and said (praying) My Lord! Rouse me up that I may offer thanks for the favors You have bestowed upon me and my forefathers. And that I should do such deeds of righteousness as may please You, and count me through Your mercy with Your righteous servants (Amen) (27:20)
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