Juz 19: Al-Furqān 21 to An-Naml 55
Section 17 of 19 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
16. Sulaiman and His Kingdom
Allah (swt) has bestowed special favors upon certain prophets, and the account of Prophets Dawud and Sulaiman (peace be upon them) in Surah An-Naml illustrates a unique divine blessing—a kingdom combined with prophethood. After briefly mentioning Dawud (peace be upon him), the surah focuses extensively on Sulaiman (peace be upon him), presenting his extraordinary kingdom as a manifestation of Allah's boundless power and generosity.
وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا دَاوُودَ وَسُلَيْمَانَ عِلْمًا وَقَالَا الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي فَضَّلَنَا عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍ مِّنْ عِبَادِهِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
“And indeed We gave knowledge to Dawud and Sulaiman, and they said, 'Praise belongs to Allah who made us excel many of His believing servants.'" (27:15)”
Allah (swt) first acknowledges the knowledge He bestowed upon both prophets. Their immediate response exemplifies true servitude—attributing their excellence to Allah's favor rather than their own merit. This demonstrates the proper reaction to divine blessing: humble gratitude rather than pride or arrogance.
وَوَرِثَ سُلَيْمَانُ دَاوُودَ
“And Su”