Sulayman (Solomon)The Prophet-King granted a unique kingdom

Also known as: Solomon

Nation / People

All of mankind, the Jinn, and creation under his command

Period

Approximately 970 - 931 BCE

Lifespan

52 years according to some narrations; some say he lived to age 90

Burial Place

Al-Quds (Jerusalem)

Message

Gratitude for immense blessings, justice, and that worldly power and wealth are a test rather than an end in themselves.

Lineage

1.
Dawud (David)- Father

Key Miracles

Given dominion over the wind, the Jinn, and the animals (especially birds)
Understood the speech of birds and ants
The throne of Bilqis (Queen of Sheba) transported to him in the blink of an eye
Commanded armies of humans, Jinn, and birds
Built the First Temple (Bayt al-Maqdis/al-Aqsa Mosque structure) with the assistance of the Jinn

Key Stories

Gave a remarkable judgement regarding two women claiming the same child as a young prince
The ant's warning to its community as Sulayman's army approached
The Hoopoe (Hud Hud) brought news of the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis) who worshipped the sun
Sulayman's letter to Bilqis calling her to Islam
Bilqis visited Sulayman and entered Islam
The Jinn transported Bilqis's throne in an instant
His later weakness: when horses distracted him from prayer; his repentance
Died standing with his staff; the Jinn only realised he had passed when a termite ate through the staff

Mentioned in the Quran

Surah al-Naml (27:15-44)Surah Sad (38:30-40)Surah al-Anbiya (21:81-82)Surah Saba' (34:12-14)

Special Characteristics

The wealthiest and most powerful Prophet-King. He asked Allah for a kingdom that no one after him could equal, which was granted. Despite his extraordinary power, he remained a grateful servant of Allah: 'This is from the bounty of my Lord, to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful.'