Story Summary
Explore the story of Sulayman and the Ants, where a powerful prophet pauses his mighty army to spare a tiny colony, teaching a lesson in mercy and humility.
Prophet Sulayman was granted a kingdom unlike any other, with power over the winds, the jinn, and the ability to understand the speech of all living creatures. One day, he marched with his magnificent army of men, spirits, and birds through a vast valley. As the earth trembled beneath the feet of his legions, a tiny ant looked up and cried out to her colony, 'O ants! Enter your dwellings lest Sulayman and his hosts crush you while they perceive it not.' Sulayman, hearing her tiny voice through his divine gift, stopped his entire army. He smiled with joy at her wisdom and concern for her kin. Instead of being arrogant in his might, he humbled himself before the Creator, praying for the strength to always be grateful and to use his power with mercy. He diverted his path, ensuring the tiny creatures remained unharmed, proving that true greatness is found in the smallest acts of compassion.
The Moral
True power is best expressed through humility and showing mercy to even the smallest and most vulnerable creatures.
“O ants! Enter your dwellings lest Sulayman and his hosts crush you while they perceive it not.”
Fun Fact
The 27th chapter of the Quran is named 'An-Naml,' which translates to 'The Ant,' specifically in honor of this interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Sulayman and the Ants?
The moral is that greatness is measured by compassion. It teaches us to be humble regardless of our status and to respect the lives of all living beings, no matter how small.
Could Prophet Sulayman really talk to animals?
Yes, in Islamic tradition, Sulayman was granted the miracle of 'Mantiq al-Tayr,' or the speech of birds and other animals, by Allah. This allowed him to communicate with and command various creatures.
Where is this story mentioned?
The story of Sulayman and the ants is recorded in the Quran, specifically in Surah An-Naml (The Ant), chapter 27, verses 18 and 19. It is a significant event in Islamic hagiography.
Why did the ant warn the others?
The ant warned her colony because she realized that Sulayman’s massive army would accidentally crush them without even noticing. She displayed leadership and care for her community's survival.
How did Sulayman react to the ant's warning?
Sulayman smiled and felt joy upon hearing the ant's words. He immediately prayed to God, asking for the ability to be grateful for his blessings and to remain righteous in his use of power.
Who was included in Sulayman's army?
According to the narrative, his army was uniquely diverse, consisting of battalions of humans, jinn (supernatural beings), and various species of birds, all organized in strict ranks.
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