Page 108 - General Knowledge from the Qur'an

106 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE FROM THE QUR'AN

thing. She possesses a mighty throne. I found both her and her people
prostrating to the sun instead of Allah. Satan has made their actions
seem good to them and debarred them from the Way so they are not
guided and do not prostrate to Allah, Who brings out what is hidden
in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you conceal and what
you divulge. Allah – there is no god but Him – the Lord of the Mighty
Throne.' He said, 'We will soon see if you have told the truth or are a
liar. Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them and then withdraw
from them a little and see how they respond.' She said, 'Council! A
noble letter has been delivered to me. It is from Sulayman and says: "In
the name of Allah, All-Merciful, Most Merciful. Do not rise up against
me, but come to me in submission."' She said, 'Council! Give me your
opinion about this matter. It is not my habit to make a final decision
until I have heard what you have to say.' They said, 'We possess
strength and we possess great force. But the matter is in your hands so
consider what you command.' She said, 'When kings enter a city, they
lay waste to it and make its mightiest inhabitants the most abased.
That is what they too will do. I will send them a gift and then wait and
see what the messengers bring back.' (Surat an-Naml, 20-35)
Messengers of the Queen of Sheba
When it reached Sulayman he said, 'Would you give me wealth
when what Allah has given me is better than what He has given you?
No, rather it is you who delight in your gift. Return to them. We will
come to them with troops they cannot face and we will expel them
from it abased and humiliated.' (Surat an-Naml, 36-37)
The Throne of the Queen of Sheba
He said, 'Council! Who among you will bring me her throne before
they come to me in submission?' An imp of the jinn said, 'I will bring it
to you before you get up from your seat. I am strong and trustworthy
enough to do it.' He who possessed knowledge of the Book said, 'I will
bring it to you before your glance returns to you.' And when he saw it
standing firmly in his presence, he said, 'This is part of my Lord's
favour to test me to see if I will give thanks or show ingratitude. Who-
ever gives thanks only does so to his own gain. Whoever is ungrateful,