Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

Shoorah (consultation) is the pivot of success
On the other hand, there is another example of success in the kingdom of Sheba. The
reason behind its success is the queen’s consultation of the people; she does not take
any decision without consulting them. This ayah can be translated as, “She said, “O
you chiefs, pronounce to me concerning my command; in no way have I affirmed
(Literally: cutting) a command until you bear witness.” (TMQ, 27: 32). Although
the queen did not embrace the right religion of Allah (SWT), she used an important
element in the fields of administration and management which is consultation. Their
response was in what can be translated as, “They said, “We are endowed with
power, and we are endowed with strict violence, (i.e., we are strong and able to
fight) and the command (rests) with you; so look into what you command (us).”
(TMQ, 27:33). Unlike the determined hoopoe who was precise in his judgment and
decision concerning the case he is dedicated for, Sheba’s army was indecisive.
Compare that to an army within which a member says what can be translated as, “I
have encompassed that which you have not encompassed,” (TMQ, 27: 22) which
is the essence of consultation and victory, and an army within which a member says
what can be translated as, “…and the command (rests) with you; so look into what
you command (us).” (TMQ, 27: 33).
Divine civilization
The Queen of Sheba wanted to examine the real intentions of Solaiman (AS) in what
can be translated as, “And surely I am sending to them a present, so I am waiting
to look into what the emissaries return with.” (TMQ, 27: 35). However Solaiman
(AS) became angry and said what can be translated as, “Would you supply me with
wealth Then what Allah has brought me is more charitable (i.e., better) than
what He has brought you. No indeed, (but) you exult with your present.” (TMQ,
27: 36). He undertakes a divine mission and he does not seek to accumulate riches.
He did not use the means of success and civilization excellence to oppress nations and
rob wealth but he wished to use it to convey Allah’s (SWT) message to all people.
Technological excellence
Solaiman’s kingdom had an unequal military power in what can be translated as,
“Return to them. So indeed we will definitely come up against them with hosts
they cannot withstand (Literally: of no withstanding). Indeed, we will definitely
drive them out there from humiliated, and they will be (utterly) belittled.”
(TMQ, 27: 37). The ayah reflects the elements of civilization excellence that
Solaiman’s (AS) kingdom excelled in, such as : efficient management and strong
military power. There is also another important element, which lead to the
astonishment of the Queen of Sheba and her embracing Islam.
Her throne arrived before her
As soon as Solaiman (AS) knew that the queen was coming to negotiate with him he
asked his soldiers to bring him her throne, as stated in the ayah that can be translated
as, “He said, “O you chiefs, whichever one of you will come up to me with (i.e.,
bring) her throne before they come up to me as Muslims” (Or: in surrender).
(TMQ, 27:38). A jinn and a man of knowledge competed to bring the throne as