Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

“And indeed We already brought Dawud (David) and Solaiman (Solomon)
knowledge” (TMQ, 27: 15). As there is no civilization without knowledge and
scientific excellence and what is more important is their perception of the value of
knowledge.
State- of-the-Art Technology
“It was said to her, “Enter the tower.” Then as soon as she saw it, she reckoned it
a pool, and she uncovered both her shanks.” (TMQ, 27: 44).
Strong Military Power
“Return to them. So indeed we will definitely come up against them with hosts
they cannot withstand” (TMQ, 27: 37).
Feeling of responsibility
The hoopoe’s journey to the kingdom of Sheba for the sake of Da’wa (missionary
activity) is a perfect example.
Looking back at the previous elements, how many of them do our Islamic nation
possess I would like to ask the readers of the Qur’an: what have you done to build up
a successful nation like that of Solaiman (AS)
Allah’s might and power is always superior
The brilliance of the Qur’an, in its presenting of the elements of civilization
excellence is quite obvious in Surat An-Naml. Although the Surah focuses on
substantial means and elements of success, it uses miracles as examples: A fluently
speaking hoopoe and a wise ant that advises its companions. Moreover there are
Solaiman’s (AS) words in what can be translated as, “we have been taught the
language of birds,” (TMQ, 27: 16). By the end of the Surah Allah (SWT) the
Almighty says what can be translated as, “And when the Saying befalls them, We
will bring out for them from the earth a beast that will speak to them that
mankind had no certitude in Our signs.” (TMQ, 27: 82). Miracles are mentioned
abundantly in the Surah so that people may not be utterly materialistic in adopting
means of progress and civilization excellence. The Surah seems to be warning man
against being completely taken away by civilization, forgetting that only Allah (SWT)
grants such success and that there are other reasons for development linked to faith
and the unseen other than what came in the Surah.
Can there be another god besides Allah (SWT)
The Surah then shifts from talking about civilization excellence to displaying Allah’s
(SWT) power in the universe so that man may not be lured by civilization, forgets his
God and live a materialistic life, void of soul as in the western civilization. We find
wonderful Ayahs that warmly address the heart and awaken it from its slumber to get
acquainted with his Lord.