Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

Amazingly, the core ayah of the Surah (the ayah where the ant addresses its fellow
ants) contained marvelous notes about civilization to be learned from a small ant in
what can be translated as, “Till, when they came up to the Valley of Ants, an ant
said, “O you ants, enter your dwellings so that Solaiman and his hosts would not
definitely crush you, (while) they are not aware.” (TMQ, 27:18).
The ant positively addressed its companions and did not flee although it risked dying
under the feet of Solaiman’s (AS) soldiers. Its care for its companions exceeded its
fear for her life. Moreover, its speech contained marvelous hints at the qualities of
leadership and management. It told them what to do before warning them against the
danger so that they may not panic (get into your habitations), then she expressed the
problem and type of danger they are facing lest Solaiman (AS) and his hosts crush you
(under foot). People in times of danger don’t think and this causes lot of damages.
Thus, the efficient leader had to give the solution before describing the problem so
that the people would grasp his directives while being in a calm state of mind to
accept orders and carry them out.
It also knew Solaiman’s (AS) reputation, it assured its companions that Solaiman (AS)
and his soldiers could never intentionally harm them in what can be translated as,
“without knowing it.” (TMQ, 27:18). This was why Solaiman (AS) smiled when he
heard it. This little ant is a good example of leadership in emergencies, which marks
civilization excellence.