وَحُشِرَ لِسُلَيْمَـٰنَ جُنُودُهُۥ مِنَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ وَٱلطَّيْرِ فَهُمْ يُوزَعُونَ 17
Translations
And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were [marching] in rows
Transliteration
Wa-hushira li-Sulaymana junuduhu min al-jinni wa-al-insi wa-al-tairi fahum yuwaza'un
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Prophet Sulayman's armies were assembled before him, consisting of jinn, humans, and birds, all kept in orderly ranks (yuwaza'un - prevented from dispersing). Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this demonstrates Sulayman's extraordinary authority granted by Allah, as commanding such diverse forces was a miraculous sign unique to him among the prophets. The phrase 'yuwaza'un' indicates they were organized and controlled, showcasing perfect divine order under righteous leadership.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Prophet Sulayman in Surah An-Naml, which was revealed in Mecca. The passage describes the preparatory phase before Sulayman's inspection of the birds and the famous story of the ant and the Queen of Sheba, illustrating Sulayman's kingdom as a manifestation of divine favor and his role as a just, God-fearing leader.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly quotes this verse, Sulayman's invocation in 38:35 ('Rabbi ighfir li wa hab li mulkan') is referenced in various hadith collections discussing his unique supplication. The hadith regarding the 'best of judges' (Tirmidhi) relates thematically to Sulayman's justice and leadership.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true leadership—whether in families, communities, or organizations—requires maintaining order and unity among diverse groups, and that such harmony is achieved through justice, wisdom, and alignment with divine guidance. For modern readers, it reminds us that effective stewardship involves not controlling through fear but through just conduct that naturally inspires obedience and cooperation.
Related Ayahs
قَالَتْ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلْمَلَؤُا۟ أَفْتُونِى فِىٓ أَمْرِى مَا كُنتُ قَاطِعَةً أَمْرًا حَتَّىٰ تَشْهَدُونِ
She said, "O eminent ones, advise me in my affair. I would not decide a matter until you witness [for] me."
فَٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ مَكْرِهِمْ أَنَّا دَمَّرْنَـٰهُمْ وَقَوْمَهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ
Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all.
أَمَّن يَبْدَؤُا۟ ٱلْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥ وَمَن يَرْزُقُكُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ أَءِلَـٰهٌ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ قُلْ هَاتُوا۟ بُرْهَـٰنَكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ
Is He [not best] who begins creation and then repeats it and who provides for you from the heaven and earth? Is there a deity with Allāh? Say, "Produce your proof, if you should be truthful."
فَلَمَّا جَآءَ سُلَيْمَـٰنَ قَالَ أَتُمِدُّونَنِ بِمَالٍ فَمَآ ءَاتَىٰنِۦَ ٱللَّهُ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّآ ءَاتَىٰكُم بَلْ أَنتُم بِهَدِيَّتِكُمْ تَفْرَحُونَ
So when they came to Solomon, he said, "Do you provide me with wealth? But what Allāh has given me is better than what He has given you. Rather, it is you who rejoice in your gift.