وَتَفَقَّدَ ٱلطَّيْرَ فَقَالَ مَا لِىَ لَآ أَرَى ٱلْهُدْهُدَ أَمْ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْغَآئِبِينَ 20
Translations
And he took attendance of the birds and said, "Why do I not see the hoopoe - or is he among the absent?
Transliteration
Wa tafaqqada at-taira faqala ma li la ara al-hudhuada am kana min al-gha'ibeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Prophet Sulayman (Solomon) inspecting his army of birds and noticing the absence of the hoopoe (hudhud), expressing concern about whether it was absent or had gone missing. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that Sulayman was conducting a careful review of his forces as a sign of his just and attentive leadership, and his immediate concern upon the hoopoe's absence demonstrates his vigilance and the importance he placed on accountability even among his subjects.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Sulayman's kingdom and his extraordinary powers granted by Allah. The context shows Sulayman's inspection of his military forces—including birds and jinn—and sets the stage for the famous encounter with the hoopoe who brings news of the Queen of Sheba. This narrative emphasizes Sulayman's wisdom, justice, and comprehensive authority over creation.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly addresses this specific ayah, Sulayman's role as a just and fair leader is reinforced in hadiths about leadership and accountability, such as in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that leaders will be questioned about their responsibilities toward those under their care.
Themes
Key Lesson
A true leader must be attentive and accountable for those under their care, noticing absences and irregularities with concern—this reflects the Islamic principle of justice and good stewardship in positions of responsibility.