إِنِّى وَجَدتُّ ٱمْرَأَةً تَمْلِكُهُمْ وَأُوتِيَتْ مِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَلَهَا عَرْشٌ عَظِيمٌ 23
Translations
Indeed, I found [there] a woman ruling them, and she has been given of all things, and she has a great throne.
Transliteration
Innee wajadtu imra'atan tamlikushum wa ootiyat min kulli shay'in wa laha 'arshun 'azeem
Tafsir (Explanation)
The hoopoe messenger reports to Prophet Solomon that he has discovered the Queen of Sheba, who possesses a kingdom and has been given great wealth and resources, including a magnificent throne. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note this verse establishes the Queen's authority and material grandeur, setting the stage for Solomon's diplomatic approach to her and her people. The mention of her extensive possessions and great throne emphasizes her worldly power, which would soon be superseded by Solomon's divine knowledge and supernatural abilities.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Surah An-Naml (The Ant), which recounts Solomon's inspection of the jinn, humans, and birds, and his discovery of the Queen of Sheba's kingdom. The context is thematic rather than tied to a specific historical revelation occasion; it forms part of the Quranic account of Solomon's prophetic mission and his interactions with various peoples and creatures.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly addresses this specific verse, the broader account of Solomon's story is referenced in various hadith collections. The narrative emphasizes Solomon's unique position as a prophet granted unprecedented authority over natural forces, as mentioned in multiple Quranic contexts and reflected in hadith discussions of prophetic miracles.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that earthly power, wealth, and magnificence, however impressive to human perception, remain secondary to divine wisdom and spiritual knowledge; the subsequent revelation of Solomon's superiority illustrates that true greatness lies in submission to Allah and the application of divine guidance rather than material accumulation.