۞ قَالَ سَنَنظُرُ أَصَدَقْتَ أَمْ كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلْكَـٰذِبِينَ 27
Translations
[Solomon] said, "We will see whether you were truthful or were of the liars.
Transliteration
Qala sananthuru asadaqta am kunta mina al-kadhibeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Sulayman responds to the hoopoe bird's report about the throne of the Queen of Sheba by stating he will verify whether the bird spoke the truth or is among the liars. This demonstrates the prophetic principle of verification and not accepting reports without investigation, even from seemingly reliable sources. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this as evidence of Sulayman's wisdom and adherence to due diligence before taking action.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative about Prophet Sulayman (Solomon) and his miraculous command over the jinn, animals, and wind. The context involves the hoopoe bird's absence from his army and its subsequent report about the Queen of Sheba and her magnificent throne. This passage illustrates Sulayman's just leadership and methodical approach to governance.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly references this ayah, it relates thematically to the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet Muhammad said: 'The best of you are those who have the best manners and character' - reflecting the virtue of wisdom and careful deliberation in leadership exemplified by Sulayman.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us the importance of verifying information before acting upon it and not hastily believing claims, a principle essential in both personal relationships and communal affairs. It exemplifies that true leadership requires discernment and careful consideration rather than impulsive decision-making.
Related Ayahs
فَلَمَّا جَآءَتْهُمْ ءَايَـٰتُنَا مُبْصِرَةً قَالُوا۟ هَـٰذَا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ
But when there came to them Our visible signs, they said, "This is obvious magic."
وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَيَعْلَمُ مَا تُكِنُّ صُدُورُهُمْ وَمَا يُعْلِنُونَ
And indeed, your Lord knows what their breasts conceal and what they declare.
وَإِنَّهُۥ لَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
And indeed, it is guidance and mercy for the believers.
إِنِّى وَجَدتُّ ٱمْرَأَةً تَمْلِكُهُمْ وَأُوتِيَتْ مِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَلَهَا عَرْشٌ عَظِيمٌ
Indeed, I found [there] a woman ruling them, and she has been given of all things, and she has a great throne.