ٱذْهَب بِّكِتَـٰبِى هَـٰذَا فَأَلْقِهْ إِلَيْهِمْ ثُمَّ تَوَلَّ عَنْهُمْ فَٱنظُرْ مَاذَا يَرْجِعُونَ 28
Translations
Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them. Then leave them and see what [answer] they will return."
Transliteration
Idhhab biktaabi haadha fa-alqih ilayhim thumma tawalla anhum fandhur maadha yarji'un
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Sulayman commands the messenger (the hoopoe bird) to deliver his letter to the Queen of Sheba, then withdraw and observe their response. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain this as a diplomatic strategy demonstrating wisdom and measured approach—Sulayman did not immediately declare war but instead sent a clear message to invite them to monotheism, allowing them the choice to respond. The instruction to withdraw and wait for their reply shows prudence and respect for the decision-making process, reflecting divine wisdom in handling the affair.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Sulayman's kingdom and his correspondence with the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis). The surah, revealed in Mecca during the early Islamic period, uses this story as an illustration of divine power and wisdom. This particular verse is part of Sulayman's instructions regarding the diplomatic letter, showcasing the prophetic tradition of calling to Allah with wisdom before any confrontation.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this ayah, Surah An-Naml 27:29-44 is referenced in Islamic scholarship discussing diplomatic wisdom. The broader theme relates to the hadith in Sunan Abu Dawud regarding the Prophet's instruction to convey messages clearly and await responses with patience.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that effective communication requires clarity of message, strategic withdrawal to allow for genuine consideration, and patience in awaiting responses—principles applicable to modern Islamic da'wah, conflict resolution, and leadership that prioritize wisdom over hasty action.
Related Ayahs
ٱرْجِعْ إِلَيْهِمْ فَلَنَأْتِيَنَّهُم بِجُنُودٍ لَّا قِبَلَ لَهُم بِهَا وَلَنُخْرِجَنَّهُم مِّنْهَآ أَذِلَّةً وَهُمْ صَـٰغِرُونَ
Return to them, for we will surely come to them with soldiers that they will be powerless to encounter, and we will surely expel them therefrom in humiliation, and they will be debased."
وَأَلْقِ عَصَاكَ ۚ فَلَمَّا رَءَاهَا تَهْتَزُّ كَأَنَّهَا جَآنٌّ وَلَّىٰ مُدْبِرًا وَلَمْ يُعَقِّبْ ۚ يَـٰمُوسَىٰ لَا تَخَفْ إِنِّى لَا يَخَافُ لَدَىَّ ٱلْمُرْسَلُونَ
And [he was told], "Throw down your staff." But when he saw it writhing as if it were a snake, he turned in flight and did not return. [Allāh said], "O Moses, fear not. Indeed, in My presence the messengers do not fear.
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَآ إِلَىٰ ثَمُودَ أَخَاهُمْ صَـٰلِحًا أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ فَإِذَا هُمْ فَرِيقَانِ يَخْتَصِمُونَ
And We had certainly sent to Thamūd their brother Ṣāliḥ, [saying], "Worship Allāh," and at once they were two parties conflicting.
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."