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
وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَشْكُرُونَ
And indeed, your Lord is the possessor of bounty for the people, but most of them are not grateful."
أَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّا جَعَلْنَا ٱلَّيْلَ لِيَسْكُنُوا۟ فِيهِ وَٱلنَّهَارَ مُبْصِرًا ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
Do they not see that We made the night that they may rest therein and the day giving sight? Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءُو قَالَ أَكَذَّبْتُم بِـَٔايَـٰتِى وَلَمْ تُحِيطُوا۟ بِهَا عِلْمًا أَمَّاذَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
Until, when they arrive [at the place of Judgement], He will say, "Did you deny My signs while you encompassed them not in knowledge, or what [was it that] you were doing?"
أَلَّا يَسْجُدُوا۟ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى يُخْرِجُ ٱلْخَبْءَ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تُخْفُونَ وَمَا تُعْلِنُونَ
[And] so they do not prostrate to Allāh, who brings forth what is hidden within the heavens and the earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare -