قَالَتْ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلْمَلَؤُا۟ إِنِّىٓ أُلْقِىَ إِلَىَّ كِتَـٰبٌ كَرِيمٌ 29
Translations
She said, "O eminent ones, indeed, to me has been delivered a noble letter.
Transliteration
Qalat ya ayyuha al-mala'u inni ulqiya ilayya kitabun karim
Tafsir (Explanation)
The Queen of Sheba announces to her assembly that she has received a noble letter (the letter from Prophet Solomon). Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that 'kitabun karim' (a noble/generous letter) refers to Solomon's letter which combined wisdom, monotheistic message, and courteous address. This moment marks the beginning of the Queen's consideration of Solomon's message and represents a turning point in her journey toward recognizing the truth.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Surah An-Naml describing Solomon's communication with the Queen of Sheba. The context shows how Solomon, through divine wisdom and miraculous means, conveyed his message to her court. This narrative demonstrates the power of wisdom-based da'wah (invitation to faith) and the respect shown even to rulers when delivering the divine message.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly addresses this ayah, the hadith in Sahih Bukhari (2815) regarding the superiority of wisdom is thematically related: 'Whoever is given wisdom has been given much good.' This relates to Solomon's approach of sending a wise, dignified letter rather than using force.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that effective communication of truth requires dignity, wisdom, and respect, even when addressing those of different faiths or positions of power. Modern believers should recognize that sincere, well-crafted message delivered with courtesy can open hearts more effectively than harsh or coercive approaches.
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."
أَمَّن يَبْدَؤُا۟ ٱلْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥ وَمَن يَرْزُقُكُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ أَءِلَـٰهٌ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ قُلْ هَاتُوا۟ بُرْهَـٰنَكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ
Is He [not best] who begins creation and then repeats it and who provides for you from the heaven and earth? Is there a deity with Allāh? Say, "Produce your proof, if you should be truthful."
إِنَّهُۥ مِن سُلَيْمَـٰنَ وَإِنَّهُۥ بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it is [i.e., reads]: 'In the name of Allāh, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful,
فَتِلْكَ بُيُوتُهُمْ خَاوِيَةًۢ بِمَا ظَلَمُوٓا۟ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ
So those are their houses, desolate because of the wrong they had done. Indeed in that is a sign for people who know.