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
قَالُوا۟ ٱطَّيَّرْنَا بِكَ وَبِمَن مَّعَكَ ۚ قَالَ طَـٰٓئِرُكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ۖ بَلْ أَنتُمْ قَوْمٌ تُفْتَنُونَ
They said, "We consider you a bad omen, you and those with you." He said, "Your omen [i.e., fate] is with Allāh. Rather, you are a people being tested."
ٱلَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَهُم بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ
Who establish prayer and give zakāh, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith].
۞ فَمَا كَانَ جَوَابَ قَوْمِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوٓا۟ أَخْرِجُوٓا۟ ءَالَ لُوطٍ مِّن قَرْيَتِكُمْ ۖ إِنَّهُمْ أُنَاسٌ يَتَطَهَّرُونَ
But the answer of his people was not except that they said, "Expel the family of Lot from your city. Indeed, they are people who keep themselves pure."
وَمَا مِنْ غَآئِبَةٍ فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا فِى كِتَـٰبٍ مُّبِينٍ
And there is nothing concealed within the heaven and the earth except that it is in a clear Register.