وَإِنِّى مُرْسِلَةٌ إِلَيْهِم بِهَدِيَّةٍ فَنَاظِرَةٌۢ بِمَ يَرْجِعُ ٱلْمُرْسَلُونَ 35
Translations
But indeed, I will send to them a gift and see with what [reply] the messengers will return."
Transliteration
Wa-inni mursilatun ilayhim bi-hadiyyatin fanaziratun bima yarji'u al-mursalun
Tafsir (Explanation)
The Queen of Sheba declares her intention to send a gift to Solomon (Sulayman) to test his response and observe how his messengers will return, thereby assessing his character and intentions. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari note that this was a diplomatic strategy to gauge whether Solomon would respond arrogantly (rejecting the gift) or with wisdom, providing insight into his nature as a leader and prophet. This ayah demonstrates the Queen's prudence and political acumen before committing to any major decision regarding Solomon's claims.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (Ayat al-Malik), a major story in Surah An-Naml. The Queen has just received Solomon's letter inviting her to submit to Allah, and this verse captures her diplomatic response—sending a gift as a preliminary test before deciding whether to visit him or accept his message. The context illustrates the Queen's intelligence and measured approach to an extraordinary situation.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly addresses this specific verse, the overall narrative of the Queen of Sheba is referenced in various tafsir works. The Quranic account itself is the primary source, as this event is unique to the Qur'an and not detailed in other religious texts in the same manner.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that wisdom involves careful observation and prudent testing before making major decisions, and that intelligent leaders use subtle means to gather information rather than acting impulsively. Modern readers can learn that seeking understanding through thoughtful inquiry—before committing to a path—reflects both intelligence and respect for one's own judgment.
Related Ayahs
لَأُعَذِّبَنَّهُۥ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا أَوْ لَأَا۟ذْبَحَنَّهُۥٓ أَوْ لَيَأْتِيَنِّى بِسُلْطَـٰنٍ مُّبِينٍ
I will surely punish him with a severe punishment or slaughter him unless he brings me clear authorization."
وَمَكَرُوا۟ مَكْرًا وَمَكَرْنَا مَكْرًا وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ
And they planned a plan, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not.
فَلَمَّا جَآءَ سُلَيْمَـٰنَ قَالَ أَتُمِدُّونَنِ بِمَالٍ فَمَآ ءَاتَىٰنِۦَ ٱللَّهُ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّآ ءَاتَىٰكُم بَلْ أَنتُم بِهَدِيَّتِكُمْ تَفْرَحُونَ
So when they came to Solomon, he said, "Do you provide me with wealth? But what Allāh has given me is better than what He has given you. Rather, it is you who rejoice in your gift.
وَأَنْ أَتْلُوَا۟ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ ۖ فَمَنِ ٱهْتَدَىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِى لِنَفْسِهِۦ ۖ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَقُلْ إِنَّمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُنذِرِينَ
And to recite the Qur’ān." And whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] himself; and whoever strays - say, "I am only [one] of the warners."