قَالَ عِفْرِيتٌ مِّنَ ٱلْجِنِّ أَنَا۠ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبْلَ أَن تَقُومَ مِن مَّقَامِكَ ۖ وَإِنِّى عَلَيْهِ لَقَوِىٌّ أَمِينٌ 39
Translations
A powerful one from among the jinn said, "I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and indeed, I am for this [task] strong and trustworthy."
Transliteration
Qala 'ifrītun mina al-jinni anā ātīka bihi qabla an taqūma min maqāmika wa-innī 'alayhi laqawiyyun amīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
An 'ifrīt (powerful demon) from the jinn responds to Solomon's request to bring the throne of the Queen of Sheba before his assembly disperses, boasting that he can deliver it before Solomon even rises from his place. This demonstration of the jinn's supernatural abilities serves to highlight Solomon's unique authority over the unseen realm and divine favor, while the creature's confidence in its strength ('alayhi laqawiyyun) and trustworthiness ('amīn) sets up the contrast with the subsequent offer from the righteous believer who possesses knowledge. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari note this ayah illustrates the hierarchy of obedience to Solomon—even the proud jinn acknowledge his command.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Solomon seeking the throne of Bilqīs (the Queen of Sheba) to test the loyalty and capability of those under his command. The broader surah focuses on Solomon's miraculous authority over creation and his wisdom in governance. This specific incident demonstrates the testing of his servants' abilities and character, ultimately leading to the introduction of a more worthy individual.
Related Hadiths
While no direct hadith explicitly quotes this ayah, Sunan At-Tirmidhi and other collections contain discussions of Solomon's authority over the jinn and the marvels granted to him. The theme of trustworthiness ('amānah) is emphasized throughout prophetic traditions, particularly in Sahih Al-Bukhari regarding the protection of trusts.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that worldly power and boastful ability, while impressive, are not always the most valuable qualities—true excellence lies in combining strength with wisdom, humility, and genuine righteousness, as demonstrated in the verse that immediately follows.
Related Ayahs
أَمَّنْ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَأَنزَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَأَنۢبَتْنَا بِهِۦ حَدَآئِقَ ذَاتَ بَهْجَةٍ مَّا كَانَ لَكُمْ أَن تُنۢبِتُوا۟ شَجَرَهَآ ۗ أَءِلَـٰهٌ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ بَلْ هُمْ قَوْمٌ يَعْدِلُونَ
[More precisely], is He [not best] who created the heavens and the earth and sent down for you rain from the sky, causing to grow thereby gardens of joyful beauty which you could not [otherwise] have grown the trees thereof? Is there a deity with Allāh? [No], but they are a people who ascribe equals [to Him].
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.
أَلَّا تَعْلُوا۟ عَلَىَّ وَأْتُونِى مُسْلِمِينَ
Be not haughty with me but come to me in submission [as Muslims].'"
إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَقْضِى بَيْنَهُم بِحُكْمِهِۦ ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ
Indeed, your Lord will judge between them by His [wise] judgement. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.