رُدُّوهَا عَلَىَّ ۖ فَطَفِقَ مَسْحًۢا بِٱلسُّوقِ وَٱلْأَعْنَاقِ 33
Translations
[He said], "Return them to me," and set about striking [their] legs and necks.
Transliteration
Ruddūhā 'alayya fatafiqā masḥan bi-s-sūqi wa-l-a'nāq
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Prophet Sulayman (Solomon) ordering the return of the horses that had distracted him from his prayer, after which he began wiping them down by their legs and necks. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as Sulayman's act of devotion and discipline—he was so focused on maintaining his connection to Allah that he immediately rectified his lapse in concentration by engaging in the physical care of the horses, demonstrating humility and repentance. The 'wiping' (masḥ) itself became an act of mindfulness, transforming a moment of distraction into one of renewed focus and spiritual discipline.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the account of Prophet Sulayman's test and trial, which occurs in the Meccan Surah Sad. The broader context (ayahs 30-40) describes how Sulayman requested a kingdom unparalleled and was granted miraculous powers, including control over the wind and molten copper, yet remained deeply devoted to Allah. When his attention was momentarily diverted from the afternoon prayer by his treasured horses, he immediately corrected himself—illustrating the high spiritual standards expected of the righteous.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this ayah, Sahih Bukhari contains numerous hadith on the virtue of guarding the five daily prayers and maintaining presence (khushū') during salah. The general principle relates to hadiths emphasizing tawbah (repentance) and swift rectification of lapses in devotion.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that even the most spiritually advanced individuals may experience moments of distraction, but what matters is the swift and sincere return to devotion—our lapses in faith should motivate immediate rectification rather than discouragement. It reminds us that true greatness lies not in perfection, but in the constant, humble effort to realign ourselves with Allah's remembrance.