وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا سُلَيْمَـٰنَ وَأَلْقَيْنَا عَلَىٰ كُرْسِيِّهِۦ جَسَدًا ثُمَّ أَنَابَ 34
Translations
And We certainly tried Solomon and placed on his throne a body; then he returned.
Transliteration
Wa-laqad fatannā Sulaymāna wa-alqaynā ʿalā kursiyyihi jasadan thumma anāb
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the trial (fitna) that befell Prophet Solomon when Allah cast upon his throne a body (interpreted by classical scholars as either a lifeless form or disease that afflicted him), testing his patience and faith. After this affliction, Solomon turned back to his Lord in repentance and supplication (anāb), demonstrating the temporary nature of worldly trials and the importance of returning to Allah. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that this was a test of his steadfastness, and through his sincere repentance and dua, Solomon was restored to his former state, illustrating that trials are means of spiritual refinement for the righteous.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Sad, a Meccan chapter that emphasizes divine wisdom and the testing of prophets. The broader context of Surah Sad (verses 30-40) focuses on Solomon's unique blessings and his trials, demonstrating that even the most honored servants of Allah experience tests as part of their spiritual journey and as signs of Allah's wisdom.
Related Hadiths
The story of Solomon's trial is referenced in various hadith collections regarding patience in affliction. A thematically related hadith in Sahih Muslim mentions that trials and tests are signs of Allah's love for His servants: 'The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people, He tests them.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that trials are not signs of Allah's displeasure but rather opportunities for spiritual growth and proximity to the Divine, and that sincere repentance and turning back to Allah during difficulties leads to restoration and grace. For modern believers, it emphasizes that even the most blessed among us face challenges, and our response—turning earnestly to Allah—determines the spiritual benefit we derive from hardship.