فَسَخَّرْنَا لَهُ ٱلرِّيحَ تَجْرِى بِأَمْرِهِۦ رُخَآءً حَيْثُ أَصَابَ 36
Translations
So We subjected to him the wind blowing by his command, gently, wherever he directed,
Transliteration
Fasakhkharna lahu ar-rih tajri bi-amrihi rukha'an haythu asaba
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Allah subdued the wind for Prophet Sulayman, causing it to flow gently wherever he commanded. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this miraculous wind served as a sign of Allah's power and Sulayman's unique prophetic station, flowing softly (rukha'an) at his direction to carry out his tasks, whether transporting his army or for other purposes. Al-Qurtubi notes that 'rukha'an' (gently, softly) indicates the wind's obedience was complete yet gentle—not destructive—demonstrating divine mercy within divine power.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Sad, which is Meccan and recounts the story of Prophet Sulayman's miraculous abilities as evidence of Allah's greatness and the truthfulness of prophethood. The surah emphasizes Sulayman's unique position among the prophets and serves as a reassurance to the Prophet Muhammad and the believers facing opposition in Mecca.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly narrates this event, Surah Al-Anbiya (21:81) contains a parallel account of the wind being subdued for Sulayman. The general principle of divine miracles for the prophets is supported in Sahih Muslim through various hadith about the signs granted to messengers.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that Allah's power extends over all creation and that true authority comes through obedience to divine will. For modern readers, it reminds us that even extraordinary abilities and achievements are ultimately blessings from Allah that should inspire gratitude and humble submission to the Divine.