وَٱلشَّيَـٰطِينَ كُلَّ بَنَّآءٍ وَغَوَّاصٍ 37
Translations
And [also] the devils [of jinn] - every builder and diver.
Transliteration
Wa ash-shayatīna kulla bannā'in wa ghawwāṣ
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Allah subjected the devils (jinn) to work under Prophet Sulayman, specifically mentioning those skilled in construction and diving. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, these devils were compelled to perform labor—builders who constructed structures, vessels, and other architectural works, and divers who retrieved precious items from the sea. This demonstrates Allah's miraculous subjugation of supernatural beings to the righteous, showcasing Sulayman's unparalleled authority granted by divine will.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the broader account of Prophet Sulayman's miracles in Surah Saad, which details the extraordinary abilities and dominion Allah granted him over both human and supernatural realms. The passage illustrates Sulayman's unique station among the prophets and serves as a reminder of divine providence toward the righteous.
Related Hadiths
While no directly specific hadith focuses solely on this verse, the account of Sulayman's miracles is supported by the broader Quranic narrative. Related thematically: The hadith in Sahih Bukhari describing Sulayman's prayer for knowledge and forgiveness (21:83-84) contextualizes his exceptional divine favor.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that obedience to Allah and righteous conduct can result in extraordinary divine assistance and provision, reminding believers that supernatural or extraordinary help comes to those whom Allah favors. Modern readers should reflect on using their God-given talents and abilities in service of righteous purposes, mirroring how the devils were compelled to serve constructive ends.
Related Ayahs
قَالَ فَٱخْرُجْ مِنْهَا فَإِنَّكَ رَجِيمٌ
[Allāh] said, "Then get out of it [i.e., Paradise], for indeed, you are expelled.
وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا سُلَيْمَـٰنَ وَأَلْقَيْنَا عَلَىٰ كُرْسِيِّهِۦ جَسَدًا ثُمَّ أَنَابَ
And We certainly tried Solomon and placed on his throne a body; then he returned.
أَمْ لَهُم مُّلْكُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا ۖ فَلْيَرْتَقُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَسْبَـٰبِ
Or is theirs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and what is between them? Then let them ascend through [any] ways of access.
وَٱلطَّيْرَ مَحْشُورَةً ۖ كُلٌّ لَّهُۥٓ أَوَّابٌ
And the birds were assembled, all with him repeating [praises].