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
وَٱنطَلَقَ ٱلْمَلَأُ مِنْهُمْ أَنِ ٱمْشُوا۟ وَٱصْبِرُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ ءَالِهَتِكُمْ ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَشَىْءٌ يُرَادُ
And the eminent among them went forth, [saying], "Continue, and be patient over [the defense of] your gods. Indeed, this is a thing intended.
يَـٰدَاوُۥدُ إِنَّا جَعَلْنَـٰكَ خَلِيفَةً فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱحْكُم بَيْنَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعِ ٱلْهَوَىٰ فَيُضِلَّكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَضِلُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌۢ بِمَا نَسُوا۟ يَوْمَ ٱلْحِسَابِ
[We said], "O David, indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth, so judge between the people in truth and do not follow [your own] desire, as it will lead you astray from the way of Allāh." Indeed, those who go astray from the way of Allāh will have a severe punishment for having forgotten the Day of Account.
وَٱذْكُرْ عِبَـٰدَنَآ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسْحَـٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ أُو۟لِى ٱلْأَيْدِى وَٱلْأَبْصَـٰرِ
And remember Our servants, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - those of strength and [religious] vision.
وَٱلطَّيْرَ مَحْشُورَةً ۖ كُلٌّ لَّهُۥٓ أَوَّابٌ
And the birds were assembled, all with him repeating [praises].