The Story of Prophet Sulaiman and the Ant
The Story of Prophet Solomon and the Ant
Prophet Sulaiman, the son of Prophet Dawood, was blessed with immense wisdom and a just rule by Allah. Both father and son were known for their fairness and compassion in leadership. Sulaiman stood out among prophets as one of the few who was granted immense wealth and power. He prayed to Allah for a unique kingdom that would be unmatched, and Allah granted him a magnificent realm. Not only did he rule over humans, but Allah also placed the animals, birds, clouds, wind, and even the jinn under his command. Sulaiman was a remarkable leader, known for his justice toward both humans and animals, and he was gifted with the ability to understand the language of birds and creatures.
During his reign, there was an ant known for her noble qualities. She was selfless, dedicated to her community, and always prioritized their well-being above her own. One day, as Sulaiman and his army of jinn, humans, and birds marched in perfect order toward the valley of ants, the ant sensed the impending danger. She knew that if the army trampled over their nest, it would mean disaster for her entire community. Despite being one of the smallest and most overlooked creatures, she acted swiftly to protect her people. She urgently warned her fellow ants to seek shelter in their homes to avoid being crushed.
Allah mentions this incident in the Quran:
"Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, 'O ants, enter your dwellings so that you are not crushed by Suleiman and his soldiers while they perceive not.'" (Quran, Surah An-Naml, Chapter 27, The Ant, Verse 18)
At the time, Sulaiman was riding on the clouds, yet Allah allowed him to hear the tiny ant’s plea despite the distance and the noise of the marching army. Understanding her words, Sulaiman smiled in amusement and laughed. Reflecting on the moment, he turned to Allah in gratitude, saying:
"My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants.'" (Quran, Surah An-Naml, Chapter 27, The Ant, Verse 19)
Though Sulaiman possessed immense wealth and power, the ant’s words reminded him of Allah’s countless blessings. He immediately acknowledged these gifts and expressed his gratitude. He then commanded his army to change its course, sparing the ant colony from destruction—all because of the plea of a single, humble ant.
This story of Sulaiman and the ant offers profound lessons. It teaches us to respect and value all creatures, no matter how small, and to recognize the importance of wisdom, compassion, and effective communication. It highlights the responsibilities of leadership in caring for all beings and underscores the humility required to learn from unexpected sources. Above all, it reminds us to remain grateful for Allah’s blessings and to always act with kindness and justice.