Allah Mwenye Nguvu, Mtukufu, anasema:

Allah the Almighty says:

{Aliwakagua ndege, akasema: "Mbona sioni hudhud? Au yuko miongoni mwa wasiokuwepo?" "Hakika nitamwadhibu adhabu kali, au nitamchinja, isipokuwa aniletee hoja iliyo wazi." Lakini hudhud hakukaa muda mrefu, akaja (akasema):}

{He inspected the birds, and said: "What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? "I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason." But the hoopoe stayed not long: he (came up and) said:

"Nimepata kujua (habari ya jambo) ambalo wewe hukulijua, na nimekujia kutoka Sabai (Sheba) nikiwa na habari ya kweli." "Nilimkuta mwanamke anawatawala, amepewa kila kitu ambacho mtawala yeyote wa duniani angeweza kumiliki, na ana kiti kikubwa cha enzi. Nilimkuta yeye na watu wake wanaabudu jua badala ya Mwenyezi Mungu, na Shetani amewapambia vitendo vyao, akawazuia njia (ya Mwenyezi Mungu), kwa hiyo hawana uongofu." [Kwa kuwa Shetani amewazuia njia ya Mwenyezi Mungu] hivyo hawamsujudii Mwenyezi Mungu, Yeye anayetoa kilichofichika mbinguni na ardhini, na anayejua mnayoyaficha na mnayoyadhihirisha. Mwenyezi Mungu, La ilaha illa Huwa (hakuna anayestahili kuabudiwa isipokuwa Yeye), Mola wa Kiti Kikuu cha Enzi! [Sulaimani (Suleimani)] alisema: "Tutaona kama unasema kweli au wewe ni miongoni mwa waongo." "Nenda na barua hii yangu, uwakabidhi, kisha ujiondoe mbali nao, uone watarudisha jibu gani." Akasema: "Enyi wakuu! Hakika nimepewa barua tukufu."

"I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Saba' (Sheba) with true news." "I found a woman ruling over them: she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the earth, and she has a great throne. I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah, and Shaitan (Satan) has made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and has barred them from (Allah's) Way: so they have no guidance." [As Shaitan (Satan) has barred them from Allah's Way] so they do not worship (prostrate themselves before) Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you conceal and what you reveal. Allah, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne! [Sulaiman (Solomon)] said: "We shall see whether you speak the truth or you are (one) of the liars."Go you with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, then draw back from them, and see what (answer) they return." She said: "O chiefs! Verily! Here is delivered to me a noble letter.

Hakika (hii) ni kutoka kwa Sulaiman (Sulemani), na hakika (inasomeka): Kwa jina la Allah, Mwingi wa Rehema, Mwenye Kurehemu: "Msijivune dhidi yangu, bali njeni kwangu mkiwa Waislamu (waumini wa kweli wanaojisalimisha kwa Allah kikamilifu)." Akasema: "Enyi wakuu! Nishaurini katika jambo langu hili. Sitaamua jambo lolote mpaka mhudhurie mbele yangu (na kunitolea maoni yenu)." Wakasema: "Sisi tuna nguvu kubwa na uwezo mkubwa wa vita, lakini amri ni yako; basi fikiria utakachoamuru." Akasema: "Hakika wafalme, wanapoingia mji (nchi), huuharibu na kuwafanya watukufu zaidi miongoni mwa watu wake kuwa wa chini kabisa. Na ndivyo wafanyavyo. Lakini hakika mimi nitamtumia zawadi, na nitaona kwa jibu gani wajumbe watarejea." Basi (wale wajumbe wenye zawadi) walipomfikia Sulaiman (Sulemani), akasema: "Je, mtanisaidia kwa mali? Alichonipa Allah ni bora kuliko alichowapa ninyi! Hapana, bali ninyi mnafurahia zawadi yenu!" [Kisha Sulaiman (Sulemani) akamwambia kiongozi wa wajumbe wake waliokuja na zawadi]: "Rudini kwao. Hakika sisi tutawajia na majeshi ambayo hawawezi kuyapinga, na tutawafukuza kutoka huko kwa aibu, nao watadhalilika." Akasema: "Enyi wakuu! Ni nani miongoni mwenu atakayeniletea kiti chake cha enzi kabla hawajanifikia wakijisalimisha kwa utiifu?" Mfalme jini (mwenye nguvu) miongoni mwa majini akasema: "Nitakuletea kabla ya wewe kuondoka mahali pako pa baraza. Hakika mimi ni mwenye nguvu na mwaminifu kwa kazi hiyo." Aliyekuwa na elimu ya Kitabu akasema: "Nitakuletea ndani ya kupepesa jicho!" Basi alipokiona kimewekwa mbele yake, akasema: "Hii ni kwa fadhili za Mola wangu Mlezi ili anijaribu kama nakuwa mwenye shukrani au mwenye kukufuru! Na anayeshukuru, hakika shukrani yake ni kwa (faida ya) nafsi yake mwenyewe, na anayekufuru (anakufuru tu kwa hasara ya nafsi yake mwenyewe). Hakika Mola wangu Mlezi ni Mwenye kujitosheleza (hana haja na chochote), Mkarimu." Akasema: "Badilisheni kiti chake kwa ajili yake, tuone kama atakuwa miongoni mwa walioongoka (kukitambua kiti chake), au atakuwa miongoni mwa wasioongoka." Basi alipofika, akaambiwa: "Je, kiti chako ni kama hiki?" Akasema: "(Ni) kama kwamba ni kile kile." Na [Sulaiman (Solomon)] akasema:

"Verily it is from Sulaiman (Solomon), and verily, it (reads): In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful: "Be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission). She said: "O chiefs! Advise me in (this) case of mine. I decide no case till you are present with me (and give me your opinions)." They said: "We have great strength, and great ability for war, but it is for you to command: so think over what you will command." She said: "Verily kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it and make the most honorable amongst its people the lowest. And thus they do. "But verily! I am going to send him a present, and see with what (answer) the Messengers return." So when (the messengers with the present) came to Sulaiman (Solomon), he said: "Will you help me in wealth? What Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay, you rejoice in your gift!" [Then Sulaiman (Solomon) said to the chief of her messengers who brought the present]: "Go back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from there in disgrace, and they will be abased." He said: "O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?" A`Ifrit (strong one) from the jinn said: I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work." One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: "I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!" Then when he [Sulaiman (Solomon)] saw it placed before him, he said: "This is by the Grace of my Lord -to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his own self, and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his own self. Certainly my Lord is Rich (Free of all needs), Bountiful." He said: "Disguise her throne for her that we may see whether she will be guided (to recognize her throne), or she will be one of those not guided." So when she came, it was said (to her): "Is your throne like this?" She said: "(It is) as though it were the very same." And [Sulaiman (Solomon)] said:

"Elimu ilitujia kabla yake, nasi tukawa Waislamu tukimnyenyekea Allah (katika Uislamu kabla yake)." Na kile alichokuwa akiabudu badala ya Allah kilimzuia (asiingie katika Uislamu), kwa kuwa alikuwa katika watu makafiri. Iliambiwa kwake: "Ingia katika As-Sarh" (uso wa kioo wenye maji chini yake au jumba): lakini alipoona, alidhani ni bwawa, na akainua nguo zake akifunua miguu yake. (Suleiman (Sulemani)) akasema: "Hakika, ni Sarh (uso wa kioo wenye maji chini yake au jumba)." Akasema: "Mola wangu! Hakika nimejidhulumu nafsi yangu, na ninamnyenyekea [katika Uislamu, pamoja na Suleiman (Sulemani)] Allah, Mola wa viumbe vyote (watu, majini na kila kilichopo)}. (An-Naml, 20-44)

"Knowledge was bestowed on us before her, and we were submitted to Allah (in Islam as Muslims before her)." And that which she used to worship besides Allah has prevented her (from Islam), for she was ofa disbelieving people. It was said to her: "Enter As-Sarh" (a glass surface with water underneath it or a palace): but when she saw it, she thought it was a pool, and she (tucked up her clothes) uncovering her legs. (Sulaiman (Solomon)) said: "Verily, it is a Sarh (a glass surface with water underneath it or a palace)." She said: "My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, and I submit [in Islam, together with Sulaiman (Solomon)] to Allah, the Lord of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)}. (An-Naml. 20-44)

Allah Mwenye Enzi na Utukufu anasimulia yaliyotokea kati ya Sulaiman na hudhudi. Kila aina ya ndege alikuwa na viongozi au wateule waliopewa kazi maalum, na ambao walikuwa wakijiwasilisha mbele ya Sulaiman mara kwa mara, kama ilivyokuwa desturi ya majeshi mbele ya wafalme wao. Ibn `Abbas (Mwenyezi Mungu amridhie) na wengine walitaja kwamba kazi ya hudhudi ilikuwa kutafuta maji jangwani na katika maeneo yasiyo na rutuba. Hakika hudhudi ana uwezo, aliopewa na Allah Mwenye Enzi na Utukufu, wa kuona na kutambua mahali palipo na maji chini ya ardhi.

Allah the Almighty narrates what had happened between Sulaiman and the hoopoe. All kinds of birds had pioneers or chosen ones who were charged with certain tasks and who periodically attend themselves before Sulaiman, as a habit of the troops with their kings. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) and others mentioned that the mission of the hoopoe was to search for water in deserts and barren areas. Indeed, the hoopoe has the ability -as granted by Allah the Almighty -to see and identify the locations of underground waters.

Hudhud wa Sulaiman alikuwa akitafuta maji yaliyo chini ya ardhi, kisha kuwaongoza askari wake hadi huko; nao wangechimba ardhi ili kutoa maji hayo na kuyatumia kutimiza mahitaji yao.

Sulaiman's hoopoe used to search for underground water and then to lead his troops thereto; they dig the land to get the water out and use it in fulfilling their needs.

Siku moja Sulaiman (amani iwe juu yake) alitaka kumwona hudhudi, akamkosa na hakumpata mahali pake alipopangiwa. Hivyo akasema: {Kwa nini simwoni hudhudi? Au yumo miongoni mwa wasiokuwepo?} yaani, hayuko hapa, au siwezi kumwona. {Hakika nitamwadhibu kwa adhabu kali} Sulaiman (amani iwe juu yake) alitishia kwamba atampa adhabu fulani; {au nitamchinja, isipokuwa akinijia kwa hoja iliyo wazi} yaani, udhuru ulio wazi utakaomwokoa na adhabu yangu. Allah Mtukufu anasema: {Lakini hudhudi hakukaa muda mrefu} yaani, kutokuwepo kwake hakukuwa kwa muda mrefu, kisha {akasema} kwa Sulaiman (amani iwe juu yake): {Nimejifunza jambo ambalo wewe hukulijua} yaani, nimepata kujua lile ambalo wewe hukulijua; {nami nimekujia kutoka Saba' (Sheba) na habari ya kweli}. Kwamba {nimemkuta mwanamke akiwatawala; amepewa kila kitu ambacho mtawala yeyote duniani anaweza kumiliki, na ana kiti kikubwa cha enzi}. Anaeleza hali ya wafalme na watawala wa Sheba huko Yemen: walikuwa na ufalme mkubwa na wenye utukufu pamoja na jeshi imara na lenye uwezo. Katika kipindi hicho, mfalme wao alifariki bila kuacha warithi isipokuwa binti mmoja, ambaye walimlea na kumfanya malkia wao.

One day, Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) wanted the hoopoe, he missed him and did not find him in his appointed position so, he said: {What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?} i.e. he is not here, or I can not see him. {I will surely punish him with a severe torment} Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) threatened that he would punish him with some kind of penalty; {or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason} i.e. a clear excuse that may save him from my punishment. Allah the Almighty says: {But the hoopoe stayed not long} i.e. his absence was not so long, then {he (came up and) said} to Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) {I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped} i.e. I got to know that which you did not; {and I have come to you from Saba' (Sheba) with true news}. That {I found a woman ruling over them: she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler on earth, and she has a great throne}, he is describing the status of the kings and rulers of Sheba in the Yemen: they had a mighty and glorious kingdom along with strong and competent troops. During that period, their king died and left no heirs but a daughter whom they raised as their queen.

Ath-Tha`labi na wengine walitaja kwamba baada ya kifo cha baba yake, watu walimteua mwanaume mmoja ambaye chini ya utawala wake ufisadi na fitina vilienea. Yeye alimpendekezea ndoa, naye akamwoa. Usiku wao wa kwanza pamoja, alimnywesha divai hadi alipolewa, kisha akamkata kichwa na kukining'iniza kichwa chake mlangoni mwake. Hapo watu walimwinua juu ya kiti cha enzi kuwa malkia wao.

Ath-Tha`labi and others mentioned that after her father's death, the people appointed a man under whose rule corruption and mischief prevailed. She proposed to him in marriage and he married her. At their first night together she gave him wine till he got drunk and then she beheaded him and hanged his head on her door. Thereupon, the people raised her over the throne as their queen.

Alikuwa Bilqis Bint As-Sairah. Baba yake aliitwa Al-Hudhad, au Shurahil Ibn Dhi Jadan Ibn As-Sairah Ibn Al-Harith Ibn Qais Ibn Saifi Ibn Saba' Ibn Yashjub Ibn Ya `rub Ibn Qahtan. Baba yake alikuwa mmoja wa wafalme mashuhuri zaidi. Alikataa kuoa wanawake wa Yemen. Inasemekana kwamba alioa mwanamke kutoka kwa Jinn aliyeitwa Raihanah Bint As-Sakan, ambaye alimzalia mwanamke huyo aliyeitwa Balqamah, ambaye baadaye angejulikana kama Bilqis.

She was Bilqis Bint As-Sairah. Her father was called Al-Hudhad, or Shurahil Ibn Dhi Jadan Ibn As-Sairah Ibn Al-Harith Ibn Qais Ibn Saifi Ibn Saba' Ibn Yashjub Ibn Ya `rub Ibn Qahtan. Her father was one of the noblest kings. He refused to get married to Yemeni women. It is said that he got married to a woman from the Jinn whose name was Raihanah Bint As-Sakan who gave birth to that woman whose name is Balqamah, to be known later as Bilqis.

Ath-Tha`labi alisimulia kwa mapokezi ya Sa`id Ibn Bashir, kutoka kwa Qatadah, kutoka kwa An-Nadr Ibn Anas, kutoka kwa Bashir Ibn Nahik, kutoka kwa Abu Hurairah, kwamba Mtume wa Allah ﷺ alisema: "Mmoja wa wazazi wa Bilqis alikuwa miongoni mwa majini." (Hadith hii ni ya ajabu, na katika silsila ya wapokezi wake kuna udhaifu fulani.)

Ath-Tha`labi transmitted on the authority of Sa`id Ibn Bashir on the authority of Qatadah after An-Nadr Ibn Anas after Bashir Ibn Nahik, after Abu Hurairah that Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: "One of Bilqis 's parents was from among the jinn." (This is a strange Hadith in whose Chain of Transmission there is some kind of Weakness).

Ath-Tha`labi alisema: Nilipokewa na Abu `Abdullah Ibn Qabhunah, kwa mamlaka ya Abu Bakr Ibn Jarjah, baada ya Abu Bakrah, akisema: Siku moja, Bilqis alitajwa mbele ya Mtume wa Allah ﷺ, ambaye alisema: "Watu wanaotawaliwa na mwanamke kamwe hawatafanikiwa." (Msimulizi huyo mdogo, Isma`il Ibn Muslim, ni Mmakka, na wanazuoni wa Hadith wanamchukulia kuwa dhaifu, yaani)

Ath- Tha`labi said: I was told by Abu `Abdullah Ibn Qabhunah on the authority of Abu Bakr Ibn Jarjah after Abu Bakrah as saying: Once, Bilqis was mentioned before Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) who said: "Such people as ruled by a lady will never be successful." (That sub-Narrator, Isma`il Ibn Muslim is Meccan and he is regarded by the Scholars of Hadith as Weak, i.e.

(si mpokezi mwaminifu).

not an authentic narrator).

Imepokewa katika Sahih Al-Bukhari kupitia simulizi ya `Auf kutoka kwa Al-Hasan, kutoka kwa Abu Bakra, kwamba: Mtume wa Allah ﷺ alipoarifiwa kwamba Waajemi wamemtawaza binti ya Khusrau kuwa mtawala wao, alisema: "Watu watakaotawaliwa na mwanamke kamwe hawatafanikiwa."

It is mentioned in Sahih Al-Bukhari from the narration of `Auf on the authority of Al-Hasan, after Abu Bakra that: When Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) was informed that the Persians had crowned the daughter of Khusrau as their ruler, he said, "Such people as ruled by a lady will never be successful." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Na kauli yake: {Amepewa vitu vyote} ambavyo kiongozi yeyote wa dunia angeweza kuvimiliki, {na ana kiti kikubwa} yaani kiti alichokaa kilipambwa na kupambwa kwa vito mbalimbali, lulu, dhahabu na vitu vingine vya thamani kubwa. Kisha, akataja kukufuru kwao Allah Mtukufu na kuabudu jua badala ya Allah, na jinsi Shetani alivyowadanganya kwa kuyapamba matendo yao machoni mwao na kuwazuia njia ya Allah, {Basi hawamsujudii}

And, his saying: {She has been given all things} that could be possessed by any ruler of the earth, {and she has a great throne} i.e. the chair she sits on was ornamented and studded with various jewels, pearls, gold and other magnificent things. Then, he mentioned their disbelief in Allah the Almighty and their worship of the sun instead of Allah and the deceivement of Satan to them by making their deeds look fair-seeming in their eyes, and barring them from Allah's Way, {So they do not worship (prostrate themselves before)

Allah, Ambaye hufichua yaliyofichwa mbinguni na ardhini, na anajua mnayoficha na mnayoyadhihirisha} yaani, anajua siri zote na mambo yaliyo wazi, iwe ya kimwili au yasiyoonekana. {Allah, La ilaha illa Huwa (hakuna anayestahili kuabudiwa isipokuwa Yeye), Mola wa Kiti Kikuu cha Enzi!} yaani, Kiti Kikuu zaidi ambacho hakuna kiumbe chochote miongoni mwa viumbe Vyake anacho.

Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you conceal and what you reveal} i.e. He knows all secrets and revealed matters whether material or immaterial. {Allah, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne!} i.e. the Greatest Throne which none from among His creatures ever has.

Kisha Sulaiman akamtuma yule hudhudi na barua inayowaita wamtii Allah na Mtume Wake, watubu na wajisalimishe chini ya ufalme wake na nguvu zake. Akawatumia: {Msinifanyie kiburi, bali njooni kwangu mkiwa Waislamu} yaani, msiruhusu kiburi chenu kiwazuie kunitii, {bali njooni kwangu mkiwa Waislamu} yaani, waumini wa kweli wanaomnyenyekea Allah kwa unyenyekevu kamili. Yule hudhudi aliidondosha barua karibu naye, kisha akangoja kuona atakalofanya. Lakini malkia alikusanya wakuu, wafalme na mawaziri ili kushauriana. {Akasema: "Enyi wakuu! Hakika barua tukufu imeletwa kwangu}, kisha kwanza akasoma kichwa chake {Hakika ni kutoka kwa Sulaiman (Suleiman)}, kisha akasoma iliyobaki {na hakika ni (yenye maneno haya): Kwa jina la Allah, Mwingi wa Rehema, Mwenye kurehemu: Msinifanyie kiburi, bali njooni kwangu mkiwa Waislamu (waumini wa kweli wanaomnyenyekea Allah kwa unyenyekevu kamili)}. Kisha akatafuta ushauri wao kwa adabu kubwa {Akasema: Enyi wakuu! Nishauri katika jambo langu hili. Sikati jambo mpaka mkiwa mbele yangu}, yaani mnipe maoni yenu. {Wakasema: Tuna nguvu kubwa na uwezo mkubwa wa vita}, yaani tuna uwezo wa kuingia vitani pamoja na nguvu, silaha na mahitaji yake yote, kwa hiyo ikiwa unataka chaguo hilo, tumejiandaa vya kutosha. {Lakini amri ni yako, basi fikiri juu ya utakalo kuamuru}. Hivyo walionyesha utii kamili kwake, na baada ya kuonyesha uwezo wao mbele yake, waliliacha jambo mikononi mwake ili kuona nini kifanyike. Hakika maoni yake yalikuwa na busara na bora kuliko yao, kwani alijua kwamba mtumaji wa barua hakupaswa kupingwa, kudanganywa, wala hata kudanganyika. {Akasema: Hakika wafalme wanapoingia mji (nchi), huuharibu na kuwafanya wakubwa miongoni mwa watu wake kuwa wadogo kabisa. Na ndivyo wanavyofanya}, yaani anawaeleza kwamba mfalme huyo akiishinda ufalme wao huu, yeye ndiye atakayepata adhabu kali zaidi na udhalilishaji. {Lakini hakika! Nitamtumia zawadi, na nitaona majibu ya wajumbe watarudi nayo: Alitaka kumhonga Sulaiman kwa zawadi na vipawa, akijua kwamba Sulaiman (Amani iwe juu yake) hatakubali kutoka kwao chochote isipokuwa Uislamu, kwa kuwa yeye na watu wake walikuwa makafiri, huku Sulaiman na jeshi lake wakiwa na nguvu zaidi kuliko wao wote. Kwa sababu hiyo {Walipomfikia Sulaiman (Solomon) na zawadi hiyo, akasema: Je, mnataka kunisaidia kwa mali? Kile Mwenyezi Mungu alichonipa ni bora kuliko alichowapa ninyi! Bali ninyi mnafurahia zawadi yenu!} Kisha Sulaiman (Solomon) akamwambia kiongozi wa wajumbe wake aliyeleta zawadi {Rudi kwao. Hakika tutawajia kwa majeshi ambayo hawawezi kuyapinga, na tutawatoa huko kwa fedheha, nao watadhalilika}, yaani rudi nao zawadi zao kwa kuwa kile nilichopewa na Mwenyezi Mungu ni bora zaidi kuliko mali, utajiri na zawadi hizi ambazo mnazifurahia na kujaa kiburi na majivuno juu ya watu wenu. {Hakika tutawajia kwa majeshi ambayo hawawezi kuyapinga} yaani majeshi yasiyozuilika wala kushindwa wala kukabiliwa, na zaidi ya hayo tutawatoa katika ardhi yao, mali zao na utajiri wao {kwa fedheha, nao watadhalilika}, yaani wakiburuzwa na aibu, unyonge na maangamizi.

Thereupon, Sulaiman sent the hoopoe with a letter calling them to obey Allah and His Messenger, to repent and submit themselves to his kingship and power. He sent them: {Be you not exalted against me} i. e. do not let your pride prevent you from obeying me, {but come to me as Muslims} i.e. true believers who submit to Allah with full submission. The hoopoe dropped the letter near her and waited to see what she was going to do. However, she gathered the nobles, princes and ministers to have mutual consultation, {She said: "O chiefs! Verily! Here is delivered to me a noble letter}, then she first read its title {Verily it is from Sulaiman (Solomon)}, then she read the rest thereof {and verily, it (reads): In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful: Be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission)}. Then she sought their advice in a very polite manner {She said: 0 chiefs! Advise me in (this) case of mine. I decide no case till you are present with me} i.e. that you give me your opinions, {They said: We have great strength, and great ability for war}, i.e. we can afford war and all it needs of strength, materials, etc. so if you want this choice, we are well prepared thereto {but it is for you to command: so think over what you will command}, hence, they showed full obedience to her and after showing and displaying their abilities before her they left the matter in her hands to see what should be done. Verily, her opinion was wiser and better than theirs as she knew that the sender of the letter was not to be resisted, fooled, or even deceived. {She said: Verily kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it and make the most honorable amongst its people the lowest. And thus they do}, i.e. she explains to them that if that king overpowers this kingdom of theirs, she would be the one who receives the severest of punishment and degradation. {But verily! I am going to send him a present, and see with what (answer) the Messengers return} she wanted to bribe Sulaiman with presents and gifts knowing that Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) would not accept from them but Islam, as she and her people were disbelievers while he and his troops are far stronger than them all. For this {When (the messengers with the present) came to Sulaiman (Solomon), he said: Will you help me in wealth? What Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay, you rejoice in your gift!} Then Sulaiman (Solomon) said to the chief of her messengers who brought the present {Go back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from there in disgrace, and they will be abased} i.e. go back with your gifts for what I have been granted by Allah is far better than these properties, riches and presents with which you rejoice and be filled with arrogance and pride over your own people. {We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist} i.e. troops that are irresistible and cannot be defeated or encountered, and moreover we shall drive them out from their land, properties and wealth {in disgrace, and they will be abased} i.e. dragging shame, abasement and destruction.

Walipoisikia habari hizo, walikimbia kwa haraka wakitangaza unyenyekevu wao kamili, utii kamili, na utayari wao wa kumsindikiza malkia wao katika safari yake ya kwenda kukutana na Sulaiman (amani imshukie). Aliposikia kwamba wanakuja na nia yao ya kujiweka mbele yake, alisema kwa wale (Majini) waliokuwa miongoni mwa wageni wake waliokuwepo, kama wangeweza kumletea kiti chake cha enzi kabla hajafika. {Mmoja wa Ifriti (jini mwenye nguvu) miongoni mwa majini alisema: Nitakuletea kabla hujainuka kutoka mahali pako (baraza). Na hakika mimi ni mwenye nguvu, ninayeaminika kwa kazi kama hii} yaani kabla hujamaliza baraza lako la kutawala. Imesemwa kwamba yeye alikuwa akisimamia mambo ya Bani Israili tangu mwanzo wa siku hadi adhuhuri. {Hakika mimi ni mwenye nguvu, ninayeaminika kwa kazi kama hii} yaani, mimi ni mwenye nguvu za kutosha kukuletea kiti hicho, na wakati huo huo nitaaminiwa kwa kile kilichomo ndani yake cha vito vya thamani na lulu. Lakini {Yule aliyekuwa na elimu ya Kitabu alisema} yaani Asif bin Barkhiya, ambaye alikuwa binamu wa Sulaiman upande wa mama, alisema ni mmoja wa waumini miongoni mwa Majini aliyejua Jina Kuu la Allah Mtukufu. Pia imesemwa kwamba alikuwa mmoja wa wanazuoni wa Bani Israili. Zaidi ya hayo, imesemwa kwamba ni Sulaiman mwenyewe, ambayo ni maoni ya ajabu sana na yasiyo ya kawaida, ambayo As-Suhaili aliyaeleza kuwa nje ya muktadha. Maoni ya nne yalishikilia kwamba alikuwa Jibril (amani imshukie).

When they heard the news, they rushed declaring their full submission and perfect obedience and willingness to accompany their queen in her leaving for meeting Sulaiman (Peace be upon him). When he (Peace be upon him) heard of their coming and their intention to present themselves before his hand, he said to those (Jinn) from among his present hosts if they would bring him her throne before she manage to come: {A`Ifrit (strong one) from the jinn said: I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work) i.e. before you finish your ruling council. It was said that he used to run the affairs of the Banu Israel from the beginning of the day till the noon. {Verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work} i.e. I am strong enough to bring the throne to you, and at the same time I am to be entrusted with what it contains of the precious jewels and pearls. But {One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said} i.e. Asif Ibn Barkhiya who was Sulaiman's maternal cousin, said it was one of the believers from among the Jinn who knew the Greatest Name of Allah the Almighty. It is also said that he was one from among the scholars of the Banu Israel. Moreover, it was said to be Sulaiman himself, which is very strange and odd opinion and which As-Suhaili described to be out of context. A fourth opinion held that it was Gabriel (Peace be upon him).

{Nitakuletea kabla ya kufumba na kufumbua macho!} yaani kabla hujamtuma mjumbe hadi mahali pa mbali kabisa duniani na yeye kurejea kwako. Pia imesemwa: kabla mtu wa mbali kabisa unayemwona hajakufikia; au kabla macho yako hayajachoka kutazama sehemu fulani na jicho lako kufumba; au kabla hujapata tena uwezo wa kuona ukitazama mahali pa mbali kabisa macho yako yanapoweza kufika kisha ukafumba jicho, (ambayo ndiyo tafsiri yenye uwezekano mkubwa zaidi). {Basi alipoona kiti hicho kimewekwa mbele yake} yaani alipoona kiti cha enzi cha Bilqis kimeletwa na kuwekwa mbele yake, katika kipindi hiki kifupi mno, kutoka Yemen hadi Yerusalemu, {alisema: "Haya ni katika fadhili za Mola wangu Mlezi, ili anijaribu kama nitashukuru au nitakufuru!} yaani haya ni katika fadhili za Allah nilizopewa, na fadhili Zake watu wote hupewa, ili awajaribu kama watashukuru au watakufuru. {Na anayeshukuru, basi anashukuru kwa faida ya nafsi yake mwenyewe} yaani faida ya shukrani hiyo inamrudia yeye mwenyewe, {na anayekufuru, basi (anakufuru kwa hasara ya nafsi yake mwenyewe tu). Hakika Mola wangu Mlezi ni Mwenye kujitosheleza (hahitaji kitu), Mkarimu} yaani Yeye hahitaji shukrani za wenye kushukuru, wala hadhurika na ukafiri wa makafiri.

{I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!} i.e. before you send a messenger to the farthest place on earth and he comes back to you. It was also said: before the farthest person you can see reaches you; or before your sight gets weary of starring at some point and your eye closes; or before you regain your sight if you look to the farthest place your sight can reach then you close your eye, (which is the most likely interpretation). {Then when he [Sulaiman (Solomon)) saw it placed before him} i.e. when he saw the throne of Bilqis brought and placed before him, in this too short period, from the Yemen to Jerusalem, {he said: "This is by the Grace of my Lord -to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful!} i.e. this is by the Grace of Allah lam granted and His Grace all people are granted testing them whether they are grateful or ungrateful. {And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his own self} i.e. the benefit of this returns onto himself, {and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his own self. Certainly my Lord is Rich (Free of all needs), Bountiful} i.e. He is neither in need of thanking of the thankful, nor is He harmed by disbelief of the disbelievers.

Kisha Sulaiman (amani ya Mwenyezi Mungu iwe juu yake) aliamuru kiti chake kibadilishwe na kufichwa ili kupima akili yake na ufahamu wake, akisema {ili tuone kama atawongozwa (kuitambua kiti chake), au atakuwa miongoni mwa wale wasioongozwa. Basi alipokuja, iliambiwa (kwake): Je, kiti chako ni kama hiki? Akasema: (Ni) kana kwamba ni kile kile}. Hii ni kutokana na ufahamu wake na busara yake ya wazi, kwani alikiweka kando uwezekano kwamba ni kiti chake mwenyewe, kwa kuwa alikuwa ameacha kiti chake mbali huko Yemen, na kwa kuwa hakujua kwamba kuna yeyote anayeweza kufanya tendo hili la ajabu la kukihamisha hadi Yerusalemu.

Then, Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) ordered her throne to be altered and disguised to test her mentality and understanding, saying {that we may see whether she will be guided (to recognize her throne), or she will be one of those not guided. So when she came, it was said (to her): Is your throne like this? She said: (It is) as though it were the very same}, this is due to her understanding and clear insight that she set aside the possibility that it was her own throne for she has just left it far away in the Yemen, and that she did not know that there is any who can do this marvelous act of removing it to Jerusalem.

Mwenyezi Mungu Mtukufu anasema kuhusu Sulaiman na watu wake: {Na (Sulaiman (Solomon)) akasema: Elimu ilitolewa kwetu kabla yake, nasi tukawa tumejisalimisha (katika Uislamu kama Waislamu) kabla yake. Na yale aliyokuwa akiabudu badala ya Allah yalimzuia (asiingie katika Uislamu), kwa kuwa alikuwa katika watu makafiri}, yaani.

Allah the Almighty says pertaining to Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) and his people {And (Sulaiman (Solomon)) said: Knowledge was bestowed on us before her, and we were submitted to Allah (in Islam as Muslims before her). And that which she used to worship besides Allah has prevented her (from Islam), for she was of a disbelieving people} i.e.

akiabudu jua, ambalo yeye na watu wake walikuwa wakijisujudia badala ya Allah Mtukufu, wakifuata dini ya baba zao na mababu zao bila ushahidi wowote wala hoja yoyote juu ya hilo. Sulaiman (amani iwe juu yake)

worshipping the sun to whom she used to prostrate herself and her people instead of Allah the Almighty in follow of the religion of her fathers and ancestors with no evidence or proof of this. Sulaiman (Peace be upon him)

Hapo awali, aliagizwa kujengwa Sarh (uso wa kioo wenye maji chini yake ambamo kuna aina mbalimbali za samaki na viumbe wengine wa baharini). Baadaye, Bilqis aliagizwa kuingia ndani ya Sarh wakati Sulaiman (amani imshukie) akiwa ameketi juu ya kiti chake cha enzi, {Basi alipoiona, alidhani ni bwawa la maji, akainua nguo zake (akaonyesha miguu yake)}. (Sulaiman (Solomon))

previously ordered a Sarh (a glass surface with water underneath in which there are various sorts of fish and other seacreatures) to be built. Afterwards, Bilqis was ordered to enter the Sarh while Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) was sitting on his throne, {But when she saw it, she thought it was a pool, and she (tucked up her clothes) uncovering her legs. (Sulaiman (Solomon))

Alisema: "Hakika, ni sarh (uso wa kioo wenye maji chini yake au jumba la kifalme)." Akasema: "Mola wangu! Hakika nimejidhulumu nafsi yangu, nami nasilimu [katika Uislamu, pamoja na Sulaiman (Suleimani)] kwa Allah, Mola wa walimwengu (wanadamu, majini na kila kilichopo)}."

said: "Verily, it is a Sarh (a glass surface with water underneath it or a palace)." She said: "My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, and I submit [in Islam, together with Sulaiman (Solomon)). to Allah, the Lord of the" Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)}.

Ilisemwa: Kwamba Sulaiman (amani imshukie) alipotaka kumwoa, aliwauliza watu kuhusu njia ya kuondoa nywele za miguuni mwake, nao wakataja wembe, lakini yeye aliogopa hilo. Kisha, yeye (amani imshukie)

It was said: That when Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) wanted to marry her he asked mankind about a way of removing the hair from her legs, and they mentioned the razor, but she feared thereof. Then, he (Peace be upon him)

Alishauriana na Jini aliyemtengenezea bafu. Hivyo, yeye ndiye aliyekuwa wa kwanza kuingia bafuni.

consulted the Jinn who made the bath for him. Thus, he was the first to enter the bath.

At-Tha`labi na wengine wamesema: Sulaiman alipomwoa, alimrudishia ufalme wa Yemen, na alikuwa akimtembelea huko na kukaa siku tatu kila mwezi, kisha anarudi Yerusalemu juu ya zulia la kuruka. Zaidi ya hayo, aliwaamuru Majini wamjengee majumba matatu huko Yemen: Ghamdan, Salhin na Bitun. Na Allah ndiye Mjuzi zaidi! Ibn Ishaq alipokea, kutoka kwa baadhi ya wanazuoni, kwa mamlaka ya Wahb Ibn Munabih, kwamba Sulaiman (amani imshukie) hakumwoa, bali alimwozesha kwa mfalme wa Ramadan na kumwacha atawale Yemen tena, na akamtiishia mfalme wa Majini wa Yemen ili amjengee yale majumba matatu yaliyotajwa. Simulizi hii si thabiti kama ile iliyotangulia, na Allah ndiye Mjuzi zaidi!

At-Tha`labi and others said: When Sulaiman married her he returned the kingdom of Yemen to her and he used to visit her there and stay for three days a month then comes back to Jerusalem on the flying carpet. In addition, he ordered the Jinn to build him three palaces in the Yemen: Ghamdan, Salhin and Bitun. And, Allah knows best! Ibn Ishaq transmitted after some scholars on the authority of Wahb Ibn Munabih that Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) did not marry her, but he got her married to the king of Ramadan and let her ruling over the Yemen again, and he (Peace be upon him) subjected to her the king of the Jinn in Yemen to build her the aforementioned three palaces. This narration is not authenticated like the previous one, and Allah knows best!