The King of All Creations
Sulayman (Solomon) was the son of Prophet Dawud and inherited his father's wisdom and kingdom. He prayed for a kingdom unlike any that would ever exist again, and Allah granted it. He was given control over the wind, which could carry his fleet across vast distances in a single day, and authority over the Jinn, who built magnificent structures, including the First Temple (Bayt al-Maqdis), under his command.
Most remarkably, Sulayman was taught the language of animals and insects. He famously overheard an ant warning its colony to hide from his approaching army, and he smiled in gratitude for the ability to hear even the smallest of creatures. This showed that his power was tempered by extreme sensitivity and awareness of the lives of all beings, no matter how small.
The Queen of Sheba and the Palace of Glass
While reviewing his army of birds, Sulayman noticed the absence of the Hoopoe. When the bird returned, it brought news of a wealthy kingdom in the south (Saba/Sheba) ruled by a Queen who worshipped the sun. Sulayman sent a letter inviting her to the worship of One God. After testing his wisdom with riddles and gifts, the Queen, Bilqis, visited his palace in Jerusalem.
Sulayman had a palace built with a floor of clear glass over flowing water. When Bilqis entered, she thought it was a pool and lifted her skirts. When she realized it was a miracle of architecture and wisdom, she was overwhelmed. Recognizing that such power could only come from the Creator, she submitted to Allah and entered the fold of Islam, ending centuries of sun-worship in her land.
The Lesson of the Staff and the Death of a King
Despite his unimaginable power, Sulayman remained a humble servant of Allah. His life ended while he was leaning on his staff, supervising the Jinn as they worked on a massive project. He remained in that position for a long time after his death, and the Jinn did not realize he had passed until a worm ate through his staff, causing it to break.
This event served as a final lesson: even the Jinn, who were thought to have knowledge of the unseen, did not know that the King had died. It proved that only Allah knows the unseen. Sulayman's reign represents the pinnacle of worldly power combined with Prophetic wisdom, teaching that all wealth and authority are temporary and belong ultimately to the Divine.
From the Holy Quran
وَوَرِثَ سُلَيْمَانُ دَاوُودَ ۖ وَقَالَ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ عُلِّمْنَا مَنطِقَ الطَّيْرِ
"And Solomon inherited David. He said, 'O people, we have been taught the language of birds... [An ant] said, "O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not." So [Solomon] smiled, laughing at her speech...'"
— Surah An-Naml (16-19)