Surah An-Naml — Verse 23

Word Meanings:

• Tamlikuhum – She rules over them and holds authority as their sovereign.
• Ūtiyat min kulli shay’ – She has been granted from every kind of worldly means, wealth, power, and resources.
• Arshun ‘Azim – A magnificent throne, vast and splendid in construction and grandeur.

Tafsir (Explanation):

The hoopoe, having been sent by Prophet Sulayman (peace be upon him) to inspect the land of Saba’, returned with astonishing news. It reported: "I have found a woman ruling over them." This woman was Queen Bilqis, who governed her people with wisdom and authority. She had been given from every thing—meaning she possessed abundant worldly blessings: wealth, resources, military strength, and the means of governance that befitted her station. Moreover, she had a magnificent throne, an immense and ornate seat of power from which she administered the affairs of her kingdom. This throne was not merely a piece of furniture but a symbol of her sovereignty, crafted with extraordinary skill and grandeur, reflecting the extent of her dominion and the prosperity of her realm.

This verse highlights the remarkable reality that a woman could hold supreme leadership, commanding respect and managing a thriving civilization. Yet, despite all this worldly power and splendor, the deeper truth remains: all of this was but a test from Allah. The queen and her people possessed the trappings of greatness, but they lacked the most essential treasure—the knowledge and worship of the One True God. Their hearts were veiled from the light of Tawhid, and their civilization, however advanced, was built upon a foundation of ignorance regarding their Creator.

Da’wah Reflection:

How often do we marvel at worldly achievements—wealth, thrones, and empires—while forgetting that the true crown of honor lies in submission to Allah? Queen Bilqis had everything one could desire in this life, yet the greatest gift she was about to receive was the call to Islam brought by Sulayman (peace be upon him). This story invites every soul to reflect: no matter how much we possess, our hearts remain incomplete until they bow to the One who grants all power and takes it away. The Quran presents this narrative not merely as history, but as a living lesson—that true greatness is not in the size of one’s throne, but in the humility of one’s heart before Allah. Let us, therefore, seek the kingdom that never fades: the kingdom of faith, which elevates its holder in this world and the Hereafter.