Surah An-Naml — Verse 39

Word Meanings:

• ʿIfrīt (عفريت): A powerful, cunning, and strong being among the jinn; specifically a rebellious and mighty one.
• Min al-Jinn (من الجن): From the jinn, a creation of Allah made from smokeless fire, unseen to humans.
• Ātīka bihi (آتيك به): I will bring it to you — referring to the throne of the Queen of Sheba (Bilqīs).
• Qabla an taqūma min maqāmika (قبل أن تقوم من مقامك): Before you rise from your seat — meaning before the end of the current sitting or council session.
• Laqawiyyun (لقوي): Certainly strong — capable of carrying and transporting the throne.
• Amīn (أمين): Trustworthy — faithful to the task, not tampering with or diminishing anything.

Explanation of the Verse:

When Prophet Sulaymān (peace be upon him) asked his assembly who could bring him the throne of the Queen of Sheba before they arrived, a powerful ʿifrīt from among the jinn stepped forward and said: "I will bring it to you before you even rise from your seat." This was an extraordinary offer — the throne was in Yemen, and Sulaymān was in Jerusalem, a great distance away. Yet this jinn was so confident in his strength and ability that he promised to accomplish this feat in the blink of an eye, within the brief time of a single sitting.

The ʿifrīt further assured Sulaymān: "Indeed, I am strong enough to carry it, and I am trustworthy." His strength guaranteed he could physically transport the massive throne, laden with precious jewels and treasures, while his trustworthiness assured that he would not steal, damage, or alter anything from it. He would bring it exactly as it was — complete and unblemished.

This verse highlights the extraordinary power that Allah had placed at the disposal of His Prophet Sulaymān. The jinn, despite their might and abilities, were subjugated to him by Allah's will. Yet, as we will see in the following verse, even this remarkable feat was surpassed by a man of faith who had knowledge from the Book, who brought the throne in the twinkling of an eye — showing that true power lies not in physical strength but in divine knowledge and faith.

A Call to Reflection:

Beloved reader, ponder this scene: a mighty jinn, with all his supernatural strength, could only promise to bring the throne before Sulaymān rose from his seat. But Allah's power knows no limits — He can grant His righteous servants abilities that defy all human imagination. This story invites you to reflect on the greatness of Allah, who created both the jinn and humans, and who grants wisdom and power to whom He wills.

Take a lesson from the ʿifrīt's words: he combined strength with trustworthiness. As Muslims, we too should strive to be strong in our faith and abilities, yet always remain trustworthy and honest in our dealings. When you promise something, fulfill it with integrity. When you undertake a task, do it with excellence. And above all, remember that no matter how powerful any creation may be — whether jinn or human — all power ultimately belongs to Allah alone, and He is the One who deserves our complete reliance and devotion.

Let this verse inspire you to seek knowledge and faith, for the one who truly understands Allah's signs can achieve what even the strongest of the jinn cannot — not by his own might, but by the grace and permission of the Almighty.