Surah Saba — Verse 12

Word Meanings:

• Ghuduwwuha (غُدُوّهَا): Its morning journey or course.
• Rawahuhа (رَوَاحُهَا): Its afternoon/evening journey or course.
• Asalna (أَسَلْنَا): We caused to flow or melted.
• ‘Ayn al-Qitr (عَيْنَ الْقِطْرِ): A spring/fountain of molten copper (or brass).
• Yazegh (يَزِغْ): To deviate, turn aside, or swerve.
• As-Sa‘eer (السَّعِير): The blazing, fiercely burning Fire.

Tafsir (Explanation):

In this noble verse, Allah reminds us of another magnificent blessing He bestowed upon His Prophet Sulayman (Solomon), peace be upon him—a blessing that showcases Allah’s absolute power and His special favour towards His righteous servants.

Allah says: "And to Sulayman [We subjected] the wind: its morning course was a month's journey, and its afternoon course was a month's journey." Imagine this! The wind was placed at Sulayman’s command, carrying him and his massive entourage. In a single morning—from dawn until midday—he could travel the distance that would normally take a full month on foot or by conventional means. And in the afternoon, from midday until sunset, he would cover another month’s distance. Thus, in a single day, he could traverse what would ordinarily take two months. This was not magic or sorcery; it was a divine miracle granted by Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, demonstrating that when Allah wills something, He simply says "Be" and it is.

Then Allah says: "And We caused a spring of molten copper to flow for him." Copper, in its natural state, is a hard, solid metal. But Allah, in His infinite power, melted it for Sulayman until it flowed like water, making it easy for him and his workers to shape and mould it into whatever they needed—weapons, tools, vessels, and structures. This was another extraordinary favour, showing that Allah can soften even the hardest of substances for His obedient servants.

Furthermore, Allah says: "And among the jinn were those who worked before him by the permission of his Lord." The jinn—powerful and unseen creatures—were subjugated to Sulayman. They laboured for him, building magnificent structures, diving into the seas for pearls, and performing tasks beyond human capability. But note the crucial phrase: "by the permission of his Lord." This was not Sulayman’s own power; it was Allah’s decree and permission. No one—whether human or jinn—has power except by Allah’s will.

Yet, with this great authority came a stern warning: "And whoever among them deviated from Our command, We would make him taste the punishment of the Blazing Fire." Any jinn who disobeyed Allah’s command—specifically, the command to obey and serve Sulayman—would face severe punishment. This teaches us a profound lesson: authority and power are always coupled with accountability. Those who are given blessings must use them in obedience to Allah, and those who rebel against His commands will face His justice.

A Da‘wah Reflection:

This verse is a treasure trove of lessons for every believer. First, it reminds us of Allah’s boundless generosity—He grants His chosen servants extraordinary abilities and resources, not because they deserve them by their own merit, but out of His grace and wisdom. Sulayman was a grateful servant; he constantly acknowledged Allah’s favours and used them in obedience.

Second, it teaches us about the proper use of power. Sulayman did not use the wind, the copper, or the jinn for arrogance or oppression. Instead, he used them to establish justice, build places of worship, and spread goodness. This is a timeless lesson for all who hold positions of authority—whether in government, business, or community: power is a trust from Allah, and it must be exercised with humility, justice, and service to others.

Third, the verse instils hope in our hearts. If Allah could soften metal for Sulayman, He can soften hearts, ease difficulties, and open doors for His believing servants today. No matter how hard your circumstances may seem—like solid copper—remember that the Creator of copper can melt it in an instant. Turn to Him with sincere faith, and He will make a way out for you.

Finally, the warning about the Blazing Fire for those who deviate should make us reflect on our own obedience. Just as the jinn were accountable for their actions, so are we. Allah has given us clear guidance through the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Let us not deviate from His commands, for His punishment is severe, but His mercy is even greater for those who repent and return to Him.

May Allah make us among His grateful and obedient servants, and may He grant us the wisdom to use every blessing we have in ways that please Him. Ameen.