رَبِّ إِنِّي ظَلَمۡتُ نَفۡسِي وَأَسۡلَمۡتُ مَعَ سُلَيۡمَٰنَ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَٰلَمِينَ
Quranic context: An-Naml 22-44
Context: The hoopoe told Sulayman of the Queen of Sheba, her great throne, and people prostrating to the sun. Sulayman sent his letter: "It is from Sulayman and it is in the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful — do not be arrogant with me but come to me in submission." She consulted her people then sent a gift. Sulayman refused it.
The throne: Her throne was brought before her gaze returned to her. When she saw it: "Is your throne like this?" She said: "It is as though it were the same." She was invited to enter the crystal palace and thought it was water, uncovering her legs. She was told: "It is a palace paved with glass."
Submission: "My Lord, I have wronged myself and I submit with Sulayman to Allah, Lord of the Worlds."
Lesson:
- Sulayman called to Islam before war — the call comes first and power supports it
- The gift did not sway him — prophets cannot be bought
- The crystal palace: revealed reality through beauty rather than direct miracle — aesthetic awe opens doors
- Her submission was fully voluntary: "I wronged myself" — an admission of prior error
Question: What is the significance of Sulayman refusing the gift sent by Bilqis?
Answer: It showed his goal was the call to faith, not material gain — and that prophets do not bargain over truth. He said: "Do you offer me wealth? What Allah has given me is better than what He has given you."