It Is from Solomon and It Says In the Name of Allah the Most Merciful — The Letter of the Believing King
tadabbur
Level: basic
stories
td-335
إِنَّهُۥ مِن سُلَيۡمَٰنَ وَإِنَّهُۥ بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
— النمل 30
Verse: "It is from Solomon and it says: In the name of Allah the Most Merciful, do not exalt yourselves over me and come to me in submission." (27:30) — The Queen of Sheba read the letter with dignity, called it "a noble letter," then read it to her council. The just ruler consults before deciding. Her response: "I delegate my matter to Allah" — her inner surrender. Solomon's ﷺ letter began with "in the name of Allah the Most Merciful" — a king of great power inviting with mercy not terror. The goal: Islam and entering in peace, not subjugation and humiliation. Call before force. Lesson: wise leadership sends the word before the sword.
Source: Ibn Kathir (6/195); Al-Sadi
Question: What is the difference between Solomon's and Pharaoh's methods in dealing with opponents?
Answer: Solomon: calling with word and mercy before force. Pharaoh: terror and humiliation from the start — faithful leadership vs. tyrannical leadership.