Table Of Contents

Meet the Key Figures in Surah Naml: Roles, Significance & Takeaways

This Character Compendium provides a definitive resource on the key figures, archetypes, and divinely-inspired creatures within Surah An-Naml, the 27th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. A Makkan Surah, its name, “The Ant,” is derived from the remarkable story of Prophet Sulayman’s interaction with a colony of ants, highlighting a central theme: Allah’s absolute knowledge and power extends over all of creation, from the mightiest kingdoms to the humblest of creatures. The Surah masterfully contrasts the grateful submission of figures like Sulayman and the Queen of Sheba with the arrogant denial of Pharaoh and the peoples of Salih and Lut. Each character card delves into the specific portrayal of these figures, extracting the timeless lessons on faith, wisdom, gratitude, and the clear signs of God’s sovereignty in the world.

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Allah (The One God)

Brief Biography / Background

Allah is the proper name for the One, True God, the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all existence. Surah An-Naml is a powerful testament to His absolute power, His infinite knowledge, His wisdom in bestowing unique gifts upon His prophets, and His ultimate justice.

Role in the Surah

Allah is the ultimate actor and authority in every narrative of the Surah. He is the one who called to Musa from the blessed fire. He is the one who gave knowledge to Dawud and Sulayman and made the latter the heir. He is the Lord whose blessings are the source of Sulayman’s gratitude. He is the one who directs the Hoopoe, understands the speech of the ant, and whose power brings the Queen of Sheba’s throne in the blink of an eye. The Surah concludes with a series of powerful rhetorical questions that establish His exclusive right to be worshipped over any other being: “Is He [not] better than what they associate with Him?” (An-Naml, 27:59).

Personality & Attributes

This Surah magnificently illustrates Allah’s attributes:

• Al-‘Alim (The All-Knowing): His knowledge encompasses the speech of ants and the secrets of the heavens and earth.
• Al-Qadir (The All-Powerful): Demonstrated through the miracles of Musa and the kingdom of Sulayman.
• Al-Hakim (The All-Wise): He bestows knowledge and judgment upon His prophets.
• Al-Khallaq (The Creator): He is the one who originates creation and will repeat it.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Reflecting on the signs in the universe, from the creation of the heavens to the smallest creatures, is the primary path to recognizing the greatness of Allah.
• All power, knowledge, and authority ultimately belong to Allah, who bestows them upon whom He wills as a test.
• The only logical conclusion for a rational mind is that the Creator and Sustainer of the universe is the only one worthy of praise and worship.

Supporting References

The series of questions that begin from verse 27:60 (“Is He who created the heavens and earth… better, or what they associate?”) is one of the most powerful and sustained arguments for Tawhid in the Qur’an. It systematically contrasts the living, powerful, responsive Creator with the dead, helpless idols, leaving the polytheists with no logical ground to stand on.

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An-Naml (The Ant)

Brief Biography / Background

An-Naml, the ant, is a small, social insect known for its diligence, organization, and communication. The Qur’an honors this humble creature by naming the 27th Surah after it, based on a remarkable incident involving Prophet Sulayman (عليه السلام).

Role in the Surah

The Ant plays a brief but pivotal role that demonstrates the vastness of Sulayman’s kingdom and the extent of Allah’s power. As Sulayman’s mighty army marched through a valley, a single ant, acting as a leader, perceived the danger and issued a command to her colony: “Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, ‘O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not.'” (An-Naml, 27:18). This intelligent and articulate speech was understood by Sulayman, causing him to smile and pray with gratitude.

Personality & Attributes

The Ant is the archetype of the **wise, articulate, and responsible leader**. She is characterized by her intelligence, her concern for her community, her clear communication, and her good opinion of others (assuming Sulayman’s army would crush them unintentionally). She is a testament to the fact that all creatures are part of divinely-ordered, communicative societies.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Allah has bestowed upon all creatures, even the smallest insects, a form of consciousness and communication suitable to their nature.
• A true leader is one who is perceptive of danger and acts swiftly to protect their community.
• One should always have a good opinion of others, as the ant did not accuse Sulayman of malice but of potential heedlessness.
• The story is a profound lesson in humility; even the mightiest king can learn from the wisdom of the humblest ant.

Supporting References

Sulayman’s reaction is the core of the lesson. He does not react with arrogance, but with a smile and a heartfelt prayer to Allah, thanking Him for the ability to perceive this miracle and asking to be enabled to do righteous deeds. It is a perfect model of a grateful and humble leader.

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At-Tayr (The Birds)

Brief Biography / Background

At-Tayr, the birds, were a component of the miraculous army of Prophet Sulayman (عليه السلام). As part of the unique kingdom granted to him, he was taught the logic and language of the birds, and they served as a loyal and disciplined division of his forces.

Role in the Surah

The Birds are mentioned as part of the assembly of Sulayman’s army, alongside the Jinn and humans. “And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were lined up in orderly ranks.” (An-Naml, 27:17). They were an organized military contingent. A specific bird, the Hoopoe, plays a major role as a scout and messenger. The birds’ presence in the army signifies the vastness of Sulayman’s dominion, which extended beyond humanity into other realms of creation.

Personality & Attributes

The Birds are an archetype of **obedient and disciplined creation**. They represent the principle that all of nature can be made subservient to a righteous servant of Allah by His command. They are loyal soldiers in the army of God’s prophet.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The power of Allah is absolute, and He can grant His chosen servants dominion over aspects of creation that are beyond normal human capacity.
• All of creation, in its natural state, is in submission to its Lord, and this can be made manifest as a miracle.
• The story of Sulayman’s kingdom is a glimpse into the immense possibilities of a world governed by a leader who is in perfect harmony with the divine will.

Supporting References

The ability to understand the speech of birds was one of the specific sciences taught to Dawud and Sulayman. Sulayman’s declaration, “O people, we have been taught the language of birds,” was a proclamation of the unique blessing and knowledge Allah had bestowed upon him, a sign of his prophethood.

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‘Arsh (The Throne of the Queen)

Brief Biography / Background

The ‘Arsh was the magnificent and great throne of the Queen of Sheba. It was a symbol of her power, wealth, and the sovereignty of her kingdom. A grand throne was the ultimate expression of royal authority in the ancient world.

Role in the Surah

The Throne plays a central role in the interaction between Sulayman and the Queen. The Hoopoe first describes it to Sulayman: “…and she has a great throne.” (27:23). Later, as a test of her wisdom and a display of his divinely-supported power, Sulayman asks his assembly who can bring him her throne before she arrives. An ‘Ifrit from the Jinn offers to bring it, but one with “knowledge of the Scripture” brings it in the blink of an eye. Sulayman then has the throne disguised to test the Queen. When she arrives, she recognizes it, saying, “It is as though it is it.” (27:42). This miracle is a key factor in her eventual submission.

Personality & Attributes

The Throne is an archetype of **worldly power and royal splendor**. Its miraculous transportation is a symbol of the supremacy of divine power over any form of earthly power. It is the physical object that becomes the centerpiece of an intellectual and spiritual test.

Major Lessons & Morals

• No matter how great one’s worldly kingdom and power, it is insignificant before the power of Allah.
• Divine miracles can defy the known laws of physics and distance.
• Wise da’wah (invitation to Islam) can involve using signs and proofs that challenge a person’s intellect and make them question their own worldview.

Supporting References

Sulayman’s reaction upon seeing the throne placed before him is a lesson in gratitude. He does not take credit but immediately says, “This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful.” He uses the miracle as a moment for self-reflection and remembrance of God.

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The Believers (Al-Mu’minun)

Brief Biography / Background

The Believers are those who have sincere faith in Allah and accept the guidance brought by His prophets. They are the recipients of the Qur’an’s “guidance and good tidings.”

Role in the Surah

The believers are presented as the ones who will be safe from the terror of the Day of Judgment. The Surah concludes by contrasting the fate of the wicked with the security of the righteous: “Whoever comes with a good deed will have better than it, and they, from the terror of that Day, will be safe.” (An-Naml, 27:89). The Qur’an itself is defined at the beginning of the Surah as a “guidance and good tidings for the believers.” They are the ones who benefit from the signs and stories presented.

Personality & Attributes

The Believers are the archetype of the **righteous, the secure, and the successful**. They are characterized by their faith, their performance of good deeds, and their ultimate trust in Allah’s promise. Their defining outcome is to be in a state of absolute security (aminun) on the Day when all others are in a state of terror.

Major Lessons & Morals

• True and lasting security from the greatest terror (the Day of Judgment) is found only through faith and good deeds.
• The guidance of the Qur’an is a special blessing reserved for those whose hearts are open to belief.
• The ultimate measure of a person’s success will be their state of security on the Day all accounts are settled.

Supporting References

The promise of being “safe from the terror” is a profound one. It suggests that while the events of the Last Day will be terrifying for creation in general, Allah will place a special tranquility and security in the hearts of the believers, protecting them from the overwhelming fear that will afflict the wicked.

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Dabbat al-Ard (The Beast of the Earth)

Brief Biography / Background

Dabbat al-Ard is one of the major signs of the Day of Judgment. It is a unique creature or “beast” that Allah will bring forth from the earth near the end of time. Its purpose will be to speak to mankind and to distinguish the believers from the disbelievers.

Role in the Surah

The emergence of the Beast is mentioned as a sign that will appear when people have lost all certainty in the signs of Allah. “And when the word of judgment befalls them, We will bring forth for them a creature from the earth speaking to them, [saying] that the people were, of Our verses, not certain [in faith].” (An-Naml, 27:82). Its role is to be a final, undeniable, physical sign that the time for repentance is over and the time for final separation has begun.

Personality & Attributes

The Beast of the Earth is the archetype of the **final, undeniable sign and the great distinguisher**. It is a miraculous creature whose ability to speak is a direct and final communication to a humanity that has largely abandoned faith in the unseen. It is an agent of the final sorting of mankind.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Belief in the signs of the Last Hour, including the emergence of the Beast, is a part of Islamic creed.
• The appearance of such a major, supernatural sign will signal the closing of the door of repentance.
• One must believe in the signs of Allah based on the revelation, not wait until a miraculous and terrifying creature appears to prove it to them.

Supporting References

Hadith literature provides more details about the Beast, stating that it will carry the staff of Musa and the ring of Sulayman, and it will use them to mark the faces of people, marking the believer’s face with light and the disbeliever’s face with darkness, making the distinction between the two groups physically manifest to all.

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Dawud (David) `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Dawud (عليه السلام) was a righteous prophet and a just king of the Children of Israel. He was known for his wisdom, his beautiful recitation of the Zabur (Psalms), his bravery, and the special miracles Allah bestowed upon him.

Role in the Surah

Dawud is mentioned as the father of Sulayman and as one who was granted special knowledge by Allah. The Surah opens the narrative of Sulayman by establishing their shared blessing: “And We had certainly given to David and Solomon knowledge, and they said, ‘Praise to Allah, who has favored us over many of His believing servants.'” (An-Naml, 27:15). His role is to be the patriarch of this blessed, knowledgeable, and grateful prophetic dynasty. He is the one who established the foundation of the kingdom that his son Sulayman would inherit.

Personality & Attributes

Dawud is the archetype of the **knowledgeable and grateful servant**. He is characterized by his immediate response of praise (Alhamdulillah) upon receiving the divine gift of knowledge. He is a model of humility, recognizing that his favor is a gift from Allah, not a personal achievement.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Knowledge is a great blessing and favor from Allah.
• The proper response to being granted knowledge is immediate gratitude and praise to God.
• A believer should be humble, always recognizing that any virtue or skill they possess is a favor from Allah that places them above many others.

Supporting References

Their joint statement of praise is a beautiful lesson in the etiquette of the scholar. It teaches that knowledge should lead to humility and gratitude, not arrogance. The story of Dawud and Sulayman begins with this foundation of thankfulness, which is the key to the great kingdom that follows.

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The Disbelievers (Al-Kafirun)

Brief Biography / Background

Al-Kafirun, the disbelievers, are those who reject the clear signs of Allah and deny His message. In this Surah, they are the ones who deny the Resurrection and mock the idea of being brought back to life after becoming dust and bones.

Role in the Surah

The disbelievers are the ones who are in a state of “doubt” about the Hereafter. Their arguments are presented and then refuted by the power of Allah. “Rather, their knowledge is arrested concerning the Hereafter. Rather, they are in doubt about it. Rather, they are, concerning it, blind.” (27:66). They are the ones who, on the Day of Resurrection, will be driven and gathered, their faces dragged into the Fire, and told, “Are you recompensed except for what you used to do?” Their ultimate fate is one of utter loss and regret.

Personality & Attributes

The Disbelievers are characterized by their **spiritual blindness, their stubborn doubt, and their intellectual failure**. Their denial is not based on evidence, but on a progressive descent from lack of knowledge to doubt, and finally to complete blindness. They are the heedless who ignore the clear signs of creation and resurrection.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Doubt and denial of the Hereafter are the root causes of a heedless and sinful life.
• The punishment of the Hereafter is not an arbitrary act, but the just and direct consequence of one’s own actions.

* A believer should seek knowledge to move from doubt to certainty, the opposite of the disbelievers’ path.

Supporting References

The Surah powerfully refutes their denial of the Resurrection by pointing to the signs of Allah’s power in the universe. The One who created the heavens and earth and brings the dead land back to life can surely bring the dead back to life. The disbelievers’ position is shown to be a failure of both revelation and reason.

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Family of Lut, The

Brief Biography / Background

The Family of Lut refers to the believing members of Prophet Lut’s (عليه السلام) household. They were the small handful of righteous individuals who accepted his message in a city completely consumed by corruption and depravity.

Role in the Surah

They are the group marked for salvation from the divine punishment that was decreed for the people of Sodom. Allah says, “So We saved him and his family, except for his wife. We destined her to be of those who remained behind.” (An-Naml, 27:57). Their salvation is a direct act of divine mercy, a clear distinction made between the righteous and the wicked before the punishment descends.

Personality & Attributes

The Family of Lut is the archetype of the **saved remnant**. They are characterized by their **piety and their loyalty to their prophet**. Their salvation is a testament to the justice of Allah, who never punishes the innocent along with the guilty.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Allah’s justice is precise; He always provides a way out for the believers before a general punishment descends.
• Salvation is based on individual faith and righteousness, not just family ties, as demonstrated by the exception of Lut’s wife.
• A believer should trust that even if they are a small minority in a sea of corruption, Allah’s protection and mercy are with them.

Supporting References

Their story, presented here after the story of Salih and the troublemakers, continues the theme of divine justice. It shows that whether a people’s crime is disbelief and violence or moral depravity, the outcome is the same: destruction for the wrongdoers and salvation for the prophet and his believing family.

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Fir’awn (Pharaoh) and his People

Brief Biography / Background

Fir’awn, the arrogant king of Egypt, and his people were the recipients of the message of Prophet Musa (عليه السلام). They were a powerful and advanced civilization, but they were steeped in polytheism and the oppression of the Children of Israel.

Role in the Surah

The story of Musa’s encounter with Pharaoh is recounted as the first of the prophetic narratives in the Surah. Pharaoh and his people are the ones who witness the “nine clear signs” given to Musa. However, their reaction is one of arrogant rejection. “But when Our signs came to them, as clear evidence, they said, ‘This is obvious magic.’ And they rejected them, while their [inner] selves were certain of them, out of injustice and haughtiness.” (An-Naml, 27:13-14). Their role is to be the ultimate example of a people who deny the truth not out of ignorance, but out of pure pride and a desire to maintain their power.

Personality & Attributes

Pharaoh and his people are the archetype of the **arrogant and unjust denier**. They are characterized by their haughtiness (‘uluww) and their profound injustice (zulm). The Surah provides a unique psychological insight: they were inwardly “certain” of the truth of Musa’s signs, but their arrogance prevented their tongues from admitting it. Theirs was a willful, prideful disbelief.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The greatest barrier to truth is not a lack of evidence, but arrogance in the heart.
• It is possible for a person to be intellectually convinced of the truth but still reject it out of pride and injustice.
• The end of those who reject clear signs out of arrogance is always destruction.

Supporting References

The verse “And look at how was the end of the corrupters” that concludes their story is a powerful call to reflection. It frames their story as a historical lesson with a clear and terrible outcome, meant to be a warning for all who follow a similar path of arrogant denial.

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The Hoopoe (Al-Hudhud)

Brief Biography / Background

The Hoopoe is a species of bird known for its distinctive crown of feathers. In this Surah, a specific hoopoe is a key character, serving as an intelligent, brave, and pious scout and messenger in the army of Prophet Sulayman (عليه السلام).

Role in the Surah

The Hoopoe’s role is pivotal; it is the catalyst for the entire story of the Queen of Sheba. After being absent from the assembly, the Hoopoe returns and defends itself with a remarkable report: “He said, ‘I have encompassed [in knowledge] that which you have not encompassed, and I have come to you from Sheba with certain news. Indeed, I found [there] a woman ruling them, and she has been given of all things, and she has a great throne. I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah…'” (27:22-24). The Hoopoe not only brings intelligence but also performs theological analysis and expresses righteous indignation. Sulayman then uses the bird as a messenger to carry his letter to the Queen.

Personality & Attributes

The Hoopoe is the archetype of the **intelligent, zealous, and proactive servant**. It is characterized by its courage, its ability to gather and analyze information, and its strong sense of monotheistic zeal (hating shirk). It is a model of a subordinate who takes initiative for a righteous cause.

Major Lessons & Morals

• A believer should have a sense of righteous concern and zeal for the truth, and should be troubled by the sight of shirk.
• One should always verify news before acting upon it, as Sulayman did by sending the letter.
• The story demonstrates that Allah can use the smallest of His creatures to be a means of guidance for an entire nation.

Supporting References

The Hoopoe’s sophisticated speech and its grasp of geopolitics and theology is a profound miracle. It demonstrates the reality that the other creatures in Sulayman’s kingdom were not mere animals but intelligent beings operating under a divine order.

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The ‘Ifrit from the Jinn

Brief Biography / Background

An ‘Ifrit is a specific type of Jinn known for being particularly powerful, strong, and cunning. The term implies a rebellious and formidable being.

Role in the Surah

The ‘Ifrit plays a brief but memorable role in the court of Prophet Sulayman (عليه السلام). When Sulayman asks who can bring him the Queen of Sheba’s throne, the ‘Ifrit steps forward to showcase his power and speed. “A powerful one from among the jinn said, ‘I will bring it to you before you rise from your place. And indeed, I am for this [task] strong and trustworthy.'” (An-Naml, 27:39). His offer, while impressive, is immediately outdone by the one with knowledge of the Scripture.

Personality & Attributes

The ‘Ifrit is the archetype of **great physical power and strength**. He is confident in his abilities, boasting that he can transport a massive throne over a great distance in a matter of hours. He also declares himself to be “trustworthy” (amin), indicating that he would not steal from the throne’s treasures.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The world of the Jinn contains beings of immense power and capability, all of whom were made subservient to Sulayman by Allah’s will.
• The story demonstrates that knowledge-based power (from the Scripture) is ultimately faster and superior to purely physical or supernatural power.
• Even the most powerful and rebellious of creatures can be brought into a state of submission and service by the command of Allah.

Supporting References

His offer serves as a dramatic setup for the even greater miracle that follows. The ‘Ifrit’s boast of bringing the throne in a few hours is a display of incredible supernatural speed. The fact that the one with knowledge of the Book brings it in the “blink of an eye” serves to highlight that divine knowledge transcends the normal limitations of even the Jinn world.

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The Jinn (in Sulayman’s army)

Brief Biography / Background

The Jinn are a race of beings created from smokeless fire, who possess free will and live in a world unseen by humans. As a unique miracle, Allah made the Jinn subservient to Prophet Sulayman (عليه السلام), and they formed a powerful division of his army.

Role in the Surah

The Jinn are mentioned as one of the three main contingents of Sulayman’s mighty, organized army. “And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were lined up in orderly ranks.” (An-Naml, 27:17). They were a powerful and disciplined force under his command. A specific, powerful Jinn, an ‘Ifrit, offers his services to transport the Queen of Sheba’s throne.

Personality & Attributes

The Jinn in this context are an archetype of a **powerful, unseen force brought into submission and order**. They represent the extent of Sulayman’s divinely-granted dominion, which crossed the boundaries between the seen and the unseen worlds. They were a powerful but controlled part of his kingdom.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The story is a sign of the immense and unique kingdom that Allah bestowed upon Sulayman.
• It affirms the reality of the Jinn as a race of powerful beings who are, like all creation, ultimately under the dominion of Allah.
• A righteous ruler, by the will of Allah, can bring order and discipline to even the most rebellious of forces.

Supporting References

Other Surahs detail the specific tasks the Jinn were made to perform for Sulayman, which included deep-sea diving, construction of great buildings, and other difficult labors. Their subjugation was a clear and undeniable miracle and a proof of his prophethood.

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The Letter of Sulayman

Brief Biography / Background

The Letter of Sulayman was the official correspondence sent by the Prophet-King Sulayman (عليه السلام) to the Queen of Sheba, carried by the Hoopoe. It was the formal initiation of his da’wah (invitation) to her and her people.

Role in the Surah

The Letter is a key object in the narrative, and its content is quoted in the Surah. It is described as a “noble book.” Its content was concise, authoritative, and profound. The Queen reads it to her council: “‘Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it is [inscribed]: “In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, be not haughty with me but come to me in submission [as Muslims].”‘ “ (An-Naml, 27:30-31).

Personality & Attributes

The Letter is the archetype of the **perfect and powerful invitation to Islam**. It is characterized by its clarity, its authority, and its focus on the core message. It begins with the Basmalah, establishing its divine basis. Its demand is simple and direct: abandon arrogance and enter into a state of submission (Islam) to the One True God.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The letter of Sulayman is a model for all forms of da’wah and official correspondence in Islam.
• An invitation to the truth should be clear, direct, and authoritative, yet rooted in the mercy of Allah (as indicated by the Basmalah).
• The goal of da’wah is to call people to submit to Allah, not to the caller themselves (“come to me in submission [to God]”).

Supporting References

The Queen’s immediate reaction to the letter, calling it a “noble book,” shows that she recognized its special nature even before she met Sulayman. The power and dignity of its wording had an immediate effect on her, a testament to the wisdom with which it was written. It is a lesson in the power of clear, confident, and God-centric communication.

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Lut `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Lut (عليه السلام), Lot, was a prophet of Allah and the nephew of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام). He was sent to the people of Sodom, a community that had become infamous for their sexual perversion, particularly homosexuality, and their social corruption.

Role in the Surah

The story of Lut is the final prophetic narrative in the Surah, presented as another example of the conflict between a messenger and his corrupt people. He confronts them about their specific sin: “And [mention] Lot, when he said to his people, ‘Do you commit immorality while you are seeing? Do you indeed approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people behaving ignorantly.'” (27:54-55). His people’s only response was to threaten him and his family with expulsion for the “crime” of being pure. He was saved by Allah, while his people were destroyed by a devastating rain of stones.

Personality & Attributes

Lut is the archetype of the **righteous warner standing against societal depravity**. He is characterized by his courage to confront a deeply entrenched sin. He frames their action as a product of “ignorance” (jahl), meaning a reckless foolishness that goes against the natural order and sound reason.

Major Lessons & Morals

• A believer has a duty to speak out against moral corruption in society, even if the sin is widespread and normalized.
• When a society reaches a point where it considers purity to be a crime worthy of expulsion, it is a sign that it is on the brink of destruction.
• The punishment of Lut’s people is a timeless and severe warning against violating the natural and moral laws set by God.

Supporting References

His story fits the Surah’s recurring theme. He delivers a clear message, is rejected by his people, and is ultimately vindicated by Allah. The destruction of his people is another proof of the fate of the “corrupters,” a lesson that is first established in the story of Pharaoh.

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The Malikat Saba’ (The Queen of Sheba)

Brief Biography / Background

The Malikat Saba’, the Queen of Sheba, was the powerful, wise, and wealthy ruler of the kingdom of Saba’ in ancient Yemen. She presided over a prosperous nation that, despite its worldly advancements, had been deceived by Shaytan into worshipping the sun instead of Allah.

Role in the Surah

She is the central figure who interacts with Prophet Sulayman (عليه السلام). Her story is a journey from polytheism to pure monotheism. After receiving Sulayman’s letter, she wisely consults her council and decides on diplomacy over war. She travels to Sulayman’s court, where she is tested with a series of miracles: the instant transportation of her own throne, and a palace with a floor made of polished glass that she mistakes for water. Overwhelmed by these proofs of a power and knowledge far beyond her own, she makes a sincere and historic declaration of faith: “‘My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Solomon to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.'” (An-Naml, 27:44).

Personality & Attributes

The Queen of Sheba is the archetype of the **wise, rational, and sincere ruler**. She is characterized by her prudence, her consultative leadership style, and her profound humility in the face of a truth greater than her own power. She is the opposite of the arrogant Pharaoh; when presented with clear signs, she investigates, acknowledges the truth, and ultimately submits.

Major Lessons & Morals

• True wisdom is to recognize the truth when it is presented and to have the humility to submit to it.
• A good leader consults their people and avoids rushing into conflict.
• Worldly wealth and power are insignificant compared to the blessings and power of Allah.
• Her story is a perfect example of successful da’wah (invitation to Islam) through wisdom, power, and clear proofs.

Supporting References

Tafsir literature praises her wisdom at every step. Her decision to send a gift was a clever diplomatic test. Her immediate recognition of her throne showed her sharp intellect. Her final submission is a triumphant climax, showcasing the conversion of a powerful, intelligent monarch who was guided by reason and sincerity to the truth of monotheism.

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The Messengers (Rusul)

Brief Biography / Background

The Messengers (Rusul) are the prophets chosen by Allah to deliver His divine message to mankind. They are the best of humanity, tasked with the difficult duty of guiding people and warning them of the consequences of disbelief.

Role in the Surah

The Messengers are mentioned on the Day of Resurrection, when the terror of the Trumpet blast will seize all of creation, with an exception. “And [mention] the Day the Horn is blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will be terrified except whom Allah wills.” (An-Naml, 27:87). The ones “whom Allah wills” to be safe from this terror are understood to be the greatest of His servants, with the Messengers at their forefront. Their role is to be the archetype of those who are granted divine security on the most terrifying of days.

Personality & Attributes

The Messengers are the archetype of the **divinely-honored and protected guides of humanity**. They are characterized by their steadfastness and piety, which earns them a station of peace and security even when the rest of creation is in a state of terror. They are the leaders of the party of believers who are “safe” on that Day.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The terror of the Day of Judgment will be universal, affecting all of creation.
• Allah will grant special protection and security to His most beloved servants, especially His Messengers.
• The path to being safe on that Day is to follow the path of the Messengers in this life.

Supporting References

This verse provides a powerful motivation to follow the prophets. Their path is not only the path to salvation in terms of entering Paradise, but also the path to security from the very first moments of the Hereafter’s unfolding. Their followers who are truly righteous will share in this divine security.

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The Mighty Army of Sulayman

Brief Biography / Background

The Mighty Army of Sulayman was the unique and divinely-supported military and civil force commanded by Prophet Sulayman (عليه السلام). It was unprecedented in its composition, consisting not only of human soldiers but also of disciplined contingents of Jinn and birds.

Role in the Surah

The army’s assembly is described as a great sign of the kingdom given to Sulayman. “And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were lined up in orderly ranks.” (An-Naml, 27:17). Their march through the valley of the ants demonstrates their immense power, which could crush a whole civilization of ants without even perceiving it. The army is the instrument of Sulayman’s authority, and its might is what convinces the Queen of Sheba’s council that a military confrontation would be unwise.

Personality & Attributes

The Army is an archetype of **divinely-supported power, perfect discipline, and multi-species collaboration**. It is characterized by its orderly ranks and its complete submission to the command of its prophet-king. It is a force used not for oppression, but for the establishment of the truth.

Major Lessons & Morals

• When a leader is truly submitted to Allah, Allah can grant them power and authority over all realms of creation.
• Discipline and order are essential components of a strong and successful community.

* The story demonstrates that great power, when guided by prophethood, becomes a tool for guidance and mercy, not for tyranny.

Supporting References

The image of jinn, men, and birds marching together in disciplined ranks is a powerful and unique visual in the Qur’an. It is a glimpse into a miraculous kingdom where the barriers between the seen and unseen worlds were temporarily lifted, all in the service of a righteous prophet of God.

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Musa `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Musa (عليه السلام) is one of the five greatest messengers of Allah, sent with the Torah to the Children of Israel and to confront the great tyrant of his time, Pharaoh. His story is one of struggle, patience, and spectacular divine miracles.

Role in the Surah

The story of Musa opens the main narrative section of the Surah. It recounts his journey in the desert with his family, his seeing of a fire, and his first encounter with Allah in the sacred precinct. It is here that he is commissioned as a prophet and is given two of his great signs: the staff that turns into a slithering serpent, and his hand that shines with a brilliant white light. “He said, ‘O Moses, indeed it is I – Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.’ And he was told, ‘Throw down your staff.’ But when he saw it writhing as if it were a snake, he turned in flight and did not return…” (27:9-10). His story serves as the opening example of a prophet being given clear signs to confront a disbelieving people.

Personality & Attributes

Musa is the archetype of the **divinely chosen but initially fearful servant**. The Surah captures his very human reaction of fear when he sees his staff turn into a snake. He is then immediately reassured by Allah: “‘O Moses, do not fear. Indeed, in My presence the messengers do not fear.'” This shows his transformation from a state of natural human fear to a state of divinely-granted prophetic courage.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The journey of a prophet often begins with a profound and awe-inspiring personal encounter with God.
• It is natural to feel fear in the face of the supernatural, but a messenger of God must place their trust in His protection.

* Allah equips His messengers with clear and undeniable proofs to support them in their mission.

Supporting References

This opening narrative sets the stage for the rest of the Surah. It establishes the theme of divine signs (ayat) being the primary tool of the prophets. The signs given to Musa are a prelude to the different kinds of signs given to Sulayman, Salih, and Lut, all of which are denied by the arrogant.

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The Nine Troublemakers of Thamud

Brief Biography / Background

These were a specific gang or group of nine individuals within the city of the people of Thamud. They were the leaders of corruption and the primary instigators of the plot against their prophet, Salih (عليه السلام).

Role in the Surah

Their role is to be the agents of defiant evil. They are described as a group whose entire purpose was to spread corruption. “And there were in the city nine family heads causing corruption in the land and not amending [its affairs].” (An-Naml, 27:48). They are the ones who, after the people had already hamstrung the she-camel, hatched a secret plot to assassinate Salih and his family by night. They swore a solemn oath to each other to carry out their crime and then to feign ignorance.

Personality & Attributes

This group is the archetype of the **conspiring, corrupt, and treacherous criminal gang**. They are characterized by their commitment to “causing corruption” (yufsidun) and their refusal to do any good (la yuslihun). Their secret plot and their oath show their premeditated and malicious nature.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Within a corrupt society, there are often specific ringleaders who are the primary drivers of mischief and evil.
• The enemies of the truth often resort to secret plots and conspiracies when they cannot succeed in open debate.
• Allah is the best of planners; their secret plot was met with a divine plot that destroyed them while they were completely unaware.

Supporting References

The Surah highlights the futility of their scheme: “And they planned a plan, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not. Then look how was the outcome of their plan – that We destroyed them and their people, all together.” (27:50-51). This is a powerful lesson that no plot against Allah’s messengers can ever succeed.

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The One with Knowledge of the Scripture

Brief Biography / Background

This is an unnamed but powerful figure in the court of Prophet Sulayman (عليه السلام). He is described as one who possessed “knowledge of the Scripture” (‘ilm min al-Kitab). This knowledge was the source of his miraculous ability.

Role in the Surah

His role is to demonstrate a power that is even greater than the supernatural might of the Jinn. After the ‘Ifrit offers to bring the Queen of Sheba’s throne in a matter of hours, this individual makes a far more astonishing claim. “Said the one who had knowledge from the Scripture, ‘I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.'” (An-Naml, 27:40). He then fulfills this promise instantly. His action is the ultimate display of the power that Allah grants to His righteous and knowledgeable servants.

Personality & Attributes

This character is the archetype of the **righteous scholar and the master of divinely-granted knowledge**. He is characterized by his profound ability, which stems not from physical strength but from his connection to the divine book. He represents the principle that true power comes from knowledge that is rooted in God.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Knowledge that is derived from the Scripture and from Allah is a source of immense power, greater than any physical or worldly might.
• A believer should aspire to gain knowledge of the Book of Allah, as it is the key to true ability and honor.
• The story demonstrates that Allah can grant His servants miracles (karamat) as a sign of their piety and knowledge.

Supporting References

There is much scholarly discussion about the identity of this individual. Some suggest he was a righteous human scholar, like Sulayman’s vizier Asif ibn Barkhiya, who knew the greatest name of Allah. Others have suggested he was Sulayman himself, or even an angel. Regardless of his specific identity, the lesson is clear: the power he wielded was a direct result of the “knowledge of the Scripture” that he possessed.

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The People of Lut

Brief Biography / Background

The People of Lut were the inhabitants of the city of Sodom, to whom Prophet Lut (عليه السلام) was sent. They are infamous in the Qur’an for their widespread social corruption and their practice of sexual perversion.

Role in the Surah

Their role is to be an example of a people destroyed for their moral depravity. Their only response to Lut’s call to purity was to issue a decree of expulsion: “But the answer of his people was not except that they said, ‘Expel the family of Lot from your city. Indeed, they are people who keep themselves pure.'” (An-Naml, 27:56). This statement reveals the inverted and corrupt nature of their worldview: they considered purity to be a crime. As a result, Allah saved Lut and his family (except his wife) and “rained down upon them a rain [of stones].”

Personality & Attributes

They are an archetype of a **morally inverted and corrupt society**. They are characterized by their shamelessness and their intense hatred for purity and those who call to it. Their desire to expel the pure is a sign that they had reached a point of no return in their corruption.

Major Lessons & Morals

• When a society begins to view purity as a fault and indecency as the norm, it is a sign of its impending doom.
• The story of the people of Lut is a timeless and severe warning against transgressing the natural and moral laws set by God.

* A believer should never be ashamed of their purity, even if the surrounding society mocks it.

Supporting References

Their statement is deeply ironic. They meant it as an insult, but in reality, it was a testimony to the righteousness of Lut and his family. The Surah frames this event as another clear historical lesson, asking the reader to consider the terrible end of those whose warnings went unheeded.

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The People of Saba’ (Sheba)

Brief Biography / Background

The People of Saba’ (Sheba) were the subjects of the wise Queen who ruled the prosperous kingdom of Sheba in ancient Yemen. They were a powerful and civilized nation with a council of advisors, but they had been deceived by Shaytan into worshipping the sun.

Role in the Surah

Their role is to be the community that is called to the truth. The Hoopoe first reports their state: “I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds attractive to them and has averted them from the way, so they are not guided.” (27:24). They are the recipients of Sulayman’s letter. The Queen’s council shows their military might and loyalty, but defers to her wisdom. Ultimately, through the wisdom of their queen, the entire nation is guided, as she declares her submission “with Solomon to Allah, the Lord of the worlds,” implying that she would lead her people to the same truth.

Personality & Attributes

The People of Sheba are an archetype of a **civilized but misguided nation that is open to guidance**. Unlike the arrogant peoples of Pharaoh, Salih, or Lut, they are not immediately hostile. Their leadership is consultative and rational. They represent the potential for an entire society to be guided to the truth when its leadership is wise and sincere.

Major Lessons & Morals

• A nation’s fate is often tied to the wisdom and sincerity of its leadership.
• Even a prosperous and powerful civilization can be led astray by the deceptions of Shaytan.
• The story is a powerful example of successful da’wah on a national scale, achieved through wisdom rather than force.

Supporting References

The contrast between the people of Sheba and the other nations mentioned in the Surah is stark. While the others met their prophets with arrogant denial and were destroyed, the people of Sheba were met with wise da’wah and were guided. This shows the two possible outcomes of the prophetic call.

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Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

Brief Biography / Background

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the final messenger of Allah, to whom the Qur’an was revealed. Surah An-Naml was revealed to him in Makkah to strengthen him and the believers with the stories of past prophets and to provide powerful arguments for the truth of his message.

Role in the Surah

He is the one to whom the Qur’an is being given from a source that is “Wise and Knowing.” He is commanded to recite the Qur’an and to be of the “Muslims” (those who submit). The Surah reassures him that his role is only to be a clear warner, and that he cannot make the “dead” (spiritually dead) hear his call. The entire Surah serves as a divine toolkit for him, providing him with historical precedents (Musa, Salih, Lut) and rational arguments (the signs in creation) to counter the arguments of the polytheists of Midden.

Personality & Attributes

As the addressee of the Surah, the Prophet ﷺ is the archetype of the **patient and divinely-instructed warner**. The Surah empowers him with knowledge and gives him the proper perspective on his mission: his job is to deliver the message, but guidance is ultimately from Allah alone. He is commanded to put his trust in the “Exalted in Might, the Merciful.”

Major Lessons & Morals

• The source of the Prophet’s knowledge is directly from Allah, the All-Wise, All-Knowing.
• A caller to Islam cannot force guidance upon people; their duty is only to deliver the message clearly.

* A believer should put their complete trust in Allah and not be distressed by those who refuse to listen.

Supporting References

The command to “recite the Qur’an” is significant. It shows that the primary tool of da’wah is the word of Allah itself, as it contains the stories, arguments, and light that are sufficient to guide those whose hearts are open.

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Salih `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Salih (عليه السلام) was a prophet of ancient Arabia sent to the people of Thamud, who were famous for their ability to carve magnificent homes out of the rock faces of mountains. He called them to worship Allah alone and brought them the miraculous she-camel as a clear sign.

Role in the Surah

The story of Salih is the second major prophetic narrative in the Surah. He comes to his people with the clear message of monotheism, but they immediately split into two disputing factions. The disbelieving faction, a group of “nine troublemakers,” considered him a bad omen and hatched a secret plot to kill him and his family. Salih warned them of Allah’s plan, and they were ultimately destroyed for their plotting and their disbelief.

Personality & Attributes

Salih is the archetype of the **righteous messenger who is met with conspiracy**. He is characterized by his patience and his firm trust in Allah’s protection. He stands for purity and reform in a city dominated by a corrupt gang who “cause corruption in the land and do not amend.”

Major Lessons & Morals

• The call to truth will often cause a split in society, separating those who are open to guidance from those who are committed to corruption.
• The enemies of the truth often resort to secret plots and violence when they cannot win with arguments.

* Allah is the best of planners and will always protect His messengers from the evil schemes of the wicked.

Supporting References

The story of Salih in this Surah focuses on the social dynamics of the conflict. It highlights the role of the “nine troublemakers” as the ringleaders of corruption, showing how a small but powerful group of wicked individuals can lead an entire community to ruin.

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The Shining Hand of Musa

Brief Biography / Background

The Shining Hand (Yad Bayda’) was the second of the two great initial miracles given to Prophet Musa (عليه السلام) during his first encounter with Allah in the sacred valley. It was a personal, undeniable sign of his prophethood.

Role in the Surah

The Shining Hand is mentioned as one of the “nine clear signs” that Musa was sent with to Pharaoh and his people. Allah commands him: “And insert your hand into your pocket; it will come out white without disease. [These are] among nine signs to Pharaoh and his people. Indeed, they have been a people defiantly disobedient.” (An-Naml, 27:12). This miracle, along with the staff, was his primary credential as a messenger of God.

Personality & Attributes

The Shining Hand is an archetype of a **clear, personal, and irrefutable divine sign**. It represents the light of truth and the purity of the prophetic mission. It was a brilliant and beautiful miracle that stood in contrast to the dark and deceptive illusions of magic.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Allah supports His prophets with clear and undeniable proofs to strengthen their own hearts and to serve as evidence for their people.
• The signs of the prophets are real and pure, and are meant to be a clear demonstration of the power of the Lord of the Worlds.

* The light of divine truth is powerful and can outshine any darkness.

Supporting References

The phrase “without disease” (min ghayri su’) is crucial. It distinguishes this miraculous white light from the whitening of the skin caused by diseases like leprosy, ensuring that the sign could not be misinterpreted or dismissed as a natural ailment. It was a pure light, a direct sign from the Lord of all light.

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The Staff of Musa

Brief Biography / Background

The Staff of Musa (‘Asa) was an ordinary shepherd’s staff that, by the command of Allah, became one of the greatest miracles and signs given to Prophet Musa (عليه السلام). It was a direct, physical proof of his prophethood and the power of his Lord.

Role in the Surah

The staff’s transformation is the first miracle Musa witnesses in his encounter with Allah. Allah commands him to throw it down, and “when he saw it writhing as if it were a snake, he turned in flight and did not return.” (An-Naml, 27:10). This powerful and terrifying sign was a core part of the evidence he was to present to Pharaoh. It was a tangible proof that the power he wielded was not his own, but from the Creator of all things.

Personality & Attributes

The Staff is an archetype of **divine power manifested in an ordinary object**. It represents the principle that the power lies not in the object itself, but in the command of Allah. It is a symbol of the truth, which can appear frightening to those who are not prepared for it, but which is a source of strength for the believer.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Allah can place His signs and miracles in the most humble and ordinary of objects.
• The signs of Allah can be awe-inspiring and even frightening, meant to shake a person out of their heedlessness.

* The tools a believer uses are made powerful not by their own nature, but by the will and permission of Allah.

Supporting References

The staff’s transformation from an inert object into a living, moving serpent is a powerful lesson in the nature of creation. It demonstrates that the One who can give “life” to a wooden staff can surely give life to the dead on the Day of Resurrection, a recurring theme in the Qur’an.

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Sulayman (Solomon) `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Sulayman (عليه السلام) was the son of Prophet Dawud (عليه السلام) and was a wise prophet and a mighty king. Allah bestowed upon him an unprecedented kingdom, including unique miracles such as control over the wind, the jinn, and the ability to understand the speech of animals.

Role in the Surah

Sulayman is the hero of the Surah’s longest and most detailed narrative. He is presented as the ultimate model of the **grateful and wise prophet-king**. The story showcases his vast kingdom, his understanding of the speech of the ant and the hoopoe, and his masterful handling of the Queen of Sheba. He is powerful, but his first reaction to any miracle or blessing is to turn to Allah in gratitude. Upon hearing the ant, he smiles and prays, “My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents…” (27:19).

Personality & Attributes

Sulayman is the archetype of the **perfectly grateful and wise ruler**. He is characterized by his humility in the face of immense power, his wisdom in leadership and da’wah, and his constant remembrance of Allah as the true source of his abilities. He is just, perceptive, and a masterful strategist.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The proper response to receiving any blessing, big or small, is immediate gratitude to Allah.
• True power is a test from God, and the measure of success is whether one is grateful or ungrateful.

* A wise leader is one who listens to all of his subjects (even the smallest), verifies information, and uses his power for the cause of guidance and truth.

Supporting References

The story of Sulayman in this Surah is a case study in power, wisdom, and gratitude. It stands in stark contrast to the story of Pharaoh, the other great king mentioned, who was a model of power, magic, and arrogance. Sulayman represents the ideal of power submitted to God, while Pharaoh represents power in rebellion against God.

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The Sun-Worshippers

Brief Biography / Background

The Sun-Worshippers are the people of the Kingdom of Sheba, led by their Queen. They were a prosperous and civilized nation, but they had been deceived by Shaytan into the practice of prostrating to the sun instead of the Creator of the sun.

Role in the Surah

Their role is to be the object of the Hoopoe’s righteous indignation and Sulayman’s wise da’wah. The Hoopoe reports their state with theological clarity: “I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds attractive to them… so that they do not prostrate to Allah, who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth…” (An-Naml, 27:24-25). The entire narrative that follows is the story of how they were called out of this darkness and into the light of Islam through the submission of their queen.

Personality & Attributes

This group is the archetype of a **misguided but sincere people who are open to guidance**. They were not stubborn deniers like the peoples of Lut or Salih. They were deceived, and once the deception was removed and the truth was made clear through powerful signs, their leader, and by extension they themselves, accepted it.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Even a civilized and intelligent nation can be deceived by Satan into the most irrational of practices, like worshipping a created object.
• The act of prostrating to anything other than the Creator is a profound misguidance.
• This story provides hope that any people, no matter how entrenched in falsehood, can be guided to the truth through wisdom and clear proofs.

Supporting References

The Hoopoe’s argument is powerful. It contrasts the act of prostrating to the sun with the reality that it is Allah who “brings forth what is hidden” and knows all secrets. It is a rational argument that the Creator of all things is the only one worthy of the ultimate act of submission.

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Thamud (The People of Salih)

Brief Biography / Background

The people of Thamud were an ancient Arab tribe who were famous for their ability to carve magnificent homes directly into the rock faces of mountains. Prophet Salih (عليه السلام) was sent to them to call them to the worship of the One True God.

Role in the Surah

The story of Thamud is the second prophetic narrative recounted in the Surah. It highlights the social division and the evil conspiracy that arose in response to Salih’s message. The people split into “two parties disputing.” The disbelieving party, led by a gang of “nine troublemakers,” planned a secret attack to kill Salih and his family by night. They swore an oath to carry out their crime and then deny it. However, their plot was met by a divine plan that resulted in their own destruction: “And they planned a plan, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not.” (27:50).

Personality & Attributes

Thamud, and particularly their leaders, are the archetype of the **conspiring and corrupt community**. They are characterized by their rejection of the truth, their penchant for making mischief, and their treacherous plots against the messenger of God. They are a model of a society destroyed by its own internal corruption.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The enemies of the truth often resort to secret plots and conspiracies when they cannot defeat the message with arguments.
• A believer should never fear the plots of men, as Allah is the best of planners and His plan will always prevail.

* The outcome of those who plot against the servants of Allah is always utter ruin.

Supporting References

The story focuses on the theme of “makr” (plotting/scheming). The nine men plotted their evil scheme, but Allah plotted their destruction. The result was a complete reversal of their intentions; they sought to annihilate the truth, and they themselves were annihilated.

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The Wrongdoers (Al-Zalimun)

Brief Biography / Background

Al-Zalimun, the wrongdoers, is a comprehensive term for those who transgress divine limits, whether through disbelief, idolatry, or injustice. They are the ones who have wronged their own souls by choosing a path that leads to ruin.

Role in the Surah

The term is used to describe the ultimate state of various groups. The Queen of Sheba, upon submitting, declares that she had been a wrongdoer to her own soul by worshipping the sun. On the Day of Judgment, the polytheists will be told, “Taste the punishment of the Fire, that which you used to deny.” (27:84, paraphrased context). The Surah ends with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ being commanded to be of the Muslims and to warn those who have wronged themselves. The ultimate fate of the wrongdoers is to be gathered and dragged into the Fire.

Personality & Attributes

The Wrongdoers are the archetype of those who are **misguided and destined for loss if they do not repent**. They are characterized by their injustice (zulm), which is primarily the injustice of giving the worship due to the Creator to the creation. However, the story of the Queen of Sheba shows that a “wrongdoer” can be saved if they recognize their error and sincerely repent.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The greatest wrongdoing one can commit is to be unjust to one’s own soul by engaging in shirk.
• Recognizing that one has “wronged oneself” is the first step towards repentance and submission, as demonstrated by the Queen of Sheba.
• The ultimate end of unrepentant wrongdoing is the punishment of the Fire.

Supporting References

The contrast between the Queen of Sheba and the other wrongdoers (like Pharaoh or the people of Lut) is a central lesson. All were engaged in wrongdoing (shirk or corruption). The difference was in their response to the truth when it came to them. The Queen responded with humility and was saved, while the others responded with arrogance and were destroyed.