Reading outline · Narrative
Sulayman and the queen of Saba
The hoopoe reports a queen and her people in Saba. Sulayman sends a letter.
This outline follows the main passages. Open each reading to follow the story in full.
In this outline
Birds and a message
The hoopoe reports a queen and her people in Saba. Sulayman sends a letter.
And We verily gave knowledge unto David and Solomon, and they said: Praise be to Allah, Who hath preferred us above many of His believing slaves! And Solomon was David's heir. And he said: O mankind! Lo! we have been taught the language of birds, and have been …
The queen deliberates
The queen consults her chiefs and sends a gift, which Sulayman rejects.
She said: O chieftains! Pronounce for me in my case. I decide no case till ye are present with me. They said: We are lords of might and lords of great prowess, but it is for thee to command; so consider what thou wilt command. She said: Lo! …
Throne and palace
The account proceeds through the queen’s throne, the palace floor and her declaration before God.
He said: O chiefs! Which of you will bring me her throne before they come unto me, surrendering? A stalwart of the jinn said: I will bring it thee before thou canst rise from thy place. Lo! I verily am strong and trusty for such work. One with …
Sources & reading notes
Introductions and explanations are editorial writing. Quoted text retains its named edition; selections may be shortened with an ellipsis.
Birds and a message. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
The queen deliberates. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Throne and palace. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Original scene outline
Birds and a message
The hoopoe reports a queen and her people in Saba. Sulayman sends a letter.
The queen deliberates
The queen consults her chiefs and sends a gift, which Sulayman rejects.
Throne and palace
The account proceeds through the queen’s throne, the palace floor and her declaration before God.