Sulaiman’s Decision The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “There were two women, each had her child with her. A wolf came and took away the child of one of them. One woman said to her companion: ‘The wolf has taken your son.’ The other said: ‘It has taken your son.’ So both of them took the dispute to Prophet Dawud (David) (alaihis salam) who judged that the boy should be given to the older lady. Then they went to Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) (alaihis salam), son of Dawud, and put the case before him. Prophet Sulaiman said: ‘Give me a knife so that I may cut the child into two and give one half to each of you.’ The younger woman said: ‘Do not do so; may Allah bless you! He is her child.’ On that Prophet Sulaiman decided the case in favour of the younger woman.” [Sahih Bukhari] Prophet Sulaiman (alaihis salam) uncovered the truth of the case by the wisdom and understanding of human psychology that Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) had bestowed upon him. The difference between him and modern Muslims is that he credited his intelligence and abilities to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala): A modern Muslim shouts in glee and jumps for joy when they do extraordinarily well, and they arrogantly receive congratulations as though they are responsible for their accomplishments. Sulaiman (alaihis salam), as a pious Muslim, always thanked Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) for conferring on him the special abilities that he had. He understood that even if he were able to exercise his God-given talents, that too was a favour from Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). How many are the gifted individuals who are not allowed by circumstance to achieve anything much therewith. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) had bestowed upon Sulaiman (alaihis salam) many miracles, including the ability to understand the language of birds and animals, a unique favour not given to any before or after him. Sulaiman (alaihis salam) would not only show gratitude to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) for His special grace to him, but also used it to promote Allah’s Deen: Whereas our attitude is to cash whatever ability Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has blessed us with right here and now. In our short sightedness we don’t even try to use it to secure our everlasting future. We would do well to adopt this dua of Sulaiman (alaihis salam) mentioned in the Quran: “My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favors which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves.” [Surah 27: 17-19] Ameen.
Posted on: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 08:02:08 +0000
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