Hazrat Suleman and Queen Bilqees story with hud hud bird
Hoopoes are found in almost all parts of Asia, even in cities and towns where there are few open spaces left. This is a small bird about 12 inches long, the size of a large thrush or mynah, and it has short legs with heavy feet and powerful claws. It is one of the Old World’s non-passerine birds. its name in many languages. For example in English it is ‘hoopoe’, in Persian and Urdu it is “hud”. Its scientific name is “Upupa epops”. large crown of feathers tipped with black that constantly opens and closes on the head. It is long and fan shaped with feathers that increase in length from front to back. When feeding, the crest is closed. The upper part of its body is a pale brown, with wings of black striped with white. The under-parts are buff, streaked with black. The black tail has one broad stripe of white. When alarmed or excited, the crest is unfurled and opens out like a fan. These bands are clearly seen when the bird is in flight. Its short legs are well adapted for walking. The tail is not very long, and is black with a white central bar. The beak is long, slender and slightly down-curved.It is fawn or cinnamon in color with black and white stripes on the back, wings and tail.
Hoopoes are usually found in open areas far away from patches of vegetation or habitation. The hoopoe walks and runs with ease, as it feeds almost entirely on the ground. It walks with quick steps, bobbing its head in time with the steps. Its flight is strong and direct. This bird has a beautiful crest, it may quietly flash its long crest open and shut. Lawns, paths and manure heaps are their favorite spots.
They eat mainly insects and other small invertebrates found around the ground. It also feeds on insect larvae, spiders, centipedes and earthworms. The long pointed beak acts like a pair of forceps, for prey fishing and fissures. They snatch up insects and worms in its long bill. Hud hud bird tosses up its prey and skillfully catches it in its open beak. The hoopoe prefers the ground to the sky. They use untidy collection of grass, straw, hair and leaves deposited on the floor of the holes makes up the nest.
Hoopoe: Messenger of Prophets
Prophet Sulemon was a king and the ruler of Syria and Palestine whose armies consisted of troops made of men, Jinn and birds. It is possible that the birds were employed for communicating the messages, hunting and for other suitable services.
In the Quran (27:20) we read that Prophet Suleman reviewed his birds and found the hoopoe (hud-hud) missing. His most mobile arm was the birds, which were light on the wing and flew and saw everything like efficient scouts. Prophet Solomon expressed his anger and his desire to punish the hoopoe severely if it did not present itself before him with a reasonable excuse. Within a short while the hoopoe returned saying,
“I have obtained knowledge of things which you have no knowledge. I have brought sure information about Saba (Sheba, a well-known rich people of southern Arabia, now the present day Yemen. Their capitol city was Ma’rib which lay about 55 miles to the north-east of Sana, the present capitol of Yemen). There I have seen a woman ruling over her people: she has been given all sorts of provisions, and she has a splendid throne. I saw that she and her people prostrate themselves before the sun, instead of Allah!
. Some people have interpreted that hoopoe (hud-bud) was the name of a man and not a bird, because a bird could not possibly be endowed with such powers of observation. Human has not so far been able to know. what different animals know and what they see and hear.God Almighty has made the different species of animals, it has revealed some of their wonderful abilities.
Allah, Who is the Creator of these animals (all world), tells us that He had taught the speech of the birds to one of His Prophets( Hazrat Suleman) and blessed him with the ability to speak to them.
Prophet Suleman (pbuh), Bilqees, and the Hud-Hud
And (when) he (Nabi Sulemān) inspected the birds, he exclaimed: ‘Why do I not see Hud-Hud, or is he among the absentees? Either he brings to me a valid proof (explanation) or I shall most certainly give him a severe punishment or slaughter him. The Hud-Hud stayed away for just a short time. (Upon his return) he said: ‘I have discovered what you have not discovered, and I come to you from (the land of) Saba’ with reliable information. Verily, I found a woman ruling over people. She has been given everything (of worldly wealth) and she has a wonderful throne. I have found her and her people prostrating to the sun besides Allāh. Shaitān has adorned for them their deeds and has prevented them from the Path of Allāh, hence they do not derive guidance.” (Surah Namal, Āyat 20 – 24)
These are the Qur’ānic aayat.
The story of Nabi Sulaimān (‘alayhis Salām) and Queen Bilqees, the ruler of Yemen at that time.
Allāh Ta’ala had bestowed to Nabi Sulaimān (‘alayhis Salām) the ability to understand and speak the variety of languages of even the birds.
On his expedition from Baitul Maqdis (Jerusalem) to Yemen, at one stage his army requested for water. There was no water in sight and the soldiers were extremely thirsty. Nabi Sulaimān ordered the variety of birds to form their rows for an inspection. The purpose of the inspection was to issue a command to the bird Hud-Hud. What bird is the Hud-Hud?
Some say that it is the woodpecker whilst others say it is the hoopoe. Allāh knows best. The reason for the search for the Hud-Hud was the bird’s inherent ability to locate water. Irrespective of how deep the water may be underground, the Hud-Hud would fly into the air, and from a height detect the presence of water. It would descend to the ground and indicate the location with its beak. Nabi Sulaimān (‘alayhis Salām) would then order the Jinns who had been made subservient to him by Allāh Ta’ala, to dig for the water. In this manner fountains and streams would form.
The bird Kulang (heron) was appointed the king of the birds. When he did not find the Hud-Hud in the ranks, Nabi Sulaimān (‘alayhis Salām) was extremely annoyed. He demanded an answer from the Kulang who expressed unawareness of the Hud-Hud. He said that the Hud-Hud had in fact departed without even informing him. Thus, Nabi Sulaimān (‘alayhis Salām) threatened to slay the Hud-Hud or punish him severely if he did not present a viable excuse for his absence. The severe punishment mentioned in the Āyat refers to Nabi Sulaimān’s cutting the wing feathers of birds to prevent them from flying for a year. When he discerned the need to punish a bird, this would be his ‘severe’ punishment.
However, the Hud-Hud after a brief absence made his appearance. His companions among the birds informed him of the anger of Nabi Sulemān and the threatened severe punishment. Then the Hud-Hud hastened into the presence of Nabi Sulaimān (‘alayhis Salām), prostrated and offered a supplication (dua’) for Nabi Sulemān . It pecked at the ground with its beak in submission and obedience. Simultaneously, it looked at Nabi Sulemān and explained that it has come with such reliable news of which Nabi Sulemān was unaware.
The Hud-Hud continuing with its story said that it discovered in the City of Saba’, a Queen ruling over her people. The Hud-Hud continuing with its story said that it discovered in the City of Saba’, a Queen ruling over her people. It was a prosperous land. She had a massive, magnificent throne. She and her people were sun worshippers. According to some narrations her throne which was beautifully adorned with precious stones, diamonds and pearls was about 40 metres wide and 40 metres high. On hearing this news, Nabi Sulemān instructed the Hud-Hud to locate water while he reflected on what he had just heard. After the army had quenched their thirst, Nabi Sulemān handed the Hud-Hud a letter which he had written for Queen Bilqees.
The Hud-Hud flew with the letter and reached the City of Saba’ at midday when it was the time of qailoolah (the mid-day nap). All the doors of the magnificent palace were closed while Bilqees was taking her nap. Nothing and nobody could reach her in the securely closed palace. Guards were stationed all around the palace. Her huge army had 12,000 officers.
At the end of the day after having attended to the affairs of the state, she would return inside her palace, and no one would see her again until the next Friday.
The Hud-Hud could find no way of entry. After prolonged search around the palace, it finally found an opening through which it entered. After passing through seven huge chambers, the Hud-Hud reached Bilqees who was deep in slumber. The bird dropped the letter close to her. When Bilqees finally rose from her slumber, to her surprise and astonishment she saw the letter. After opening the letter, she read: “In the Name of Allāh, The Most Kind, The Most Merciful. This letter is from Sulaimān. Don’t rebel against me and come to me in submission.” She went out and questioned the guards to ascertain if anyone had entered the palace while she was taking her nap. The guards assured her that no one had entered and all the doors were still securely closed and locked.
She assembled her army generals, courtiers, and advisors. She read the letter to them and sought their advice. They assured her of their allegiance and their power. They were prepared for war and only awaited her command. Bilqees was not in favour of war. She explained that when kings invade a land, they lay it to utter waste. They pillage, plunder, kill and humiliate the honourable citizens. She decided to send expensive gifts to Nabi Sulaimān (‘alayhis Salām) to see his reaction. This course was decided on.
Queen Saba’Bilqees sent many valuable gifts and a letter to Nabi Suleman. In the letter, Bilqees had posed many intricate questions to ascertain the integrity of Nabi Sulemān . When the impressive delegation with its entourage arrived, Sulemān paid no heed to the valuable gifts. On the contrary, he instructed them to return with the gifts and convey to Bilqees that he would come with such armies which they will not be able to confront, and he will expel them from their land with humiliation. When the delegation returned with the gifts and described to her the pomp and splendour of Nabi Sulemān’s palace and kingdom, she decided to answer his summons. She then commenced her journey to Nabi Sulemān.
After Nabi Sulemān rejected the gifts which Bilqees, the Queen of Saba’ had sent, she assembled her officers or council members and explained that it was clear to her that Sulemān was no ordinary worldly king. He can make disaster for us.After this council it was decided that,
She made extraordinary arrangements for the protection of her throne. She arranged for many more soldiers to guard the seventh chamber of the palace where the throne was. This chamber was securely locked and no one would be able to enter in her absence.
Meanwhile the Hud-Hud had informed Hadhrat Sulemān the journey of Bilqees towards him.
Addressing the chiefs who consisted of men and jinn, and who were all his subordinates, Nabi Sulemān enquired whether any one of them was able to bring the throne of Bilqees to him before her arrival. Present in the gathering was Ifreet, a giant and the most powerful of all the jinn. He said: “I shall bring her throne to you before you end the proceedings of your court.” Usually, Hadhrat Sulaimān’s court proceedings endured until about midday. The jinn added that he would execute the task with honesty, therefore trust should be reposed on him in this matter.
Immediately after the jinn advanced his proposal, Aasif Bin Barkhaya who was an Aalim of the Allāh’s Book, and who had the knowledge of the Ism-e-A’zam (A Name of Allāh Ta’ala known to only a few select Auliya), said that he would make dua’ to Allāh Ta’ala, and he was confident that he would deliver the throne quicker than the jinn. Although some Mufassireen say that Aasif was also a jinn, the majority view is that he was a human being. The name of his mother was Baatura and she was from Bani Israaeel.
Nabi Sulemān said to Aasif: ‘If you are able to accomplish this feat, you will be victorious. If you fail, you will humiliate me among the jinn although I have been appointed the ruler of men and jinn.”
Aasif renewed his wudhu, went into Sajdah, recited the Ism-e-A’zam and supplicated to Allāh Ta’ala. As he supplicated, the throne of Bilqees disappeared into the earth, and instantaneously appeared outside where Hadhrat Sulemān was seated on his throne. Referring to the miraculous appearance of the throne of Bilqees in the presence of Nabi Sulaimān (‘alayhis Salām), the Qur’ān Majeed says:
“When he saw the throne, He (Nabi Sulemān) said: No doubt that‘This is of the Grace of my Rabb to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful. And, whoever is grateful is grateful for his own good, and whoever is ungrateful, then verily, my Rabb is Independent (and) Gracious.” (Surah Namal, Āyat 40)
Then Hadhrat Sulemān ordered some changes to be effected to the throne. The purpose for this exercise was to gauge the intelligence of Bilqees to see if she recognized her throne or not. The desire to test her intelligence was because some of the jinn told Nabi Sulemān that she was of defective intelligence. There are several stories surrounding this episode and the reason for this claim made by the shayāteen who were under the control of Hadhrat Sulemān . Some of the stories pertaining to Bilqees are weird. These stories are the narrations of Bani Israeel. It is alleged that her mother was a jinn. But this is not supported by reliable evidence.
Regarding the variety of queer stories related to Bilqees, Imām Ibn Abi Shaibah (rahmatullah ‘alayh) said: “Although the story is interesting, I have to say that it is to be rejected totally. It is extremely weird. It is the imagination of Ata Bin Saaib which constrained him to ascribe the story to Ibn Abbaas (radhiyAllāhu anhu). In all likelihood these stories have been acquired from the volumes compiled by Bani Israaeel. These stories are unreliable. Bani Israaeel were fabricators of novels and fairy tales. It was their profession to change, add and delete. We are grateful to Allāh Ta’ala that He has not made us reliant on them . All praises are for Allāh.
After Bilqees had arrived, Hadhrat Sulemān asked her: “Is yourthrone like this?’ She said: ‘It appears to be the very one.” (Surah Namal, Āyat 42) When Bilqees saw the throne whose appearance had been slightly altered, she responded with caution. She did not blurt out an emphatic affirmation to the effect that it was her throne. On one side, she felt certain that it was her throne. However, she had left her throne securely locked and under 24 hour guarded protection. How could her throne be like this? From her guarded response Hadhrat Sulemān understood that she was not as intelligence as claimed by the jinn.
Hadhrat Suleman first proposal to Queen Bilqees was Da’wat of Tauheed. He emphasized to her the belief in Allāh Azza Wa Jal. Referring to his invitation, the Qur’ān Majeed says: “He prohibited her from worshipping. what she used to worship besides Allāh. Verily she was from a nation of kāfireen.” (Surah Namal, Āyat 43).
This dialogue took place in a glass palace which Hadhrat Sulemān had ordered the jinn to construct before the arrival of Bilqees. It was a palace of beauty constructed with the highest quality glass. The floor of the main hall where visitors would enter to meet Hadhrat Sulmān was made of solid glass with water flowing underneath. The water was filled with fish and other forms of sea life. The glass floor was so magnificent and transparent that it created the illusion that the entire hall was filled with water. Nabi Sulmān’s throne together with the seating arrangement of his courtiers and the other members of his counsel were set out in this hall.
When Bilqees entered, she believed the floor was a river. Although she could not understand why Hadhrat Sulemān had instructed her to walk through water, she nevertheless obeyed. But she raised her dress and her calves were exposed. As she did so, Nabi Sulaimān (‘alayhis Salām) said: “this palace is constructed of glass.’ She said: “O my Rabb! I have wronged myself. I submit with Sulemān to Allāh, the Rabb of all the worlds.” (Surah Namal, Āyat 44)
The objective of the glass palace was to impress Bilqees and to shatter the image of glory of her kingdom. When she witnessed the external/material pomp, splendour and power of Nabi Sulemān. she understood the inferiority of her own kingdom. This had convinced her that Hadhrat Sulemān was indeed the Nabi of Allāh Ta’ala, she readily accepted Islam and surrendered her kingdom to him.
According to some narrations, Nabi Sulemān married Bilqees while according to other versions he did not. However, he had entrusted a kingdom to her. In all likelihood it was Saba’ in Yemen which she had ruled. But now she ruled as a vassal of Nabi Sulemān.
Hadhrat Sayyid Abdul Qādir Jilaani (rahmatullah ‘alayh) states in his famous book, Ghunyatut Taalibeen: “Sulemān married Bilqees. A son was born and was named Daawood. However, this child died during the lifetime of Nabi Sulemān . After a short while, Nabi Sulemān also died. A month thereafter, Bilqees too departed from this world. Hadhrat Sulemān would visit her once every month in the kingdom which was assigned to her.”
His monthly journeys were made possible by a wonderful Mu’jizah (Miracle) which Allāh Ta’ala had bestowed to him. Describing this Mu’jizah, the Qur’ān Majeed say: “We made subservient to Sulaimān the wind. (Its travel) in a morning was the equivalent of a month’s journey, and (its travel) in the evening was the equivalent of a month’s journey.” (Surah Saba’, Āyat 12)
Nabi Sulemān would command the wind to transport him and his entourage along with his throne wherever he wished to go. In a single morning or evening he would accomplish a journey which would normally take a month. Hadhrat Hasan Basri (rahmatullah ‘alayh) narrated that Hadhrat Sulemān would depart from Damascus in the morning and reach Istakhar by the evening. From there he would reach Kabul by the next morning. At times he would have breakfast in Ray and supper in Samarqand.
(Ma’aalimaatut Tanzeel)
and Allāh Ta’ala Knows Best.
No comments