The story of the ant and Prophet Solomon is a well-known tale found in Islamic tradition, particularly mentioned in the Quran. It exemplifies Solomon’s wisdom, his unique ability to communicate with animals, and the moral lessons derived from these interactions. Here’s a detailed retelling of the story:
Prophet Solomon, known as Sulayman in Arabic, was a son of King David (Prophet Dawud). He was bestowed with many blessings by Allah, including profound wisdom and the ability to understand and communicate with animals and birds.
One day, Prophet Solomon was marching with his mighty army, which included men, jinn, and birds. As they were passing through a valley populated by ants, an incident occurred that would be remembered for its significance.
In the valley, there lived a colony of ants, and their queen, who was very wise and perceptive, noticed the approaching army. Realising the potential danger that the army posed to her colony, she quickly called out to her fellow ants:
“O ants, enter your dwellings lest Solomon and his hosts crush you while they perceive not.”
This plea from the queen ant was heard by Prophet Solomon, who had been given the gift of understanding the language of animals. Impressed by the concern and leadership of the ant queen, and recognizing the responsibility he had towards even the smallest of Allah’s creatures, Solomon smiled and felt gratitude in his heart. He then prayed, thanking Allah for the blessings he had received and seeking guidance to always act justly and righteously:
“My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into the ranks of Your righteous servants.”
Moved by the queen ant’s words, Solomon ensured that his army altered its course to avoid harming the ants. This act of consideration and compassion highlighted Solomon’s wisdom and his commitment to justice, even towards the tiniest of creatures.
Moral Lessons from the Story
Wisdom and Responsibility: Prophet Solomon’s ability to understand the ants teaches us about the importance of wisdom and the responsibility that comes with power and knowledge.
Leadership and Care: The ant queen’s quick thinking and concern for her colony exemplify true leadership qualities—protecting and caring for those under one’s charge.
Gratitude and Humility: Solomon’s prayer reflects gratitude and humility, acknowledging that all blessings come from Allah and should be used to do good.
Compassion: The story emphasises compassion for all of Allah’s creations, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they might be.
This tale from the Quran not only showcases Solomon’s exceptional traits but also offers timeless lessons on leadership, compassion, and the ethical use of power.