1. THE SUCCESS OF PROPHET SULAIMAN (ASW)
By: Abdulfattah A. Adeyemi

2. INTRODUCTION

3. WHO WAS SOLOMON?
ONE OF ALLAH’S PROPHETS
WHO WERE THE PROPHETS?
DAVID’S HEIR

4. WHO WAS SOLOMON? Contd… HIS KINGDOM Kingdom of Israel
The kingdom of Israel reached the height of its power and included the most territory under the reign of King David (1000–961 bc). Its borders stretched far beyond present-day Israeli borders and included parts of what is now Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt.

5. SOLOMON AND THE SPECIAL PRAYER
WHO WAS SOLOMON? Contd…
WISDOM FROM CHILDHOOD
SOLOMON AND THE TRIAL
SOLOMON AND THE SPECIAL PRAYER

6. SOLOMON AND ALLAH’S BOUNTIES
CONROL OF THE WIND
(Q21: 81)
(It was Our power that made) the violent (unruly) wind flow (tamely) for Solomon to his order to the land which We had blessed: for We do know all things.
Q34: 12
And to Solomon (We made) the Wind (obedient): its early morning (stride) was a month's (journey) and its evening (stride) was a month's (journey);

7. SOLOMON AND ALLAH’S BOUNTIES (contd…)
CONTROL OVER IRON
(Q34: 12)
and We made a Font of molten brass to flow for him;
CONTROL OF JINNS
(Q34: )
and there were Jinns that worked in front of him by the leave of his Lord and if any of them turned aside from Our command We made Him taste of the Penalty of the Blazing Fire.
They worked for him as he desired (making) Arches Images Basins as large as Reservoirs and (cooking) Cauldrons fixed (in their places): "Work ye sons of David with thanks! But few of My servants are grateful!"

8. SOLOMON AND ALLAH’S BOUNTIES (contd…)
SOLOMON AND THE ANTS
UNDERSTOOD THE SPEECH OF BIRDS AND OTHER ANIMALS

9. SOLOMON AND ALLAH’S BOUNTIES (contd…)
SOLOMON AND THE HOOPOE
Hoopoe in Natural Habitat
Upupa epops Reaching 30 cm (12 in) in length, the hoopoe has a fan-shaped crest and vivid black-and-white striped tail and wings. This elaborately decorated bird from southern Europe, Asia, and southern Africa spends its days probing the soil for insects and grubs. Although timid, the hoopoe can elude most birds of prey. The bird’s nest is easy to identify by its foul-smelling accumulation of faecal matter.

10. SOLOMON AND ALLAH’S BOUNTIES (contd…)
SOLOMON AND QUEEN BILKIS OF SHEBAH (SABAH)
Queen of Sheba
The Queen of Sheba, who figures in biblical, Islamic, and Ethiopian tradition, is shown here on her way to visit King Solomon in Jerusalem. This illustration by Edmund Dulac is from the early 20th century.

11. QUEEN BILKIS OF SHEBAH (SABAH)
She said: "Ye chiefs! advise me in (this) my affair: no affair have I decided except in your presence."
They said: "We are endued with strength and given to vehement war: but the command is with thee;
so consider what thou wilt command."
She said: "Kings when they enter a country despoil it and make the noblest of its people its meanest:
thus do they behave.

12. The character of Queen Bilqis, as disclosed here, is that of
a ruler enjoying great wealth and dignity, and the full confidence of her subjects.
She does nothing without consulting her Council, and her Council are ready to carry out her commands in all things.
Her people are manly, loyal, and contented, and ready to take the field against any enemy of their country. But their queen is prudent in policy, and is not willing to embroil her country in war.

13. The character of Queen Bilqis, as disclosed here, is that of
She has the discrimination to see that Solomon is not like ordinary kings who conquer by violence.
She wishes to carry her people with her in whatever she does, because she is as loyal to them as they are to her.
An exchange of presents would probably establish better relations between the two kingdoms.
In Bilqis we have a picture of womanhood, gentle, prudent, and able to tame the wider passions of her subjects.

14. PROPHET SULAIMAN (ASW)
ISSUES IN HIS LIFE
HIS DEATH

15. WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM SULAIMAN’S SUCCESS
GRATITUDE TO ALLAH: the word “Alamdulillah” was always on his lips in appreciation of Allah’s bounties and favours.
KINDNESS (THE ANT’S TESTIMONY): - The ants proved he was not a tyrant; he would not step on them knowingly. Let even the meanest of your subordinates testify to your mercy and kindness.
SUPPLICATION: - Still called on Allah in all circumstance. He prayed to be given the grace of gratitude: if Allah grants you, you are sure of an increase.
CLOSENESS TO ALLAH: - His wealth, knowledge and power did not turn him away from Allah as is the case with some wealthy ones who are too ‘busy’ to serve Allah and to associate with the believers.
SUCCESS: - Indeed the true success is that of this world and the hereafter.

16. WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM SULAIMAN’S SUCCESS
WISDOM - The greatest gift anyone can ever have. A gift for all the Prophets and great men in history. A tool for da’wah, indispensable in maintaining justice.
KNOWLEDGE - He learnt! you don’t inherit knowledge if you do not seek it.
FAMILY BACKGROUND - Things he learnt from his father; he got the best of legacies and he made use of his opportunities.
COURAGE - he ventured and advanced for excellence. Gifts, knowledge and wisdom do not come to those perpetually in their comfort zone.
EXPERTISE/CONFIDENCE – He was sure and aware of his gifts, hence his responsibilities, and gratitude to Allah.
JUSTICE
GENEROUSITY