لَأُعَذِّبَنَّهُۥ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا أَوْ لَأَا۟ذْبَحَنَّهُۥٓ أَوْ لَيَأْتِيَنِّى بِسُلْطَـٰنٍ مُّبِينٍ 21
Translations
I will surely punish him with a severe punishment or slaughter him unless he brings me clear authorization."
Transliteration
La-a'azzibannahu 'azaban shadidan aw la-adbahannahu aw layatiyanni bi-sultanin mubin
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Sulayman (Solomon) declares that if the hoopoe bird does not bring him a clear proof (the throne of the Queen of Sheba) within a specified time, he will punish it severely or slaughter it, unless it brings a convincing excuse. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this reflects Sulayman's authority and the hoopoe's obligation to fulfill its duty as part of his army, while also demonstrating his justice—he gives the bird an opportunity to explain before executing punishment. The ayah illustrates the balance between leadership, accountability, and mercy.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Sulayman's inspection of the birds (27:20-22). The context involves the hoopoe's absence from the gathering of birds, which prompts Sulayman's threat. This narrative is exclusive to Surah An-Naml and serves to demonstrate Sulayman's wisdom, authority, and concern for accountability among those under his command.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly addresses this specific statement, Sunan Abu Dawud and other collections contain hadiths about Prophet Sulayman's miracles and his army of jinn, humans, and birds, affirming the Quranic narrative. The broader theme of just leadership and accountability is found in Sahih Bukhari's chapters on rulers and their responsibilities.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that just leaders establish clear expectations and deadlines while offering opportunities for explanation before punishment, embodying both firmness and fairness. It reminds us that accountability is a sign of respect and care for those under our authority, not mere tyranny.