ٱذْهَب بِّكِتَـٰبِى هَـٰذَا فَأَلْقِهْ إِلَيْهِمْ ثُمَّ تَوَلَّ عَنْهُمْ فَٱنظُرْ مَاذَا يَرْجِعُونَ 28
Translations
Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them. Then leave them and see what [answer] they will return."
Transliteration
Idhhab biktaabi haadha fa-alqih ilayhim thumma tawalla anhum fandhur maadha yarji'un
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Sulayman commands the messenger (the hoopoe bird) to deliver his letter to the Queen of Sheba, then withdraw and observe their response. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain this as a diplomatic strategy demonstrating wisdom and measured approach—Sulayman did not immediately declare war but instead sent a clear message to invite them to monotheism, allowing them the choice to respond. The instruction to withdraw and wait for their reply shows prudence and respect for the decision-making process, reflecting divine wisdom in handling the affair.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Sulayman's kingdom and his correspondence with the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis). The surah, revealed in Mecca during the early Islamic period, uses this story as an illustration of divine power and wisdom. This particular verse is part of Sulayman's instructions regarding the diplomatic letter, showcasing the prophetic tradition of calling to Allah with wisdom before any confrontation.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this ayah, Surah An-Naml 27:29-44 is referenced in Islamic scholarship discussing diplomatic wisdom. The broader theme relates to the hadith in Sunan Abu Dawud regarding the Prophet's instruction to convey messages clearly and await responses with patience.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that effective communication requires clarity of message, strategic withdrawal to allow for genuine consideration, and patience in awaiting responses—principles applicable to modern Islamic da'wah, conflict resolution, and leadership that prioritize wisdom over hasty action.
Related Ayahs
يَـٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِنَّهُۥٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ
O Moses, indeed it is I - Allāh, the Exalted in Might, the Wise."
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَتَوْا۟ عَلَىٰ وَادِ ٱلنَّمْلِ قَالَتْ نَمْلَةٌ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّمْلُ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ مَسَـٰكِنَكُمْ لَا يَحْطِمَنَّكُمْ سُلَيْمَـٰنُ وَجُنُودُهُۥ وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ
Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, "O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not."
فَلَمَّا جَآءَ سُلَيْمَـٰنَ قَالَ أَتُمِدُّونَنِ بِمَالٍ فَمَآ ءَاتَىٰنِۦَ ٱللَّهُ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّآ ءَاتَىٰكُم بَلْ أَنتُم بِهَدِيَّتِكُمْ تَفْرَحُونَ
So when they came to Solomon, he said, "Do you provide me with wealth? But what Allāh has given me is better than what He has given you. Rather, it is you who rejoice in your gift.
أَمَّن يَهْدِيكُمْ فِى ظُلُمَـٰتِ ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ وَمَن يُرْسِلُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحَ بُشْرًۢا بَيْنَ يَدَىْ رَحْمَتِهِۦٓ ۗ أَءِلَـٰهٌ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ تَعَـٰلَى ٱللَّهُ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ
Is He [not best] who guides you through the darknesses of the land and sea and who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy? Is there a deity with Allāh? High is Allāh above whatever they associate with Him.