Prophet Sulaiman (AS), the son of Prophet Daud (AS), inherited not just prophethood but also wisdom and the responsibility of ruling with justice. Allah, in His Boundless Mercy, blessed Sulaiman with a kingdom like no other in history, one filled with richness, control over the winds, the jinn, animals, birds, and even communication with them.
As I contemplate the grandeur of his dominion, what captivates me most is not the glitter of his kingdom, but a moment of humility: a single ant’s voice, small yet filled with courage and communal spirit, that redirected an entire army.
Allah records this moment in Surah An-Naml, where the ant says:
“O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Sulaiman and his soldiers while they perceive not.”
(Al-Qur’an 27:18)
This simple plea, uttered with urgency and deep care, halted the march of the most formidable army of its time. It is reported that Prophet Sulaiman (AS) heard the ant while riding above the clouds, yet Allah, in His infinite wisdom, allowed him to perceive her words. The Prophet (AS) smiled and immediately turned to his Lord, saying:
“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.”
(Al-Qur’an 27:19)
What fascinates me is not only that Sulaiman (AS) understood the ant, but that his response was not pride, but gratitude. Here lies the lesson, greatness lies not in power but in humility, thankfulness, and righteousness.
This ant, possibly crippled according to narrations, embodied bravery, selflessness, and absolute belief in her duty. She did not wait for someone else to act. She didn’t grumble or retreat in fear. She acted decisively to protect her community. Despite her insignificance in the eyes of man, Allah honoured her in His eternal revelation. She became part of our Qur’an, not because of stature, but because of her sincerity and leadership.
“This story continues to echo in my heart: it is not how big we are in size or status, but how purposeful we are in moments of responsibility.”
In today’s world, where the news is filled with images of war, injustice, and oppression, I ask: where are the voices of our own time that rise with sincerity and courage, like that ant? What are we doing to protect the vulnerable in our societies, our ummah, our Earth?
Let us not be drowned in apathy. Compare the ant’s noble spirit with the selfishness we sometimes harbor. That tiny creature, without education, without technology, and without human faculties, showed more care than many of us who scroll through tragedy with numb fingers and distracted hearts.
Allah’s message through this tale is crystal clear: He loves piety, responsibility, and those who put others above themselves. The ant, though physically minute, was spiritually mighty. Her name and deed were immortalized by the Creator of the heavens and the Earth.
“This forces me to reflect: will our names be remembered for helping our communities or just ourselves? What legacy are we writing with our choices each day?.”
The legacy of this ant teaches us:
- Responsibility doesn’t wait for titles.
- Selflessness elevates the soul.
- Allah sees every sincere action, however small.
Let us raise our standards. If an ant can rise to honour in the eyes of Allah, then surely we, with intellect, wealth, and resources, have no excuse to live selfishly and irresponsibly.
May Allah purify our hearts of greed, awaken our compassion, and grant us the ability to lead with truth, humility, and purpose, like the ant, like Sulaiman, like those whom Allah honours.
Ameen.
“The ant spoke. The Prophet heard. Allah remembered. What will be your legacy?”
Mohamed Abdinoor Dahir, PhD.
Independent Consultant and Visiting Lecturer at the United Nations University For Peace.
Masha Allah jazakallah kheyr doctor Mohamed this is really inspiring story from the Quran
The selection of the ant story in sura namli and it encounter with forces of Nabi Suleiman evokes a nexus mythology of how the weak and the mighty can mutually
co-exit which when applied today can cause the world live at peace
The selection of the ant story in Surah Namli and its encounter with the forces of Nabi Suleiman evokes a practical nexus of how the weak and the mighty can mutually co-exist which when applied today can be a guide to pacify the intolerant and endless war between nations and unfortunately perpetrated by those claiming to be the leading democracy and civilization.
True civilization is in the Quran and its teaching