سُوْرَةُ النَّمْلِ
Surah An-Naml (27) — Ayah 16
وَوَرِثَ سُلَيْمَـٰنُ دَاوُۥدَ ۖ وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ عُلِّمْنَا مَنطِقَ ٱلطَّيْرِ وَأُوتِينَا مِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍ ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلْفَضْلُ ٱلْمُبِينُ ﴿16﴾
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And Sulaimân (Solomon) inherited (the knowledge of) Dâwûd (David). He said: "O mankind! We have been taught the language of birds, and on us have been bestowed all things. This, verily, is an evident grace (from Allâh)."
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَوَرِثَ
wawaritha
And inherited
سُلَيْمَـٰنُ
sulaymānu
Sulaiman
دَاوُۥدَ ۖ
dāwūda
Dawood
وَقَالَ
waqāla
And he said
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا
yāayyuhā
O
ٱلنَّاسُ
l-nāsu
people
عُلِّمْنَا
ʿullim'nā
We have been taught
مَنطِقَ
manṭiqa
(the) language
ٱلطَّيْرِ
l-ṭayri
(of) the birds
وَأُوتِينَا
waūtīnā
and we have been given
مِن
min
from
كُلِّ
kulli
every
شَىْءٍ ۖ
shayin
thing
إِنَّ
inna
Indeed
هَـٰذَا
hādhā
this
لَهُوَ
lahuwa
surely, it
ٱلْفَضْلُ
l-faḍlu
(is) the favor
ٱلْمُبِينُ
l-mubīnu
evident
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 16) ➊ { وَ وَرِثَ سُلَيْمٰنُ دَاوٗدَ …:} By this is meant the inheritance of prophethood, kingship, and knowledge and deeds, not the inheritance of wealth and property. If it were the inheritance of wealth and property, then not only Solomon (peace be upon him) would be mentioned as the heir, but other sons of David (peace be upon him) would also be included. Furthermore, if the inheritance of their personal wealth were meant, then Solomon (peace be upon him) saying {’’يٰۤاَيُّهَا النَّاسُ ‘‘} and informing everyone would be meaningless. The wealth and property of the noble Prophets have no heirs; the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [ لَا نُوْرَثُ مَا تَرَكْنَا صَدَقَةٌ ] [ بخاري، الفرائض، باب قول النبي صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم لا نورث… : ۶۷۲۷، عن عائشۃ رضی اللہ عنھا ] "We have no heirs; whatever we leave behind is charity." And it is narrated from Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [إِنَّ الْعُلَمَاءَ وَرَثَةُ الْأَنْبِيَاءَ وَ إِنَّ الْأَنْبِيَاءَ لَمْ يُوَرِّثُوْا دِيْنَارًا وَلَا دِرْهَمًا، وَرَّثُوا الْعِلْمَ فَمَنْ أَخَذَهُ أَخَذَ بِحَظٍّ وَافِرٍ ] [أبوداوٗد، العلم، باب في فضل العلم : ۳۶۴۱، قال الألباني صحیح ] "Indeed, the scholars are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets did not leave behind dinars or dirhams as inheritance; they only left knowledge as inheritance, so whoever acquires it has acquired a great share." See also Surah Maryam (5, 6).
➋ { وَ قَالَ يٰۤاَيُّهَا النَّاسُ عُلِّمْنَا مَنْطِقَ الطَّيْرِ:} That is, we have been taught the language of birds, and even to speak it, as the conversation of Solomon (peace be upon him) with the hoopoe will be mentioned ahead. Moreover, they were not only taught the language of birds but also of all animals, as the mention of hearing the ant's speech will come ahead. The mention of birds is for brevity, because birds are more distant and wary of humans than all other creatures. When David and Solomon (peace be upon them) knew their language, then knowing the language of other animals, who are closer to humans, was even more likely for them. Among all animals, birds are especially mentioned because they were a regular part of their army. The knowledge of the language of birds does not mean knowledge based on conjecture, which zoologists are trying to invent, but rather clearly understanding their speech, which was a special miracle granted to them by Allah Almighty.
➌ { وَ اُوْتِيْنَا مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ:’’ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ ‘‘} refers to everything that may be needed. This includes knowledge and prophethood, wealth and wisdom, even the subjugation of jinn, humans, birds, animals, wind, etc. (Shawkani) Here, the word {’’ كُلِّ ‘‘} is in the meaning of abundance, as the hoopoe said about the Queen of Sheba: «{ وَ اُوْتِيَتْ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ }» [النمل : ۲۳ ] "And she has been given a share of everything." Although it is clear that she was not given a share of everything, and as it is said about the wind sent upon the people of 'Ad: «{ تُدَمِّرُ كُلَّ شَيْءٍۭ بِاَمْرِ رَبِّهَا }» [الأحقاف : ۲۵ ] "It will destroy everything by the command of its Lord."
➍ { اِنَّ هٰذَا لَهُوَ الْفَضْلُ الْمُبِيْنُ:} The meaning of "fadl" is superiority, that is, Allah Almighty chose us from among countless people to grant these blessings; indeed, this is a clear superiority that Allah Almighty has granted us. By mentioning this, Solomon's (peace be upon him) purpose was not pride but gratitude. Besides, informing people of this was his responsibility, so that people would recognize their value and obey them, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [ أَنَا سَيِّدُ وَلَدِ آدَمَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلَا فَخْرَ ] [ ترمذي، تفسیر القرآن، باب ومن سورۃ بني إسرائیل : ۳۱۴۸، قال الألباني صحیح ] "I am the leader of the children of Adam on the Day of Resurrection, and there is no pride."
➋ { وَ قَالَ يٰۤاَيُّهَا النَّاسُ عُلِّمْنَا مَنْطِقَ الطَّيْرِ:} That is, we have been taught the language of birds, and even to speak it, as the conversation of Solomon (peace be upon him) with the hoopoe will be mentioned ahead. Moreover, they were not only taught the language of birds but also of all animals, as the mention of hearing the ant's speech will come ahead. The mention of birds is for brevity, because birds are more distant and wary of humans than all other creatures. When David and Solomon (peace be upon them) knew their language, then knowing the language of other animals, who are closer to humans, was even more likely for them. Among all animals, birds are especially mentioned because they were a regular part of their army. The knowledge of the language of birds does not mean knowledge based on conjecture, which zoologists are trying to invent, but rather clearly understanding their speech, which was a special miracle granted to them by Allah Almighty.
➌ { وَ اُوْتِيْنَا مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ:’’ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ ‘‘} refers to everything that may be needed. This includes knowledge and prophethood, wealth and wisdom, even the subjugation of jinn, humans, birds, animals, wind, etc. (Shawkani) Here, the word {’’ كُلِّ ‘‘} is in the meaning of abundance, as the hoopoe said about the Queen of Sheba: «{ وَ اُوْتِيَتْ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ }» [النمل : ۲۳ ] "And she has been given a share of everything." Although it is clear that she was not given a share of everything, and as it is said about the wind sent upon the people of 'Ad: «{ تُدَمِّرُ كُلَّ شَيْءٍۭ بِاَمْرِ رَبِّهَا }» [الأحقاف : ۲۵ ] "It will destroy everything by the command of its Lord."
➍ { اِنَّ هٰذَا لَهُوَ الْفَضْلُ الْمُبِيْنُ:} The meaning of "fadl" is superiority, that is, Allah Almighty chose us from among countless people to grant these blessings; indeed, this is a clear superiority that Allah Almighty has granted us. By mentioning this, Solomon's (peace be upon him) purpose was not pride but gratitude. Besides, informing people of this was his responsibility, so that people would recognize their value and obey them, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [ أَنَا سَيِّدُ وَلَدِ آدَمَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلَا فَخْرَ ] [ ترمذي، تفسیر القرآن، باب ومن سورۃ بني إسرائیل : ۳۱۴۸، قال الألباني صحیح ] "I am the leader of the children of Adam on the Day of Resurrection, and there is no pride."
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
16-1. By this is meant the inheritance of prophethood and kingship, of which only Sulaiman (Solomon) was made the heir. Otherwise, Dawud (David) had other sons as well who were deprived of this inheritance. In any case, the inheritance of the prophets is only in knowledge; whatever wealth and possessions they leave behind is charity, as the Prophet ﷺ has said (al-Bukhari, Book of Inheritance and Muslim, Book of Jihad).
16-2. The languages of all animals were taught, but birds are mentioned specifically because they would always accompany him for shade. And some say that only the languages of birds were taught, and ants are included among the birds. (Fath al-Qadir)
16-3. That which they needed, such as knowledge, prophethood, wisdom, wealth, subjugation of jinn and humans, and control over birds and animals, etc.
16-2. The languages of all animals were taught, but birds are mentioned specifically because they would always accompany him for shade. And some say that only the languages of birds were taught, and ants are included among the birds. (Fath al-Qadir)
16-3. That which they needed, such as knowledge, prophethood, wisdom, wealth, subjugation of jinn and humans, and control over birds and animals, etc.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
16. And Solomon inherited [16] from David. He said, "O people! We have been taught the language of birds [17], and we have been given all things. Surely, this is a clear favor from Allah."
[16] Here, inheritance does not refer to the personal wealth and property of Dawud (peace be upon him), but rather to the inheritance of prophethood and sovereignty.
[17]
Sayyiduna Sulayman (peace be upon him) Understanding the Language of Animals and Expressing Gratitude to Allah:
Among the astonishing powers of Allah Almighty is this: all humans have the same form. Every person has one nose, two ears, two eyes, two arms, and two legs, but despite such uniformity, each person’s appearance is different from the other. If a person has six sons, others may say that there is a certain resemblance among them, but only the parents, close relatives, or friends can distinguish between them. This difference is not limited to appearance alone. Every human’s voice, the sound of their cough, even the sound of their footsteps and their manner of walking, all differ. Close ones can recognize a person just by their voice, cough, or gait. The same is found among animals and birds. Animals and birds also have a language. Humans cannot understand it, but they understand each other very well. For example, when a bird calls its mate, or calls its chicks to feed them, or warns them of danger, in all these situations its tone and language are not the same. Its addressees fully understand this difference and act accordingly. And when these birds chirp together, usually in the morning, they are glorifying Allah Almighty. Although we cannot distinguish their language in these different situations, they understand each other very well. To understand this, consider a telegraph master: when he sends a message via telegraph, you may sit beside him for hours, but apart from the meaningless sounds of tapping, you will understand nothing. But a person who knows this skill will immediately tell you that this message is for such-and-such person at such-and-such place, and this is its content.
Everything Glorifies:
This matter is not limited to humans, animals, and birds, but this chain of sensations extends to insects, plants, and even inanimate objects, and all these things glorify Allah, but we cannot understand it [17: 44]. This does not mean that you could speak the language of birds, but rather that you could understand what the birds and others were saying to each other. Then, whatever you wished to say, the birds would also understand it. And the second blessing is that Allah Almighty has provided us with all the things we need.
[16] Here, inheritance does not refer to the personal wealth and property of Dawud (peace be upon him), but rather to the inheritance of prophethood and sovereignty.
[17]
Sayyiduna Sulayman (peace be upon him) Understanding the Language of Animals and Expressing Gratitude to Allah:
Among the astonishing powers of Allah Almighty is this: all humans have the same form. Every person has one nose, two ears, two eyes, two arms, and two legs, but despite such uniformity, each person’s appearance is different from the other. If a person has six sons, others may say that there is a certain resemblance among them, but only the parents, close relatives, or friends can distinguish between them. This difference is not limited to appearance alone. Every human’s voice, the sound of their cough, even the sound of their footsteps and their manner of walking, all differ. Close ones can recognize a person just by their voice, cough, or gait. The same is found among animals and birds. Animals and birds also have a language. Humans cannot understand it, but they understand each other very well. For example, when a bird calls its mate, or calls its chicks to feed them, or warns them of danger, in all these situations its tone and language are not the same. Its addressees fully understand this difference and act accordingly. And when these birds chirp together, usually in the morning, they are glorifying Allah Almighty. Although we cannot distinguish their language in these different situations, they understand each other very well. To understand this, consider a telegraph master: when he sends a message via telegraph, you may sit beside him for hours, but apart from the meaningless sounds of tapping, you will understand nothing. But a person who knows this skill will immediately tell you that this message is for such-and-such person at such-and-such place, and this is its content.
Everything Glorifies:
This matter is not limited to humans, animals, and birds, but this chain of sensations extends to insects, plants, and even inanimate objects, and all these things glorify Allah, but we cannot understand it [17: 44]. This does not mean that you could speak the language of birds, but rather that you could understand what the birds and others were saying to each other. Then, whatever you wished to say, the birds would also understand it. And the second blessing is that Allah Almighty has provided us with all the things we need.
