Surah An-Naml (27) — Ayah 28
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
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.
➋ From this, it is known that Solomon (peace be upon him) used the hoopoe not only for gathering general information but also for delivering letters.
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.
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.
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Prophet Sulaiman’s (Solomon’s) Sending of a Letter to the Queen of Sheba Through the Hoopoe:
After hearing the hoopoe’s reply or excuse, Sulaiman (Solomon) said: I will write you a letter. Take this letter and drop it in the court before the queen and her courtiers. Then, move aside to wait. Then see what their reaction to this letter is. And after returning, inform me according to their reaction. From this, not only will it be known how truthful you are in delivering this certain news to us, but from their reaction, it will also be known what kind of mentality those people possess.
The Rational Interpretation of the Hoopoe and Its Response:
Some rationalists have tried to interpret the story of the hoopoe’s message delivery in accordance with reason. Those who have taken “Tair” (bird) to mean “airplane” say that this hoopoe was the pilot of that airplane. And those who considered it foolish to interpret “Tair” as airplane say that the hoopoe was the name of a military officer. And it is a common custom everywhere that people sometimes name humans after trees or birds. In this interpretation, up to this point, the matter is somewhat acceptable. Now, the difficulty arises that Sulaiman (Solomon) tells the hoopoe: Take my letter and throw it or drop it before them. ﴿فَاَلْقِهْ اِلَيْهِمْ﴾ This is something a bird can do. But if a human, in the capacity of an ambassador, goes and does such a thing, it would be extremely rude, and it is not unlikely that, as a result of this rudeness, he might be imprisoned or even killed. The second difficulty is that Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) instructs the hoopoe to throw the letter before them, then move aside and see what their reaction to the letter is. Now, it is obvious that no government would consult on its internal affairs in front of a foreign ambassador. However, in the form of a bird, this is possible. In our opinion, these interpretations cannot even satisfy those who propose them, let alone others. Because the words of the Quran themselves openly refute such interpretations.
