Surah An-Naml (27) — Ayah 42
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 {وَ اُوْتِيْنَا الْعِلْمَ مِنْ قَبْلِهَا وَ كُنَّا مُسْلِمِيْنَ:} That is, even before this, we had come to know of your power, might, and great kingdom, and we had already become obedient, which is why we have come into your service.
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.
42-2. That is, even before coming here, we had understood that you are Allah's Prophet and we had become obedient and submissive to you. But Imam Ibn Kathir and Shawkani, etc., have considered this to be the statement of Prophet Sulaiman (عليه السلام), that we had already been given the knowledge that the Queen of Sheba would come submissively and obediently into service.
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.
[40]
The Test of the Intelligence of the Queen of Sheba:
When Bilqis arrived at the court of Prophet Sulaiman, the very first question asked after showing her the throne was whether she also had such a throne. She was a very intelligent woman and immediately recognized that this was her own throne, although some changes had been made to it. Therefore, she answered in accordance with the question, saying that it looks exactly like hers. If she had been asked, “Is this your throne?” then she would have replied, “Yes, this is my throne.” Through this test, Prophet Sulaiman realized her intelligence. After this question, what Sulaimanؑ wanted to explain to her, she herself expressed, saying that bringing the throne here is indeed a miraculous act, which is proof of your prophethood. But we had already obtained much information about you before this, and we have come here as your obedient subjects.
