سُوْرَةُ سَبَاٍ
Surah Saba (34) — Ayah 12
وَلِسُلَيْمَـٰنَ ٱلرِّيحَ غُدُوُّهَا شَهْرٌ وَرَوَاحُهَا شَهْرٌ ۖ وَأَسَلْنَا لَهُۥ عَيْنَ ٱلْقِطْرِ ۖ وَمِنَ ٱلْجِنِّ مَن يَعْمَلُ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِۦ ۖ وَمَن يَزِغْ مِنْهُمْ عَنْ أَمْرِنَا نُذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ ﴿12﴾
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And to Solomon (We subjected) the wind, its morning (stride from sunrise till midnoon) was a month’s (journey), and its afternoon (stride from the midday decline of the sun to sunset) was a month’s (journey i.e. in one day he could travel two months’ (journey). And We caused a fount of (molten) brass to flow for him, and there were jinn that worked in front of him, by the Leave of his Lord. And whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command, We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَلِسُلَيْمَـٰنَ
walisulaymāna
And to Sulaiman
ٱلرِّيحَ
l-rīḥa
the wind
غُدُوُّهَا
ghuduwwuhā
its morning course
شَهْرٌۭ
shahrun
(was) a month
وَرَوَاحُهَا
warawāḥuhā
and its afternoon course
شَهْرٌۭ ۖ
shahrun
(was) a month
وَأَسَلْنَا
wa-asalnā
and We caused to flow
لَهُۥ
lahu
for him
عَيْنَ
ʿayna
a spring
ٱلْقِطْرِ ۖ
l-qiṭ'ri
(of) molten copper
وَمِنَ
wamina
And [of]
ٱلْجِنِّ
l-jini
the jinn
مَن
man
who
يَعْمَلُ
yaʿmalu
worked
بَيْنَ
bayna
before him
يَدَيْهِ
yadayhi
before him
بِإِذْنِ
bi-idh'ni
by the permission
رَبِّهِۦ ۖ
rabbihi
(of) his Lord
وَمَن
waman
And whoever
يَزِغْ
yazigh
deviated
مِنْهُمْ
min'hum
among them
عَنْ
ʿan
from
أَمْرِنَا
amrinā
Our Command
نُذِقْهُ
nudhiq'hu
We will make him taste
مِنْ
min
of
عَذَابِ
ʿadhābi
(the) punishment
ٱلسَّعِيرِ
l-saʿīri
(of) the Blaze
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 12) ➊ {وَ لِسُلَيْمٰنَ الرِّيْحَ غُدُوُّهَا شَهْرٌ … :} Among the servants who turn to Allah, after Dawud (peace be upon him), mention is made of his noble son Sulaiman (peace be upon him). Allah made the wind subservient to him. It would cover the distance of a month in the first part of the day and a month’s distance in the latter part of the day. Some commentators have written that this means that in that era, sea ships would travel with favorable winds. In the verse, {’’غُدُوٌّ‘‘} refers to going, and {’’رَوَاحٌ‘‘} refers to returning, and the meaning is that for a month, the favorable wind would blow from Sulaiman’s (peace be upon him) capital towards the east, through which his sea ships would depart for trade and other purposes towards the east, then for a month, for the return journey, it would blow towards the west, bringing those ships back towards Palestine, and this is the meaning of the verse: «تَجْرِيْ بِاَمْرِهٖۤ اِلَى الْاَرْضِ الَّتِيْ بٰرَكْنَا فِيْهَا وَ كُنَّا بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عٰلِمِيْنَ» [ الأنبیاء : ۸۱ ] “By His command, it would go towards the land in which We placed blessing, and We were Knowing of all things.” For the reality of this and similar interpretations, see Surah Al-Anbiya (81).
While interpreting these verses, it is necessary to keep in mind that they mention the things granted to that personality who had prayed: « رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ وَهَبْ لِيْ مُلْكًا لَّا يَنْۢبَغِيْ لِاَحَدٍ مِّنْۢ بَعْدِيْ » [ صٓ : ۳۵ ] “My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me.” And a man of knowledge from whose armies brought the throne of the Queen of Sheba from Yemen in the blink of an eye. Whatever progress has been made in the present era, or will be made in the future, is nothing compared to the powers granted to Sulaiman (peace be upon him). So if the wind, by his command, covers a month’s journey in the first part of the day and a month’s journey in the latter part, what is surprising about that? As for the manner in which the wind would make him cover this distance, Allah has not explained it, and one should not be pretentious about what is unknown. In Surah Sad, it is said: « قُلْ مَاۤ اَسْـَٔلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ اَجْرٍ وَّ مَاۤ اَنَا مِنَ الْمُتَكَلِّفِيْنَ » [ صٓ : ۸۶ ] “Say, I do not ask you for any reward for this, nor am I of those who pretend.” See also Surah Al-Anbiya (81).
➋ { وَ اَسَلْنَا لَهٗ عَيْنَ الْقِطْرِ : ’’سَالَ يَسِيْلُ سَيْلًا‘‘} (ض) To flow. {’’أَسَالَ يُسِيْلُ إِسَالَةً‘‘} (If‘al) To make flow, to cause to run. {’’ اَسَلْنَا ‘‘} The verb in the past tense, first person plural, from the If‘al form. Iron was made soft for Dawud (peace be upon him), and Sulaiman (peace be upon him) inherited this blessing, and in addition, a spring of copper was made to flow for him, so that it would be available to him in abundance, and under his command, humans and jinn would prepare from it everything needed for him and his armies, such as all kinds of small and large vessels and items used inside and outside homes. According to a report, even now, Jews in Israel are searching for this site of copper.
➌ { وَ مِنَ الْجِنِّ مَنْ يَّعْمَلُ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ بِاِذْنِ رَبِّهٖ :} In Surah Al-Anbiya, these jinn are mentioned with the word “shayatin,” from which it is understood that the shayatin mentioned in Surah Al-Anbiya are not human shayatin, but jinn shayatin. The mention of those jinn who used to work can also be seen in Surah Al-Anbiya (82) and Surah Sad (37, 38).
➍ { وَ مَنْ يَّزِغْ مِنْهُمْ عَنْ اَمْرِنَا … :} Its explanation can be seen in Surah Al-Anbiya (82).
While interpreting these verses, it is necessary to keep in mind that they mention the things granted to that personality who had prayed: « رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ وَهَبْ لِيْ مُلْكًا لَّا يَنْۢبَغِيْ لِاَحَدٍ مِّنْۢ بَعْدِيْ » [ صٓ : ۳۵ ] “My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me.” And a man of knowledge from whose armies brought the throne of the Queen of Sheba from Yemen in the blink of an eye. Whatever progress has been made in the present era, or will be made in the future, is nothing compared to the powers granted to Sulaiman (peace be upon him). So if the wind, by his command, covers a month’s journey in the first part of the day and a month’s journey in the latter part, what is surprising about that? As for the manner in which the wind would make him cover this distance, Allah has not explained it, and one should not be pretentious about what is unknown. In Surah Sad, it is said: « قُلْ مَاۤ اَسْـَٔلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ اَجْرٍ وَّ مَاۤ اَنَا مِنَ الْمُتَكَلِّفِيْنَ » [ صٓ : ۸۶ ] “Say, I do not ask you for any reward for this, nor am I of those who pretend.” See also Surah Al-Anbiya (81).
➋ { وَ اَسَلْنَا لَهٗ عَيْنَ الْقِطْرِ : ’’سَالَ يَسِيْلُ سَيْلًا‘‘} (ض) To flow. {’’أَسَالَ يُسِيْلُ إِسَالَةً‘‘} (If‘al) To make flow, to cause to run. {’’ اَسَلْنَا ‘‘} The verb in the past tense, first person plural, from the If‘al form. Iron was made soft for Dawud (peace be upon him), and Sulaiman (peace be upon him) inherited this blessing, and in addition, a spring of copper was made to flow for him, so that it would be available to him in abundance, and under his command, humans and jinn would prepare from it everything needed for him and his armies, such as all kinds of small and large vessels and items used inside and outside homes. According to a report, even now, Jews in Israel are searching for this site of copper.
➌ { وَ مِنَ الْجِنِّ مَنْ يَّعْمَلُ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ بِاِذْنِ رَبِّهٖ :} In Surah Al-Anbiya, these jinn are mentioned with the word “shayatin,” from which it is understood that the shayatin mentioned in Surah Al-Anbiya are not human shayatin, but jinn shayatin. The mention of those jinn who used to work can also be seen in Surah Al-Anbiya (82) and Surah Sad (37, 38).
➍ { وَ مَنْ يَّزِغْ مِنْهُمْ عَنْ اَمْرِنَا … :} Its explanation can be seen in Surah Al-Anbiya (82).
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.
12. 1 That is, Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) AS, along with the nobles of the kingdom and the army, would sit on the throne, and wherever he commanded, the winds would carry it with such speed that the distance of a month’s journey from morning to noon would be covered in one stage, and then similarly, from noon to night, the distance of a month’s journey would be covered. In this way, the distance of two months would be covered in one day.
12. 2 That is, just as iron was made soft for Prophet Dawud (David) AS, for Prophet Sulaiman AS, We caused a spring of copper to flow, so that from the metal of copper, he could make whatever he wished.
12. 3 According to most commentators, this punishment will be given on the Day of Resurrection. But according to some, this is a worldly punishment; they say that Allah appointed an angel who had a rod of fire in his hand. Any jinn who disobeyed the command of Prophet Sulaiman AS, the angel would strike him with that rod, by which he would be burnt to ashes (Fath al-Qadeer).
12. 2 That is, just as iron was made soft for Prophet Dawud (David) AS, for Prophet Sulaiman AS, We caused a spring of copper to flow, so that from the metal of copper, he could make whatever he wished.
12. 3 According to most commentators, this punishment will be given on the Day of Resurrection. But according to some, this is a worldly punishment; they say that Allah appointed an angel who had a rod of fire in his hand. Any jinn who disobeyed the command of Prophet Sulaiman AS, the angel would strike him with that rod, by which he would be burnt to ashes (Fath al-Qadeer).
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.
12. And for Solomon, We subjected the wind. Its morning course was a month's journey, and its evening course was a month's journey. And We made a fountain of molten copper flow for him [19]. And some of the jinn [20] worked before him by the permission of his Lord. And whoever among them deviated from Our command, We made him taste the punishment of the blazing Fire.
[18] For explanation, see [سوره انبياء كي آيت نمبر 81 كا حاشيه نمبر 69]
[19]
Sayyiduna Sulaiman (A.S.) and the Art of Melting Copper:
Two interpretations are mentioned regarding this. One is that during his reign, a molten spring of copper was discovered in Yemen. The second is that just as Allah Almighty granted his father Dawood (A.S.) the art of melting iron, and he used to make coats of mail from it, in the same way, Allah granted Prophet Sulaiman (A.S.) the art of melting copper. He would melt copper on a large scale, then pour it into molds to prepare large vessels, cauldrons, and basins, etc. In which food for an entire army would be cooked and served—these were for official needs. Besides this, he would also make copper items for the general needs of the people.
[20]
The Jinn Working for Him Like Laborers:
At this place, the word "jinn" has been used, whereas in Surah Anbiya, verse number 82, the word "shayateen" has been used in the same meaning. The matter is the same; the word "jinn" is a generic term, while "shayateen" applies only to the rebellious and arrogant types of jinn (and shayateen can also be from among humans). These jinn would work for him like ordinary porters, servants, and laborers, and would act according to his command. The reason was that Allah Almighty had made the jinn subservient to Prophet Sulaiman, and they were compelled to obey him. If they showed even a little rebellion, they would be thrown into the fire. It is said that Allah Almighty had appointed an angel over these jinn, who had a whip of fire in his hand. Any jinn who disobeyed Prophet Sulaiman (A.S.), this angel would strike him with the whip and burn him.
[18] For explanation, see [سوره انبياء كي آيت نمبر 81 كا حاشيه نمبر 69]
[19]
Sayyiduna Sulaiman (A.S.) and the Art of Melting Copper:
Two interpretations are mentioned regarding this. One is that during his reign, a molten spring of copper was discovered in Yemen. The second is that just as Allah Almighty granted his father Dawood (A.S.) the art of melting iron, and he used to make coats of mail from it, in the same way, Allah granted Prophet Sulaiman (A.S.) the art of melting copper. He would melt copper on a large scale, then pour it into molds to prepare large vessels, cauldrons, and basins, etc. In which food for an entire army would be cooked and served—these were for official needs. Besides this, he would also make copper items for the general needs of the people.
[20]
The Jinn Working for Him Like Laborers:
At this place, the word "jinn" has been used, whereas in Surah Anbiya, verse number 82, the word "shayateen" has been used in the same meaning. The matter is the same; the word "jinn" is a generic term, while "shayateen" applies only to the rebellious and arrogant types of jinn (and shayateen can also be from among humans). These jinn would work for him like ordinary porters, servants, and laborers, and would act according to his command. The reason was that Allah Almighty had made the jinn subservient to Prophet Sulaiman, and they were compelled to obey him. If they showed even a little rebellion, they would be thrown into the fire. It is said that Allah Almighty had appointed an angel over these jinn, who had a whip of fire in his hand. Any jinn who disobeyed Prophet Sulaiman (A.S.), this angel would strike him with the whip and burn him.
