بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful"
قَالَ رَبِّ اغۡفِرۡ لِىۡ وَهَبۡ لِىۡ مُلۡكًا لَّا يَنۡۢبَغِىۡ لِاَحَدٍ مِّنۡۢ بَعۡدِىۡۚ اِنَّكَ اَنۡتَ الۡوَهَّابُ
"He said, 'My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.'" (Quran 38:35)
We have already published the detailed exegesis / tafsir of the Surah based on explanation given by some of the prominent Muslim scholars. The detailed explanation of the 35 verse can be read from the link given below:
In this post we only share the the wisdom behind this prayer lies in several profound lessons, besides a heart warming explanation by Nauman Ali Khan, one of the eminent Muslim scholars of present times, given at the end of the post. Let us just hurriedly go over to the meaning of the prayer in the verse quoted abvve:
1. Humility and Self-awareness
Solomon’s prayer reflects a deep sense of humility. Despite his immense power and blessings, he recognizes his vulnerability and need for Allah's forgiveness. It teaches that even the most successful and blessed individuals should not let their achievements lead to arrogance. The awareness of one's limitations, no matter how high their status, is a key principle in Islamic humility.
2. Acknowledgment of Allah’s Sovereignty
Solomon’s prayer emphasizes that all power and authority ultimately come from Allah. By asking for a kingdom that no one else will inherit after him, Solomon is not seeking personal glory, but rather recognizing the supreme sovereignty of Allah in granting and taking away worldly dominion. It shows that true kingship and authority belong to Allah alone, and human rulers are merely trustees of the wealth and power given to them.
3. Gratitude for Divine Blessings
The prayer is also an expression of gratitude to Allah. Solomon acknowledges that he has been granted a unique and incomparable kingdom, but rather than growing complacent, he prays for continued blessings in a way that reflects sincere devotion to the Creator. This teaches believers the importance of showing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them and seeking Allah’s help to avoid being ungrateful.
4. Request for a Unique, Unmatched Kingdom
The nature of Solomon's request — a kingdom that no one will have after him — can be interpreted as a desire for a divine gift that surpasses the worldly norms. Solomon's kingdom was already unparalleled in its grandeur and control over nature, but his prayer shows a focus on seeking a kingdom that serves a higher purpose rather than mere worldly dominance. It reflects the idea that one should strive for excellence in all endeavors, particularly in serving the divine will.
5. The Power of Prayer
Solomon’s prayer highlights the power of supplication. Even though Solomon was a prophet and a king, he did not rely on his own status to fulfill his desires. Instead, he turned to Allah in prayer. This shows the importance of supplicating to Allah in every circumstance, no matter one’s position in society. Every believer is encouraged to turn to Allah for guidance, strength, and help in all matters, big or small.
6. Reflection of Prophetic Role
As a prophet, Solomon's prayer also signifies the role of prophets in Islam as humble servants of Allah who do not act out of personal desire but seek to fulfill the divine will. His supplication serves as a model for all believers in understanding how to engage with Allah: with humility, seeking His forgiveness and guidance, and acknowledging His authority.
You may now like to listen to an enlightening commentary on the wisdom of prayer/dua of Prophet Sulieman (peace be upon him) by Nouman Ali Khan, a Pakistan born American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies.
In his reinterpretation of the unique dua of Prophet Sulaiman in Surah Saad, Nouman Ali Khan opens new vistas into our understanding of the value of our engagement in this world. At first glance, Suleiman’s dua for a kingdom that is not befitting anyone after him seems materialistic, but in fact he is asking for the capability to do more good for the sake of Allah.
As Muslims we must take a strong cue from this noble prophet. Excelling in this world for the right reasons is in itself, an act of worship. We do not separate worldly life from spiritual life in Islam, but we must shake off the delusional fear that we’re not capable, and submit this life (our career, education) to a higher goal. When our heart is in the right place, Allah will give us resources beyond the imagination.
For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.
You may refer to our post "114 Chapters (Sūrahs) of the Holy Qur'an" for translation, meaning and summary / exegesis of other chapters (Though not complete but building up from 30th Juzʼ / Part backwards for chapters in 30th Juzʼ / Part are shorter and easier to understand).
Reading the Holy Quran should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully.
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