Bilqis, Queen of Saba, is a model of a wise and commanding woman who was praised in the Holy Quran. In her story with Prophet Sulaiman )(PBUH), she represents the features of wise leadership, acumen and faith when she realised and followed the right path.
Bilqis’s story in the Holy Quran
The story of Bilqis was illustrated in Surah An-Naml, where the Quran elaborated on her distinction as a powerful and wise Queen.
- Her wisdom and leadership
Bilqis governed her people wisely, and they had a great kingdom with advanced civilisation. Allah Almighty said in the words of the hoopoe:
“Indeed, I found a woman ruling over them, who has been given everything ˹she needs˺, and who has a magnificent throne” (An-Naml: 23)
This demonstrates her political standing and the power of her Kingdom.
- Good consulting and collective decision
When she received Prophet Sulaiman's letter calling on her and her people to worship Allah alone, she did not make a hasty decision, but consulted her chiefs, and said:
“She said, “O chiefs! Advise me in this matter of mine, for I would never make any decision without you” (An-Naml: 32)
This verse illustrates her awareness of the importance of consultation and collective decision.
- Her intelligence and diplomacy
She chose to send a gift to Sulaiman to know his intention, and she said:
“But I will certainly send him a gift, and see what ˹response˺ my envoys will return with” (An-Naml: 35)
This was a diplomatic step to understand the nature of Sulaiman's invitation.
- Her faith after seeing the truth
When she entered Sulaiman Palace and witnessed the greatness of His reign and the evidence of Allah's power, she demonstrated her sincere faith in Allah:
“At last˺ she declared, “My Lord! I have certainly wronged my soul. Now I ˹fully˺ submit myself along with Solomon to Allah, the Lord of all worlds” (An-Naml: 44)
This highlights Bilqis’s conversion from the worship of the sun to the worship of Allah.
Lessons learned from Bilqis’s story
- The importance of leadership wisdom:
Bilqis demonstrated her ability to make thoughtful rational decisions away from recklessness.
- The Importance of Shura:
Consulting her leaders demonstrates her awareness of the group's role in decisive decision-making.
- Recognition of the truth:
When she was sure that Sulaiman was a prophet of Allah, she showed great courage in giving up the worship of its people and following the truth.
She is the only woman named in the Quran, and her name is explicitly mentioned, not implied as with other believing women.
Sunni sources about the story
- The Holy Quran:
Surah An-Naml (verses 20-44).
- Books of Tafsirs:
Tafsir ibn Kathir: explains the details of the story and provides accounts of the throne of Bilqis and her people.
Tafsir al-Tabari: discusses the meanings of verses and adds a historical context to the civilisation of Saba.
Tafsir al-Qurtubi: focuses on the rhetorical and intellectual aspects of the story.
- Biographical and Islamic history books:
Such as ‘Al-Bidaya wa l-Nihaya’ by ibn Kathir; which mentions the cultural details of the Kingdom of Saba.
