In the language, we say that everything that moves on the earth is a "dabbah" (creature). Allah described the termite in the Holy Quran as the "creature of the earth" when it fell upon the staff of His prophet Solomon (peace be upon him), which he was leaning on at the time of his death, and it ate it.
So, what is the termite? The termite is a small insect, known as the white ant. It is smaller than the known ant, with a head larger than its body, and it has many types. Some feed on wood, leather, paper, fruits, and similar materials. It is a marvelous creature of God's creation, living in organised colonies.
Benefits:
The termite plays an important role in the ecosystem, contributing to nature's recycling by breaking down fallen trees, decomposing wood, and turning it into rich soil filled with essential nutrients for the growth of other plants.
Prophet Suleiman (AS)
Allah granted Prophet Suleiman (AS) a great kingdom. He had authority on wind, animals, Jinn, and all other creatures. Jinn obeyed Prophet Suleiman’s commands, and they claimed knowing concealed (Al-Ghaib). Allah wanted to teach the Jinn that they do not in fact know the concealed. The lesson came when Prophet Suleiman (AS) died. He did not fall down as he died leaning on his cane. Jinn, among other servants of the Prophet, believed him to still be alive, and they continued doing the chores assigned to them, until the termites ate the cane, and Prophet Suleiman (AS) fell on the floor. This showed people that Jinn could not have known the concealed, otherwise they would not have continued to serve the Prophet after knowing he was dead.
The story of the termite in Hadith
The termite was mentioned in Hadith as a creature that supported Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Termites ate the deed in which the banishment of the Hashemites was written. The deed covered the terms of the banishment, and declared that ‘no one should marry their women nor give women for them to marry; and that no one would trade with them.’ The banishment lasted for three years, during which the Prophet and his disciples lived under siege at Shib Abi Talib, where they suffered hunger. Quraysh put the deed in the Holly Kaaba, where termites ate the whole document except the words ‘In the Name of Allah’. The Prophet told his uncle Abu Talib that the deed was eaten by termites, and Abu Talib told the leaders of Quraysh, who verified the incident and decided to lift the sanctions.Termites are unique creatures, a real soldier of Allah. They played a role in the stories of two Prophets.
