By Ajani Hafsoh

An exotic, mysterious and stalwart woman of power– She is not mentioned by name in the Qur’an. However, we do know her name based upon Qur’anic commentaries. Allah the Almighty narrates her story in ‘Suratul Naml’–BILKIS THE QUEEN OF SHEBA.

Her story has been embellished by Muslim commentators, The Arabs have also given Bilkis a southern arabian genealogy, and she is the subject of a widespread cycle of legends. She ruled over a kingdom on the southern Arabian peninsula which is now known as YEMEN. She had a mighty and glorious kingdom along with strong and competent troops. However, she used to worship the Sun and other idols before her encounter with Prophet Sulaimon (King Solomon).

Prophet Sulaimon, a very powerful and wise man. The Qur’an mentions many miracles and blessings Allah bestowed upon him as he could understand the speech of animals, had the power of wind and despite his worldly powers, he never forgot, always thankful and grateful to him.

Sulaimon had an army of birds, Jinn, and humans. Amongst his army was a Hoopoe bird(Hud hud) which one day was absent without his consent. The hoopoe however soon appeared to explain his absence. He brought with him an account of the kingdom of Sheba which is ruled by a Queen and they worship the sun and other idols.

Upon hearing this, Sulaimon sent a letter to the Queen, greeting her and requesting her to repent and submit to Allah. She received the letter and consulted with her chieftains who advised her to fight Sulaimon and his army after suspecting that Sulaimon wanted to control her territory. She, however chose a more diplomatic approach and decided to send expensive gifts to Sulaimon. He(Sulaimon), nonetheless,rejected her gifts of gold and jewels.

Balkis then went ahead to visit sulaimon’s palace. The prophet wanted to teach her a lesson, he requested her magnificent throne brought to his palace before her arrival. A man at the court offered to bring the throne within a blink of an eye! And sure enough the throne of Sheba was transported to Jerusalem at that instant, so that it was waiting for her, in disguise, when she arrived.

Having recognized her throne and the wisdom of Sulaimon, Balkis entered his palace, its floor was made of shimmering glass which shined like water.she lifted up her skirt thinking there was a pool of water.Astonished,when the prophet told her the floor was made of glass.

And finally, the response of the Queen of Sheba to all of this is quite simple: she submitted to Allah,the Lord of the worlds.Bilkis found peace and solace in her heart when she submitted to Allah. It is such a simple thing to do,yet for many,it is one of the most difficult.