Revealed during the middle Makkan period, Surah An-Naml (The Ant) highlights the absolute knowledge, wisdom, and sovereignty of God by detailing the extraordinary stories of various prophets, most notably Solomon (Sulayman). The Surah takes its name from a remarkable scene where Solomon, endowed with the miraculous ability to understand the speech of animals, hears an ant warning its colony to hide from his approaching army, prompting him to smile and thank God for his blessings. It details Solomon's interaction with the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis), showcasing how his material power was entirely subordinated to his spiritual mission, leading the Queen to submit to the Lord of the worlds. The chapter also recounts the stories of Moses, Salih, and Lot, contrasting those who recognize the signs of God with those who blind themselves to the truth, concluding with powerful rhetorical questions challenging humanity to identify any partner with the Creator of the universe.
Transliteration
Taseen tilka ayatu alqurani wakitabin mubeenin
Translation
Ta, Seen. These are the Signs of the Quran—a book that makes things clear
Transliteration
Hudan wabushra lilmumineena
Translation
Guidance and good news for the believers
Transliteration
Allatheena yuqeemoona alssalata wayutoona alzzakata wahum bialakhirati hum yooqinoona
Translation
Those who observe the prayers, and give charity regularly, and are certain of the Hereafter
Transliteration
Inna allatheena la yuminoona bialakhirati zayyanna lahum aAAmalahum fahum yaAAmahoona
Translation
As for those who do not believe in the Hereafter: We made their deeds appear good to them, so they wander aimlessly
Transliteration
Olaika allatheena lahum sooo alAAathabi wahum fee alakhirati humu alakhsaroona
Translation
It is they who will receive the grievous punishment—and in the Hereafter they will be the greatest losers
Transliteration
Wainnaka latulaqqa alqurana min ladun hakeemin AAaleemin
Translation
You are receiving the Quran from an All-Wise, All-Knowing
Transliteration
Ith qala moosa liahlihi innee anastu naran saateekum minha bikhabarin aw ateekum bishihabin qabasin laAAallakum tastaloona
Translation
When Moses said to his family, “I have glimpsed a fire. I will bring you some news from it; or bring you a firebrand, that you may warm yourselves.”
Transliteration
Falamma jaaha noodiya an boorika man fee alnnari waman hawlaha wasubhana Allahi rabbi alAAalameena
Translation
Then, when he reached it, he was called: “Blessed is He who is within the fire, and He who is around it, and glorified be God, Lord of the Worlds
Transliteration
Ya moosa innahu ana Allahu alAAazeezu alhakeemu
Translation
O Moses, it is I, God, the Almighty, the Wise
Transliteration
Waalqi AAasaka falamma raaha tahtazzu kaannaha jannun walla mudbiran walam yuAAaqqib ya moosa la takhaf innee la yakhafu ladayya almursaloona
Translation
Throw down your staff.” But when he saw it quivering, as though it were a demon, he turned around not looking back. “O Moses, do not fear; the messengers do not fear in My presence
Transliteration
Illa man thalama thumma baddala husnan baAAda sooin fainnee ghafoorun raheemun
Translation
But whoever has done wrong, and then substituted goodness in place of evil. I am Forgiving and Merciful
Transliteration
Waadkhil yadaka fee jaybika takhruj baydaa min ghayri sooin fee tisAAi ayatin ila firAAawna waqawmihi innahum kanoo qawman fasiqeena
Translation
Put your hand inside your pocket, and it will come out white, without blemish—among nine miracles to Pharaoh and his people, for they are immoral people.”
Transliteration
Falamma jaathum ayatuna mubsiratan qaloo hatha sihrun mubeenun
Translation
Yet when Our enlightening signs came to them, they said, “This is obvious witchcraft.”
Transliteration
Wajahadoo biha waistayqanatha anfusuhum thulman waAAuluwwan faonthur kayfa kana AAaqibatu almufsideena
Translation
And they rejected them, although their souls were certain of them, out of wickedness and pride. So see how the outcome was for the mischief-makers
Transliteration
Walaqad atayna dawooda wasulaymana AAilman waqala alhamdu lillahi allathee faddalana AAala katheerin min AAibadihi almumineena
Translation
And We gave David and Solomon knowledge. They said, “Praise God, who has favored us over many of His believing servants.”
Transliteration
Wawaritha sulaymanu dawooda waqala ya ayyuha alnnasu AAullimna mantiqa alttayri waooteena min kulli shayin inna hatha lahuwa alfadlu almubeenu
Translation
And Solomon succeeded David. He said, “O people, we were taught the language of birds, and we were given from everything. This is indeed a real blessing.”
Transliteration
Wahushira lisulaymana junooduhu mina aljinni waalinsi waalttayri fahum yoozaAAoona
Translation
To the service of Solomon were mobilized his troops of sprites, and men, and birds—all held in strict order
Transliteration
Hatta itha ataw AAala wadi alnnamli qalat namlatun ya ayyuha alnnamlu odkhuloo masakinakum la yahtimannakum sulaymanu wajunooduhu wahum la yashAAuroona
Translation
Until, when they came upon the Valley of Ants, an ant said, “O ants! Go into your nests, lest Solomon and his troops crush you without noticing.”
Transliteration
Fatabassama dahikan min qawliha waqala rabbi awziAAnee an ashkura niAAmataka allatee anAAamta AAalayya waAAala walidayya waan aAAmala salihan tardahu waadkhilnee birahmatika fee AAibadika alssaliheena
Translation
He smiled and laughed at her words, and said, “My Lord, direct me to be thankful for the blessings you have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do good works that please You. And admit me, by Your grace, into the company of Your virtuous servants.”
Transliteration
Watafaqqada alttayra faqala ma liya la ara alhudhuda am kana mina alghaibeena
Translation
Then he inspected the birds, and said, “Why do I not see the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees