Surah An-Naml 27:31
سُورَةُ النَّمۡلِ · Meccan · Verse 31 of 93
أَلَّا تَعْلُوا۟ عَلَىَّ وَأْتُونِى مُسْلِمِينَ
Translation
do not put yourselves above me, and come to me in submission to God.”’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
Here we reflect on a powerful, concise command from Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon), relayed by Queen Bilqis to her council. These words form the core of his message to her: "أَلَّا تَعْلُوا۟ عَلَىَّ وَأْتُونِى مُسْلِمِينَ" (that you not be arrogant towards me and come to me in submission). This is a direct, two-part instruction from Sulaiman, who is both a king and a prophet, to Queen Bilqis and her people. The immediate situation is a summons, a warning against defiance, and an invitation to a new way.
The Weight of "Do Not Be Arrogant"
The first part, "أَلَّا تَعْلُوا۟ عَلَىَّ" (alla ta'lu alayya), translates as "do not be arrogant towards me" or "do not rise up against me." The word "تعلوا" (ta'lu) comes from the root for "to be high" or "to exceed limits." As al-Zamakhshari explains, it means "do not behave arrogantly as kings do," suggesting a warning against the typical haughtiness and defiance of earthly rulers. Imam al-Razi further clarifies that this is a prohibition against submitting to one's own ego and desires, and against pride itself. Ibn Ashur notes that this prohibition is employed as a threat or a warning, indicating the seriousness of the command. It's a call to humility and acceptance, signaling that continued defiance would have severe consequences.
The Call to "Muslimīn"
The second part of the command, "وَأْتُونِى مُسْلِمِينَ" (wa'tunī muslimīn), means "and come to me in submission." The word "مسلمين" (muslimīn) carries a profound dual meaning. As al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi point out, it can mean both political submission, implying obedience and compliance with Sulaiman's authority as a powerful king, and religious submission, referring to belief in the Oneness of Allah and the abandonment of polytheism. Ibn Ashur emphasizes this religious aspect, explaining that Sulaiman, as a prophet, was calling Bilqis and her people to embrace monotheism (Tawhid) and abandon shirk (associating partners with Allah). Thus, Sulaiman's message skillfully combines his authority as a monarch with his mission as a prophet, inviting both worldly allegiance and spiritual faith.
A Concise Yet Complete Message
The remarkable thing about Sulaiman's letter, as al-Razi observes, is its conciseness. Prophets' messages, though brief, are always comprehensive, encompassing all that is essential. This letter, despite its brevity, delivers a complete message that addresses both belief and action. "بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم" establishes the foundation of faith and Tawhid, while "أَلَّا تَعْلُوا۟ عَلَىَّ وَأْتُونِى مُسْلِمِينَ" calls for the necessary actions of humility and submission. Ibn Ashur highlights that this succinctness was strategic, making the message easier to translate and understand across different languages, yet it fully "encompassed the objective." The directness of the command, introduced by the explanatory particle "ألا," leaves no room for ambiguity, calling for an immediate and unequivocal response.
Source: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Naml 27:31 is discussed in 2 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
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