Surah An-Naml 27:40
سُورَةُ النَّمۡلِ · Meccan · Verse 40 of 93
قَالَ ٱلَّذِى عِندَهُۥ عِلْمٌۭ مِّنَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ أَنَا۠ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبْلَ أَن يَرْتَدَّ إِلَيْكَ طَرْفُكَ ۚ فَلَمَّا رَءَاهُ مُسْتَقِرًّا عِندَهُۥ قَالَ هَٰذَا مِن فَضْلِ رَبِّى لِيَبْلُوَنِىٓ ءَأَشْكُرُ أَمْ أَكْفُرُ ۖ وَمَن شَكَرَ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِهِۦ ۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ رَبِّى غَنِىٌّۭ كَرِيمٌۭ
Translation
but one of them who had some knowledge of the Scripture said, ‘I will bring it to you in the twinkling of an eye.’ When Solomon saw it set before him, he said, ‘This is a favour from my Lord, to test whether I am grateful or not: if anyone is grateful, it is for his own good, if anyone is ungrateful, then my Lord is self-sufficient and most generous.’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
Prophet Sulayman (Solomon), anticipating the arrival of the Queen of Sheba, posed a profound question to his assembly: who could bring her magnificent throne to him before she arrived in submission? An 'ifrit (a powerful jinn) offered to bring it before Sulayman could rise from his seat. But then, another spoke.
A Race Against Time
The verse tells us, "قال الذي عنده علم من الكتاب" (Said the one who had knowledge from the Book). While scholars debate his precise identity, many agree he was Aṣaf ibn Barkhiya, Sulayman's wise minister, or even Sulayman himself, as al-Razi suggests. This individual possessed a special insight or divine secret. He offered an astonishing speed: "أنا آتيك به قبل أن يرتد إليك طرفك" (I will bring it to you before your gaze returns to you). The word *ṭarf* (طرف) refers to the movement of one's eyelids when looking. This vivid phrase, as explained by al-Zamakhshari and Ibn Ashur, is an idiom for extreme swiftness, even faster than a blink. It signifies an almost instantaneous transport, far surpassing the jinn's boast.
The Power of Knowledge
The contrast between the 'ifrit's physical might and the speed achieved by "knowledge from the Book" is profound. Ibn Ashur notes this exchange symbolizes how wisdom and divine knowledge can achieve what sheer force cannot. The source of this power isn't just physical strength, but an understanding, perhaps of the Greatest Name of Allah as some scholars mention, or a deeper wisdom as Ibn Ashur states, "knowledge acquired from books, i.e., from wisdom." This subtle wording emphasizes that profound insight, guided by Allah, can transcend apparent limitations.
A Moment of Gratitude
When Sulayman saw the throne "مستقرًا عنده" (firmly settled before him), his immediate reaction was not pride in his power or his servants. Instead, he said, "هذا من فضل ربي ليبلوني أأشكر أم أكفر" (This is from the favor of my Lord, to test me, whether I will be grateful or ungrateful). He recognized that this miraculous event was a pure blessing from Allah. The phrase "ليبلوني" (to test me) reveals that even immense blessings are a trial, a moment to reflect on our response: will we acknowledge the Giver or take it for granted?
The Essence of Thanks
Sulayman then articulated a universal truth: "ومن شكر فإنما يشكر لنفسه" (Whoever gives thanks, he gives thanks for his own soul). The special word choice "لنفسه" (for his own soul/benefit) with the preposition "li" (لِ) highlights that gratitude's reward directly benefits the grateful person, not Allah. As al-Zamakhshari explains, it safeguards existing blessings and attracts more. Conversely, "ومن كفر فإن ربي غني كريم" (And whoever is ungrateful, then indeed my Lord is Self-Sufficient, Most Generous). The return to "ربي" (my Lord) as Ibn Ashur notes, emphasizes Allah's attributes: He is *Ghaniyy* (Self-Sufficient), needing no one's gratitude, and *Kareem* (Most Generous), continuing to bless even those who deny Him. Our gratitude adds nothing to Him, and our ingratitude takes nothing away. It is for our own good that we reflect and thank Him.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Naml 27:40 is discussed in 11 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
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