The story of Prophet Solomon (Sulayman) and the ants - in the Quran

The story of Prophet Solomon (Sulayman) and the ants is briefly mentioned in the Quran in Surah An-Naml, Chapter 27, Verses 18-19. According to the Quranic account, when Prophet Solomon and his army approached a valley, an ant warned the others to seek shelter from the approaching army to avoid being accidentally crushed. Prophet Solomon overheard the ant's warning and was struck by its wisdom and concern for its community. The story is often cited as an example of the intelligence and insight of Prophet Solomon and the importance of respecting all forms of life, even the smallest creatures.

While the Quranic account of Prophet Solomon and the ants is brief, there are other Islamic sources that provide additional details about the story.

One well-known story is that when Prophet Solomon and his army were passing through the valley, he heard the ant's warning and stopped his army to avoid causing harm to the ants. He then addressed the ants, thanking them for their wisdom and reminding his army of the importance of respecting all forms of life. Some versions of the story also describe how Prophet Solomon was gifted with the ability to communicate with animals, which allowed him to understand the ant's warning.

The story is often cited in Islamic teachings as an example of the importance of empathy, respect, and consideration for all living beings, regardless of their size or status. It is also a reminder of the wisdom and insight of the prophets and their ability to recognize the value of even the smallest creatures in the natural world.

The story of Prophet Solomon and the ants is mentioned in two verses in the Quran, in Surah An-Naml, Chapter 27, Verses 18-19.

Here is the translation of Surah An-Naml, Chapter 27, Verses 15-19 in English:

"[Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, 'My Lord, enable me to be grateful for the blessings You have bestowed upon me and my parents, and to do good deeds that please You. Admit me, by Your grace, into the company of Your righteous servants.'

As he inspected the birds, he remarked, 'Why do I not see the hoopoe? Is he absent? I will certainly punish him severely or slay him, unless he can offer me a valid excuse.'

But the hoopoe did not stay away long; he came and said, 'I have learned something you did not know. I bring you from Sheba, sure tidings: I found a woman ruling over them who has been given everything, and she has a magnificent throne. I found her and her people prostrating themselves before the sun instead of Allah. Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing to them and has kept them away from the path, so they are not guided to the worship of Allah, Who brings to light all that is hidden in the heavens and on earth, and knows what people conceal and what they reveal."

This is the translation of verses 15-19 of Surah An-Naml in English. These verses speak about Prophet Solomon's prayer for gratitude and righteousness, as well as his encounter with the hoopoe who brings him news of a queen ruling over Sheba who worships the sun instead of Allah. The story of the ants warning Prophet Solomon and his army is not mentioned in these verses.

The story of Prophet Solomon and the ants is not mentioned in Surah An-Naml, Chapter 27, Verses 15-19. However, the story is mentioned in other Islamic literature. According to the story, when Prophet Solomon and his army were passing through a valley, an ant warned the other ants to retreat to their homes lest they get crushed by the army. Prophet Solomon heard the ant's warning and smiled, being amused at the ant's intelligence and care for its community. This story highlights the wisdom and intelligence of even the smallest of creatures and Prophet Solomon's appreciation for God's creations.