The story of the Queen of Sheba is one of the most intriguing and enduring tales from ancient history. Revered across different cultures and religious texts, her journey to visit King Solomon has been the subject of awe and fascination for centuries. In this post, we’ll delve deep into her story, her legendary visit to Solomon, and her representation in religious texts, including the Quran. This exploration will give you a thorough understanding of who the Queen of Sheba was and how her wisdom, power, and curiosity are still celebrated today.

But first, let’s dive into the heart of the story: What did the Queen of Sheba say to prophet Solomon?

Who Was the Queen of Sheba?

Before exploring her conversation with Solomon, it’s important to know who the Queen of Sheba was. Although her origin is somewhat shrouded in mystery, historical and religious sources generally agree on a few key facts.

1. Her Name and Kingdom
   The Queen of Sheba is often referred to as Bilqis in Islamic traditions, although she is not directly named in the Quran. She ruled over a wealthy and prosperous kingdom, believed to be in present-day Yemen or Ethiopia. Historical evidence points to the Kingdom of Saba, which was located in southern Arabia (modern-day Yemen), as her domain. This kingdom was known for its vast riches, particularly in the spice trade.
2. Her Power and Wealth
   The Queen of Sheba was not just any ruler; she commanded one of the most affluent regions of the ancient world. Her kingdom’s prosperity was built on its ability to control trade routes, especially those dealing with spices and incense, highly valued at the time. Her wealth and wisdom made her famous far beyond her borders.
3. Her Journey to Meet Solomon
   The Queen of Sheba is best known for her fateful visit to King Solomon, the wise and wealthy monarch of Israel. According to various texts, including the Bible and the Quran, she made this journey to test Solomon’s wisdom after hearing of his great reputation. Her journey is often seen as a pilgrimage of curiosity, diplomacy, and perhaps even spiritual seeking.

What Did the Queen of Sheba Say to Solomon?

When the Queen of Sheba finally met King Solomon, she did not come empty-handed. She brought gifts of gold, spices, and precious stones, offerings that were customary for rulers at the time. However, her most significant contribution was the questions she posed to Solomon, which were designed to test his wisdom.

The Biblical Account: Testing Solomon’s Wisdom

According to the Bible (1 Kings 10:1-13), the Queen of Sheba said to Solomon, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes.” She marveled at the splendor of his court and the wisdom with which he answered all her riddles. Eventually, she declared:
“Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel.”

This acknowledgment highlights her recognition of Solomon’s divine favor, and it suggests that her journey was not only political but also spiritual.

The Quranic Account: Bilqis and Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman)

The Quran offers a deeper spiritual layer to the story of the Queen of Sheba. In Surah An-Naml (27:20-44), the Queen’s interaction with Solomon (known as Prophet Sulaiman in Islam) focuses on their discussions about faith. The Queen was a sun-worshiper, but upon witnessing Solomon’s wisdom and the power of Allah, she eventually embraced monotheism.

In the Quran, Solomon sends her a letter inviting her to submit to Allah. At first, she consults her advisors, but after witnessing Solomon’s miraculous abilities — such as transporting her throne in the blink of an eye — she realizes the truth. In Ayat 44, she famously declares:
“Then she was told, “Enter the palace.” But when she saw the hall, she thought it was a body of water, so she bared her legs. Solomon said. “It is just a palace paved with crystal.” ˹At last˺ she declared, “My Lord! I have certainly wronged my soul. Now I ˹fully˺ submit myself along with Solomon to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.””

This moment is crucial, as it marks her transition from polytheism to monotheism, a spiritual awakening prompted by her meeting with Solomon.

Lessons from the Queen of Sheba’s Story

The story of the Queen of Sheba carries several important lessons:

1. Curiosity Leads to Wisdom
   The Queen’s decision to travel from her distant kingdom to meet Solomon demonstrates her thirst for knowledge. Despite her wealth and power, she was not content to rely on rumors or second-hand information. Instead, she sought the truth for herself, showing that true wisdom comes from a willingness to learn.
2. Humility in the Face of Greatness
   Both in the Bible and the Quran, the Queen of Sheba shows humility when she recognizes Solomon’s wisdom and the truth of monotheism. Her willingness to change her beliefs after encountering something greater than herself is a powerful reminder of the importance of being open to new ideas.
3. The Power of Diplomacy
   Her visit also serves as a lesson in diplomacy. By approaching Solomon with gifts and thoughtful questions, the Queen of Sheba established a relationship built on mutual respect. Her visit was not just a test of Solomon’s wisdom but also a demonstration of her own intelligence and grace as a ruler.

The Significance of the Queen of Sheba in Islamic Tradition

In Islam, the Queen of Sheba holds a unique place as a figure who embraced the message of Tawhid (the oneness of God) after recognizing the signs of divine wisdom through Solomon. Her story is often cited as an example of how one can turn away from false beliefs and embrace the truth when guided by knowledge and faith.

Conclusion: Why the Queen of Sheba’s Story Still Resonates

The story of the Queen of Sheba continues to captivate us because it speaks to universal themes of wisdom, humility, and spiritual seeking. Whether you approach her story from a Biblical or Quranic perspective, the lessons remain clear: true wisdom lies in a humble pursuit of knowledge and a willingness to change when confronted with truth.

Her journey to meet Solomon serves as a powerful reminder that wealth and power alone do not define greatness. Rather, it is through curiosity, wisdom, and faith that one achieves true success.

Call to Action: Explore More About Islamic History

If you’re fascinated by stories like that of the Queen of Sheba, you’ll love diving deeper into Islamic history. Explore our History Curriculum for a structured, detailed study of key historical figures and events that shaped our world today.

Or, if you’re ready to start your own journey of learning, sign up for our program here: Join Iqra Network to enhance your understanding of the Quran and Islamic traditions.