Prophet Sulaiman’s Control Over the Jinn
A Divine Authority Beyond the Unseen
Among the many signs of Allah’s absolute power described in the Qur’an, one of the most remarkable is the control of the jinn under Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon), peace be upon him. This authority was not ordinary, nor was it shared with any other ruler before or after him. It was a unique divine grant, given by Allah alone, demonstrating that all creation—seen and unseen—exists under His command.
The jinn, beings created from smokeless fire, are known for their strength, speed, and abilities beyond human reach. Yet even these powerful creatures were placed under the full control of Prophet Sulaiman, not by magic or force, but by Allah’s permission. Their obedience served as a clear sign that true power belongs only to Allah, and He bestows it upon whom He wills.
Allah subjected the jinn to Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him)
The Jinn Under Divine Command
By Allah's command worked under the supervision of Hazrat Salman (peace be upon him).
The jinn under divine command refers to the state in which the jinn were made completely obedient to Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him) by the direct will and permission of Allah, not through magic, coercion, or human power. Their obedience was enforced by divine authority, meaning they acted only within the limits set by Allah and were punished for any disobedience.
The Qur’an explicitly states that the jinn worked under Prophet Sulaiman’s authority by Allah’s command, not their own choice:
“And among the jinn were those who worked for him by the permission of his Lord.”
📖 — Qur’an 34:12
This verse establishes an essential principle: the jinn were not enslaved through fear or deception, but were divinely compelled to obey. Their service was a manifestation of Allah’s control over all creation.
Islamic scholars emphasize that this authority was not transferable. It was a special sign granted to Prophet Sulaiman alone, answering his supplication for a kingdom unlike any other.
By Allah's command allowed Prophet Sulaiman to lawfully direct the jinn to perform constructive tasks—such as building palaces, erecting fortresses, and diving into the sea—while remaining under Allah’s supervision. It stands as a unique example in Islamic belief of Allah’s absolute control over the unseen world.
Allah subjected the jinn to Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him)
Why were the jinn placed under the control of Hazrat Sulaiman (A.S.)?
The jinn were placed under the control of Hazrat Sulaiman (peace be upon him) as a unique divine gift and miracle from Allah, granted in response to his sincere supplication for a kingdom unmatched by any other (as mentioned in Qur'an 38:35). This authority was not through magic, personal power, or any forbidden means—Allah explicitly cleared him of such accusations (Qur'an 2:102)—but solely by Allah's permission and command, as stated in verses like Qur'an 34:12: "And among the jinn were those who worked for him by the permission of his Lord."
He said, “My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.”
📖 — Qur’an 38:35
This verse shows Prophet Sulaiman (A.S.) humbly asking for forgiveness (after a trial mentioned in the preceding verses) and for a unique kingdom (mulkan) that no one after him would have the like of. The word "mulkan" refers to sovereign authority or dominion, which Allah granted—including subjugation of the wind, jinn, and other miracles—as a special sign of divine favor.
And to Solomon [We subjected] the wind—its morning [journey was that of] a month—and its afternoon [journey was that of] a month. And We made flow for him a spring of [liquid] copper. And among the jinn were those who worked for him by the permission of his Lord. And whoever deviated among them from Our command—We will make him taste of the punishment of the Blaze.
📖 — Qur'an 34:12
"And they followed [instead] what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut. But the two angels do not teach anyone unless they say, 'We are a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic].' And [yet] they learn from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah. And the people learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But the Children of Israel certainly knew that whoever purchased the magic would not have in the Hereafter any share. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew."
📖 — Qur'an 2:102
The primary reasons, drawn from the Qur'an and scholarly tafsir (such as explanations in sources like Ibn Kathir and others), include demonstrating Allah's absolute sovereignty over all creation, both seen and unseen; establishing divine order by subduing even the rebellious and powerful shayatin (devils among the jinn), who were often independent and strong; redirecting their abilities toward constructive, beneficial tasks like building grand structures, diving for resources, and other labors that showcased Allah's favor upon His prophet; protecting people from the jinn's misleading claims of hidden knowledge or fortune-telling, which led to false worship and superstition (as the subjugation prevented such corruption); and serving as a profound sign (ayah) of tawhid, reminding humanity that true power belongs only to Allah, who bestows it upon whomever He wills as a test of gratitude and justice. This control was exclusive to Sulaiman (AS), unparalleled in history, and ended with him, highlighting that such miracles are divine signs, not tools for personal glory or replication.
The Divine Order establishes the unity of creation under the will of Allah
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