It was likewise recorded by al-Tirmidhī (1) and al-Nasāʾī (2) through the chain of Ḥumayd, from al-Ḥasan, from Abū Bakrah, from the Prophet ﷺ. Al-Tirmidhī graded it ḥasan ṣaḥīḥ (sound and good).
His words, “She has been given of everything,” mean everything that kings are normally granted. The phrase, “and she possesses a magnificent throne,” refers to the royal seat of her kingdom, richly adorned with every kind of jewel, pearl, gold, and dazzling ornament.
The hoopoe then reported their disbelief in Allah, their worship of the sun in His stead, and how Satan had misled them and turned them away from worshipping Allah alone, without partner: “Who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth and knows whatever you conceal and whatever you disclose” – that is, He knows both secrets and outward matters, whether tangible or intangible – “Allah, there is no deity but Him, Lord of the Mighty Throne,” meaning: to Him belongs the tremendous Throne, the greatest of all created things.
At that point Solomon ﵇ sent the hoopoe back with a letter inviting them to obey Allah and His Messenger, to repent and submit, and to acknowledge his sovereignty. Hence his words: “Do not exalt yourselves above me,” meaning, do not refuse to obey me or comply with my commands; “but come to me in submission,” that is, present yourselves before me willingly and without hesitation or bargaining.
When the letter reached her by means of the bird – from this incident people later adopted written notes, but how far the Pleiades are from the dust! That note was borne by a bird that listened, obeyed, and understood what it said and what was said to it – several exegetes relate that the hoopoe carried the letter to her palace, dropped it before her while she was alone, and then stood aside awaiting her reply. She thereupon gathered her commanders, ministers, and leading nobles for consultation: “She said, ‘O nobles, a noble letter has been delivered to me (29).’” First she read its heading to them: “It is from Solomon,” then she recited it: “In the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Compassionate (30): Do not exalt yourselves above me, but come to me in submission.” She then sought their counsel concerning the matter that had befallen her, observing proper decorum with them and addressing them while they listened: “She said, ‘O nobles, advise me regarding my affair; I never decide a matter until you are present.’” Meaning: I do not cut off a decision unless you are here.
They replied, “We possess strength and great prowess,” that is, we have power and ability for combat, struggle, and facing champions; if you wish that of us, we are capable of it. “But the command is yours, so consider what you will command.” Thus they offered her obedience, informed her of their capability, and left the decision to her so that she might choose what was best for her and for them. Her judgment proved more complete and sound than theirs, for she realized that the author of that letter could neither be opposed nor resisted, outmaneuvered nor deceived.
“She said, ‘Indeed, when kings enter a town they ruin it and make the most honored of its people the most humiliated; that is what they do.’” With this prudent opinion she meant: If this king should gain dominance over this realm, the matter would pass from your hands to mine alone, and harsh force would not