Solomon & the Hoopoe

Solomon and the Hoopoe (HudHud)

" And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: "Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? "I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for absence)." But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: "I have compassed (territory) which thou hast not compassed, and I have come to thee from Saba with tidings true. "I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne. "I found her and her people prostrating (worshipping) the sun besides God: Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing in their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path,- so they receive no guidance,- "(Kept them away from the Path), that they should not prostrate (worship) God, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what ye hide and what ye reveal. "God!- there is no god but He!- Lord of the Throne Supreme!" 27:20-26

The English translation should be sufficient enough to explain what went on between Prophet Solomon & the Hoopoe (HudHud bird). The Hoopoe was very angry that he found people worshipping the Sun instead of worshipping Allah the One God. The Hoopoe said to Solomon: " How come they don't prostrate to Allah who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth? "

Recent studies showed that the Hoopoe bird has a strong ability in sensing and detecting hidden food and insects underneath the soil. So when the bird wanted to describe Allah's might, greatness and abilities, the Hoopoe described it within his environment and world, which is Allah's ability and might in knowing everything hidden in Earth and Heavens.

by: Sheik Abdel-Hamid Kishik

Note: If the bird got so mad seeing people prostrating to other than Allah (SWT), can you imagine the situation right now, where people worshipping: Cows, Spirits, Cross, and claiming that Allah has a Son.