Prophet Sulaiman and the ant

Part 1The army and the valley of the ants

One peaceful morning, Prophet Sulaiman was travelling with his great army. Allah had given him special gifts: he could understand the speech of birds and, by Allah's permission, many other creatures. His army was strong and orderly, with people, birds and other creatures marching together.

As they came near a valley full of tiny ants, one ant saw the army coming and quickly warned the others: “O ants, go into your homes, so that Sulaiman and his soldiers don't crush you without noticing.” The ant wasn't blaming them. It knew that soldiers might simply not see such small creatures under their feet.

Part 2Sulaiman smiles and gives thanks

By Allah's permission, Sulaiman heard what the ant said. He didn't ignore the tiny creature. He smiled, amazed that Allah had let him understand such a small part of His creation.

Straight away, Sulaiman felt grateful. He knew this gift was not something he had earned himself; it came from Allah. He prayed to his Lord to help him stay thankful for His blessings and to do good deeds that please Him.

The ants hurried safely into their homes, and the great army went on its way, leaving the little colony unharmed. A mighty prophet had stopped to listen to the warning of a creature so small that anyone could have overlooked it.