27:39-40
27:39
Said an ’Ifrit, of the Jinns: “I will bring it to thee before thou rise from thy council: indeed I have
full strength for the purpose, and may be trusted.”
27:40
Said one who had knowledge of the Book: “I will bring it to thee within the twinkling of an eye!” Then when (Solomon) saw it placed firmly before him, he said: “This is by the Grace of my Lord!- to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! and if any is grateful, truly his gratitude is (a gain) for his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, truly my Lord is Free of all Needs, Supreme in Honour !”
(Said the one who had the knowledge of thebook – 27:40).
Scholars have differed regarding the identity of the individual described as possessing knowledge of the Book in the account of Solomon. One interpretation suggests that the reference may be to Prophet Solomon himself, since his knowledge of divine revelation would have been the most comprehensive. If this interpretation is accepted, the event would represent a prophetic miracle intended to demonstrate divine power and to strengthen Queen Bilqīs’s conviction regarding Solomon’s prophethood.
However, many classical commentators hold a different view. Ibn Jarīr al-Ṭabarī reports from several exegetes, including Qatādah, that the individual was one of Solomon’s companions rather than Solomon himself. Al-Qurṭubī also notes that this opinion represents the majority view among commentators. According to Ibn Isḥāq, the individual was named Āṣif ibn Barkhiyā, who was described as a close associate of Solomon. Other reports state that this person possessed knowledge of al-Ism al-Aʿẓam—the Greatest Name of God—believed in Islamic tradition to be a name through which prayers are answered and requests are granted by divine permission.
These interpretations do not imply that Solomon himself lacked knowledge of al-Ism al-Aʿẓam. Rather, it is suggested that Solomon may have intentionally allowed one of his companions to demonstrate this extraordinary act so that its impact on Bilqīs would be even greater. In this case, the event would be considered a karāmah (a miraculous occurrence granted to a righteous individual) performed by Āṣif ibn Barkhiyā rather than a direct prophetic miracle.
References:
Shafi, Muhammad (2008). Maariful Quran. (Vol .6 surah 27 verse 40).