Throughout Islamic history, the Prophets of Allah have been exemplars of devotion, wisdom, and righteous leadership. Among them, Prophet Sulaiman (عليه السلام)—known in the Bible as Solomon—stands out not only for his immense kingdom and miraculous control over the jinn, animals, and nature, but also for his unwavering humility and servitude to Allah
One of the most profound moments in Sulaiman’s life is encapsulated in a powerful supplication he made, as recorded in the Qur’an:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَهَبْ لِي مُلْكًا لَا يَنْبَغِي لِأَحَدٍ مِّن بَعْدِي ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ
“Rabbi ighfir li wahab li mulkan la yanbaghi li-ahadin min ba’di innaka anta al-Wahhab”
“My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.”
— Surah Ṣād (38:35)
Qur’an 38:35 – Quran.com
This duʿāʾ not only reflects the extraordinary nature of his kingdom but, more importantly, teaches us timeless lessons in humility, leadership, and the purpose of worldly blessings.
The Context of the Duʿāʾ
In Surah Ṣād, Allah narrates the story of Sulaiman (AS) who, despite his vast kingdom, seeks forgiveness before asking for an even greater dominion—a dominion so unique it would not be given to anyone after him. This is striking. It shows that true leadership begins with humility, and all success—no matter how worldly—must be grounded in submission to Allah.
“My Lord, forgive me…” – this is where the duʿāʾ begins.
Before asking for anything, Sulaiman (AS) first turns to Allah in humility, acknowledging his need for divine mercy.
Prophet Sulaiman (AS), known for his wisdom and wealth, is said to have made the following supplication for a unique dominion, as mentioned in the Quran in Surah Sad (38:35):
This Dua embodies the wisdom behind the Prophet’s wealth and power. It should be emphasized that his supplication begins with seeking forgiveness from Allah, illustrating the importance of humility in the face of blessings. His request for a kingdom like none other signifies his purpose of utilizing wealth and power for the cause of spreading goodness and the message of Islam, rather than personal gains[ref2].
Why Ask for a Kingdom “Not for Anyone After Me”?
This might seem, on the surface, like a request for exclusivity or pride, but when we examine the context and tafsir, we find:
- Sulaiman (AS) wanted such a kingdom as a sign of Allah’s power, to support his mission of daʿwah.
- He asked for something unique not for personal gain, but to serve a greater purpose.
- According to scholars like Ibn Kathir, he wished to establish the truth and justice of Islam in a way no one else could, using the miracles Allah granted him as signs for others.
Divine Response to His Duʿāʾ
Allah accepted his duʿāʾ and granted him:
- Control over the winds (Surah Ṣād 38:36)
- The service of the jinn (Surah Ṣād 38:37)
- Power to mold metals (Surah Ṣād 38:38-39)
All of these were miraculous powers, not available to anyone else after him, in line with his request. Allah responded with generosity, as He is Al-Wahhāb, the Bestower.
وَهَبْنَا لِدَاوُۥدَ سُلَيْمَـٰنَ ۚ نِعْمَ ٱلْعَبْدُ ۖ إِنَّهُۥٓ أَوَّابٌۭ
“And We gave to David Solomon. What an excellent servant! Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah].”
— Surah Ṣād (38:30)
The title “excellent servant” was not due to his wealth, but because he was constantly turning back to Allah.
Sulaiman’s Kingdom Was a Tool, Not a Goal
It is crucial to understand that in the Islamic view, wealth is not inherently virtuous or evil. What determines its value is the intention and use behind it.
Sulaiman (AS) used his wealth:
- To build just governance
- To support religious mission
- To aid the oppressed and manage resources wisely
He never asked for wealth for personal luxury or status. Instead, his dominion became a means of establishing divine justice.
Lessons from the Duʿāʾ of Sulaiman (AS)
1. Always Begin with Istighfār (Seeking Forgiveness)
Sulaiman (AS) began his duʿāʾ with:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي
“My Lord, forgive me…”
This reflects the prophetic pattern of beginning with humility. Before asking for blessings, ask Allah to purify your soul.
وَاسْتَغْفِرُواْ رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِ يُمَتِّعْكُم مَّتَـٰعًۭا حَسَنًا
“Seek forgiveness of your Lord and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you enjoyment for a good term…”
— Surah Hūd (11:3)
Qur’an 11:3 – Quran.com
2. Ask Big—But for the Sake of Allah
Sulaiman (AS) asked for the greatest kingdom ever, but only to fulfill his prophetic mission. As believers, we too can ask for great things—but not just for worldly gain.
Our intention should be:
“O Allah, grant me success so I can benefit others and serve You.”
3. Recognize Allah as the True Giver
The duʿāʾ ends with:
إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ
“Indeed, You are Al-Wahhāb (the Bestower).”
This Name of Allah teaches us that all gifts—spiritual, material, intellectual—come only from Him.
No matter how talented, rich, or skilled we become, our hearts must always echo:
“It is Allah who gave it to me.”
Balance Between Dunya and Akhirah
Sulaiman (AS) is a model for how to maintain balance between material prosperity and spiritual responsibility.
وَٱبْتَغِ فِيمَآ ءَاتَىٰكَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلدَّارَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ ٱلدُّنْيَا
“But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the Home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.”
— Surah Al-Qaṣaṣ (28:77)
Qur’an 28:77 – Quran.com
The believer does not renounce the world entirely, nor does he chase it blindly. Instead, he uses it for the greater good.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Duʿāʾ for Provision
Our beloved Prophet ﷺ did not have the material kingdom of Sulaiman (AS), but he also taught us to ask Allah for sustenance—with modesty and tawakkul.
Duʿāʾ from Sunan Abi Dawud:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ
“Allahumma inni as’aluka min fadlika”
“O Allah, I ask You for Your favor.”
— Sunan Abi Dawud 1515 (Hasan)
Sunan Abi Dawud 1515 – Sunnah.com
This simple duʿāʾ is a way to seek barakah in provision and recognize that all rizq (sustenance) flows from Allah’s grace.
What Should We NOT Do with This Duʿāʾ?
It’s important not to treat the duʿāʾ of Sulaiman (AS) as a “shortcut” to wealth. His unique blessing was:
- A miracle, not a template.
- Granted to a prophet, not promised to all.
- Intended for service, not self-indulgence.
Instead, treat this duʿāʾ as an inspiration to ask for purposeful blessings that you can use to benefit others and grow closer to Allah.
Modern Reflections: Wealth as a Test
Many Muslims today struggle with the balance between wanting more and fearing the test of wealth. Sulaiman (AS) shows that the problem is not wealth itself—but how it’s used.
Allah says:
إِنَّمَآ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَأَوْلَـٰدُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌۭ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عِندَهُۥٓ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌۭ
“Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.”
— Surah At-Taghābun (64:15)
Qur’an 64:15 – Quran.com
If wealth becomes a source of pride, negligence in prayer, or arrogance, it is a curse. But if used with taqwā, it is a blessing.
The story of Prophet Sulaiman (AS) and his duʿāʾ teaches us that true success is not in the size of your wealth, but in the sincerity of your servitude.
His legacy is not just his dominion—but his duʿāʾ, his humility, and his devotion to Allah. We are not meant to chase worldly glory, but to use what Allah gives us for truth, justice, and goodness. May we all be inspired to make duʿāʾ with sincerity, serve with purpose, and live with gratitude.
Read more: Dua For Wealth | 17 Powerful Supplications
Authentic Sources and References
- Qur’an 38:35 – Duʿāʾ of Sulaiman (AS)
Quran 38:35 – Quran.com - Qur’an 11:3 – Seek forgiveness, Allah gives blessings
Quran 11:3 – Quran.com - Qur’an 28:77 – Seek the Hereafter through what Allah gives
Quran 28:77 – Quran.com - Qur’an 64:15 – Wealth as a test
Quran 64:15 – Quran.com - Sunan Abi Dawud 1515 – Asking Allah for His favor
Sunan Abi Dawud 1515 – Sunnah.com - Tafsir Ibn Kathir – Surah Sad (38:35)
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