Introduction

The Qur'an was sent down to humanity as a guide to the right path and for obtaining God's mercy. It gives important knowledge about what Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace) did, his message to unbelievers, and his struggle to spread God's religion. It also gives important information about the lives of Prophet Moses, Prophet Joseph, Prophet Jesus, Prophet Jonah, Prophet Lot , Prophet Noah, Prophet Shu'aib, and Prophet Salih (peace be upon them all). Like our Prophet (may God bless him and grant him peace), they invited people to faith in God, warned them about the afterlife, and relayed true religion so that their people would adopt high moral standards.

Its verses advise and admonish people by describing the prophets' high morality, sincere prayers, behavior in difficult circumstances, and determined efforts to fulfill their mission. In addition, it advises people to obey His prophets and follow the path that they have shown, and announces the good tidings that as people advance along the path, they will live without fear or sorrow in this world and the world to come (Qur'an, 7:35). The Qur'an informs us that God sends prophets for one purpose:

We sent no Messenger except to be obeyed by God's permission… (Qur'an, 4:64)

One of these worthy individuals is Prophet Solomon (pbuh), a descendant of Prophet Noah (pbuh), who was given sublime knowledge of the right path by God. In the Qur'an, this command relating to Prophet Solomon (pbuh) is given:

… And before him We had guided Noah. And among his descendants were David and Solomon, Job and Joseph, and Moses and Aaron. That is how We recompense the good-doers. (Qur'an, 6:84)

God sent Prophet Solomon (pbuh) to the Tribe of Israel to warn them and instill fear in them:

We have revealed to you, just as We revealed to Noah and the Prophets who came after him. And We revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the Tribes, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon. And We gave David the Psalms. (Qur'an, 4:163)

As this book explains, God bestowed a great kingdom, incomparable wealth, a mighty army supported by jinns and birds, and superior knowledge upon Prophet Solomon (pbuh). He ruled justly throughout his life and, in his capacity as an administrator and a judge, brought many societies under his dominion. He was aware that God, Lord of the Worlds, is the true possessor of all knowledge, riches, and dominion, and so always turned to Him (Qur'an, 38:30), bowed to Him, and submitted to Him.

"We gave[to]David solomon.What an excellent servant!He truly turned toward His Lord.(Qur'an,38:30)

This book will acquaint people with Prophet Solomon (pbuh), whom God made superior to other human beings, and analyze this chosen servant's exemplary moral qualities. As we examine what the Qur'an says about him, we will see that each of his qualities can be related to our own lives.

We will also study Prophet Solomon's (pbuh) story for information about the End Times, a period during which the Qur'an's moral teachings will prevail; all immorality, oppression, cruelty, injustice, and degeneration of the past eras will vanish; anxiety will be replaced by every kind of blessing, abundance, wealth, beauty, peace, and well-being; and technological developments will provide human beings with happiness and comfort.

The hadiths contain many descriptions of the End Times. For example, God will destroy all atheistic philosophies and ideologies through the Mahdi, who will guide humanity to the right path, and bring all cruelty and chaos in the world to an end. The Mahdi's most important duty will be to restore religion to its original form under our Prophet (may God bless him and grant him peace), make the Qur'an's moral teaching prevail, and establish global peace and well-being. In the hadith below, our Prophet (may God bless him and grant him peace) draws our attention to a quality that is shared by the Mahdi, Prophet Solomon (pbuh), and Dhu'l-Qarnayn (pbuh):

The Mahdi will rule Earth, just like Dhu'l-Qarnayn (pbuh) and Prophet Solomon (pbuh. (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntazar, p. 29)

This hadith indicates that the Mahdi's rule will be similar to that of Prophet Solomon (pbuh) and Dhu'l-Qarnayn (pbuh). Therefore, we can gather important information about the End Times and the ensuing Golden Age by examining the Qur'anic accounts of Prophet Solomon's (pbuh) and Dhu'l-Qarnayn's (pbuh) reigns. (For more details about the connection between the time of Dhu'l-Qarnayn (pbuh) and the End Times, consult Harun Yahya, Signs of the End Times in Surat al-Kahf [New Delhi: Goodword Books, 2004].) Developments in science and technology, as well as advances in economic and social life, that will be enjoyed in the End Times will be very similar to those mentioned in connection with Prophet Solomon (pbuh). The Qur'anic account will allow believers to understand what is happening in the world from a broader perspective, and thereby open their horizons. One of this book's goals is to encourage people to think about these good tidings of the End Times and to share the joy and excitement that it will bring.