Document Type : Original

Author

• ali arabi ayask

استادیار دانشگاه علوم و معارف قرآن کریم، قم، ایران.

Abstract

Verse 35 of Surah Ṣād narrates Prophet Solomon's request for an exclusive kingdom, a prayer that has long raised suspicions such as "miserliness" and "envy." Adopting a descriptive-analytical approach and drawing upon Sunni and Shia exegeses as well as Shia narrative and theological sources, this study offers a comparative examination of the justifications presented to resolve this doubt. The novelty of this research lies in the fourfold classification of justifications (miracle-oriented, non-abolition, otherworldly kingdom, and wisdom-oriented), the systematic analysis of Imam al-Kāẓim's tradition in ʿIlal al-Sharāʾiʿ and Maʿānī al-Akhbār as the most complete justification, and the clarification of the relationship between Solomon's exclusive kingdom and the creative guardianship of the Imams within Shia Imamate. The findings indicate that Imam al-Kāẓim's tradition, by distinguishing between "a kingdom acquired through domination" and "a kingdom granted by God," provides the most documented response. The prophetic hadith about refraining from shackling the demon shows that this kingdom is connected to the divine system of trial. The theological implications substantiate the superiority of the Imams' guardianship over Solomon's prophethood. The principle of "abandoning the more virtuous" indicates that Solomon's plea for forgiveness was for abandoning a recommended act. Consequently, Solomon's prayer is a wise request founded upon divine interests, and a proper understanding of it dispels historical doubts while contributing to a deeper explanation of guardianship and Imamate in Shia thought.

Keywords

• Sūrat Ṣād
• Exclusive Kingdom
• Prophet Solomon
• Imamate
• Creative Guardianship (al-Wilāyah al-Takwīniyyah)

Main Subjects

• Exegesis