Table of Contents
The Inspiring Prophet Solomon Story
Once, Prophet Solomon (peace be upon Him) was travelling in his magnificent caravan, accompanied by jinn, humans, and birds. This grand procession passed through a place where a farmer was working diligently in the fields, struggling with the heavy plow/plough under the scorching sun.
As the farmer looked up, he saw Prophet Solomon and was amazed by his great kingdom and the blessings he possessed. Feeling exhausted from his own hard work, the farmer thought to himself, “If Solomon were to come to me, I would share a few words with him”.
At that moment, ALLAH inspired Prophet Solomon to approach the farmer, knowing that the farmer had something important to say. Prophet Solomon walked up to the farmer and greeted him warmly, saying, “O man, what do you have? What did you intend to say?”
The farmer replied, “Who could know?” Prophet Solomon answered, “ALLAH does”. The farmer then said, “Indeed, ALLAH knows everything”. Prophet Solomon asked, “What did you want to say?”
Embracing Islamic Accountability
The farmer explained, “I said, ‘Prophet Solomon does not remain in the pleasures he enjoyed yesterday, nor do I remain in the toil I endured yesterday’.” (He meant that the past, with all its ups and downs, has passed and will not return). Prophet Solomon responded, “You are right”.
The farmer continued, “And I said, ‘Prophet Solomon will die, and I will die’.” (He meant that the future is also certain). Prophet Solomon agreed, “You are correct”.
The farmer then shared, “But I said a word that brought peace to my soul”. Prophet Solomon inquired, “What did you say?” The farmer replied, “I said, ‘Prophet Solomon is accountable for those in his caravan (referring to the jinn, humans, and birds), and I am only accountable for myself. This thought has brought peace to my heart'”.
The Profound Moral of the Story
This story holds a significant lesson for those who reflect upon it. It teaches us not to be deceived by worldly life, nor to be swayed by wealth, power, honour, or status. All these are temporary and will be accounted for in the Hereafter. Yesterday has passed and cannot be reclaimed, and death is inevitable.
The key takeaway is that we should focus our efforts only on what we are accountable for. This fundamental understanding should be the foundation upon which we build our lives.
Embracing Accountability in Our Lives
In Islam, recognising our own accountability is crucial. By understanding that only our actions and intentions are within our control, we can live a life of sincerity and purpose. We should not be distracted by the fleeting nature of worldly gains but instead strive to nurture our relationship with ALLAH and ensure our deeds are righteous.
Moreover, embracing accountability fosters personal growth and ethical living. When we hold ourselves accountable for our actions, we become more mindful of our choices and their consequences. This awareness encourages us to act with integrity, avoid wrongdoing, and seek continuous improvement in our character. By taking responsibility for our deeds, we not only enhance our own spiritual journey but also contribute positively to the community around us.
Conclusion: Prioritising What Truly Matters
Prophet Solomon’s encounter with the farmer reminds us to prioritise our own accountability over the allure of worldly success. By focusing on what we can control and maintaining a humble heart, we achieve true peace and fulfilment in this life and the next. Let us strive to align our actions with our faith, ensuring that our daily lives reflect the principles of accountability and humility. In doing so, we honor the legacy of Prophet Solomon and strengthen our relationship with ALLAH.
Sources:
- Dr. Fadel Saleh Alsamerai. قصة قصيرة فيها عبرة عظيمة أثرت في د. فاضل السامرائي. YouTube Video.
