Prophet Solomon (Sulayman in Arabic) is known to have passed away while in a devotional state, standing and leaning upon his staff.
The Circumstances of Prophet Solomon's Passing
According to accounts related in the Quran, Prophet Solomon's death occurred under unique circumstances that highlighted his devotion and the hidden nature of the unseen. He died while standing and leaning upon his staff. He remained in this upright position for an extended period, leading those around him, including the jinn under his command, to believe he was still alive and supervising them.
Key aspects of his death include:
- Devotional Posture: His passing occurred while he was standing, a significant posture often associated with prayer (Salah) and deep meditation in Islamic tradition. This state of stillness, propped by his staff, implies a profound focus or a final act of worship.
- The Unseen Revelation: His body remained miraculously propped up by his staff until a small creature, typically identified as an ant or worm, gnawed through the staff. It was only when the staff finally gave way that his body collapsed, revealing to those present that he had passed away some time ago.
- Divine Wisdom: This remarkable event served as a profound lesson, particularly for the jinn who were tirelessly working under his command. It demonstrated that they did not possess knowledge of the unseen (Ghaib), as they continued their arduous tasks under the false impression of his living presence. Had they known of his death earlier, they would not have endured such strenuous labor.
This account underscores the unique lives of prophets and the divine wisdom embedded in their stories, often revealing deeper truths through extraordinary events.
