THE LIGHT OF FAITH IN THE HEART OF THE QUEEN OF SHEBA

      To examine the apprehension and her power of conceiving ideas, and in order to prepare her for acceptance of God's Message, Solomon ordered her throne to be altered:ِ

      ``Solomon said:ِ ``Disguise her throne for her that we may see if she will be GUIDED!''

      Here a question arises that; what was the aim of Solomon by testing the insight and wisdom of Belghais?

      One answer is that; he might have wanted to know how had he to treat his newly fair and infringer convert.

      As to the clause in the verse NO.41:ِ ``Disguise her throne that we may see if she is GUIDED.'' And particularly the ending word of the clause, (GUIDED) gives a mystical meaning to the verse, namely:ِ

      The throne was the symbol of the queen's physical power and pride. Then it was transformed to a basis of faith and virtue by Solomon. This was suitable test in order to make know whether the queen of Sheba and the worshipper of the sun, could be guided to the true God, and get rid of the false gods. In other word, Solomon wanted to transform Belghais, and set her on a different kind of throne. So, let us wait and watch what her reaction was.

      In spite of all the alterations, she recognized her throne which she always kept it in a secure place, and so Belghais passed the examination with excellent marks. She recognized her former throne of power, the legs of which were set on polytheism and disbelief in the only and the only true God.

      She also understood quickly her new throne of power which was settled upon Monotheism and piety. In spite of all the differences and contrast she could understand that her new throne of power was far better and more valuable in the sight of knowledge and wisdom.

      Then comes the next part of the story in which the queen of Sheba was ushered to the hall:ِ

      ``It was said to her enter the hall.''

      When she stood the test well, she was asked to enter the Sacred Precinct of Sanctity and prophethood, the symbol of which was then the great palace of Solomon, and its glorious hall the floor of which was constructed of crystals. The floor of the hall is said to have been made of a crystal cover underwhich a stream of water flowed:ِ

      ``It was said to her:ِ ``Enter the hall of the palace. When she saw it, she deemed it to be a spreading of water, and therefore she uncovered her legs. Solomon, her Divine Guide, said to her:ِ ``It is a hall covered with crystals. Then she said:ِ ``My Lord! I have oppressed myself so far, but I have now submitted to Allah the Lord of all the world with Solomon.''

WHAT HAPPENED TO BELGHAIS THEN?

      Concerning the question that what happened to Belghais at last, the Holy Qurän is silent and gives no answer. Some of the commentators have their own views which are not supported by any historical evidences. Aloosi has written in his ROOH-AL-MANI that, when she was converted, she was married with Solomon, but the writer's view is not supported by any reason or evidence.

      The Bible (O.T.) says that she returned back and ruled her country, but this time under the control of Solomon and his Lord, ``Allah''. We read in, 1 KINGS-10:ِ

      ``The queen of Sheba went to Solomon and the glory of his court left her breathless and amazed! She therefore said to king Solomon:- ``What I heard in my country about you and your wisdom is true, but I could not believe it. Until I had come and seen it all of myself, your wisdom and wealth are much greater than what I was told. How fortunate are your wives and how fortunate are your servants who are always in your presence, and are privileged to hear your wise sayings. Praise the Lord your God. He has shown how pleased He is with you by making you king of Israel.''

      ``king Solomon gave the queen of Sheba everything she asked for, besides all the customary gifts that he had generously given her.

      Then she and her attendants returned to the land of Sheba.''

TRANSLATOR'S NOTE