Episode 3
Episode 3: The Hoopoe and the News of Sheba
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One day Sulaiman inspected the ranks of birds and said, "Why do I not see the hoopoe? Or is it among the absent? I will surely punish it with a severe punishment, or slaughter it, unless it brings me a clear reason" (27:20-21). Before long the hoopoe came and said, "I have grasped what you have not grasped, and I have come to you from Sheba with certain news" (27:22). The hoopoe reported that there a woman ruled, given of all things, with a magnificent throne (27:23). But, said the hoopoe, "I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah; and Satan has made their deeds pleasing to them and barred them from the path, so they are not guided โ [prevented] from prostrating to Allah, who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth... Allah, there is no deity except Him, Lord of the Great Throne" (27:24-26). Reflection: even a small bird can carry the truth. What most troubled the hoopoe was not Sheba's wealth, but that its people worshipped other than Allah.
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Episode 4: A Letter to the Queen