Hoopoe
هُدْهُد
The Hoopoe (Hudhud in Arabic) holds a remarkable place in Islamic tradition, not merely as a bird, but as a messenger of truth and a symbol of keen observation and diligence. Its story is most vividly recounted in the Qur'an, particularly in connection with Prophet Sulayman (Solomon), to whom Allah had granted dominion over all creation, including animals and jinn. One day, as Prophet Sulayman reviewed his army, he noticed the absence of the Hoopoe, questioning, [Why do I not see the hoopoe? Or is he among the absent?]. The bird soon returned, bringing extraordinary news from a distant land. With wisdom beyond its form, the Hoopoe declared, [I have encompassed that which you have not encompassed, and I have come to you from Sheba with certain news]. It described a powerful queen ruling a prosperous people, but gravely noted, [I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah]. This pivotal report set in motion events that led to the Queen of Sheba's eventual conversion to monotheism. The Hoopoe's intelligence and dedication serve as a beautiful reminder of how even the smallest of creatures can play a profound role in Allah's divine plan, contributing to the spread of His message and guiding humanity towards the truth.
Quran 4 verses
وَتَفَقَّدَ ٱلطَّيْرَ فَقَالَ مَا لِىَ لَآ أَرَى ٱلْهُدْهُدَ أَمْ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْغَآئِبِينَ
Wa tafaqqadat taira faqaala maa liya laaa aral hud hud, am kaana minal ghaaa'ibeen
And he took attendance of the birds and said, "Why do I not see the hoopoe - or is he among the absent?
انہوں نے جانوروں کا جائزہ لیا تو کہنے لگے کیا سبب ہے کہ ہُدہُد نظر نہیں آتا۔ کیا کہیں غائب ہوگیا ہے؟
Commentary
فَمَكَثَ غَيْرَ بَعِيدٍ فَقَالَ أَحَطتُ بِمَا لَمْ تُحِطْ بِهِۦ وَجِئْتُكَ مِن سَبَإٍۭ بِنَبَإٍ يَقِينٍ
Famakasa ghaira ba'eedin faqaala ahattu bimaa lam tuhit bihee wa ji'tuka min Sabaim binaba iny-yaqeen
But the hoopoe stayed not long and said, "I have encompassed [in knowledge] that which you have not encompassed, and I have come to you from Sheba with certain news.
ابھی تھوڑی ہی دیر ہوئی تھی کہ ہُدہُد آ موجود ہوا اور کہنے لگا کہ مجھے ایک ایسی چیز معلوم ہوئی ہے جس کی آپ کو خبر نہیں اور میں آپ کے پاس (شہر) سبا سے ایک سچی خبر لے کر آیا ہوں
Commentary
إِنِّى وَجَدتُّ ٱمْرَأَةً تَمْلِكُهُمْ وَأُوتِيَتْ مِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَلَهَا عَرْشٌ عَظِيمٌ
Innee wajattum ra atan tamlikuhum wa ootiyat min kulli shai'inw wa lahaa 'arshun 'azeem
Indeed, I found [there] a woman ruling them, and she has been given of all things, and she has a great throne.
میں نے ایک عورت دیکھی کہ ان لوگوں پر بادشاہت کرتی ہے اور ہر چیز اسے میسر ہے اور اس کا ایک بڑا تخت ہے
Commentary
وَجَدتُّهَا وَقَوْمَهَا يَسْجُدُونَ لِلشَّمْسِ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ أَعْمَٰلَهُمْ فَصَدَّهُمْ عَنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ فَهُمْ لَا يَهْتَدُونَ
Wajattuhaa wa qawmahaa yasjudoona lishshamsi min doonil laahi wa zaiyana lahumush Shaitaanu a'maalahum fasaddahum 'anis sabeeli fahum laa yahtadoon
I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds pleasing to them and averted them from [His] way, so they are not guided,
میں نے دیکھا کہ وہ اور اس کی قوم خدا کو چھوڑ کر آفتاب کو سجدہ کرتے ہیں اور شیطان نے ان کے اعمال انہیں آراستہ کر دکھائے ہیں اور ان کو رستے سے روک رکھا ہے پس وہ رستے پر نہیں آئے
Commentary
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