Historic narrative in Islam

King Solomon (Arabic: سليمان sulaymān, IPA: [sʊlaiːmaːn]) was the king of what would now be recognized as ancient Israel, and is recognized as a prophet and divinely-appointed monarch. Muslim belief holds that Solomon was one of the elect of God, and was bestowed upon with many God-given gifts, including the ability to speak to animals^[1] and control Djinn.^[2] Muslims further maintain that Solomon remained faithful to a one and only God throughout his life;^[3] constructed the Temple of Solomon, which became one of the key houses of worship; reigned justly over the whole of Israel; was blessed with a level of kingship which was given to none after him;^[4] and fulfilled all of his commandments, being promised nearness to God in Heaven at the end of his life.^[5] Solomon remains one of the most commemorated and popular holy figures in Islam. Muslim tradition further maintains that, along with David and Dhul-Qarnayn, Solomon was one of three great monarchs of all time.^[6]

Historic narrative in Islam

Note: The following is a brief narrative of Solomon from the Qur'an and Islamic tradition
Muslims believe that Solomon inherited the throne when David died and became the third King of Israel. He was the successor to his father as both king as well as prophet to the Children of Israel. From the day of his birth, God bestowed many gifts upon Solomon, as He had upon David. Solomon had shown signs of his God-given wisdom even as a youth. In the earliest narrative involving Solomon in the Qur'an, the Qur'an says that Solomon was once in the company of his father, when two men came to ask David to judge between them.^[7] The first of the two men said that he owned a vineyard of which he took great care the whole year through. But one day when he was absent the other man's sheep had strayed into the vineyard and devoured the grapes. He asked to be compensated for this damage.^[8] Upon hearing the man's complaint, Solomon suggested that the owner of the sheep take the other man's vineyard to repair and cultivate until the vines returned to their former state, whereupon he should return it to its owner. At the same time, the owner of the vineyard would care for the sheep and benefit from their wool and milk until his land was returned to him, at which point he would return the sheep to their owner. Solomon's level of judgement, which the Qur'an says in this particular incident surpassed that of David,^[9] would characterize Solomon throughout his life. Wisdom, according to Muslim tradition, would always be associated with Solomon, who would later even be referred to as 'Solomon the Wise'.