There is a story in the Quran where Solomon is told of a vast kingdom ruled by a queen whose people have fallen into worship of the sun. Solomon consults those under his command as to how to get her throne (representing the seat and nature of her authority) and transform it before she arrives.
“He said (to his own men): 'Ye chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?' Said an 'Ifrit, of the Jinns, 'I will bring it to thee before thou rise from thy council: Indeed I have full strength for the purpose, and may be trusted.' Said one who had knowledge of the Book: 'I will bring it to thee within the twinkling of an eye!' Then when (Solomon) saw it placed firmly before him, he said: 'This is by the Grace of my Lord! – To test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And if any is grateful, truly his gratitude is (a gain) for his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, truly my Lord is Free of all Needs, Supreme in Honor!'" (Quran 27:38-40)
Ancient Sun/Son Worship
Sun worship was prevalent in the ancient world. The story that developed from such worship usually took the form of the sun, and its mysteries of rising, setting, and seasonal transformation, was personified into son worship.
Such a transformation allowed the people to more closely identify with the god or sun/son of god. He rose and grew stronger through the summer months spending his time being tested and taught; only to perish around December 21 and be reborn on December 25.
It is a metaphor that people can identify with as they seek to lengthen their life (be it physical or spiritual) or escape the inevitable: death. So identifying with the god and loving him was hoped to grant the believer eternal life.
Solomon’s Mission
Solomon sought to transform the worship of these people from worshiping physical created things, even if the metaphor is appealing, and transform them into worshipers of the Creator who created the physical things.
Through this story, one can see Solomon battle with his ego. He has the power to go and utterly destroy the sun/son worshipers. He has the power to enslave them all and bend them to his will. Yet he refuses to abuse his power.
Solomon’s choices are clear: he can send the ifrit who represents his great power and fury or choose a wise and gentle way of diplomacy. He uses his god given wisdom to show the queen how her own seat of power over her people represented by her throne can be redirected to the worship of The Creator and practice of truth.
“He said: 'Transform her throne out of all recognition by her: let us see whether she is guided (to the truth) or is one of those who receive no guidance.' So when she arrived, she was asked, 'Is this thy throne?' She said, 'It was just like this; and knowledge was bestowed on us in advance of this, and we have submitted to Allah (in Islam).' And he diverted her from the worship of others besides Allah: for she was (sprung) of a people that had no faith.” (Quran 27 41-43)
This leads to peace between the two countries.
Modern Diplomacy
How often in more "modern" societies has diplomacy failed and the ifrit was turned loose upon a people who were near defenseless?
Terrorism and hatred between countries may be less prevalent if the lessen of diplomacy is learned from this beautiful story found in the Quran. Hatred can be eased with an understanding among those who have the knowledge of the book; metaphor for sound and goodwill to other people.
In conclusion it must be stated that modern society and its degree of intelligence and advancement is measured by its ability to make appropriate and wise choices. Such a nation's leaders will bring themselves to Solomon's table and allow those who have “knowledge of the book” rule over the “ifrit” in its mist.
